Founders

C0-FOUNDERS OF THE SEVEN MOUNTAINS BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

Wynne Fishel & Ina Jane Atkinson

After being told that the organization would never amount to anything, Wynne and her good friend Ina Jane founded the Seven Mountains Bluegrass Association. The association was named for the mountains leading into State College, PA. Wynne and Ina Jane drove over those mountains many times on their way to bluegrass shows being held there. The first official meeting and jam session was held on September 26th, 1982 at Dante’s Restaurant in Camp Hill, PA.

Member

Ina Jane was a tireless worker who helped Wynne in making the SMBA a success. She was the first secretary. Ina created our first show flyers and a newsletter which was the first publication listing local bluegrass events. In October 1985, the IBMA held its first public meeting to form the International Bluegrass Music Association, due in large part to the grassroots movements started by Wynne, Ina, and countless other bluegrass fans around the country.

Mission Statement The Seven Mountains Bluegrass Association, (established in 1982), is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The purpose of the organization is to preserve, promote, and enjoy bluegrass music and to bring the music to an ever increasing number of people.

SMBA