SPBGMA

The Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA, pronounced "spig-ma") has been championing traditional bluegrass music since its incorporation in Missouri in 1974. As one of bluegrass music's foundational organizations, SPBGMA was the first to formally define bluegrass by its instrumentation: the five-string banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, and bass fiddle.

SPBGMA hosts two major annual National Conventions featuring the prestigious Bluegrass Music Awards and National Band Championships. The flagship winter convention takes place each January at the Sheraton Music City in Nashville, Tennessee, drawing hundreds of musicians and fans for a weekend of performances, awards, jam sessions, and fellowship. A second convention is held in Jefferson City, Missouri. These gatherings are known for their family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming spirit, where amateur pickers jam alongside bluegrass legends in hotel hallways late into the night.

The organization honors bluegrass pioneers through its Preservation Hall of Greats and recognizes outstanding contemporary artists through annual awards in categories including Entertainer of the Year, Band of the Year, and individual instrumental excellence. The International Band Championship, established in 1984, showcases emerging talent and traditional bands competing at the highest level.

Members receive the annual Festival Guide and Band Directory and the quarterly Bluegrass Music News, connecting the bluegrass community across the country. With its commitment to preserving the traditional spirit and art form of bluegrass while encouraging new development, SPBGMA continues to educate the public and maintain the authentic sound that defines the genre.

For five decades, SPBGMA has remained dedicated to keeping traditional bluegrass music alive for generations to come.