The annual Minnesota Duet Championship will be held at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday, September 3 on the Heritage Square Stage from 2 to 5 PM. Registration will open on July 1, 2010 and events are open on a first come, first served basis until filled. Prizes include a pair of "Baby Taylor" Travel Guitars donated by Guitar Rodeo, cash, and trophies.

The annual Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar Championship will be held at the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday, September 4 on the Heritage Square Stage from 2 to 5 PM. Registration will open on July 1, 2010 and events are open on a first come, first served basis until filled. Prizes include a hand-built guitar by David Vincent Guitars, a $600 GRAND PRIZE, trophies, and cash in senior, adult, and youth categories.

Monday, September 6, 2010, 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Minneapolis MN: The 12th annual Minnehaha Falls Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival, Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis (4801 Minnehaha Ave). A six hour bluegrass festival with six bands including Grammy award winner Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands, The Middle Spunk Creek Boys, Ivory Bridge, Sawtooth, The High 48s, and The Platte Valley Boys. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.mscb.com or call 612-727-2489. Sponsored by The Middle Spunk Creek Boys and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Thurs-Sat, September 9-11, 2010, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Fergus Falls MN: The West Central Area Guitar Summit, A Center For The Arts (124 W Lincoln Ave). An entire weekend of eclectic guitar music and education featuring guitarists Tim Sparks, Joan Griffith, Phil Heywood, Dakota Dave Hull, Claudia Schmidt, Sam Miltich, and David Stoddard. Concert 7:30 PM each night. Workshops Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekend Pass is $75, day pass is $40, concerts are $15, workshops $10. For more information call 218-998-2787 or visit www.fergusarts.org. Presented by A Center For The Arts and  M State Fergus Falls, and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) and The Minnesota Guitar Society.

Friday, September 10, 2010, 7:30 PM, Caledonia MN: Kim & Jim Lansford Concert, Caledonia High School Auditorium (825 N Warrior Ave). Kim & Jim Lansford present an evening of old-time music featuring tight harmony vocals with fiddle, guitar, banjo, and mandolin. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students (children under five years free). For more information 507-498-5452 or www.boveeheil.com. Presented by Bob Bovee & Gail Heil and The Caledonia Arts Council and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Saturday, September 11, 2010, 6:30 PM, Windom, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Shalom Hill Farm (42194 County Rd. 3). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Freewill offering. For more information call (507) 831-2232 or visit www.shalomhillfarm.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Saturday September 11, 2010, 2:30 PM to 7:15 PM, Lake Elmo, MN: Washington County Bluegrass Festival, Lake Elmo Park Reserve (1515 Keats Ave N, 55042). Come out to Lake Elmo Park Reserve and listen to some local and regional bluegrass bands as they pluck their string instruments. The line up for the day includes Echo Street, Marty Marrone & Tangled Roots, Monroe Crossing, and Two Many Banjos. Free admission with a valid Washington County Park vehicle permit ($5/day). For more information call (651) 430-8370 or visit www.co.washington.mn.us/parks. Produced by Washington County Parks and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Saturday September 11th, 2010, 8:00 PM, Minneapolis, MN: Crooked Still with Sam Amidon Concert, Cedar Cultural Center (416 Cedar Ave S). Boston based neo-traditional string band, Crooked Still, returns to the Cedar with a brilliant new recording, Some Strange Country. $18 advance/$20 day of show. For more information call 612-338-2674 or visit www.thecedar.org.  Produced by The Cedar Cultural Center and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (Minnesota Bluegrass).

Saturday, September 18, 2010, 10:00 AM, Brainerd, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Brainerd Public Library (416 S. 5th St). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (218) 829-5574 or visit www.krls.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Sunday, September 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Owatonna, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Owatonna Arts Center (435 Dunnell Dr.). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (507) 451-0533 or visit www.oacarts.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 11:00 AM, Longville, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Longville Library (501 State Hwy 84). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (218) 363-2710 or visit www.krls.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 6:00 PM, Pine River, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Pine River Library (212 Park Ave.). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (218) 587-4639 or visit www.krls.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Tuesday, September 22, 2010, 10:00 AM, Debs, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Debs Community Hall. See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (218) 587-2171 or visit www.krls.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Tuesday, September 22, 2010, 7:00 PM, Park Rapids, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Park Rapids Area Library (210 W. First St.) See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (218) 732-4966 or visit www.krls.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Thursday, September 23, 2010, 10:00 AM, Walker, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Walker May Creek Home (303 10th St.). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (218) 547-4515. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Thursday, September 23, 2010, 4:00 PM, Cass Lake, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Cass Lake Library (223 Cedar). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (218) 335-8865 or visit www.krls.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Friday, September 24, 2010, 4:00 PM, Wadena, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert,Wadena City Library (304 First St. S.W.). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (218) 631-2476 or visit www.krls.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Friday, September 24, 2010, 7:30 PM, Little Falls MN: Unplugged Concert Series featuring Monroe Crossing, Great River Arts Center (122 SE First St). Community bluegrass and gospel concert with Monroe Crossing. Tickets $14 advance, $17 at the door. For more information call 320-632-0960 or visit www.greatart.org. Sponsored by the Great Rivers Arts Association and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Saturday, September 25, 2010, 10:30 AM, Blackduck, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Blackduck Library (72 First St. S.E.). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (218) 835-6600 or visit www.krls.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Saturday, September 25, 2010, 4:00 PM, Bemidji, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Bemidji Public Library (509 America Ave. N.W.). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission.. For more information call (218) 751-3963 or visit www.krls.org. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Saturday October 2nd, 2010, 7:30 PM, Minneapolis, MN: The High 48s Double CD Release Show, The Ritz Theater (345 13th Ave NE). The High 48s will be celebrating the release of two new CDs, “Up North” and “The Gospel Album.” $12 admission. For more information visit www.thehigh48s.com. Produced by The High 48s and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Friday, October 22, 2010, 7:30 PM, Worthington, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Nobles County Art Center (407 12th St.). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! $5 suggested donation. For more information call (507) 372-8245. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Friday, October 22, 2010, 7:30 PM, Cloquet MN: Monroe Crossing and Bill & Kate Isles Concert, Encore Performing Arts Center & Gallery (2035 Hwy 33 S). Community bluegrass, gospel and folk music concert with Monroe Crossing and Bill & Kate Isles. Tickets $15 advance, $20 at the door, students $10. For more information call 218-340-4404 or visit www.monroecrossing.com/schedule.html. Presented by Monroe Crossing and Bill & Kate Isles and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Friday, October 22nd, 2010, Minneapolis MN: Concert with international acoustic band Druha Trava, Cedar Cultural Center (416 Cedar Ave S). Presenting new acoustic world music with bluegrass influences, Druha Trava has performed around Europe since they formed in 1990 and in the US since they first came here in 1993 playing traditional bluegrass as well as originals and songs by Bob Dylan, Peter Rowan, and Mark Knopler among others. $12 advance, $15 at the door. For more information call 612-338-2674 or visit www.thecedar.org or www.druhatrava.com. Presented by The Cedar Cultural Center and Czech & Slovak Cultural Center of Minnesotaand supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association.

Saturday, October 23, 2010, 7:00 pm, St. James, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, Princess Theater (505 1st Ave. S.). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! $5 suggested donation. For more information call (507) 375-4370. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Saturday, October 23, 2010, 7:30 PM, International Falls MN: Monroe Crossing concert with special guest Sloughgrass, Backus Auditorium (900 Fifth St). Community bluegrass & gospel concert with Monroe Crossing and Sloughgrass. Tickets $12 advance, $15 at the door, 12 & under $5. For more information call 218-285-7225 or visit www.backusab.org. Sponsored by Citizens for Backus and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010, Duluth MN: Concert with international acoustic band Druha Trava, Harbor City School (332 W Michagin St). Presenting new acoustic world music with bluegrass influences, Druha Trava has performed around Europe since they formed in 1990 and in the US since they first came here in 1993 playing traditional bluegrass as well as originals and songs by Bob Dylan, Peter Rowan, and Mark Knopler among others. $10 admission. For more information call Kim at 218-729-5326 or visit www.druhatrava.com. Supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association.

Sunday, October 24, 2010, 2:00 PM, New London, MN: Curtis & Loretta present Minnesota Heritage in Song Concert, New London Little Theatre (24 Central Ave. E.). See and hear Minnesota history come alive with traditional songs, period instruments, and 1800s costumes. Sing along as you learn about Minnesota's history, and the music that helped shape our great state 150 years ago! Free admission. For more information call (507)354-2559 or visit www.newlondonlittletheatre.com. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Arts Tour Minnesota grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Sunday, October 24, 2010, 3:00 PM, Grand Rapids MN: Monroe Crossing concert with special guest Not Necessarily Bluegrass, Sawmill Inn of Grand Rapids (2301 S Pokegama Ave). Community bluegrass and gospel concert with Monroe Crossing and Not Necessarily Bluegrass. Tickets $12 advance, $15 at the door, 12 & under $5. For more information call 218-326-4456 or visit www.monroecrossing.com/schedule.html. Presented by Monroe Crossing and Not Necessarily Bluegrass and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Fri-Sun, November 5-7, 2010, Lutsen MN: Bluegrass Masters Weekend, Lutsen Resort (5700 W Highway 61). A weekend of jamming, workshops, and a concert by bluegrass master musicians. For more information call 218-387-1272 or visit www.northshoremusicassociation.com. Produced by The North Shore Music Association and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Saturday, November 13, 2010, 2:00 & 7:00 PM, Mantorville MN: 8th Annual Monroe Crossing-Cabin Fever Bluegrass Show, Mantorville Opera House (55 5th St W). Community bluegrass and gospel concert with Monroe Crossing and Cabin Fever. Tickets $17 advance, $20 at the door. For more information call 507-635-5625 or visit www.monroecrossing.com/schedule.html. Presented by Monroe Crossing and Cabin Fever and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Saturday, November 13th 2010, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Savage MN: Bluegrass in November, Dan Patch American Legion Post (12375 Princeton Ave S). The 13th annual November concert, with two shows per band, will feature The High 48s, The Platte Valley Boys, and The Middle Spunk Creek Boys. $15 door/$12 advance. For more information call 651-458-0804 or visit http://mscb.com/November.htm. Sponsored by The Middle Spunk Creek Boys and The Platte Valley Boys and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Friday through Sunday November 19 - 21, 2010, St Louis Park MN: Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience, Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel (9960 Wayzata Blvd). This 5th annual event will feature stage shows both nights with TBA on Friday night and Monroe Crossing on Saturday night. Plus the Race For A Place Band Contest on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM hosted by TBA, the Saturday Banquet Dinner (get the best seats for the evening concert), Kip's Live Open Mic in Kip's Irish Pub throughout the weekend, a "business of bands" workshop program, musical exhibitors, a Sunday morning gospel show, and lots of jam sessions. For more information 800-635-3037 or www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. To book lodging contact the Marriott at 952-544-4400 and ask for the special Minnesota Bluegrass rate. Presented by the Minnesota Bluegass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Friday, December 3, 2010, 7:30 PM, Luverne MN: A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing, The Historic Palace Theatre (104 E Main St). Bluegrass and traditional Christmas music concert with Monroe Crossing. Tickets $17 advance, $20 at the door (after Nov 1). Call the Carnegie Cultural Center at 507-283-8294 or visit www.monroecrossing.com/schedule.html. Sponsored by Blue Mound Area Theatre and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Sunday, December 5, 2010, 2:00 PM, Oak Center MN: A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing, Oak Center General Store (67011 Hwy 63). Bluegrass and traditional Christmas music concert with Monroe Crossing. $15 at the door. Call for Reservations, 507-753-2080 of visit www.oakcentergeneralstore.com/music.tab.html. Sponsored by Folk Forum and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

Friday, December 10, 7:00 PM, Hutchinson MN: A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing, Peace Lutheran Church (400 Franklin St SW). Bluegrass and traditional Christmas music concert with Monroe Crossing. Advance tickets $17 adult, $12 student ($20/$15 at the door). For more information call 320-587-3031 or visit www.monroecrossing.com/schedule.html. Sponsored by Peace Lutheran Church and supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).