April 1 and March 28: Two special dates for NPC members

April 1 is the deadline for submitting entries to the annual National Press Club Journalism Awards contest, and March 28 is the 50th anniversary performance at the NPC of blue grass musician Bill Jenkins, this time playing with the Virginia Mountain Boys.

The April 1 deadline for submitting entries for the annual National Press Club Journalism Awards is fast approaching.

Press Club members should be aware of a great opportunity that is available to you because of your membership.

The National Press Club journalism contest will accept your entries at no cost. The entry fee for non-members is $50. The contest gives you a chance to put your best work up against some of the top journalism from around the country.

The competition includes categories for breaking news, political writing, specialty writing in areas such as aging, press coverage and foreign policy. It also offers awards for the top news photography.

Entries can be submitted online or sent by mail.

Details of the competition can be found by clicking here.

Those of you who have already finished your Awards entries may want to join us Friday evening, March 28, for the 50th anniversary performance by Bill Jenkins at the NPC, which is drawing increasing media attention, including at the following links:

Daily Press Coverage

Cybergrass Coverage

Over the weekend, the Washington Post had a takeout on how two towns on the Virginia/Tennessee border are celebrating old-time and bluegrass Appalachian music with jam sessions and how visitors can go to the Mountain Music Museum.

The Washington Post article can be read here.

Travel to the Virginia/Tennessee border if you wish. But, for now, why not just travel to the NPC ballroom to hear the 50th anniversary concert of Bill Jenkins and the Virginia Mountain Music and early bluegrass. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased here. NPC members can purchase tickets at discounted prices by logging into their press.org account.