IBMA old-timers will remember The Executive Inn in Owensboro, KY where the first 10 years of World Of Bluegrass were held. It is often recalled as smaller, yes, but more intimate, with the experience of the music ringing up through the open atrium at all hours, day and night.
The event outgrew Owensboro quickly, and in 1997 moved to Louisville and The Galt House where it remained through 2004. Of course, Nashville’s Convention Center is IBMA’s new home, along with The Renaissance Hotel. With growth comes change, and a few at IBMA each year can be heard reminiscing about “the old days” in Owensboro.
Yesterday (11/8), The Executive Inn Rivermont in Owensboro was razed as a part of the city’s $80 million redevelopment and revitalization campaign. The Evansville Courier Press has an article about the fate of “The Big E” available online, along with this video report on the demolition.
There are a number of other videos of the hotel coming down on YouTube as well.
Goodbye old friend. You will be remembered well.
