The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced the 30 artists who have been invited as official showcase acts during October’s World of Bluegrass convention in Chattanooga, TN.
Each year, dozens of performers submit applications to be considered for this opportunity, which the IBMA whittles down to the most worthy artists, selected from among primarily new acts in a position to benefit from wider exposure within the industry. These showcase artists will play multiple times during World of Bluegrass before the assembled movers and shakers on the bluegrass scene, including label representatives, music producers, and event producers.
A small number of established acts are also invited, based either on changes in personnel or direction, or as sponsored artists within what IBMA calls their Bluegrass Ramble, the many live performances throughout downtown Chattanooga October 20-21.
And the 2026 invited artists are:
- Country Gongbang
- Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band
- Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul
- John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project
- Kristy Cox
- Lonesome Ace Stringband
- Missy Raines & Allegheny
- NEWGRASSLANDS
- Nick Chandler & Delivered
- Nick Dumas & Branchline
- Pickers Anonymous
- Pitney Meyer
- Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys
- Rick Faris Band
- Rock Hearts
- Seth Mulder & Midnight Run
- Stillhouse Junkies
- The Amanda Cook Band
- The Cleverlys
- The Litch Brothers
- The Price Sisters
- The Slocan Ramblers
- Thunder and Rain
- Tonewood String Band
- Tony Kamel & Kym Warner
- Water Tower
- Weary Ramblers
- Williamson Branch
- Wood Belly String Band
- Wood Box Heroes
More information about World of Bluegrass 2026 and its many associated events can be found online.
