Since 2003, a group of dedicated musicians in the Reno area have been organizing and hosting musical events featuring the genres of bluegrass, folk, Celtic, jazz, blues and other forms of music and dance.  We have been known as both "The Nevada Bluegrass Project" and "Sierra Acoustic Music". 

Well, we've grown and changed, and finally settled on an official name! ---"Traditional American Music Project" or TRAMP, Inc.  We are now registered under this name with the Nevada Secretary of State. 

We have a big vision for the future.  Our ultimate goal is to have our own "Folk School" here in Virginia City, NV. where people may come from throughout the world to study and learn about traditional American music and dance from nationally recognized experts in these areas.  There are several similar folk schools in the eastern U.S.---the Chicago Old Town School of Folk Music and the John C. Campbell Folk School.  We hope to model our future on these fine organizations.  Of course, we believe that the scenic beauty and historic features of Virginia City, NV. present a perfect locale for such an endeavor (and, unlike those eastern schools, we'll offer courses in "Genuine Cowboy" music and dance!)

We have had financial "ups and downs" over the years, and our financial future is by no means secure.  But we are increasingly applying for and participating in a variety of grant programs, including programs offered by the National Endowment for the Arts.  We are optimistic about our future.     

We are big believers in community networking---both geographical and via the Internet.  Thanks to many collaborative opportunities, we are now member/partners with regional and national organizations---including:
Americana Music Association
International Bluegrass Music Association
Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour
California Bluegrass Association
Northern California Bluegrass Society
Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association
Pipers Opera House, Inc.
Sierra Contra Dance Society
Reno Celtic Celebration
and many others.

Rather than "compete" with these fine organizations for scarce resources (YOUR ticket dollars!), we hope to become a "clearinghouse" for information about the wonderful events that they host.  We invite other organizations who host music and dance events to submit their events to us (preferably 2 weeks in advance of events).  We will maintain our online calendar where these events are posted, with links for you to obtain further information.  We will cease hosting our own events, other than educational offerings. 

As we move ahead in these difficult economic times and turn our focus toward educational offerings, we will be offering the following:

An Interactive Calendar of Events
Located on our website, this calendar features links and contact info for the many concerts, festivals and other traditional American music events in our region.  To post events to this calendar, individuals and organizations may submit them via email to us at least 2 weeks in advance of the event date. 
"Sierra TRAMP" ~ A bimonthly newsletter
Featuring articles and photos of traditional American music and dance events, both national and regional.  This newsletter will be available starting in November, 2009.  It will be available for free online, or hard copies may be purchased for $3 each (includes postal delivery via US Mail).  A yearly subscription (6 issues) will be $15.  
Free and Fee-charged Workshops, Demonstrations and Other Educational Events
Specifically, we will reinstate our monthly free jams and classes starting in November, 2009.  We will also be offering a course entitled, "Music and Dance of Appalachia" through Truckee Meadows Community College, beginning Spring Semester, 2010 (more info to come).

We hope you will "stick with us" as we move ahead in this new direction.  Since you have received this newsletter, you are currently on our mailing list.  If you wish to be removed from this list, please click below where it says, "SafeUnsubscribe".

Of course, should you wish to contribute to our efforts, all contributions are tax deductible, as we are a 501c3 arts and education organization.  Click here to go to our homepage to learn more about the Traditional American Music Project. 

Thank you so much for supporting traditional American music and dance!

Sincerely,

John & Cindy Groenewold
Directors, TRAMP, Inc.