THE TRI-STATE BLUEGRASS ORGANIZATION was the result of many "jam Sessions" at the home of Larry Peck, and many discussions and planning at the home of Delbert and Erma Spray's daughter, Patricia and Hollis Davidson, in Hannibal, Missouri.

It was decided that some sort of an organization should be formed and the organization was formalized at the home of Larry Peck in Hannibal, Missouri in 1978 by Delbert and Erma Spray, together with the following Charter Members: Larry Peck, Richard Bunch, Daryl Stephenson, Roy Brosi, Richard and Gertrude Bridgett, Dave Majors, Charlie Wade, Mary Jo Hamilton and Larry Dudding.

The Association was recognized and given a charter as a Non-Profit Organization in January 1983 by the State of Missouri.

In 1978, the Association held it’s first Indoor Bluegrass Festival at the Holiday Inn, Hannibal, Missouri in February. Since that time the February Festival has continued and four years later, the Association started a Fiddle Contest in November at the Holiday Inn.

At the first contest in 1982, the first place winner was Randy Howard from Georgia. Randy was a young man then. He went on to become one of the best known and loved fiddlers in the nation. Randy passed away in 1999. The prize money for that year was $1,000 for first place. Fiddlers came from Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and all over the Midwest. In 1984, the contest was won by a young fiddler from Iowa, Kirk Brandenberger. He was a fine fiddler. His father Ernie Brandenberger was also a fiddle player and he and Delbert Spray were the best of friends. Kirk has developed into a fine musician and has played with many notable bands. He and his wife, Becky are still very involved in the Bluegrass music business. They developed and produce Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, a recorded CD which gives bands a tool for promoting their talent to Radio Stations and promoters.

Some other notable fiddlers who took part in the contest were: Allison Krause ("Yes, the Allison Krause who is so famous now!") from Illinois, Pete McMahan, Jake Hucklemeyer, Gene Wells, Junior Marriott, Charlie Waldon, Johnny Bruce, Smokey McGuiness from Missouri. Charlie Butler of Elizabethtown, Kentucky brought four young fiddlers from that state—Jimmy Mattingly, Ed Carnes, Mark Ralph and Eric Peyton. Lonnie Pierce also attended from Kentucky. Dick Barrett and Ace Sewell and others came from Texas. Monte Gaylord came from Oklahoma.

The Fiddle contest was always an enjoyable time and it drew many notable fiddlers and musicians. After several years as a Fiddle Contest, it was decided to change the November event to a Bluegrass Festival. It was named the Land of Mark Twain Bluegrass Festival and has proven to be a crowd favorite

Both the November and February festivals continued for 27 and 31 years respectively at the Hannibal Inn and then very suddenly the hotel was closed! After a year away from the Hannibal Inn, it was reopened and once again bluegrass music was as the Hannibal Inn. The 27th Land of Mark Twain BGF was held in November 2008 and then again in February 2009 for the 31st Winter BGF. It was then decided to move both festivals to a new site and Quincy IL was chosen. The new Holiday Inn is now the new home for TSBA in November 2009 and February 2010. Hopefully it will turn into another great venue that everyone will enjoy for years to come.

Noble Boyd has been the MC for these two events since they were started. These two festivals have proven to be favorites of bluegrass fans and it is hoped they will continue the tradition at the new location in Quincy.

The Association throughout the years has held many outdoor bluegrass festivals in many different locations. They also host a benefit show each year in April for a deserving organization. This year was the 28th annual event.

Matt Davidson was named by the board as the new president in 2006 after the passing of Oliver Smith who had served since 1981. 

Tri-State Bluegrass Association -- P.O. Box 107, Kahoka, Missouri 63445 -- 573-853-4398