For almost 15 years, the Bluegrass Situation has been more than just a roots music media publication. We’ve been a community; a gathering place for folks who love and support bluegrass, Americana, folk, and beyond.
What began as a blog for like-minded music fans has grown into a home for artist discovery, thoughtful editorial, roots music history, podcasts, live sessions, events and more.
Now, in 2026, we’re giving our readers, fans, and followers the opportunity to get even more involved in the BGS family.
We’re excited to share the arrival of The BGS Bandwagon.
We’re throwing down the tailgate and inviting everyone to hop on up and enjoy exclusive articles, behind-the-scenes content, member-only events, discounts, giveaways and more.
While the Bandwagon introduces new ways to engage with BGS, nothing will change about the roots music coverage you’ve come to know and love. Our features, interviews, podcasts, and other core editorial content will remain free and available to all readers, whether you’re a Bandwagon member or not.
The Bandwagon is for those who want to go a little deeper and connect more closely with the music and community that makes BGS special, while directly supporting our independent roots music journalism and the enthusiastic, flourishing community we’ve all crafted together over 15 years.
We can’t wait to see where the road takes us next.
- 15% discount at the BGS Mercantile
- Annual gift from BGS (sticker)
- Monthly member-only newsletter
- Access to exclusive giveaways, editorial and video content, festival pre-sales, conference registration discounts, and more (see current promos here)
- 20% discount at the BGS Mercantile
- Annual gift from BGS (tote bag)
- Monthly member-only newsletter
- Access to exclusive giveaways, editorial and video content, festival pre-sales, conference registration discounts, and more (see current promos here)
Not ready to join?
You can still receive our BGS Weekly Dispatch and all other curated newsletters and updates.
- 20% discount at the BGS Mercantile
- Annual gift from BGS (tote bag)
- Monthly member-only newsletter
- Access to exclusive giveaways, editorial and video content, festival pre-sales, conference registration discounts, and more (see current promos here)
- Special in-person and online industry events, mixers, panels, and sessions exclusive to Guest List members
- Interested in group membership rates, discounted marketing opportunities, and other partnership benefits – plus all the benefits of a standard Guest List membership? We’d love to chat! Fill out this form and someone from our team will be in touch.
- All members that join before September 5th will be automatically entered to win VIP passes to Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville, KY.
- Members will be given the opportunity to enter a Cayamo cabin giveaway for February 2027 (entry through September 7th).
Questions?
Why should I become a member?
Members will enjoy exclusive content, special benefits (like merch item gifts, discounts and presales for tickets to shows and festivals, online panels and sessions, discounts at the BGS Mercantile, and much more.) See our full menu for details.
How do I become a member?
Check out our full Bandwagon menu to select your preferred tier and become a member today! Questions? Shoot us an email at [email protected].
Do I choose Jam Circle or Guest List membership?
Jam Circle memberships are designed for readers, fans, and followers whomever they are, wherever they are. Guest List memberships are specifically geared toward music industry professionals (artists, musicians, writers, managers, agents, publicists, consultants) and organizations (labels, publishers, firms, agencies, festivals, non-profits, venues, and community orgs). The main difference between Jam Circle and Guest List is access to industry focused events, mixers, panels, and sessions.
Can multiple members of my music industry organization access Guest List membership benefits and content?
Yes! If you are interested in company-wide or group membership rates, we’d love to chat! Inquire here.
What changes if I don’t join the Bandwagon?
Absolutely nothing. You’re already part of this community. And all of our usual, day-to-day BGS content will continue to be available to all readers free-of-charge, no matter what.
We are not withholding or barring access to BGS editorial – just expounding upon and releasing much of what might otherwise end up on the cutting room floor, for those readers who are eager for more.
Tell me more about discounts and giveaways being offered to Bandwagon members.
Specific member benefits will vary over time, but you can see a current list of member offerings and exclusive member events already on the docket here, as well as our menu of membership tiers and general member offerings here.