About MCTAMA

Our mission

To foster and promote traditional arts and acoustic music including, but not limited to, conducting research, providing instruction, maintaining archives and collections on traditional acoustic music and traditional arts , conducting and sponsoring public shows and exhibitions of such arts, and providing charitable contributions for the furtherance of traditional acoustic music and/or arts to the general public.

We first formed when a group of bluegrass/old-time/country musicians, and a group of Dutch Oven cooks,  joined up so as to put on a Bluegrass Festival and a Dutch Oven Rendezvous in 2004.  We had discovered that great music and great food made for a great time!  After the first festival was a success, we decided to get serious about sharing our two great passions.  Hence, MCTAMA came to be. The association  incorporated and received  a 501(c)3 non-profit status in early 2005. We operate in the southeast section of Washington State.

Mid-Columbia Traditional Arts and Music Association organize varied activities and educational events.  The two largest events that we organize are Sacajawea Bluegrass Festival and Dutch Oven Rendezvous, held on the second weekend in June. For the past nine years MCTAMA also ran Sacajawea Heritage Days which is now under the care of The Friends of Sacajawea State Park.

The association has two distinct chapters:

1. Mid Columbia Bluegrass Association

2. Three Rivers Cast Iron Cookers

Mid Columbia Bluegrass Association

Musicians, fans and those wanting to learn how to play Bluegrass music  formed this chapter.  MBA hosts a weekly all genre acoustic jam,  a monthly Bluegrass jam,  presents  music workshops, and works with the MCTAMA Board of Directors  in presenting Bluegrass concerts.

 Three Rivers Cast Iron Cookers

Dutch oven and cast iron cooking enthusiasts formed this chapter to enjoy the camaraderie of sharing and learning from cooking with each other.  We  host “Dutch Oven gatherings”, where Dutch oven cooks get together to fine tune their skills, and share good times with the community of cooks. We also teach about the art and history of Dutch Oven cooking, as well as presenting Dutch Oven learning events and seminars.