The International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) annual World of Bluegrass, which includes the industry's annual Business Conference, the International Bluegrass Music Awards and Bluegrass Fan Fest, will return to Nashville the week of October 1-7, at the Nashville Convention Center and the Grand Ole Opry House.
The week kicks off for industry professionals and the IBMA Business Conference sponsored by Bluegrass Unlimited magazine and D'Addario Strings.
With almost 2000 key music and entertainment leaders in one place, this week is about building relationships with event producers, television & radio broadcasters, retailers, record labels, agents, managers, artists, songwriters, journalists, educators, association leaders, suppliers, producers & engineers, publicists, Internet consultants & designers, historians, academic leaders and consumers. It's a week for showcasing talent, of course, but also new ideas, new songs, new events, projects and merchandise.
World renowned banjo stylist Tony Trischka will deliver the opening keynote address which leads into four days of interactive meetings and educational offerings, artist showcases, an exposition center and a variety of other special functions.
A special session called "Bluegrass Summit: The Future of the Business" is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 3, the thought-provoking, interactive session will be led by independent writer/producer Craig Havighurst and a panel of "leading lights" from the words of recording, marketing and technology.
With CD sales deteriorating, downloads the new means of distribution, special challenges facing broadcasters and events producers, economic pressures and growing competition - this summit meeting will provide a forum to explore developing trends, prepare for the future and work together to develop the best strategies for success.
A highpoint of the week is the International Bluegrass Music Awards, which will take place at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, on Thursday evening, Oct. 4. Fans and industry reps alike won't want to miss this salute to the year's outstanding achievements during a fast-paced evening of fabulous performances and the presentation of the industry's top awards.
Wrapping up the week is three-days of Bluegrass Fan Fest (Oct. 5-7) in the comfortable indoor setting of the Nashville Convention Center, will present the talents of more than 60 acts on four stages, including the Main Stage, the Roots & Branches Stage, the Masters Workshop Stage and the Grand Master Fiddler Championship.
Performing artists confirmed at press time include The Grascals; Cherryholmes; Emmylou Harris; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Larry Sparks; The Songs of Tom T & Dixie Hall with Special Guests; Claire Lynch; IIIrd Tyme Out; Ronnie Bowman; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock; The Whites; Marty Raybon; Paul Williams & The Victory Trio; Steep Canyon Rangers; David Parmley & Continental Divide; Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time; Don Rigsby & the Midnight Call; Charlie Sizemore; John Starling & Carolina Star; Randy Kohrs & the Lites; The Greencards; Alecia Nugent; Bradley Walker; Mark Newton; Special Consensus; The Infamous Stringdusters; Blue Moon Rising; NewFound Road; Pine Mountain Railroad; Dailey & Vincent; The Steeldrivers; Grasstowne; Missy Raines & New Hip; Pete Wernick & Flexigrass; Mark Johnson & Emory Lester; Barbara Lamb; The Laura Love Band; The Old Tyme Opry Show; a Banjo Celebration featuring Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Tony Trischka & Bob Carlin...and more.
The proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Bluegrass Trust Fund, established to help bluegrass professionals during times of emergency need and IBMA's marketing and educational events during the year. All artists appearing at the event donate their time and talents for the cause. National sponsors for the festival are Martha White Foods, the Bluegrass Radio Network and Martin Guitars.
Tickets for all events--including a new combined Award Show/Fan Fest ticket for fans--are available at www.ibma.org or by calling 888-GET-IBMA (615) 256-3222. For discount rates on accommodations, call the event housing bureau at 1-877-259-4716.