European Bluegrass Summit

Our flagship event is the Summit, an event to convene with old friends and make new. Networking opportunities and workshops, talks, panels, plus nearly endless jamming will always be on the schedule. We wish to add new and exciting things each year, and continue the favourites. Our plan is to rotate cities and if interest remains and grows, and funding is available, we will surely work hard to host a Summit each year.

2025 photos

"Attending the European Bluegrass Summit in 2025 was a highlight of my year. It was wonderful to see old friends and make new ones. Having leaders and enthusiasts of bluegrass music come together from all over Europe and beyond was so impactful. The music and the important discussions were both terrific!"

Paul Schiminger

Former IBMA Executive Director

"The 2025 ‘inaugural’ European Bluegrass Summit was inspirational to say the least. Professional, welcoming and full of the promise of great things to come."

Chris Keenan

Director of YRAS, Ireland's Folk Conference

"Last year’s EBMA’s Summit in Prague was a wonderful gathering of musicians and friends, a chance to share the musical passion that unites us. It doesn’t matter what language you speak or which country you come from — we are connected by our passion for sharing. This year, of course I’ll be there again, excited to see many dear friends, meet new ones, and above all to support European bluegrass. Come and join us!"

Lluís Gómez

Director Al Ras Bluegrass Festival

What we did in 2025

2025: EBMA European Bluegrass Summit, in partnership with IBMA

📍 Prague (CZ) | February 28 – March 2, 2025 🎶 Supported by Capek Instruments and Czech Bluegrass Music Association

It’s a wrap!

Thank you to each and every one of our attendees, panelists, open mic bands, volunteers, sponsors and partners for coming together in support of the European bluegrass community.

This was our Summit Programme:

Friday, February 28th, 2025

12:00 PM: Registration Opens
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Conference Day 1
Kick-Off: Introduction and welcoming remarks from the EBMA Chairman and IBMA Executive Director
Round Table: Collective visions and expectations for the summit and the European bluegrass community
Panel 1: Navigating the European bluegrass scene – discussions on getting gigs, organizing travel, promoting work, and more
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM: European Bluegrass Open Mic Event (see below and bios here)
The hotel bar will be open for food and drink during the performances
11:00 PM: Open Mic Wrap-Up and Jamming

Saturday, March 1st, 2025

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Conference Day 2
Small Groups: Constituency meeting and feedback session for artists, band managers, teachers, event organizers, booking agents, and bluegrass enthusiasts
Panel 2: European approaches to bluegrass – panelists discuss how European artists incorporate new influences into bluegrass
12:30 PM: Lunch – A buffet lunch will be served in the hotel restaurant for all registered attendees
2:30 PM: EBMA General Membership Assembly (AGM)
Open to all; however, only EBMA members may vote on motions. We encourage all conference delegates to attend the AGM and to join the EBMA for free.
3:30 PM: Open Space
An opportunity for delegates to discuss subjects of their choosing and facilitate wider discussions on unscheduled topics
8:30 PM: Evening Concert
Performances by Southern Legacy and John Reischman & The Jaybirds
Tickets purchased through conference registration are valid only for the Saturday 8:30 PM show.

All concerts are hosted by and in the responsibility of Čapek Instruments.

Late Night: Jamming sessions

Sunday, March 2nd, 2025

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Conference Day 3
Panel 3: Regional associations for global bluegrass – discussing the impact of grassroots activities on the wider bluegrass community
Partners: An opportunity for our leading partners to share their bluegrass stories
Wrap-Up: Discussion on the future of the European bluegrass community
12:00 PM: Summit End and Send-Off

Please note that the programme is subject to change.

🎤 Open Mic Night, Friday 28th February, 6:00 PM

📢 EBMA was proud to present the Open Mic lineup for the 2025 European Bluegrass Summit featuring 10 bands representing 9 countries and
the first-ever international Kids on Bluegrass Europe band!
This event was free and open to the general public.

Concert 2025

🎶We were honoured and pleased that Host Capek Instruments brought over these folks across the pond to compliment our 2025 Summit schedule. What a treat!
🎟 Summit attendees received access to special discounted tickets.