The Blue Bridge Boys are closing in on a major opportunity, but the Owensboro-based bluegrass group needs public support to advance to the next round of a national music competition.
The band is currently one of five acts remaining in the “Battle of the Banjos,” a competition hosted by the Earl Scruggs Music Festival that showcases rising bluegrass, Americana, and roots artists from across the Southeastern United States.
Public voting is now underway to determine which three finalists will advance to the live finalist showcase on June 6 at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Mills River, North Carolina.
The eventual winner will earn two live performance slots at the 2026 Earl Scruggs Music Festival, a $1,000 honorarium, festival passes, promotional opportunities through the festival’s social media and website platforms, a feature interview on WNCW, Bluegrass Berm camping accommodations, and a performance at Blue Highway Fest later this year.
Cruz Edwards, a 15-year-old member of the Blue Bridge Boys, said the opportunity could open major doors for the band.
“I think it has potential to be, because when in the music world, when you get invited to one festival, chances are somebody’s going to see you, invite you to the next one,” Edwards said. “So it’s kind of just like a chain reaction type of thing.”
The Blue Bridge Boys have played together for four to five years and have recently built a growing following through social media, including TikTok.
The group includes Edwards, guitarist Levi Hausner, fiddler Parker Malone, and Noah Mason.
Malone said the band was excited to advance this far in the competition.
“We sent in an application, and they accepted it, and we got into the final round,” Malone said. “Now the public gets to vote, and they’re going to decide who wins.”
Malone said performing at the festival could help put the band on the map nationally.
“Yes, that’s what we’re hoping,” Malone said. “That would be really cool. This is a big bluegrass festival.”
Fans can vote for the Blue Bridge Boys through May 28 on the festival’s website.
