World of Bluegrass Attendance Exceeds 180K, & Generated 10.8M Dollars!

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s World of Bluegrass event, September 30-October 4, continued its successful run in Raleigh, North Carolina.

As detailed in a release today from the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, preliminary attendance figures for the entire week, which include both local and out-of-town attendees, is estimated to be more than 180,000 people.

The release also states that direct visitor spending is estimated at $10.8 million for the entire World of Bluegrass event.

IBMA Keynote To Be Delivered by Bela Fleck!

"We are thrilled to announce Bela Fleck as the 2014 keynote speaker for IBMA's Business Conference,"  - IBMA Executive Director Nancy Cardwell. 

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Bela Fleck, one of the most celebrated and innovative banjo players in contemporary music, will deliver the keynote address during International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass 2014 event, which takes place September 30 – October 4 in Raleigh, North Carolina.  

Raleigh Extends Invitation for 3 more years, IBMA Accepts!

Organizers of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass 2014 event announced today that the bluegrass trade organization will keep its World of Bluegrass event in Raleigh through 2018, including the popular Wide Open Bluegrass festival.

Raleigh Selects Public Artist for World of Bluegrass Week 2014

The City of Raleigh Arts Commission has approved artist Bland Hoke to create site-specific temporary public art for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Week 2014.

The event, an annual homecoming of the bluegrass music community, will be held Sept. 30-Oct. 4 in Downtown Raleigh.

New North Carolina Sales Tax Law Impacts IBMA World Of Bluegrass Events

According to a message sent to IBMA members today regarding pre-registration for World of Bluegrass events in Raleigh, NC this coming fall, a new sales tax that became effective on January 1, 2014 will impact the IBMA.

With this new tax, purchasing tickets online may also look different. For events which are taxable, the price you will see online includes the 7% sales tax.

Noam Pikelny To Deliver Keynote Address At 2013 World of Bluegrass!

Renowned banjoist Noam Pikelny will deliver the keynote address during International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass 2013 event, which takes place September 24-28 in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Pikelny’s address is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Sept. 24, acting as the official kick-off for the IBMA Business Conference portion of World of Bluegrass 2013.

IBMA’s World of Bluegrass 2013 Events and Hotel Resv. Open Today!

Registration for IBMA’s World of Bluegrass 2013 events – as well as hotel reservations – opens TODAY, March 1, 2013.

The five-day event, which takes place September 24-28, is bluegrass music’s annual industry gathering and family reunion, held for the first time in Raleigh, North Carolina. IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the professional trade organization for the global bluegrass music community. 

The business conference portion of World of Bluegrass 2013, Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 24-26, will feature the best in bluegrass networking, showcasing and professional development, along with expanded showcase opportunities.

Ted Lehmann Scouts Raleigh In Advance of World of Bluegrass 2013

Next year's IBMA World of Bluegrass is being held at the Raleigh, NC Convention Center from September 24 - 28.

IBMA member and blogger Ted Lehmann and his wife Irene recently traveled to Raleigh and spent a night and parts of two days there with the purpose of reconnoitering the logistics.  He’s outlined his findings and says he’ll continue to report regularly on his blog.  Ted says;

Covered Grass In America

Guest Blogger Volker Fisher updates from the beginning of the band’s week in Nashville for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Showcase! (More Photos at end of post).

 

Monday, 24th

The Great Evening.

Doors opened up for W.O.B. at the Convention Center. We drive in to downtown Nashville round noon. So...., that's the moment: Our feet touch the holy floor of the renaissance hotel. It is probable that Ron Stewart took the same way many times...., good vibes I think!  

IBMA Counts Down to World of Bluegrass

IBMA Executive Director Nancy Cardwell is counting the weeks and listing the reasons to attend Bluegrass’ Annual Convention and what some have termed the “Super Bowl” of Bluegrass!

REASON #8 Music City Memories.

Only EIGHT weeks now until World of Bluegrass! And this will be the last year -- for at least a while -- that the city of Nashville hosts the World of Bluegrass. Starting in 2013, WOB will be held in Raleigh, NC.

The Birth of a Band–American Drive

Rural Rhythm Records  announces the formation of the new band AMERICAN DRIVE.

This high octane bluegrass band includes group members of J.D. Crowe & The New South who are carrying on now that J.D. Crowe has announced his retirement.

AMERICAN DRIVE includes the talents of: Rickey Wasson (Lead/harmony Vocals, Guitar), Dwight McCall (Lead/Harmony Vocals, Mandolin), Matt DeSpain (Resonator Guitar) and Kyle Perkins (Bass) from The New South, who are joined by Justin Jenkins (Banjo) formerly with the bands Grasstowne and Blue Moon Rising.

IBMA Counts Down to “World Of Bluegrass”

 

EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS END TODAY!

IBMA Interim Director, Nancy Cardwell writes. . .

It’s just NINE weeks until World of Bluegrass in Nashville!

Reason #9: Promoting Your Bluegrass Brand   If you’re a merchandiser, luthier or vendor with the perfect product or service or event for the bluegrass community, please take a look at some of the companies who are sponsoring World of Bluegrass this year. 

It’s a pretty impressive lineup, isn’t it?  

IBMA Counts Down To World of Bluegrass

With just ten more weeks until what some have termed the Super Bowl of bluegrass, and undoubtedly the biggest week of the year for the bluegrass industry, the “Count-Down” begins.  

World of Bluegrass is the annual business conference, fan fest and awards ceremony.  Once again this year and possibly the last time for awhile, will be held in Nashville, TN September 24th through September 30th.

IBMA’s Interim Director, Nancy Caldwell has decided to send a weekly Top-Ten, counting down the most important reasons why any bluegrass fan, musician, executive or any other interested person should attend.

Here is REASON #10: UNUSUAL CONFIGURATIONS

Landmark CD–40th Anniversary To Be Feature at World of Bluegrass!

IBMA Conference to feature a very special 40^th anniversary celebration of Will The Circle Be Unbroken, a landmark recording that helped put bluegrass music on the international map.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Though it’s still in the works, the 2012 WORLD of BLUEGRASS in Nashville, September 24-30, 2012, includes an enticing itinerary of unforgettable bluegrass events, most notably, a very special 40^th anniversary celebration of Will The Circle Be Unbroken,  the first collaboration CD from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and some of Country and Bluegrass’ pioneers. 

Laurie Lewis & Del McCoury to Host 23rd International Bluegrass Music Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 12, 2012 -- A powerful and delightfully unusual pairing of bluegrass superstars -- Laurie Lewis and Del McCoury -- will host the 23rd Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards this year, on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. 

The IBMA Awards are the centerpiece of World of Bluegrass week, scheduled for September 24-30 in Nashville. Produced by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade organization for global bluegrass music, World of Bluegrass also includes the industry’s Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest.

UPDATE: CONFIRMED–IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS MOVING!

Officials in Raleigh confirmed today that the International Bluegrass Association’s World of Bluegrass annual conference and awards show will be hosted by that city in 2013.  Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane made the announcement at a press conference today, confirming the news that was leaked by Raleigh’s NBC television affiliate station yesterday.

Denny Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitor’s Bureau said the Bluegrass Awards are the Super Bowl of Bluegrass.

“This is the biggest news in bluegrass” said one fan who attends every year, “finally a new city to explore,” she said.

Raleigh will be the fourth home for the annual conference and awards.  The association moved to Nashville in 2005 after their beginnings in Louisville and later Owensboro, KY.  Many conference attendees have criticized the IBMA since the move to Nashville from Kentucky claiming Nashville produced too much of a modern country influence.  Nashville is also an expensive city in which to host a convention.

The Prescription Bluegrass Blog has launched a public opinion poll to see what you think.  Answer the question (How do you feel about the World Of Bluegrass Convention, Fan Fair and Awards moving to Raleigh, NC in 2013?) and/or comment at:  https://www.facebook.com/questions/334048020001793/

*** NEWS UPDATE *** BLUEGRASS AWARDS MAY [STRIKE THAT] WILL BE MOVING TO NORTH CAROLINA!

UPDATE: The City of Raleigh North Carolina is expected to announce on Wednesday that they will be the host of the 2013 Bluegrass Awards show. Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane's office confirmed today that their initial press release indicating a huge cultural announcement is indeed the suspected news of the IBMA's Bluegrass awards location change from Nashville to Raleigh. No mention has yet been made about the World of Bluegrass business conference and fan fair that normally accompanies the awards during the week long affair. Prescription Bluegrass will have more as it becomes available.

The NBC Television  affiliate in Raleigh, NC is reporting today that the IBMA, World of Bluegrass 2013 conference may  be held in their city.

NBC-17 says, “Raleigh mayor Nancy McFarlane has called a news conference for what her office is terming a ‘huge’ cultural announcement on Wednesday at noon, and the mayor is expected to say the International Bluegrass Music Association’s awards show is coming to Raleigh in 2013.”

It no secret that the city  and state have been courting the association for the honors.  North Carolina has a rich bluegrass tradition, and officials from the bluegrass association were in Raleigh in March to check out the city.

Last January, the Prescription Bluegrass Blog published a story about the extent the city of Raleigh and the state of North Carolina where launching to entice the annual conference to their location.   SEE STORY HERE.

We’ll have more detail as soon as they become available

City of Raleigh Courting IBMA for Convention Week

It’s no secret among IBMA World OF Bluegrass Attendees that Nashville may not be the permanent host city.  IBMA officials have informed the members that once the  contract with the Nashville Convention Center reaches it’s conclusion, they would open up the bidding process for new host cities.

The City of Raleigh, NC seems to be the first to make public their intentions to grab the brass ring.   The greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau has posted a  five minute video sales pitch aimed directly at the IBMA Board of Directors on behalf of the state’s bluegrass traditions and the city’s entertainment assets.

You can view the video here  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYfc4x7cd7M&feature=player_embedded

IBMA Surveys Conference Attendees

The International Bluegrass Music Association is surveying the 2011 conference attendees in a continuing effort to gain feedback about what the World of Bluegrass and FanFest events need in the way of improvement.

IBMA's goal is to make World of Bluegrass week better every year. Various member-led committees within IBMA will begin making plans for the 2012 World of Bluegrass events almost immediately and attendee's comments are very important in shaping and making those improvements.

The survey  is being conducted on-line once again this year and participants have until Novemeber 11 to submit their responses.  If you attended the conference but didn't get a survey link emailed to you, contact the  IBMA at 888-438-4262 .

IBMA World of Bluegrass Wrap-Up

Guest Blogger: Terri Holloway puts the last words on a week of everything bluegrass and opens the question for next year.

It's Fan Fest time, once again! This is the time when bluegrass fans from all over the world descend upon the artists, labels and vendors hawking everything from vintage instruments to pick holders (and giving away free guitar/mandolin picks, too). Fans have a very high chance of seeing, touching and talking directly to their favorite artists in addition to purchasing music and t-shirts. Where else in the music world does this happen?!?