Podunk Band Competition Sponsored by
Telefunken
We are proud to partner with Telefunken to present the Podunk Band Competition, an exciting opportunity for emerging bands striving to transition from local or regional recognition to national prominence. This competition, held Thursday of the festival, provides artists with a platform to showcase their talent to a broader audience and establish themselves as rising stars in the industry. The winning band will earn the prestigious title of “Winner of the Podunk Band Competition,” a valuable distinction that can be leveraged as a marketing asset.
Competition Details:
- Limited Entry: Only four bands will be selected to compete.
- Performance Opportunities: Each band will perform twice—once as part of the judged competition and later in an open-set performance of their choosing.
- Judging & Feedback: A panel of judges will evaluate each band and provide constructive feedback in a ten-minute session following the competition, offering insights on strengths, areas for improvement, and overall performance.
- Fan Engagement: Audience members can vote for the Fan Favorite Award (Separate Award) at the Trading Post.
- All bands are paid for their performances.
- Winners of the competition take home not only the title but a Telefunken Microphone.
- The 2025 prize is a TF17 FET valued $895.00 – $1,785.00!
All details subject to change
Join us for a day of outstanding live music and help us celebrate the next generation of breakout artists!
The Coal Fired Ramblers, a traditional bluegrass ensemble from Schuylkill County, PA, proudly represents the Anthracite Coal Region’s distinct ivecultural heritage. This dynamic group of musicians, united by familial bonds and friendships, is driven by a shared passion for bluegrass music. The Coal-Fired Ramblers’ original compositions reflect their deep connection to local history and culture, addressing themes such as trains, pioneers, hard times, and coal mining. The band’s performances also showcase their mastery of classic bluegrass songs from legendary artists. Along with their energetic and engaging live shows, The Coal-Fired Ramblers build lasting connections with their audience, inspiring a new appreciation for bluegrass music among younger generations.
Ironwood Drive, From Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, has made its name playing local fairs, festivals, and churches. They bring a new and passionate approach to the world of traditional bluegrass. Vocalists Stephen Werner and Brett Beiler are joined by Gideon Werner, Jordan Beedle, and BrandonFox. The band’s commitment is to work together, bringing a high-energy, toe-tapping show each and every night. 2024 announced Ironwood Drive’s second project. The new album “A Place Called Home” pays tribute to the founders of bluegrass and the band’s gospel roots.
Queen City Cut-Ups are Northern Vermont’s premier bluegrass and old time string band. Born in the shadow of Mount Mansfield, and washed clean in the waters of Lake Champlain, the band features Andrew Stearns on vocals and guitar, Eli Goldman on Bass, Jens Hybertson on Fiddle, Josh Halman on Mandolin and Adam Frehm on Dobro. Their debut album of original music comes Summer 2025.
Stillwater is an enigmatic and spirited bluegrass quintet. Formed on the wooded shores of the StillwaterRiver in Old Town, Maine in the summer of 2023, Stillwater has emerged as a motivated and hardworking new voice in the New England Bluegrass scene. Drawing upon inspiration in jazz, bluegrass, jam band, folk, and old-time genres, Stillwater crafts a multi-faceted and memorable experience for listeners. Featured on competition and showcase stages at the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival, Ossippee Valley Music Festival, the Downeast Rock and Roots Festival, and others, Stillwater has made the most of their short time together, leaving an air of excitement for future releases and shows. Original works on their 2024 debut single Piney Point and latest release The Cedar House Sessions Vol. 1 tell stories of adolescence, young adulthood, and all the complicated emotions attached.
2025 Applications Now Closed. For 2026:
TELEFUNKEN’s Live From The Lab YouTube channel hosts four sets
from the 2021 Podunk Bluegrass Festival.
