El Rancho Manana campground will again host a Kickoff Jam the weekend after Memorial Day.

This will be a three-day gathering of Minnesota Bluegrass members, family and friends with performing opportunities at the Ranch House Live stage in the evenings. Attendees had a great time last year so come out and join in the fun!

This event continues the spirit of doing what we all love best - gathering as a community of pickers and grinners to make music with people. We hope you all come out to make the Kickoff Jam a great time!

Camping Information

Save $$ - Reserve in advance!

MBOTMA does not manage camping for this event. If you are planning to attend and camp, you need to call El Rancho Manaña Campground directly at 320-597-2740 and request the "Bluegrass Special." See the El Rancho Mañana Website for more details.

Camping prices subject to change without notice.

Questions about camping and camping fees? Call the El Rancho Manaña Campground office directly at 320-597-2740.

2025 Kickoff Jam Ranch House LIVE! 

2025 RANCH HOUSE LIVE "OPEN MIC" SIGN UP WILL BEGIN MID-APRIL

What - Ranch House Live is an informal open mic. This is a chance for you and your friends to put together a few tunes to perform on the Ranch House Live stage. The idea is to strut your bluegrass, old time, or related stuff in a casual and laid back environment. The emphasis is on friends, fun, and good music, not perfection. The sets will be 25 minutes, allowing for a 5-minute emcee and setup time between sets.

Where - Ranch House Live is held in the El Rancho Mañana Campground & Riding Stables main Ranch House (campground office) located near the main entrance to El Rancho Mañana. It will be held both Friday and Saturday evenings from 7PM to Midnight.

Advance sign up to perform - Using the link below (available soon), have the leader of your group create a profile. Enter a name for your group, like "Blue Canoe," etc. Also include a mobile phone number if possible for contact at the campgrounds. This number will be seen by the RHL Coordinator only. Please sign up for only one time slot to give other folks a chance.

If you check back on the day before the festival and slots are available, then you may sign up for a second slot. If you sign up for more than two slots without entering a comment to explain why it should be allowed, the RHL Coordinator reserves the right to delete the extra(s). You will be contacted at the phone number associated with your signup to choose which slot(s) will be deleted.

On-site sign up to perform - Sign up for any open stage times at the Ranch House after 6:30PM. An updated Schedule will be near the stage no later than 6:30PM each evening. Please sign up for only one time slot to give other folks a chance.

Responsibilities - The RHL Coordinator will be the emcee and sound technician.

In the unlikely event that an open spot occurs in the schedule, a group may go over its time limit or start early. Otherwise please respect the 25 minute limits. Any scheduling or equipment problems should be reported to the RHL Coordinator, Doug Chasar, 612.802.0833.