KBA Winterfest Band Contest

To enter the contest, each band should submit a video or videos of three selections – two vocal songs and one instrumental.  

The videos should be a link to a YouTube video and submitted to:  bandcontest@kansasbluegrass.org.

The music must be all acoustic and bluegrass, folk or old time oriented.  An electric bass is allowed but no percussion unless it can be worn or carried by a performer.  

Video entries must be submitted by November 30, 2025.  The top three bands will be notified by early January and they will perform on Friday evening of the festival.  

All band members performing are required to purchase either a full festival pass or a Friday only pass for the festival.

Each band needs to provide a contact name, email address and phone number.

Band entries will be judged on material selection, general instrumental musicianship, vocal performance, and stage presence.

The top three bands selected will be the opening performance Friday night of the festival (15 minutes each) and a set of judges will select a winner to perform a full set on Saturday evening.  

The prior year contest winner is not eligible to enter the competition.

The winning band will receive $250.