Nov 14

Tim Ellis Scholarship Fund

  • Filed under News

  • November 14, 2025

The Tim Ellis family has established a scholarship fund in his memory.. Please review the information and consider donating.

The Tim Ellis Memorial Scholarship, a fund created in honor of my father, Timothy “Tim” Ellis, a gifted banjo player, beloved mentor, and lifelong contributor to the bluegrass community.

This scholarship exists to remove financial barriers for young musicians, inspire meaningful musical growth, and continue celebrating the banjo tradition Tim cherished so deeply. While open to applicants from across the United States, special preference will be given to students from Michigan and Ohio, regions where Tim’s musical journey began and where he poured so much of his heart.

This scholarship will support young banjo players with a focus on bluegrass music.

Funds may be used to help cover:

  • private lessons
  • educational materials and books
  • instrument rental or maintenance
  • tuition for workshops, music camps, or similar educational opportunities

Young bluegrass musicians age 21 and under, at all levels of learning, from beginner to advanced, are encouraged to apply. All applicants should demonstrate a genuine love of bluegrass music, a clear desire to grow in their musicianship, and a connection to the values Tim believed in: humility, curiosity and joy in the music.

Anastasia Ellis (Ortiz)

The Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association is pleased to partner with the Ellis Family to accept donations for the Tim Ellis Scholarship Fund. Donations will be maintained and dispersed as directed by the Ellis family. Watch for application guidelines which will be available in the future. SMBMA is a 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 37-1765193, and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Make checks payable to the Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association (SMBMA), note ELLIS in the memo line, and mail to:

Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association,
c/o Marcia Bailey
15350 Peacock Rd.Haslett MI 48840

You may also donate using the PayPal Giving Fund:
https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2585819

Permanent link to this article: https://smbluegrass.org/tim-ellis-scholarship-fund/

Jul 15

2025 Hall of Honor Inductees

The 2025 Inductees to our Hall of Honor are Steve Hunt, Vic Holly, and Ronnie McKeever. See more information here.

Our annual Hall of Honor induction and picnic will be Saturday, August 9 at 12 noon. The location is James Couzens Memorial Park, 13753 Main St, Bath Township, MI, 48808. This is the same location as last year. A lovely park with a covered area for the picnic and jam. Please plan to attend. Bring a dish to pass, your lawn chair, your instruments, and a smile. The Association will provide pulled pork, water, plates, napkins, and utensils.

Nominations are open for 2026 honorees. Download a form here.

Permanent link to this article: https://smbluegrass.org/2025-hall-of-honor-inductees/

Jul 10

Scholarship Students at Woldumar

LeRoy Harvey is again including our scholarship students at Woldumar. We will also have the petting zoo there. The date is October 19, the time 2-9 p.m. Mark your calendars and plan to attend and encourage the students. Bring kids of any age that would like to test our our instruments.

Permanent link to this article: https://smbluegrass.org/scholarship-students-at-woldumar/

Jul 10

Webster Township Historical Society 2025 Bluegrass Jamboree August 2

Marcia will again be taking our instrument zoo to this event. Several bluegrass bands will be preforming, and there will be food vendors and other activities including a jam circle.

Please email us if you can help: smbluegrass@gmail.com.

Permanent link to this article: https://smbluegrass.org/webster-township-historical-society-2025-bluegrass-jamboree-august-2/

May 23

Toledo area Jam

Jim Bentley is starting an acoustic jam on the last Monday of each month. June 30 is the start date.

6:30-8:15

Toledo Library
3900 King Road
Corner of King Road and and Sylvania Ave across from Kroger.

Permanent link to this article: https://smbluegrass.org/toledo-area-jam/

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