Awards

Tom O'Neill Lifetime of Service Award

Named for Tom O’Neill who was one of the guiding forces behind the founding of the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association, this award is presented to a nominee who has made an Enduring Contribution to the Mission of MBOTMA

We are grateful to the following recipients for their support of MBOTMA and the legacy they helped build for our organization.

Tom O’Neill 1997

Loretta Simonet 1999

Bev & Lloyd LaPlant 2010

Tony Anthonisen 2014

Jed Malischke 2015

James Whitney 2017

Tom Schommer 2018

Jana Metge 2019

Doug Lohman  2020

Gary & Jae Germond  2021

Brian Stewart 2021

Stoney Lonesome Bluegrass Band  2021

Alan Jesperson  2022

Marv & Dawn Menzel (Homestead Pickin Parlor) 2024

Phil Nusbaum 2024

PA Management with Aaron Niehus

The PA is the connection between you as a performer and the audience. It is critical that you have a solid understanding of how to make the most effective use of all the technology available to you. This workshop will be in 3 segments. 11 am will be setting up the PA  then at 11:30 learn to work with the single Mic  Everyone is welcome. Draw bands are highly encouraged to come.  At noon Aaron will shift to PA Management

Song Analysis with Tim Stafford & Phil Nusbaum

Three songwriters will each present an original song.  Tim and Phil then will offer thoughts and advice on structure and presentation.  Phil Nusbaum will offer thoughts on what broadcasters are looking for when you seek to get your songs played on the air. You do not have to be a songwriter to attend or benefit from these perspectives. Everyone is welcome!

Stagecraft, The Art of Putting on a Show

With Brent Fuqua and Becky Schlegel These two veteran performers go beyond the setlist to discuss ways you can take your next show to a new level. Entertain your audiences, have more fun and get more bookings!

Stagecraft will be at noon on Saturday in Studio 2.  Q&A is a big part of these Panels so bring your questions!

Booking and Promoting Your Band

With Ellen Stanley, Katryn Conlin and Tom Peschges

This panel promises to be a lively discussion of how to build an audience, and book better gigs!  We will cover topics like, Websites, EPK’s, Booking emails, social media strategies and more.  As with all of our panel discussions, please bring your questions!