The International Bluegrass Music Association has begun to announce the scheduled performers for the 2013 Wide Open Bluegras Festival, their weekend concert event that follows the conclusion of the World of Bluegrass Business Conference and International Bluegrass Music Awards in September.
This 2 day festival, formerly known as Fan Fest, will be held in the Raleigh Convention Center and the adjacent Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, NC September 27-28.
The two big headliners were announced today, with the full roster of artists becoming public as it is finalized over the course of this month. Friday night’s show will close with a special collaboration performance including Alison Krauss, Sam Bush, Mark Schatz, Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Del McCoury and Tony Rice. Then on Saturday, Punch Brothers will make their first appearance at the festival, proceeds from which fund both the operational expenses of the IBMA and the trust fund which offers financial assistance for bluegrass artists in need.
Also set for a Saturday night spot is Steve Martin with Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell. Infamous Stringdusters will play on Friday just ahead of the all star show.
Daytime shows will be held inside the convention center, with everything moving out to the amphitheater in the evenings. The city of Raleigh is also hosting a street fair downtown that weekend, with live music and attractions in the vicinity of the convention center, which will also include the North Carolina BarBQ championship.
In the event of rain, all Wide Open Bluegrass shows will be held indoors.
Tickets go on sale May 15 to IBMA members at a discounted rate, and to the general public on May 29. The street fair is open to the public at no charge.
