Kickoff Jam 2026—May 29–31, 2026
El Rancho Manana campground will again host a Kickoff Jam the weekend after Memorial Day.
This will be a three-day gathering of Minnesota Bluegrass members, family and friends with performing opportunities at the Pickin’ Parlor Live stage in the evenings.
This event continues the spirit of doing what we all love best – gathering as a community of pickers and grinners to make music with people. We hope you all come out to make the Kickoff Jam a great time!
Camping Information
Save $$ – Reserve in advance!
MBOTMA does not manage camping for this event. If you are planning to attend and camp, you need to call El Rancho Manaña Campground directly at 320-597-2740 and request the “Bluegrass Special.” See the El Rancho Mañana Website for more details.
Camping prices subject to change without notice.
Questions about camping and camping fees? Call the El Rancho Manaña Campground office directly at 320-597-2740.
Fall Jam Activities
Friday Night Headline Concerts
Old-Time Headliners:
Martha Spencer & Lucas Pasley
Friday, 11/7 7:00pm
Bluegrass Headliner:
Tim Stafford
Friday, 11/7 8:00pm
50th Anniversary Celebration
MBOTMA’s 50th Anniversary Concert Celebration
Saturday Night, 11/8, 8:00pm
An all-star celebration of MBOTMA’s 50th Anniversary! Hosted by Edie Loy, with Musical Director Brian Wicklund, and many many special guests!
3-Day Workshops
Thursday 9AM–Saturday 12:00pm
3-Day Instrument Workshops
Guitar Workshop Taught by Tim Stafford
Fiddle Workshop Taught by Brian Wicklund (pictured)
MBOTMA Member Band Showcase
Badger Hill Brewing Stage (Europa Room)
Saturday, 1pm-6pm
Featuring:
The Waverly Girls
Last Pick’d String Band
Uncle Muskrat (pictured)
Double Down Daredevils
The Gated Community
Fireside Lounge
Friday & Saturday Nights
Pickin’ Parlor Live is an open stage event, where new bands (and old) play short sets for a lively audience—the stage is right next to the hotel bar! It’s always a great time!
Hosted by Doug Chasar
The Listening Room
Conference Room C
Friday evening & Saturday afternoon
The Listening Room was added to the schedule last year, and was immediately very popular. It’s another Open Stage performing opportunity, but for solo or duo acts only. It’s a great place to hear new songs by local songwriters, performing trying out new material, or simply making music more suited to a quiet space.
Hosted by Tim Wankel & Tom Peschges
Fireside Lounge
Saturday 5:00pm
The Draw Band Scramble is chaos meets serendipity! Drop your name in a (virtual) hat, and you’ll be grouped with fellow players into a brand new band! Rehearse Saturday afternoon, and perform at 5:00 in the Fireside!
Hosted by Adelle Hyrkas
Old-Time Dance Parlor
Scandinavian Room
Downstairs in the hotel is another whole world for Old-Time jams, workshops and dances!
If you love fiddle tunes, open-back banjos and dancing until your feet are sore, this is your place and your people!
Curated by David Vincent
Workshops & Theme Jams
Fireside Lounge & Studios
Saturday All Day
Saturday boasts a full schedule of learning and playing opportunities that just require you to show up!
Want to learn about social media for promoting your band? How about playing swing tunes? Want to get together with your Gal Pals?
Check out the Workshop and Theme Jam schedule and plan your day!
Curated by Mark Johnson, Tom Peschges & Mark Anderson