In the heart of Longmont, Colorado, a unique and transformative musical gathering takes place each month. Hosted at Wibby Brewing, Babes, Bluegrass, and Brews is more than just another jam session—it’s a welcoming space where women musicians of all skill levels can develop their abilities, find community, and gain confidence in the bluegrass scene.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Brandy and Lauren, the driving forces behind this all-women bluegrass jam. Their goal? To provide a comfortable and supportive environment for women to learn the ins and outs of jamming—everything from the Nashville Number System to taking breaks in a jam circle. The experience has been powerful for many participants.
“We often receive feedback from attendees telling us that it was their first time playing in front of people, their first time singing in a group, or even their first time taking a solo break,” said Lauren. “It’s an incredibly powerful and emotional experience for a lot of folks.”
This inclusivity and encouragement have inspired many women to go from hesitant beginners to confident performers. Some have even gone on to play in bands and earn money as professional musicians. Brandy recounted a particularly striking example: “Edie, who MC’s for RockyGrass Academy, led her first-ever song at one of our jams. It’s really cool to see women taking risks and feeling so empowered.”
Bluegrass, like many genres, has historically struggled with gender representation. Many festivals actively seek to book more all-female groups to address the imbalance, and Babes, Bluegrass, and Brews is playing a crucial role in fostering female musicianship at the grassroots level.
Brandy recalled a participant’s words from a recent session: “She told me, ‘I’m so grateful for this space. I love music, but I’ve never felt comfortable playing in other jams. This feels safe.’”
The jam accommodates all skill levels, allowing participants to engage in ways that suit their comfort zones. Players can strum along, skip breaks, or take solos when they feel ready. “We even have unique instruments show up—spoons, washboards—you name it,” Lauren said, emphasizing the jam’s open and inclusive nature.
While the monthly jam at Wibby Brewing serves as the home base, Brandy and Lauren, along with Colleen Murphy who started the Colorado Estro-Jam Facebook group, have successfully brought the model to other settings as well, including RockyGrass Academy, where their Women’s Jam has drawn 60 to 70 participants. “We’ve had professional musicians from the RockyGrass lineup—like members of Della Mae and Rebecca Frazier—join in. It’s inspiring for beginners to be in a circle with musicians they admire.”
Interest in replicating this jam format has even spread internationally. “A woman from Ireland attended and asked if she could start her own women’s jam back home. As far as we know, this concept is now global,” Brandy said with a smile.
If you’re in Colorado and want to experience the magic firsthand, Babes, Bluegrass, and Brews generally meets on the third Sunday of every month from 1-3 PM at Wibby Brewing in Longmont. And if you’re a festival organizer or musician interested in starting a similar initiative elsewhere, Brandy and Lauren are more than happy to share their insights.
“We want to empower women to start their own jams,” Brandy said. “Music is all about connection, and we’re just glad to be creating a space where everyone feels welcome.”
For more information, reach out to the hosts or stop by the next jam session!
Brandy (Brandywine) Ray and Lauren (Elle Michelle) Harris host Babes, Bluegrass, and Brews monthly at Wibby Brewing. Additionally, Brandy leads the band, Brandywine and the Mighty Fines and Lauren leads Elle Michelle's Grateful Holler. They have a combined band called Mighty Holler. They extend their thanks to Robin and Ryan Wibby for providing a space for the jam at Wibby Brewing.
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