The IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) has recently mailed its members inviting registrations for its 2007 World Of Bluegrass events that take place during the week commencing Monday, October 1st. The bulk of the events will take place at The Nashville Convention Centre, Nashville, TN, and the adjoining Renaissance Hotel.
The World Of Bluegrass week comprises four days of business activity – with seminars, meetings, official showcases, specialist sessions and product exhibitions – three days of Fan Fest entertainment, the International Bluegrass Music Awards show and a golf tournament.
Dan Hays, the IBMA Executive Director, has this to say about embracing the business issues that will be exercising minds during the World Of Bluegrass week.
“The business of music hasn’t seen the level of changes we’re experiencing today since the advent of radio and records almost a century ago and with change comes both opportunity and challenges. The information and ideas you’ll take home from the World of Bluegrass seminars, meetings and just informal discussions will absolutely make a difference when you put them to use. Imagine trying to track all this down on your own and you’ll see how it takes you farther, quicker and saves money and time in the process.
I’m especially excited about one afternoon at this year’s conference which will be devoted to what I’d describe as a ‘summit meeting’ with attendees to examine the future of the music business.
It requires an investment to attend and that takes form first in a desire to get to the next level – for our individual careers and for bluegrass in general. When that desire and commitment is real, the events offer the information and connections to help make it happen.”
There are the usual formal showcases and these take place during each of the first three evenings of the gathering (October 1 Р3). Acts currently scheduled to appear are ….
| Blue Moon Rising | Circuit Riders |
| Dale Ann Bradley | Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock |
| Grass Cats | Grasstowne |
| Faris Family | Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain |
| Sierra Hull & Highway 111 | Claire Lynch |
| Meantime | Monroe Crossing |
| NewFound Road | Dan Paisley & Southern Grass |
| John Reischman & The Jaybirds | Don Rigsby & Midnight Call |
| Jerry Salley & Breaking New Ground | The Larry Stephenson Band |
| Three Ring Circle |
There will be hundreds of privately hosted “after hours” showcases, jams and hospitality events also and these take place all week except after the Awards show. Time for these shows and jam sessions is allocated between 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
The archetypal social bonding event, the golf tournament takes place on Wednesday, October 3rd. – an opportunity to get some fresh air, if you are so inclined.
The high profile event of the week is the 18th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards show that takes place at the Grand Ole Opry House during the evening of Thursday, October 4th, beginning at 8.30pm.
Fan Fest traditionally brings to a close the formal activities of the week with a host of big names scheduled to appear (October 5 Р7). Acts gathered together by Carl Jackson and the Fan Fest committee are ……
| The Grascals | Cherryholmes |
| Emmylou Harris | Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver |
| Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers | The Songs of Tom T & Dixie Hall with Special Guests |
| J.D. Crowe & The New South | Claire Lynch |
| IIIrd Tyme Out | Ronnie Bowman |
| Mountain Heart | Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock |
| Marty Raybon | The Whites |
| Daughters Of Bluegrass | Paul Williams & The Victory Trio |
| Steep Canyon Rangers | David Parmley & Continental Divide |
| Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time | Don Rigsby & Midnight Call |
| Charlie Sizemore | John Starling & Carolina Star |
| Randy Kohrs & The Lites | The Larry Stephenson Band |
| The Greencards | Alecia Nugent |
| Bradley Walker | Mark Newton |
| Special Consensus | The Infamous Stringdusters |
| Blue Moon Rising | NewFound Road |
| Pine Mountain Railroad | Sierra Hull & Highway 111 |
| Donna Hughes | Randy Waller & The Country Gentlemen |
| Dailey & Vincent | World International Bluegrass Band |
| The Steeldrivers | Grasstowne |
| Missy Raines and the New Hip | The Red Stick Ramblers |
| Pete Wernick & FLEXIGRASS | Dick Kimmel and Jerilyn Kjellberg |
| Barbara Lamb | Mark Johnson and Emory Lester |
| The Laura Love Band | The Old Tyme Opry Show |
| Banjo Celebration featuring Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Tony Trischka, and Bob Carlin | |
| Anne and Pete Sibley | (The lineup is subject to change without notice) |
Tickets for the Business Conference, Awards Show, Fan Fest and the Golf Scramble can be purchased individually. A full attendance registration includes a three day ticket to Fan Fest. Additionally, there is a special ‘Combo Ticket’ for those wishing to attend only the Fan Fest and Awards Show.
Discounts apply for certain early registrations, and special rates can be found for accommodation at certain nearby hotels.
For further information about all of these World Of Bluegrass events contact IBMA by phone (1-888-438-4262 or 615-256-3222), or by email, or visit their web site.
Go, and enjoy!