IBMA World of Bluegrass Convention Underway in Nashville

Bluegrass fans began a week-long celebration Monday at the Nashville Convention Center in light of the International Bluegrass Music Association's annual World of Bluegrass convention. The event will run through Sunday, Oct. 4, with hopes of topping last year's attendance of over 20,000 fans.
The convention will include the IBMA Business Conference, the 20th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Show and the Bluegrass Fan Fest.
The IBMA Business Conference is a one-of-a-kind annual conference that brings about artist showcases and stunning jam sessions, as well as professional development and networking seminars.
Awards in 17 categories will be presented at the Music Awards Show on Oct. 1, a night co-hosted by renowned bluegrass band Hot Rize and Grammy-winning artist Kathy Mattea. Both Hot Rize and Kathy Mattea will perform along with numerous other bluegrass fan-favorites, including Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Del McCoury, Dailey & Vincent, The Grascals, The Dan Tyminski Band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Lonesome River Band, Dale Ann Bradley, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, G2 Bluegrass Band, The Gibson Brothers, Danny Paisley and Junior Sisk, and Sierra Hull & Highway 111.  
World of Bluegrass also features a Fan Fest from Oct. 2-4, a time for fans to enjoy live performances from three stages: the Main Stage, the Masters Workshop and the Grand Master Fiddler Championship stage. 
In addition to live performances and the awards show this week, two bands, the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers and The Dillards, will be be inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.  Fans will also get the chance to meet with artists in separate booths, having the opportunity to jam with their favorite musicians.  
For tickets and more information call the Ryman box office at 615-889-3060 or Ticketmaster at 615-255-9600.