About the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association (NIBGA)
Who We Are
The Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association (NIBGA) was founded in 1976 by a group of Fort Wayne–area musicians who shared a deep love for bluegrass and old-time country music. Their goal was simple: to promote, preserve, and educate the public about this rich musical tradition. They formed a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading the joy of bluegrass through festivals, performances, and educational programs.
Since then, NIBGA has grown into a beloved regional institution, hosting twice-yearly festivals that bring together musicians and fans from across the Midwest.
About our Festivals
Our Festivals
Since 1990, NIBGA festivals have been held Thursday through Sunday of both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends at the Noble County 4-H Fairgrounds in Kendallville, Indiana. This 65-acre venue accommodates over 400 campers, offering 15-amp electrical hookups and limited water access.
Over the years, NIBGA has invested in significant fairgrounds improvements, including:
$10,000 matching grant (2003) for water and power updates
Over $1,000 donated (2007) for further electrical and water improvements
Each festival includes:
Live performances from top regional and national bluegrass artists
Nonstop campground jamming
A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere where musicians and fans connect through music
Artist & Programming Selection
NIBGA uses a structured, fair, and thoughtful approach to curate a diverse lineup while preserving the integrity of Bluegrass and Americana traditions.
Selection Process
Budget & Criteria Set
The Board of Directors approves the entertainment budget and sets artistic criteria.Programming Committee
A committee then selects and books artists according to those guidelines.
Tiered Artist Classification
“A” Bands – Nationally recognized headliners
(e.g., Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Michael Cleveland, Balsam Range)“B” Bands – Established or emerging artists
(e.g., My Brother’s Keeper, The Debutants)Local & Part-Time Bands – Regional musicians looking to grow
Amateur Bands – New musicians gaining live performance experience
Programming Structure
Thursday & Friday evenings: Local and amateur bands (one set each)
Saturday & Sunday: Top-tier bands (two sets each), with a headliner featured Saturday night
Musical Style Requirements
Artists perform acoustic-only, without sheet music. Featured styles include:
Traditional bluegrass
Old-time
Newgrass
Folk
Jamgrass
Eclectic acoustic subgenres
Screening & Criteria
Bands are evaluated on:
Past NIBGA performances
Live recordings and online content
Promoter/member recommendations
Musicianship, vocals, stage presence
Ability to keep their sound consistent despite lineup changes
- An entertaining show
- Ability to engage the audience and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere
Additional requirements:
Performance frequency limits to keep the lineup fresh
Three to five traditional acoustic instruments
Strong vocal range (tenor, high tenor, bass)
Professional attire and family-friendly content
No political or religious speeches from stage
How Our Festivals Are Managed
The NIBGA Board is committed to providing high-quality entertainment and an outstanding jam-friendly environment. Thanks to the enthusiasm of our attendees:
Stage performances consistently receive glowing reviews
Campground jams run day and night—creating an immersive musical experience for musicians of all levels
Where Festival Proceeds Go
All proceeds directly support bluegrass music through:
Scholarships for young musicians
Traditional American Music programs in local schools (featuring performances by festival bands)
Improvements to Noble County Fairgrounds
Six winter jam sessions hosted in a structured learning environment
Beyond festivals, NIBGA is deeply committed to education, outreach, and preserving bluegrass heritage across the region.
Winter Meetings & Jam Sessions
From October through April (excluding December), NIBGA hosts monthly winter jam sessions:
Third Sunday of each month • Noon–6 PM
SW Conservation Club
5703 Bluffton Rd., Fort Wayne, IN
Musicians of all levels are welcome. The public is invited to listen and enjoy.
(Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but the club’s kitchen and bar remain open.)
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
NIBGA became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2013. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law and directly support our mission to educate, preserve, and promote bluegrass music.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
NIBGA strives to make bluegrass accessible to everyone. We proudly maintain:
Artist selection based on musical quality and entertainment value
Vendor selection based solely on festival needs
Grants and scholarships awarded by musical potential and financial need
Bluegrass thrives on community, and we work to ensure our events are welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
Growing the Bluegrass Community Since 1976
Through the proceeds from our Bluegrass festivals, donations, and programs, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports local and touring bands, provides scholarships for the next generation of musicians, and enhances the infrastructure of the campground we call home—creating a welcoming space for our community to gather and celebrate Bluegrass.
In addition to our festivals, we also host free monthly events open to the public, bringing people together to enjoy live music and keep the Bluegrass tradition alive.
Join NIBGA
NIBGA Membership
11 Newsletters providing insider details of upcoming events for the coming month (Jan. - Nov.) + an annual festival guide that lists OVER 100 events in the upper-Midwest.
Patron Program
Special Edition Patron T-Shirt Your name listed on all donor publications and announcements. Family membership for the year (includes access to discounted tickets for both festivals and newsletters)
Volunteer
Festivals
The Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association festivals are made possible by volunteers. Whether you can help for a few hours or the entire weekend, your time makes a real difference. Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks and are part of what keeps the festival running smoothly. If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to have you—stop by the NIBGA booth, ask any board member for details or sign up here.
Monthly Jams
Our monthly bluegrass jams rely on volunteers to help with setup, cleanup, greeting attendees, and keeping things running smoothly. It’s an easy, fun way to support the music, meet fellow bluegrass fans, and be part of the NIBGA community. Whether you can help occasionally or regularly, your time is greatly appreciated. Ask a board member or visit our website to learn how to get involved.
Support Bluegrass
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors to help us fulfill our mission. Your tax-deductible contributions directly support the promotion of bluegrass music through our festivals and monthly jam sessions, help provide scholarships for aspiring musicians, and improve the infrastructure of our leased campground. Donations also help cover the cost of renting and maintaining spaces for our monthly jams, ensuring these gatherings remain accessible and welcoming to the community. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact and helps us preserve and share the joy of bluegrass music with future generations. Thank you for your support!
