I must admit I have not attended Bluegrass for Babies in the past.  It always seems to fall on the same weekend as one of our huge family events.  However, this year I am hoping to attend – even if it’s for a little while.

Never heard of Bluegrass for Babies?  Keep reading.  It’s a local favorite.

Launched in 2009, the concert started as a way for founders Matt and Anne Schneider to give back to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which had provided life-saving surgery to their then newborn son.  That year the couple repurposed their annual backyard bluegrass party!

When is Bluegrass for Babies?

On Saturday, September 21, Bluegrass for Babies returns to Sawyer Point for its 5^th annual Bluegrass for Babies benefit concert.  Running from 3-9pm, the concert will feature performances by some of the region’s top bluegrass bands, plenty of family-friendly activities, a variety of vendors, local and organic concessions and more.

Who is performing at Bluegrass for Babies?

In celebration of its 5^th anniversary, Bluegrass for Babies has brought together a concert lineup featuring performances by some of the region’s top bluegrass bands – Wild Carrot, Comet Bluegrass All-Stars, and The 23 String Band.

Wild Carrot will kick things off, performing at 3:00pm in its inaugural appearance with the Comet Bluegrass All-Stars taking to the stage at 5:00pm. Rounding out the evening at 6:45 pm will be newcomer and rising star, The 23 String Band out of Louisville.  Special guest Jennifer Ellis will also perform her popular children’s songs at 4:15pm.

Today Bluegrass for Babies is a year-round non-profit organization focused on improving children’s health and becoming a go-to resource when it comes to helping parents create an environment to raise healthy children, right from the start.

This year’s concert-goers can partake in six interactive experiences – Farmer’s Market, Healthy Home, Family Wellness, Art and Music, Movement, and Special Needs.

1. Farmer’s Market: Enjoy local, sustainably raised food from our Green B.E.A.N. Delivery Concession Stands, sample free guacamole from Chipotle, and choose from several locally made desserts. This area will also be the hub of a variety of farm-to-table themed kids’ activities.
2. Healthy Home:  Learn simple steps to create a healthier home environment.
3. Family Wellnes:  Take part in activities promoting healthy habits and disease prevention.
4. Movement: Burn off energy through exercise activities such as soccer, basketball, and more!
5. Art & Music: Nurture childhood development through numerous art and music activities.
6. Special Needs Quiet Area: In the event of overstimulation, the Special Needs Quiet Area will provide a quiet refuge for special needs children and their families.  This area is sponsored by the Merrill Lynch YHSA Group of Dayton.

All of the participating exhibitors and vendors were handpicked to be a part of the Bluegrass for Babies experience based on their commitment to provide products or services to help create a safe environment to raise healthy children.

New this year!

Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal from the Green B.E.A.N. Delivery concession stand until 6:00 pm.  One free kids meal per one purchased adult meal.

Want tickets?  Read below, but also enter my giveaway!

Tickets for the Bluegrass for Babies benefit concert are $15 for adults in advance and $20 day of, with children admitted for FREE. Presale period ends Friday, September 20, 2013 at 10:00 PM.  Tickets can be purchased at www.bluegrassforbabies.com. Parking is $8 in the Sawyer Point parking lot. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10+ adults until Friday, September 20.  Please contact info@bluegrassforbabies.com for more details.

Also new in 2013, Bluegrass for Babies is offering sponsorship packages for families and organizations within the Bluegrass for Babies community.  This is a great way for supporters to enjoy VIP perks at the benefit concert, like guaranteed parking. For more information, please visit www.bluegrassforbabies.com.

The Bluegrass for Babies benefit concert has raised nearly $80,000 for Cincinnati Children’s since its inception in 2009. For more information, visit the Bluegrass for Babies website at www.bluegrassforbabies.com.

Still want a little more info?  Check out Adventure Mom’s Interview with the Founders.

And finally, the GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY CLOSED!  CONGRATS TO MEG!!!

The giveaway is for a pair of tickets to the Bluegrass for Babies bluegrass concert (kids 12 and under are free), two complimentary Chipotle burritos and two complimentary Chipotle kid’s meals.

To enter, just leave me a comment below stating whether or not you’ve been to the concert in the past.  I’ll randomly draw a winner on Tuesday, September 10th so that the winner will receive the tickets on time and the losers can still purchase theirs on time!

Disclaimer: I also received the giveaway package in order to promote this event.  Can’t wait to enjoy the music!  Glad to give the chance to others as well.