2024 Showcase Finalists

High River

Humbletown

J.M. Clifford

The New Grown-Ups

Stillwater

Thunder & Rain

The 2023 Showcase Competition winner was… Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light
Who will be next?! 

And congrats to runner-ups- Hosmer Mountain Boys

SHOWCASE COMPETITION DETAILS

The annual Showcase Competition is an ideal opportunity for your band to show their stuff LIVE on the Thomas Point Beach Stage!  It is also a perfect way to gain exposure and recognition for your group and WIN $1000 CASH, as well as a slot to perform on stage again during the festival weekend.

There is NO FEE to enter this competition. Each participating band member will receive one free ticket for Thursday (only).  Should you plan to attend the festival for the full 4 days, you may upgrade your single-day ticket to a 4-Day Ticket upon arrival for the discounted price  or there are volunteer positions available for those interested.  Inquire at bluegrass@thomaspointbeach.com.

Below is an ELECTRONIC Application Form to be filled out. Applications will be reviewed in the order received by a committee of industry professionals.  Decisions for inclusion in the Showcase will be announced by June 15 for the year of the competition.  You will receive an email asking you to confirm participation prior to public announcement.

Please list your band name as you wish it to appear in the Program Book and to be announced.  In addition to your completed application, it is requested that a demo song link also be included with your entry, as well as a current photo of your group.  It is not necessary that these be professionally done.

Each of the showcase sets will be 45 minutes long.  Your specific time to perform will be selected by random draw the first week of August.  You will be notified via email with final details of the competition at that time.  Please be aware that the first set of the day may start as early as 1:00 PM on Thursday and all band members should plan to be present by NOON. In fairness to all bands, we are unable to make changes once the time slot draw is complete.  

We encourage you to make music selections that would appeal to a serious Bluegrass listening audience.  Remember, the contest winner is voted on by the audience.

We all look forward to seeing you and your group on the Thomas Point Beach Stage!  Thank you for your participation!

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN electronically no later than: May 15, 2024

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. All Applications will be reviewed by a committee of industry professionals. Final selections will be announced mid-June. Time slots will be drawn by the first week of August. Please be aware that the first set of the day may start as early as 1:00 PM on Thursday and all band members should plan to be present by that time. In fairness to all bands, we are unable to make changes once the time slot draw is complete.

The Competition Band Winner will receive a $1000 cash prize, an upgrade to complimentary band tickets for the weekend, plus a scheduled performance on the main stage later in the weekend!

Thank You!

Congratulations to our 2023 Showcase Competition Winners- Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light!

Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light are shaking up the bluegrass world with their fresh take on traditional music.

This Massachusetts based string band’s dynamic sound showcases bold chord progressions, unforgettable stories, and mesmerizing harmonies. Rachel was selected as an official IBMA Showcase Artist 2023. (rachelsumnermusic.com)

• 2023 Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light
• 2022 On The Trail (New England)
• 2021 The Eugene Tyler Band (New York)
• 2019 The Ruta Beggars (Massachusetts)
• 2018 Beg, Steal, or Borrow (Vermont)
• 2017 The Bluegrass Unit (Canada)
• 2014 Twisted Pine (Massachusetts)
• 2013 The Lonely Heartstring Band (Massachusetts)
• 2007 Crossover (Connecticut)
• 2006 Hard Ryde (Canada)
• 2005 Blue Horizon (Canada)
• 2004 The Atkinson Family (New York)

• 2002 The Abrams Family (Canada)
• 2001 Grass Roots (Canada)
• 2000 Back Roads (Canada)
• 1999 Blue River (Canada)
• 1998 Golden Raven (Canada)
• 1997 Rustic Harmony (Canada)
• 1996 The Sheperd Family (Canada)
• 1995 The Bogus Family (Maine)
• 1994 2nd Wind (New York)
• 1993 River Bottom (Canada)
• 1992 The Larkin Family (Tennessee)