Snapshots of my trips to the USA in 2026

This year, I was lucky enough to visit the U.S.—the birthplace of the music I’ve been deeply involved with for the past 28 years—three times. My most recent experiences come from my October trip to the biggest bluegrass event of the year—the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga, Tennessee—where I performed in several showcases and solo concerts, led a fiddle workshop, and also attended my first IBMA Board of Directors meeting, having become a member in June (read why).

Lee Bidgood promoting our evening concert at the Down Home, Johnson City, TN

With “Chris Thile and Noam Pikelny” in Johnson City, TN

Using public transport in the U. S. for the first time, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga, TN

With Fred Kosak (the actual bearer of one of the versions of my often mispronounced last name)

My showcase for the Dark Shadow Recording

My showcase at the International Stage, with Jana Mougin as a guest

Billy Strings and his bodyguard at the Martin booth

Fiddle workshop with Layla Cantafio and Austin Scelzo, organize by Tammy and Bull Harman

My previous trip to the U.S. took Radim Zenkl and me to perform at the Ossipee Valley Music Festival in Maine in July and to the music camp that preceded the festival. I took the opportunity to meet with top-notch musicians—my fellow instructors—and filmed the first 16 episodes of my new video podcast, Ondra Meets…

But what I remember most are the three weeks in June during which I recorded songs for my upcoming album, taught at Steve Kaufman’s bluegrass workshop, played several solo concerts, and visited many interesting places. In addition to photos, I’d like to share my experiences with you in the form of a short video—a compilation of moments I captured along the way.

With Price Sisters at the Banjo Jamboree festival in Čáslav, CZ – the beginning of my trip

Rehearsing with Casey Driessen before the recording

In the studio with Tim Stafford, Ben Bateson, and Casey Driessen. ETSU, Johnson City, TN

Rehearsing with Lee and Emily Bidgood for our ROMP set

Rehearsing with Billy Cardine and Greg Schochet

With The Often Herd, Emily, and Lee Bidgood

Before my solo show at ROMP, Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Owensboro, KY

Saturday program of ROMP cancelled due to weather

In the studio with David Grier and Stephen Mougin

Kyle Tuttle band at Dee’s Lounge, Nashville, TN

Vickie Vaughn at Dee’s Lounge, Nashville, TN

If you’re interested in my upcoming album, leave me your email address, and you’ll be the first to hear about it. I’d also love to see you in person at one of my upcoming concerts, festivals, or workshops.

I look forward to seeing you!

Ondra Kozák

I’m a musician, organizer, and tutor who likes asking Why? and talking with clever people. You can learn about what I’m doing now here or from occasional e-mails (subscribe).
Ondra Kozák