It’s that time of year again!
Time to submit recommendations to the International Bluegrass Music Association for their annual Momentum and Industry Awards.
Unlike the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, which are voted on by the professional membership of the organization over three rounds of ballots, recognizing the best of bluegrass music each year, the Momentum and Industry Awards are chosen by a select committee to recognize artists in the early stages of their career (Momentum), and those who work behind the scenes doing the non-musical tasks to keep everything running (Industry).
The IBMA invites, and literally depends, on recommendations from members and the general public to suggest these nominations, and encourages those who might be eligible to submit themselves for considerations.
The Momentum Award categories include:
- Mentor of the Year
- Industry Involvement
- Vocalist of the Year
- Instrumentalist of the Year
- Band of the Year
And the Industry Awards include:
- Broadcaster of the Year
- Event/Venue of the Year
- Graphic Designer of the Year
- Liner Notes of the Year
- Writer of the Year
- Sound Engineer of the Year
- Songwriter of the Year
- Photographer of the Year
You shouldn’t feel oddly about submitting yourself, as the awards procedures are meant to function that way, and unlike the early days of the organization, the committees only consider these submissions for consideration as nominees. If you don’t do it yourself, it won’t be in the pile.
A third party, i.e., label, manager, publicist, can also be responsible for these submissions, or even a parent or friend.
Submission forms can be found online.
Also under consideration at this time are nominations for the Distinguished Achievement Awards given out each year during World of Bluegrass. They are, as the name suggests, for anyone in the bluegrass community whose contributions to the music or the industry are worthy of special note. Submission forms for this award are also available online.
Submissions will be accepted through May 31, and since there are several components to the process of suggesting someone or yourself, it’s best to get started soon to beat the deadline.
Criteria for all of these awards can be found on the IBMA web site.
Winners will be announced during the 2026 World of Bluegrass convention in Chattanooga, TN, October 24-26.
