Meltdown Kids

Since 1997, the Meltdown has actively promoted bluegrass music education through our Bluegrass in the Schools program. We’ve sent national and regional bluegrass artists to local schools to perform and provide presentations on traditional bluegrass music and instruments. In 2019 alone, our program reached over 1600 students through performances in 12 different schools.

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, in October 2021, we hosted our first-ever KidsPick in the Park event. This outdoor gathering featured free live music and an organized Kid’s Jam, providing all participants with a safe and enjoyable experience.

In 2022, we partnered with Can’d Aid to purchase 15 bluegrass instruments, and further expanded our instrument loaning library in 2024 with the help of the Durango Lodger’s Tax Arts and Culture Grant. These instruments are offered as no-cost loaners to children in our community interested in learning bluegrass music. They are distributed at our twice-annual KidsPick in the Park events held in the spring and fall. These events feature live performances, kids pickin’ circles, and opportunities to win free music lessons. KidsPick events are geared towards children of all ages and are always free and open to the public.

The Michael Burke Bluegrass Scholarship was introduced in the fall of 2024 to honor the legacy of one of the Meltdown’s founders. This scholarship is awarded to one student up to 21 years of age to help contribute to furthering the education or musical ability of a local bluegrass musician.

If you’re interested in getting involved with our Meltdown Kids programming, including Bluegrass in the Schools or KidsPick in the Park, please don’t hesitate to contact us!