The DCBU...
Works to present and promote the DCBluegrass Festival. And does a mighty fine job of it, I might add. You knew that.
Works to spread the word on bluegrass shows and jams in the area. The calendar has been the GO-TO place to see whats happening for the last 20 years. You knew that one too. You've used it, likely countless times.
Works to provide a free publicity platform for the bands and venues to shout out to the community about their activities. The bands DEFINITELY know this one for sure.
Works to provide a handy and convenient source for local instrument instructors for those looking to learn an instrument. Maybe you've used this feature.
Sponsors a jam in Takoma Park for the last 15 years- thanks to Barb Diederich and Mike Marceau- and all the regular jammers! (If your in MD you Def know this. VA? maybe not...)
Presents the Mid Atlantic Bluegrass Band Contest which has provided cash prizes and opportunity for many locals to show their stuff at the DCBF (and the locals have distinguished themselves while participating, I'll also add). You knew this, tho.
Commemorates our local legends and and also provides songwriters and instrumentalists the chance to distinguish themselves with outstanding songs/compositions in the Hazel Dickens/Mike Auldridge contests. (The songwriters know this, the pickers are learning...)
Thats A LOT!
What you probably DON'T know...
A small group of DCBU Board members pull this off. Seven!
Now we're down to 6.....We recently lost Regina Derzon, as she moved to upstate NY, with our thanks for all the great work she's done over the years (the house concert scene still feels the pain from her leaving Barcroft!)
We need the assistance from our members- listeners and performers alike- to build on these programs to expand the reach of the music. Ultimately thats what we do, and we cant do it without help! We share a vested interest in making things better (maybe even bigger) and DCBU is one way to make this happen.
Please understand that we have plans- and desire- for more local shows and activities, but realistically, even before Regina's leaving, we lack the collective horsepower to get this done. Hopefully, you'll consider and can can see yourself joining in and making things better for the DC Metro area music community.
Feel free to reach out and discuss.
Thanx-
Matt Slocum