Stewie Hues Media

You may ask, “What is IBMA?” It stands for International Bluegrass Music Association or I’ve Been Mostly Awake. Each fall they have the IBMA World of Bluegrass. For the last few year  years it has been held at the Nashville Converntion Center.

The week long conference mixes producers, event coordinator, instrument makers, media consultants, recording labels, talent seekers, songwriters, publishers, musicians, and fans of the music. The convention features workshops, meetings and artist showcases. This is the business end of the convention.  The business end winds down with the IBMA Award show at the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday night.

Friday morning begins the Fan Fest. This of course where the fans get to see music showcases in the Grand Ball Room. The concerts run from morning until nearly midnight. To top it all off there are late night showcases throughoutt the Convention Center and the Hotel. Oh the jams sessions never stop either. Music can be heard from just about every corner 24-hours a day.

Here is what the IBMA website has to say about the Fan Fest:

Proceeds from Fan Fest go to the Bluegrass Trust Fund, which helps bluegrass professionals in times of emergency need.  And the artists who perform at Fan Fest donate their time for this effort.

Fan Fest performers are selected by a committee and talent is coordinated in an effort to present the best talent bluegrass has to offer, the old and the new!

This is a true homecoming for many in the industry. It’s a great way to experience a plethora of music.