Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival Expands Support for Local Non-Profits

Winthrop, WA—October 4, 2024— The Winthrop Music Association (WMA), is proud to announce its continued commitment to building community through music by providing grants to local and regional non-profits.

This year, thanks to the generous contributions from festival-goers, WMA has awarded grants to the following organizations:

• The Cove Food Bank ($5,400), providing critical assistance to individuals and families in need throughout the Methow Valley.
• Liberty Bell High School District Music Program ($3,800), fostering the next generation of musicians and cultural contributors.
• Liberty Bell High School Boosters ($5,000), supporting local student programs. The Boosters manage festival parking.
• Tommy Zbyszewski Methow Valley Education Foundation Scholarship ($1,000), honoring the memory of a local firefighter lost in the 2015 wildfires.
• Room One ($2,600), a key social service provider offering a range of support for Methow Valley residents.
• Washington Blues Society Musician Relief Program ($750), offering aid to regional musicians in times of need.

Since its formation, WMA has provided over $100,000 in support of these and other vital community organizations. For almost a decade, the festival’s Friday night concert has been a fundraiser for The Cove, and this year, festival-goers contributed even more, extending support to Room One and Liberty Bell High School’s music program.

“The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is more than just a music event,” notes WMA President Rick Northcott. “It’s a celebration of community, culture, and connection. Through the generosity of our attendees, volunteers, and sponsors, we are able to give back to the Methow Valley and beyond, helping to sustain a vibrant cultural and economic ecosystem.”

The festival, held annually in the scenic Methow Valley, brings together musicians, audiences, and volunteers for a unique experience blending diverse, world-class music with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Each year, WMA works to ensure the festival remains a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape, fostering joy, connection, and healing through music.

For more information about the festival and the Winthrop Music Association’s mission, visit www.winthropbluesfestival.com.