The Kids on Bluegrass program spotlights the talents of young bluegrass musicians and singers, ages 4 to 17, at the IBMA’s annual Wide Open Bluegrass Festival. The program matches kids of similar abilities, offering the opportunity to create and arrange music instrumentally and vocally, and to perform in a group of their peers. Many Kids on Bluegrass alumni have gone on to become professional musicians, including Sierra Hull, Sarah Jarosz, Casey Campbell, Cory Walker, Nick Keen, Alex Hargreaves, Seth Taylor, Molly Tuttle, Austin Ward, Christian Ward, Gaven Largent and Cory Piatt. More than a workshop or “academy” experience, the program’s goals are to provide guidance, and to foster a fun atmosphere for producing, performing, promoting, and even emceeing a professional bluegrass music show. Kids on Bluegrass plays two separate sets at the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival, Friday evening and Saturday morning. In both sets each child is a featured musician, performing one or two songs of his or her choice.
