IBMA invades Titans Stadium

The IBMA is set to tackle the NFL at the start of World of Bluegrass week in Nashville.

On Sunday, September 23, Del McCoury will sing the National Anthem prior to the game between the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions at LP Field, scheduled for a noon start (CDT).

Then after the game, The Travelin’ McCourys will perform in a free outdoor concert from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at Cumberland Park, adjacent to the stadium complex. Both early arrivers for WOB (which begins the next day) and football fans leaving the game are invited to stop in for the official kickoff of IBMA week.

Del is all but retired these days, and Travelin’ McCourys are The Del McCoury Band minus the Delster. But he will join the boys on stage for a few songs, as will a number of unannounced special guests. Given the many bluegrass and acoustic music icons in town that week, this could be a memorable concert.

Executive Director Nancy Cardwell said that the show has a dual purpose.

“This concert is our way of thanking local bluegrass fans and the city of Nashville for eight amazing years as the hosts of World of Bluegrass, and what better way to celebrate Worldwide Bluegrass Music Month than with some pure, powerful, award-winning McCoury bluegrass?

Hopefully we’ll have some fun, introduce some Titans fans to bluegrass music, and invite some more folks to come to Fan Fest who wouldn’t have known about it otherwise. “

Bluegrass Underground/Music City Roots are producing the event, co-sponsored by the Bluegrass Brewing Company.

World of Bluegrass Attendees and Nashville natives are advised to walk from the convention center area to the concert, as parking near the stadium is hard to come by on game days. Cumberland Park is just across the river from downtown, an easy walk from the many hotels near the Convention Center. If you are not familiar with the area, www.parkitdowntown.com offers details on venues downtown.