Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree: A Vehicle for Music Education

The annual Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree is a beautiful blend of community, music, and the great outdoors. Almost immediately upon arrival at beautiful Wasco County Fairgrounds, folks set up camp and connect with one another. Muffled clicks and clacks of instrument-case buckles unlatching announce the festival is underway! 

The distinctive pitch of an E-string tuning up quickly leads into a full-fledged impromptu jam. Music cuts through the campground. Passers-by are drawn in by curiosity, and one-by-one open their cases to join the music. After a while, an audience gathers to listen.

The warm feels of a family reunion fill the air. Just ask Mike Burns, first-time attendee, who couldn't help but marvel at the overwhelming friendliness and encouragement he experienced during the 2022 Jamboree. "What a great event!" he exclaimed. "Everyone was so inclusive and uplifting at the jams. I had a wonderful time!"

The annual event kicks off the last full weekend of each September. In addition to jamming, you’ll find professional bluegrass performances, workshops, open mics, band scrambles, soup competitions, friendly souls, and bluegrass enthusiasts.

But this festival is more than just a jamboree – it's a force for good. The Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree serves as the main fundraising arm of Shaniko Music Sanctuary, an Oregon non-profit. Ticket proceeds go directly to bolstering music education in South Wasco County, and to supporting rural building revitalization. (To learn more, visit shanikomusicsanctuary.com).

In 2022, the Shaniko Music Sanctuary raised $500 through the Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree for the Maupin Public School Music Program. Marty Hansen, Maupin Music Teacher (pictured above with his students), couldn't contain his excitement upon receiving funds for three brand-new guitars and sets of strings. 

"Thank you so much for your donation! These instruments will bring joy to our district for years to come and breathe new life into our older ones. Your nonprofit is doing incredible work, and I couldn't be more grateful!"

This year, the Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree is introducing a bold new initiative to support music education: getting bluegrass instruments into the hands of Wasco County Youth. 

Jamboree attendees are asked to consider donating lightly-used bluegrass instruments to form an Instrument Lending Library.  The vision is to stimulate early-childhood interest in bluegrass, laying the groundwork for youth programs in future Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamborees. 

This year’s Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree comes to life September 22-24, 2023. Hop on over to tyghvalleybluegrass.com to see what the hype is all about, and to get yourself tickets!

This wonderful event is made possible by a handful of dedicated volunteers, and the support of local Oregon sponsors: Balch Hotel, Molly B's Diner, Jack's Auto-Body Shop, Maupin Market, Burns Violins, Nechville Banjos West, Oregon Bluegrass Association and Shaniko Gas Station. A huge thank you goes out to all who are helping push bluegrass & music education to the forefront of Wasco County!