May 15th 2026 from 5-7 pm
I’m excited to be partnering with the DC Bluegrass Union, School of Musical Traditions, and Main Street Takoma to put on the first ever Takoma Park Bluegrass Block Party! We will be closing Laurel Avenue between Carroll and Eastern for a celebration of fine bluegrass picking, high lonesome harmonies, and community centered music. Food and drinks are available from Takoma Bevco, Kinda, Pizza Movers, and other nearby restaurants and there are picnic tables and covered areas where you can eat, listen, and meet the neighbors.
The entertainment will include performances by Bebe Blumenthal, Cory Chubb, and Justin Heath (me), as well as the School of Musical Traditions’ advanced bluegrass ensemble class!
Bebe is a top notch fiddler, fellow SMT teacher, and one of my favorite people to play with. She frequently performs with bands such as the Duck Pins, Seneca Creek, and Geraldine. She also teaches a monthly Bluegrass Fiddling Workshop that is perfect for anyone looking to get into bluegrass fiddling, or those who just want to liven up their technique for other non-classical genres.
Cory Chubb is one of the most in demand Bluegrass Flatpickers in the DC area. In 2024 his band Off the Rails won first place in the band contests at the 88th Galax Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention, and the RockyGrass (Colorado) Bluegrass Festival. I have long admired Cory’s work on guitar and mandolin and I’m very much looking forward to playing with him.
And don’t forget to bring your instrument if you want to jam!
The entertainment budget was generously provided by the DC Bluegrass Union. If you love this kind of thing and you want to support the work they do in promoting and cultivating the DMV’s thriving Bluegrass scene I encourage you to check out their website and get involved. Membership is only $25 per year and those funds contribute to education programs, concerts, jam session, and more!
Justin Heath 