For many, preserving and promoting bluegrass music is a mission. Such is the case with the Alabama Bluegrass Music Association (ABMA). The nonprofit organization was started in January 1996 by dedicated artists and fans to promote bluegrass music in Alabama.
Their mission is fulfilled through the organization’s newsletter, BamaGrass, and an annual festival to showcase Alabama bluegrass bands. “We also attend festivals around the state to provide information on other bluegrass events in Alabama, as well as promoting Alabama bluegrass artists and to give out membership information about the ABMA,” says Mickey Dooley, president of the association. “I have been a member of ABMA for twenty years, on the board of directors for ten years, and I’ve served as president for the past four years.”
For an annual membership fee of $25, members receive issues of BamaGrass mailed to their home or online and a discount to attend the Showcase of Bands. “The proceeds help to promote bluegrass, musicians, and festivals around the state,” says Mickey. Bands that have at least one ABMA member will receive a listing on the association’s website and in the BamaGrass newsletter.”
Sharon Camp is the editor of the newsletter, which is published eleven times a year. “The November and December issues are combined,” she explains. Sharon says the newsletter runs ads for festivals, bands, and mobile home dealers. “Bluegrassers love camping,” she laughs. “We also run regular articles monthly; mostly, all are bluegrass-related. We publish all upcoming bluegrass events in the state, including local jams and pickings, along with band listings.” There are currently 58 bands listed on the ABMA website. “We also publish jams and pickings held around the state at breweries, churches, parks, town halls, historic sites, and more. That alone is a good deal for only $25 a year.”
Mickey plays in the house band for the Pine Mountain Bluegrass Jamboree, a monthly jamboree held on the fourth Saturday from April through October. “It’s open for feature bands each month, many of whom are member bands from the ABMA.” Each jamboree begins with jamming at 1 p.m., an open stage at 3 p.m., and the house band playing at 5 p.m. The featured band or performer plays at 6 p.m. In June, a Pine Mountain Bluegrass and Barbeque fundraiser is held.
The biggest event of the year presented by the ABMA is the annual Bluegrass Showcase, held at the Gardendale Civic Center near Birmingham. The day begins with workshops starting at 9:00 am. “We always have some great workshops,” Mickey says. “We usually have a showmanship workshop to train band front men, where folks can learn how to manage a band and generally how to conduct themselves.” Other workshops include songwriting, a workshop for promoters, how to get grant money, and insurance for performers. “There is always a lot of conversation between performers on what works and what doesn’t.”
And, of course, there is music throughout the day. Bands play from 11:30 am to 5:20 pm. “There are six slots during the day, and names of bands are drawn from a hat to see who will have the opportunity to play,” says Mickey. “It’s a big deal to play because there are promoters on hand who come to see the bands. Many times, bands are hired on the spot to play at festivals and shows.” The event also features jam sessions and food trucks. “Our swap meet is always popular. People bring their instruments and other things to swap or sell.”
Mickey says that the largest percentage of the Alabama Bluegrass Music Association members are musicians, but there are also plenty of fans.
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