Yesterday, the annual set of spring IBMA board meetings began. After spending most of the day discussing bylaws, awards, business conferences, and more, the IBMA board of directors held a concert at the Station Inn to benefit the IBMA Youth Council. Throughout the evening, several members of the board participated in various configurations, performing bluegrass standards for an enthusiastic crowd.
I originally tossed out the idea to the board a few months ago, and the entire board (as well as IBMA staff members) pitched in to make the event a success. Stephen Mougin, Alan Bartram, Tim Surrett, Becky Buller, Jon Weisberger, Joe Mullins, Danny Clark, Ben Surratt, and I all performed on stage, running through what Mullins referred to as a tribute to the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. Classics from Flatt & Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley, Mac Wiseman, and other bluegrass legends filled the set list. Brand new IBMA executive director, Paul Schiminger, joined the band on stage for one number, pulling out his banjo to pick Shuckin’ the Corn.
This was one of Schiminger’s first events as head of the IBMA, and he said he thoroughly enjoyed it. “What a thrill it was for me to share the stage at the Station Inn with such a renowned group of musicians,” he said. “Earlier in the day, I witnessed their passion for, and commitment to, bluegrass as board members of the IBMA.”
All of the proceeds from the event will help fund IBMA Youth Council events. Not unlike the annual business conference which is geared for the larger group of industry professionals, the Youth Council offers seminars, workshops, and performance opportunities for kids, teens, and twenty-somethings. By providing special lectures and presentations geared toward assisting the younger generation, the IBMA hopes to better prepare young professionals within the industry.
IBMA board chairman, Jon Weisberger, offered some words of thanks after the concert. “It was great to see Board members – musicians and non-musicians alike – pitching in to make last night’s concert so successful. We raised $640 for the Youth Council, and everyone had a great time,” he said. “I want to especially thank Stephen Mougin for organizing the lineups and set lists and directing traffic, John Goad for coming up with the idea, and Joe Mullins and Danny Clark for their presence on stage through virtually the entire two sets.”
Yes, I had the idea, so I am a little biased, but the event was pretty cool. If you hear of the IBMA Board Band performing, please go support them. You can be sure that they’re volunteering their time to raise money for a good cause.
Thanks to IBMA photographer Alane Anno for these photos from the first set.
