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.

2026 Contestants:

Beyond Dixon– A bluegrass/newgrass band founded in the winter of 2025–2026 by bassist Gary Upton. The band blends traditional Appalachian string-band roots with modern arrangements and a rhythm-forward pulse. Upton is joined by Cab Burkhart (guitar/vocals), whose high-lonesome delivery and rich vocal tone bring emotional lift and classic bluegrass authenticity to the group’s sound, alongside Caleb Swan and Maxwell Petersen. Beyond Dixon’s sets feature a strong blend of original songs and traditional bluegrass.

The Folk Villains are a 7-year sibling trio-turned-quintet of Bluegrass & Old-Time musicians. Ringgold Cockey (banjo), Isabel Cockey (fiddle), & Guinevere Cockey (mandolin) grew up in a log cabin near the marshes and beaches of Tyaskin, MD, picking on the porch and adoring their dad’s band, The Folk Heroes. Now, with the addition of Jack Rehbeck (Ohio, guitar) and Danny Marcus (Washington, upright bass), those Eastern Shore roots and chops refined in the Appalachians are combined with solid Ohio tradition and fresh Washington innovation.Together, The Folk Villains honor each of their families’ folk histories, enriching them by incorporating an ever-expanding variety of musical genres, and infusing them with their own Villainous style. The product is an addictive, high-octane grass style specific to The Folk Villains and the mashup of their East Coast, Midwest, & West Coast sounds.

The Red Tailed Rounders-A swinging country string band based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The group performs bluegrass and country standards, as well as unique and heartfelt original music. With a classic string band lineup of guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and upright bass, The Red Tailed Rounders bring new songs into an age-old tradition of American folk music.

The Wire Jays-A five piece contemporary Newgrass band that prioritizes creative songwriting, musicianship and fun into their live shows. They are currently based in South Florida and began playing together at the Frost School of music. They bring a fresh and interpretive style that showcases their talent.

 

 

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 2026 prize is a TF17 FET.

All details subject to change

Join us for a day of outstanding live music and help us celebrate the next generation of breakout artists!

 

 

2025 Winners: Queen City Cut Ups

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 was released in Summer 2025.

VOTED FAN FAVORITE:

IRONWOOD DRIVE

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.

 

 Band Competition Information and Application Form

For More Information Email Our Contest Coordinator
bandcompetition@podunkbluegrass.com

 

TELEFUNKEN’s “Live From The Lab” YouTube channel hosts sets

from various Podunk Bluegrass Competitions.

 Click Here to Catch the Fun

 

Previous Winners List