The International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) annual World of Bluegrass events are set for September 29 to October 5 at the Nashville Convention Center and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
The week begins with the IBMA Bluegrass Conference, featuring keynote speaker Roger Brown, president of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. An international summit will take place the 29th and the 1st and a first-ever Crash Course for Bluegrass Songwriters will take place on the 1st.The conference ends with an awards show at the Ryman Auditorium on October 2, which will salute industry achievements and include performances.The following artists will showcase during the conference: Balsam Range, Blue Highway, Cherryholmes, Cumberland Gap Connection, Dappled Grays, Dixie Bee Liners, The Farewell Drifters, The Gibson Brothers, The Lonesome River Band, Kathy Mattea, Alecia Nugent, Red Wine, Sawmill Road, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, The Charlie Sizemore Band, The SteelDrivers, Ernie Thacker, Donna Ulisse and Widow Maker.Following the conference is the Bluegrass Fan Fest from October 3-5. Hosted at the Nashville Convention Center, fans can enjoy music from more than 60 acts on four stages, including the Main Stage, the Roots & Branches Stage, the Masters Workshop Stage and the Grand Master Fiddler Championship. Artists performing at the festival include: The Grascals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Bradley Walker, Kathy Mattea, Cherryholmes, Blue Highway, Dailey & Vincent, Michael Martin Murphey, David Parmley & Continental Divide, Paul Williams & Victory Trio, The Greencards, Special Consensus, Larry Stephenson, Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group, The Chapmans, Ralph Stanley II, Alecia Nugent, Grasstowne, Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Keith Sewell, NewFound Road, Blue Moon Rising, Circuit Riders, Balsam Range, The Freight Hoppers, The April Verch Band, Ramona Jones Family & Friends, G2 Bluegrass Band, The Maybelles, The Red Desert Ramblers, The Tina & Buddy Wright Group, The Songcatchers, and Dennis Cash & Friends.Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Bluegrass Trust Fund, which aids bluegrass professionals during a time of need. Tickets for all events are available at www.ibma.org or by calling 888-GET-IBMA (615) 256-3222.
