The DC Bluegrass Union is now accepting entries for their 2026 Mike Auldridge Instrumental Composition Contest, with a total of $850 in cash prizes to the top three submissions. DCBU has hosted the competition this past four years in honor of the renowned reso-guitarist and vocalist, a Capitol Area legend for his many years with The Seldom Scene.
The contest awards prizes for the best new bluegrass instrumental tunes, be they submitted on reso-guitar, banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, or bass. Entries can be completed online, using a recording of your tune. It won’t be judged based on recording quality, but on the composition itself.
Objectivity is ensured by completely anonymous judging, with scores averaged among three different professional bluegrass judges.
All submissions must be received by October 12 to be considered.
You can find full eligibility requirements and competition rules, plus entry information, online, as well as audio from previous winners.
