About Us
How We Started...
The West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association was initially started around 1991 by a group of folks who liked bluegrass music, and they would get together a couple times a year to 'jam' and play bluegrass.
From these humble beginnings, more formal events came about, including two festivals a year - MayFest and FallFest.
We now hold a free Camp & Jam event - usually around Independence Day, and our main event - FallFest - is held the 3rd weekend in September.
The Entertainers
Over the years, the WMBMA Board has brought in a number of stellar bluegrass acts. Nationally-known, award-winning bands who have graced our stage include Kenny & Amanda Smith, The Chapmans, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Danny Paisely and the Southern Grass, Detour, The Boxcars, Trinity River, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers and many others.
Local and regional groups include HarbourTown, Steam Powered Bluegrass, Blue Water Ramblers, Bluetown, Out of the Blue Bluegrass, New County Grass, Calabogie Road, Schlitz Creek, and the ever-popular Williams Family Band.
Who We Are
Our current Board is comprised of 13 regular and one Honorary member. Several of the Board members were among that first group of bluegrass musicians, and are still active 30+ years later. As such, they've been provided 'Lifetime Membership' - and well-deserved at that.
Officers include: President - Ed Bronson; Vice President - David Conley; Treasurer - Bev Fessenden and Secretary - Mark Walker.
At-Large members include Ronnie Bailey, Diana Bronson, Dave & Josie Conley, Ben Crofoot, Michelle Emmorey, Louise Kamphuis (Honorary), Kim Roan, Dave Simmonds and Jim Thompson.
Thank You
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading your love of acoustic Bluegrass music through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.