Showing posts with label ibma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ibma. Show all posts

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Letter From IBMA to President Trump and Our Legislators in Support of the NEA and NEH

Excerpt: "...An important principle of our nation has been to protect and promote our rich artistic and cultural heritage. Bluegrass music, as a core genre of American roots music, was created on American soil as an extension of our country’s working class communities. It is this cultural history, along with exceptional musicianship, that makes this music loved throughout our country today. This is not simply entertainment; it is a vital part of our nation’s identity. Our plea to maintain funding for these public endowments is not based in any political agenda. It is about the music and the professionals and audiences who span the entire political spectrum..."

April 20, 2017
Letter to President Trump and Our Legislators in Support of the NEA and NEH
IBMA executive director Paul Schiminger has sent a letter on behalf of the entire bluegrass industry to President Trump and to key legislators in support of both the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Last month, the President  proposed a budget that would cut funding entirely to both endowments. This cut would be extremely small within the overall Federal Budget, but it would create a major loss of funding for the arts, adversely affecting many bluegrass professionalsincluding event producers and artists.
You will find the full letter below:
An Open Letter to President Trump and Our Legislators:
On behalf of the International Bluegrass Music Association (“IBMA”) members, the entire bluegrass music community, and countless other professionals and fans of American roots music, I am writing in response to the President’s 2018 Federal Budget proposal.  The United States of America cannot afford to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts (“NEA”) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (“NEH”).  These two government agencies carry out three highly beneficial missions across our country:  preserving and promoting the arts, educating and inspiring children, and expanding commerce through the grants provided by these public endowments.
An important principle of our nation has been to protect and promote our rich artistic and cultural heritage.  Bluegrass music, as a core genre of American roots music, was created on American soil as an extension of our country’s working class communities.  It is this cultural history, along with exceptional musicianship, that makes this music loved throughout our country today.  This is not simply entertainment; it is a vital part of our nation’s identity.  Our plea to maintain funding for these public endowments is not based in any political agenda.  It is about the music and the professionals and audiences who span the entire political spectrum.
A second guiding principle is to provide educational opportunity to the children of our country living in poverty.  It has been shown that participation in the arts improves overall student learning and grades while fostering their creative skills.  NEA grants reach nearly 16,000 communities nationwide, with 40% of funds going to high-poverty neighborhoods.  Elimination of these endowments even further disadvantages these at-risk children.  
The final important principle is an economic one.  The current budget proposal would cut $148 million in funding to the NEA and the same for the NEH.  Each of these represented .004% (less than one half of one hundredth of one percent) of the $4 trillion federal budget in 2016.  This miniscule cut to the federal budget would inflict devastating and irreparable damage to so many involved in the arts and humanities.  This is specifically true within our bluegrass music community and other forms of American roots music where artists, performing arts centers and venues, not-for-profit festivals, and other industry professionals rely on grants from the NEA and NEH to make a modest living and contribute to the U.S. economy, in stark contrast to other musical genres featured prominently on commercial media outlets who rightfully do not benefit from such grants.
Furthermore, according to Americans for the Arts in their study entitled Arts & Economic Prosperity IV, not-for-profit arts and culture organizations and their audiences alone generated $135.2 billion of economic activity in 2010 and generate over $22 billion in revenue to local, state, and federal governments every year.  The NEA estimated the impact to be $704 billion in 2013 if considering all arts and cultural production.  This multiplier effect creates an overwhelmingly compelling return on investment of our tax dollars.     
We realize fiscal responsibility comes with difficult choices.  However, the choice to fund the NEA and NEH should not be one that is difficult.  It is vital to maintain our commitment to arts and humanities.  Otherwise, our nation suffers a meaningful loss of its cultural heritage, we turn our backs on children, and we turn our backs on talented and hard working professionals who choose their careers based on art, education, and community rather than great financial reward. 
We strongly encourage you to support the arts and humanities by maintaining the same, or even increasing, the financial commitment to the NEA and NEH as this country has done for more than 50 years.
Paul Schiminger
Executive Director,

International Bluegrass Music Association

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Why Jim Hurst couldn't care less about the CMAs, and why Mark Simos believes it's again safe to watch


"There is a LOT of music I wouldn't exactly call country being played on 'today's country' radio. Just because it has a tractor or a case of beer in it don't make it country, that makes it cheese factor 12 to me."
-Jim Hurst, Jim Hurst, 2x IBMA guitar player of the year, a 2x notloB Parlour Concerts (5/15/10 & 5/23/12) alumnus and a hell of a great guy.




"Sorry if this surprises anyone, but I couldn't care less about the CMAs. Haven't enjoyed the bulk of what is called "today's Country Music" for quite a while... years.
I get it that it sells, and why that is SO important in business, I just don't understand why musical art can't also be included in that 'genre' - using the term loosely.
When country stopped playing the music of Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless, and many many more - not even mentioning the legends - I quit listening, and buying.
Even more surprising to some of you: I actually appreciate Taylor Swift and her talent... heck, I even like her music. Yes, you read that right. Do I consider it country? Not me.
There is a LOT of music I wouldn't exactly call country being played on 'today's country' radio. Just because it has a tractor or a case of beer in it don't make it country, that makes it cheese factor 12 to me.
Besides the CMA's and the ACM's have almost always been much ado about nothing, even in the grand days of country music. 
But, I choose to ignore the hype and the non-country music of the CMA's and ACM's and watch a good movie, HGTV, read a book, or take a walk.
But that's just me."
The following morning another notloBBer (2/17/12)Berklee College of Music Professor Mark Simos, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist and another swell guy, did watch the CMA's, posting the following to his Facebook page:


I tuned in to the CMAs Wednesday night because I heard Taylor Swift would be performing with Alison Krauss and other amazing folks (a true pantheon) from the more traditional side of country and bluegrass. It was indeed a beautiful moment that filled me with pride and admiration, both for the musicians I know and for Taylor's taste and groundedness. She's a great writer and performer, and the "unplugged" version of "Red" demonstrated the true song craft that the larger production builds on.
But the real high point of the evening for me was Kacey Musgraves singing "Follow Your Arrow." Call this an open letter of unabashed gushing admiration from a doddering old New England songwriting professor, but that was just the most courageous, most heartfelt, uplifting performance I've seen and heard in a long time.
So I'm officially announcing a mad musical crush on Kacey Musgraves. I love that she brings such a deft songwriter's turn of phrase to her theme. Students of classical rhetoric should study how that song lyric is put together. (G. K. Chesterton himself would be proud, Ron Block!) I love that she frames controversy in a broader philosophical context that shifts the discussion in a powerful way. I love the grace and bravery and wit she showed (as she strummed her ukelele-esque little guitar, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer!). I love that she brought her grandma as her date to the CMA. I love that she whistled. I love that someone sings "Hey" in the band after "make lots of noise" and then doesn't sing again for the rest of the chorus but you're sure they're still singing hey after each line. (What's up with that about, Pat Pattison?) I don't love that they censored her line (though it kind of proves her point) but I love that she sang it anyway, and shrugged in amused acceptance because I guess she knew it was getting censored - meanwhile I'm like: "darn, such a good song but why is there that unartful lyrical lacuna right at the crux of the chorus?" I loved that she's proving Nashville might be ready for things everyone has been so sure Nashville isn't ready for. Ready or not.

But above all else: I could swear I heard her sing: "Follow your arrow wherever it pointeth." And if she sang "pointeth" in a country song, I think she should get the Nobel Prize for Country Songwriting. 'Nuff said.
With Kacey Musgraves being recognized, and George Strait winning "CMA Entertainer of Year", perhaps the country music industry has turned a corner and Jim can watch this year's awards on replay and live next year.

Related
Censors Mute Kacey Musgraves During 2013 CMAs Performance of ‘Follow Your Arrow’

Monday, May 21, 2012

2x IBMA Guitar Player of the Year Jim Hurst Returns to Jamaica Plain, 5/23



notloB Parlour Concerts

  
presents.....



notloB Parlour Concerts welcomes back to the historic
Loring-Greenough House, 12 South Street, Jamaica Plain, Ma 
two-time IBMA guitar player of the year Jim Hurst.
Wednesday, May 23 
Doors 7:30pm, Concert 8:00pm
$14 suggested donation + $1 registration fee
Reservations - notlobreservations@gmail.com
We are also offering a group lesson before the concert (separate admission, to register contact Jim through his website - http://www.jimhurst.com).


Pastries from Fiore's Italian Bakery
Coffee from J.P. Licks



"Jim Hurst is one of the most versatile and tasteful guitar players I know. Whether he's flailing the rhythm for an old time fiddle tune, laying down a funky groove, or finger picking a beautiful ballad, his playing is both impeccable and creative.  Accompanying this instrumental virtuosity is a rich and expressive voice with a surprising range."  Mark Schatz



To listen to Jim Hurst is to be amazed by his tasteful and flawless performances.  Perfect timing and tone and his unusual picking style has enchanted guitar players from the novice to his peers.  It’s no surprise, then, that his musical mastery began with a musical upbringing paving the way for a winding and varied career path.



Born into a musical family, Jim spent his youth playing guitar under the influences of flat-picking greats Tony Rice, Doc Watson, George Shuffler, and Clarence White.  But the finger-style playing of Merle Travis, Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed was the “turn in the road” for Jim.  This amalgam of impact defined his technique.



Using his early years to hone his style, Jim’s guitar work and harmony vocals for Holly Dunn’s Rio Band brought his talent to both the national and international stage.  Then in 1992, going electric, he played guitar with Trisha Yearwood, touring extensively and appearing on numerous radio and television shows.  He also performed with Travis Tritt, and Sara Evans, whose 1998 RCA release No Place That Far features Jim’s vocals and acoustic guitar work.

Craving to play more bluegrass, Jim joined Grammy-nominated Claire Lynch and The Front Porch String Band in 1995, during which time he teamed up with bassist Missy Raines.  They began the duet Jim Hurst and Missy Raines while with Front Porch, but then broke off in 2000 to focus solely on their collaboration. Remaining faithful to their bluegrass roots, Jim and Missy explored other genres creating ground-breaking arrangements that wowed the bluegrass community.  Their partnership resulted in two Pinecastle Records, Two and Synergy , receiving critical acclaim and garnering them IBMA Guitar and Bass Player of the Year for 2001 and 2002.

Desiring greater freedom to create his own musical path, Jim left the Claire Lynch Band in 2010 to embark on a solo career.  Already seasoned with two solo recordings, Open Window and Second Son, his latest 2007 release, A Box of Chocolates, exhibits his deft guitar work and soothing vocals.  His shows meet with rave reviews as he astounds his audiences with his brilliant playing yet makes people feel right at home with his humble congenial and funny persona.  Jim is currently performing solo full time, both nationally and internationally, as well as teaching at camps and workshops in North America and Europe.  Additionally, his highly sought-after talent has led to side projects with other bluegrass greats, most recently Rob Ickes and David Grisman.  But his solo show, which allows his personal style and unique creativity to come through in spades, is what keeps his audiences mesmerized. 

Loring-Greenough House
Loring-Greenough House

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Claire Lynch Band and Trio's New England Tour, 4/7-10


Claire Lynch Band and Trio's New England Tour, 4/7-10

Two-time IBMA female vocalist of the year Claire Lynch is bringing her trio and full band to New England in April.

Tuesday, Apr. 5, some time between 7-8pm
Worcester, MA, WCIW-fm
Interview on "In the Tradition", 91.3fm, streaming at www.wcuw.org
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=145864168807382

Thursday, Apr. 7
Bucksport, ME - CLAIRE LYNCH TRIO
Alamo Theatre
www.oldfilm.org/content/alamo-theatre

Friday, Apr. 8
Brownfield, ME - CLAIRE LYNCH BAND
Stone Mountain Arts Center
http://www.stonemountainartscenter.com/ArtsCenter

Saturday, Apr. 9
Andover, MA - CLAIRE LYNCH TRIO
Crossroads Coffeehouse Concert Series
www.crossroads-coffeehouse.org/

Sunday, Apr. 10
Newton Centre, MA - CLAIRE LYNCH BAND
Stoddard Performance Hall
http://ants.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=347787

From ChattanoogaBridge.com - December, 2010
A glorious singer and a stellar songwriter,.. back with a vengeance the past several years with an amazing band. This phase of her career received an exclamation point when she was awarded the IBMA's female vocalist of the year for 2010.

See Claire's website - http://www.clairelynch.com/ and the venue's sites for additional information.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Jim Hurst Workshops and Concert

notloB Folk Concerts

presents 2-time IBMA guitarist of the year

Jim Hurst



Two-time IBMA guitarist of the year, multi-award winning guitarist in Bluegrass, as well as country, and other acoustic music genres, Jim is known throughout the Nashville TN area as one of the best in the business. His talents of singing, multi-instrumentalist abilities and well-rounded stylings have garnered him support positions and recording sessions with some of the best artists in Country and Bluegrass music. Trisha Yearwood, Sara Evans, Holly Dunn, Claire Lynch, Travis Tritt, John Cowan, Mark Schatz, Tim O'Brien and more.

“Jim is what I consider genius level as a player and a thinker.”
~ Claire Lynch

Jim's website ~ http://www.jimhurst.com/

Jim's Facebook fan page ~ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Hurst-Fan-Page/118927888131479

"Theory of Musical Relativity" guitar workshops in Lexington, Worcester and Jamaica Plain.

"If you play guitar around the house, in weekend bands, or for a living, my guess is you have questions about something to do with being a better guitar player than you are currently. My workshop title should give you an indication of my thoughts about it, how we relate our musical likes and desires to the instrument(s) we play. How to become aware of the fretboard and our accomplishments to this point and make the best use of it all. I cover many facets of musical abilities, understandings, fundamentals, practice and performance tips, the importance of melody, right hand exercises and techniques for single and multi-string improvement, Left hand challenges and exercises, chord positions, and scale importance. I adapt the workshop to many accomplishment levels, and while it is a guitar workshop, it is not restricted to guitar. I also welcome and invite flatpicking and fingerstyle players. While some of the workshops I do tend to have a bluegrass music flavor, I welcome any acoustic players.

"You are encouraged to bring audio recording devices (sorry, video not allowed) to record the workshop, but I must state that no sharing of the recordings are allowed. Note taking is always allowed and encouraged. I suggest attendees bring any questions to the workshop.

*No tablature or notation is provided or used, but discussion of this is likely.

"Come on out and let's learn something together."

"Theory of Musical Relativity" - Guitar Workshop, Lexington
Wednesday, May 12, 7:00pm, in association with the Boston Bluegrass Union and the Music Emporium




Location:
Music Emporium
Street:
165 Massachusetts Avenue
City/Town:
Lexington, MA



$45 BBU members / $50 non-members.

More information / register at http://www.bbu.org, or send email to cameron.pforr (at) gmail (dot) com

Facebook event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117646604921813

=================

"Theory of Musical Relativity" - Guitar Workshop, Worcester
Thursday, May 13, 8:00pm




Location:
Printers' Building
Street:
50 Portland Street
City/Town:
Worcester, MA



$50 regular, $45 members of WCUW or WICN, $40 students/seniors, $30 college students enrolled in music programs.

More information / register by email to notlobreservations @gmail.com

PARKING: Do NOT park in the Portland Street lot, it belongs to the Bancroft Apartments, and they tow. Park in the Printer's Building own lot on the Myrtle Street side of the building. If full, park at a meter on Portland Street or or in the public lot next to the library off Salem Street.

The entrance is accessible from the building's lot, to the left of the dock. There will be a a sign on the door.

Facebook event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117433784955135

======================

"Theory of Musical Relativity" - Guitar Workshop, Jamaica Plain
Saturday, May 15, 1:00pm

Location:
Temple Sound & Stage
Street:
670 Centre St., Suite 9
City/Town:
Jamaica Plain, MA


Workshop only: $50 regular, $45 people who reserve through notlobreservations@gmail.com, $40 students/seniors, $30 Berklee/NEC/Emerson consortium college students enrolled in music programs.

....and that same evening Jim will be giving a solo acoustic concert at the nearby Loring Greenough House.

Workshop & evening concert combo - The workshop price above + $10.

Concert only: Suggested donation $20- at the door; $15- if reservation is made at least 24 hours in advance and Tuesday Club members; $12- for students and seniors; $50 - max on families. Addition of a $1/person “preservation fee” that goes to the LG House.

More information / register by email to notlobreservations @gmail.com

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

PARKING: Recommend the large public lot behind Blanchard's Liquors. Also available on the street (meters).

CHAIRS: Bring your own armless chair or stool.

Facebook event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117043834995272


======================

Parlour concert at the Loring Greenough House, JP

Date:
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Time:
7:30pm - 10:30pm
Location:
Loring Greenough House
Street:
12 South Street
City/Town:
Jamaica Plain, MA



Suggested donation $20- at the door; $15- if reservation is made at least 24 hours in advance and Tuesday Club members; $12- for students and seniors; $50 - max immediate families. Addition of a $1/person “preservation fee” that goes to the LG House. See above if interested in combining the workshop and concert.

Seating limited to 40, reservations suggested ~ notlobreservations @gmail.com

Facebook event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115890011783159

notloB Folk Concerts (Somerville, Newton and Somerville) are volunteer run and not for profit. For more information go to the website ~ http://sites.google.com/site/notlobmusic
Mailing list ~ http://groups.google.com/group/notlobmusic
Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38565709718

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

IBMA Announces International Bluegrass Music Award Nominees

Source

Nashville, TN- IBMA is proud to announce the nominees for the 20th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, hosted by Grammy®-winning country artist Kathy Mattea and the legendary bluegrass band, Hot Rize, on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Two decades after the very first IBMA Award Show–an intimate industry gathering at the Executive Inn’s Showroom Lounge in Owensboro, Kentucky, hosted by Vince Gill and the Dirt Band’s John McEuen–bluegrass music’s premier night continues to be the most anticipated evening of the year. Now a generation away from that first show, the bluegrass tradition of passing the music on from one generation to the next also continues, evidenced by the six bands nominated for Entertainer of the Year in 2009. All have gained valuable experience as journeymen musicians with established artists in the past, and have now become the band leaders and musical stylists who will inspire future generations.

Reigning Entertainers of the Year Dailey & Vincent apprenticed with legendary stars Doyle Lawson and Ricky Skaggs. Key members of The Grascals were members of the Osborne Brothers band. Doyle Lawson himself is a former member of The Country Gentlemen and Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys. Del McCoury is a former guitarist and lead singer with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys. Members of Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out were former sidemen in Lawson’s band, Quicksilver. And Dan Tyminski has been one of Alison Krauss’s right-hand men in Union Station for a number of years.

Dan Tyminski and two Union Station alumni, Adam Steffey and Barry Bales, have taken the opportunity to make a name for their own group the past two years, while Alison Krauss focused on a critically acclaimed recording and tour dates with Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. On the strength of Tyminski’s chart-topping album Wheels, the band leads with nine nominations. In addition to Entertainer of the Year, Instrumental Group, Album of the Year, Song of the Year for the title cut, and Male Vocalist nods, band members Ron Stewart, Bales and Steffey are nominated for their individual instrumental skills, with Stewart earning nods in both the Banjo and Fiddle Player categories.

Dailey & Vincent, whose popularity has only continued to grow since they received seven awards in 2008, including Entertainer of the Year, have a new album out on Rounder Records entitled Brothers from Different Mothers and seven new IBMA nominations. Along with nominations for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist–an award Dailey took home last year–the band is up for Vocal Group; Album of the Year; Bass Player (Vincent); Gospel Recorded Performance for “On the Other Side,” a song written by Jimmy Fortune, Kevin Denney & Tom Botkin; and “After the Fire is Gone,” a song Vincent recorded with his award-winning sister Rhonda Vincent and the legendary Bobby Osborne.

Multiple Emmy®- and Grammy® winning actor, musician and best-selling author, Steve Martin, burst onto the bluegrass scene this year, trusty banjo in hand, to receive nominations in six IBMA award categories: Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year for “The Crow”, Recorded Event of the year for both “Daddy Played the Banjo” and “The Crow,” Banjo Player, Best Liner Notes and Best Graphic Design for a Recorded Project. After charity appearances in Los Angeles and New York and an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in May, Martin has recently announced a cross-country series of tour dates in support of his album, The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo. The Crow currently sits at the top of the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart, and Steve has brought mainstream media attention to bluegrass music with a number of appearances on television and radio programs this year, including A Prairie Home Companion, American Idol’s season finale, Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, CBS Early Show, Tavis Smiley and Late Show with David Letterman. Martin, whose fans will remember his impressive banjo chops from his early days as a stand-up comedian, wrote all the songs on The Crow.

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper have been recognized with six nominations, including Instrumental Group, Bass (Marshall Wilborn), Fiddle (Cleveland), Mandolin (Jesse Brock), Print Media Person (guitarist & lead singer, Tom Adams), and Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year for the Bill Monroe classic tune, “Jerusalem Ridge.”

The Grascals, who were named Entertainers of the Year in 2006 and 2007, have nominations in five categories. Along with nods for Entertainer and Album of the Year for Keep On Walkin’, current Banjo Player of the Year Kristin Scott Benson is nominated for Instrumental Recorded Performance for her original composition “Don’t Tread on Me,” and she receives a new Banjo Player nomination. The entire band is recognized in the Recorded Event of the Year category for their collaboration with Vince Gill, “Sad Wind Sighs.”

The following groups received four nominations each for their outstanding contributions during the current eligibility period: Blue Highway, The Isaacs, Danny Paisley, The Del McCoury Band, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice and Rhonda Vincent & the Rage.

The bluegrass industry’s highest honors of the year go to the new members of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, the legendary string band formed in 1937 by Ezra, Ray and Ned Cline in West Virginia; and The Dillards, the influential band from Salem, Missouri, known for their popular appearances on The Andy Griffith Show who blazed a trail on the West Coast in the 1960s for progressive bluegrass bands and were instrumental in laying the foundation for the “country rock” music genre. (For complete information on this year’s inductees, please visit http://www.ibma.org/ibma.awards/currentpress/HOFPress.asp.)

IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award is an honor which recognizes individuals, groups and businesses for ground-breaking work and fostering the music’s image and accessibility. This year’s recipients are early bluegrass pioneer Hylo Brown; long-time event producer from Maine, Pati Crooker; veteran performer and radio announcer Jody Rainwater; author, musicology and radio broadcaster Dick Spottswood; and the National Council for the Traditional Art’s Joe Wilson. (For complete information on this year’s recipients, please visit http://www.ibma.org/ibma.awards/currentpress/distachieve.asp.)

Tickets for the 20th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, bluegrass music’s biggest night of the year, are available at 888-438-4262, (615) 256-3222 and www.ibma.org. Tickets go on sale at the Ryman Auditorium box office on August 15.

The award show will be broadcast live on Sirius XM Satellite Radio (”Bluegrass Junction” Channel 14) and syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to the sponsorship of Martha White, GHS Strings, Sugar Hill Records, Deering Banjos, Bluegrass Music Profiles and the International Bluegrass Music Museum. Program directors and station managers may sign up to be affiliates online at www.ibma.org.

The International Bluegrass Music Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), which serves as the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. The IBMA Award Show is the centerpiece of the World of Bluegrass week, including the industry’s Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest, slated for September 28 – October 4 in Nashville.

Interesting Facts from the 2009 Slate of Nominees:

  • Ron Stewart continues his role this year of being the only person ever named as a final nominee on two instruments the same year: banjo and fiddle.
  • Leading nominee Dan Tyminski was the singing voice of George Clooney in O Brother, Where Art Thou? the popular film directed by the Coen Brothers that brought bluegrass and acoustic music to the forefront of mass media attention in 2000. In addition to being a nearly professional-level golfer, Dan was also the high school foosball champion in his home state of Vermont.
  • Steve Martin’s high school jamming buddy, multi-instrumentalist John McEuen, of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, returns this year with three nominations for production related to Martin’s album, The Crow. As noted above, McEuen was the first co-host of the International Bluegrass Music Awards in 1990.
  • John’s co-host at the 1st Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, Vince Gill, is also nominated for an award this year: Recorded Event of the Year for “Sad Wind Sighs,” with The Grascals.
  • The members of Hot Rize, co-hosts for the International Bluegrass Music Awards this year, were the first recipients of the IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award in 1990.
  • Michael Cleveland, one of the most highly-awarded bluegrass musicians still in his 20s, has received the Fiddle Player of the Year six times in the past eight years. If he wins in 2009, he’ll be closing in on Stuart Duncan, who currently has eight IBMA fiddle trophies on his mantel at home.
  • Band leader Alecia Nugent, originally from Louisiana, is a first-time nominee this year for Female Vocalist of the Year. Jesse Brock, a member of Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, is nominated for the first time in the Mandolin Player of the Year category.
  • Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice and Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass, both who are nominated in the Emerging Artist category this year, are competing head-to-head in three more categories this year: Male Vocalist, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. .
  • Voting is close this year, as evidenced by ties in two categories, leading to six finalists for Entertainer and Dobro Player of the Year, instead of the customary five.

THE NOMINEES for the 2009 INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

  • Dailey & Vincent
  • The Grascals
  • Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
  • The Del McCoury Band
  • Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
  • Dan Tyminski Band

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

  • Blue Highway
  • Dailey & Vincent
  • The Isaacs
  • Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
  • Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

  • Blue Highway
  • Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
  • The Infamous Stringdusters
  • Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky
  • Thunder
  • Dan Tyminski Band

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

  • Jamie Dailey
  • Russell Moore
  • Danny Paisley
  • Junior Sisk
  • Dan Tyminski

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

  • Dale Ann Bradley
  • Sonya Isaacs
  • Claire Lynch
  • Alecia Nugent
  • Rhonda Vincent

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Recording Title, Artist(s), Producer(s), Label

  • Blue Side Of The Blue Ridge, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice (artist), Ronnie Bowman (producer), Rebel Records
  • Brothers From Different Mothers, Dailey & Vincent (artist), Jamie Dailey & Darrin Vincent (producers), Rounder Records
  • Keep On Walkin’, The Grascals (artist/producers), Rounder Records
  • The Room Over Mine, Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass (artist), Ken Irwin & Danny Paisley (producers), Rounder Records
  • Wheels, Dan Tyminski, (artist/producer), Rounder Records

SONG OF THE YEAR

Song Title, Artist(s), Songwriter(s)

  • “Don’t Throw Mama’s Flowers Away,” Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass (artist), Chris Stuart & Ivan Rosenberg (writers)
  • “Iron & Diamonds,” The Gibson Brothers (artist), Leigh & Eric Gibson (writers)
  • “Leaving Baker County,” Junior Sisk & Ramblers
  • Choice (artist), Tom T. & Dixie Hall (writers)
  • “Moneyland,” Del McCoury Band (artist), John Herald (writer)
  • “Wheels,” Dan Tyminski (artist), Patrick McDougal (writer)

RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR

Song Title, Featured Artists, Producer(s), Label

  • “After The Fire Is Gone;” Bobby Osborne, Rhonda Vincent & Darrin Vincent (artists); Glen Duncan & Bobby Osborne (producers); Rounder Records”The Crow,” Steve Martin with Tony Trischka (artists), John McEuen (producer), 40 Share Productions
  • “Daddy Played The Banjo;” Steve Martin with Tim O’Brien & Earl Scruggs (artists), John McEuen (producer), 40 Share Productions
  • “Proud To Be A Daughter of Bluegrass;” Daughters of Bluegrass featuring Dale Ann Bradley, Heather Berry, Lisa Martin, Gloria Belle, Sierra Hull, Rhonda Vincent, Lisa Ray, Linda Lay, Sally Jones, Jeanie Stanley, Carol Lee Cooper, Sonya Isaacs, Becky Isaacs Bowman, Michelle Nixon, Jeanette Williams, Sophie Haislip, Louise Tomberlain, Mindy Rakestraw, Lizzy Long, Frances Mooney, Lorraine Jordan, Annette Kelley, Lily Lieux, Dixie Hall, Judi Marshall, Melissa Lawrence, Beth Lawrence, Rebecca Frazier, Donica Christensen, Lisa Manning & Jenni Lyn Gardner (artists); Dixie Hall, Paula Wolak & Frances Mooney (producers); Blue Circle Records
  • “Sad Wind Sighs,” The Grascals with Vince Gill (artists), The Grascals (producers), Rounder Records

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Song Title, Artist(s), Songwriter(s), Producer, Label
  • “Darkness Wept,” Lonesome River Band (artist/producers), Dee Gaskin & Rebecca
  • Bowman (writers), Rural Rhythm Records
  • “On The Other Side;” Dailey & Vincent (artist); Jimmy Fortune, Kevin Denney & Tom Botkin (writers); Jamie Dailey & Darrin Vincent (producers); Rounder Records
  • “What A Journey,” Paul Williams & The Victory Trio (artist), Bret Bronson & Louise Gorman (writers), Paul Williams (producer), Rebel Records
  • “When The Last Of Our Days Shall Come,” Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (artist), Chris Stuart (writer), Doyle Lawson (producer), Rounder Records
  • “Who’ll Sing for Me?” Audie Blaylock & Redline (artist), Thomas J. Farris (writer), Audie Blaylock (producer), Rural Rhythm Records

INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Tune Title, Artist(s), Songwriter, Producer(s), Label

  • “Angeline The Baker,” Rob Ickes & Andy Leftwich (artists), public domain, Rob Haines (producer), Mel Bay Music
  • “The Crow,” Steve Martin (artist/writer), John McEuen (producer), 40 Share Productions
  • “Don’t Tread On Me,” Kristin Scott Benson (artist/writer/producer), Pinecastle Records
  • “Jerusalem Ridge,” Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artist), Bill Monroe (writer), Jeff White & Michael Cleveland (producers), Rounder Records
  • “Struttin’ To Ferrum,” Lonesome River Band (artist/producer), arrangement by Gene Parker, Rural Rhythm Records

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • Sierra Hull & Highway 111
  • Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass
  • Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice
  • The SteelDrivers
  • Josh Williams Band

INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR

BANJO

  • Kristin Scott Benson
  • J.D. Crowe
  • Steve Martin
  • Sammy Shelor
  • Ron Stewart

BASS

  • Barry Bales
  • Mike Bub
  • Missy Raines
  • Darrin Vincent
  • Marshall Wilborn

FIDDLE

  • Hunter Berry
  • Jason Carter
  • Michael Cleveland
  • Stuart Duncan
  • Ron Stewart

DOBRO

  • Mike Auldridge
  • Jerry Douglas
  • Andy Hall
  • Rob Ickes
  • Randy Kohrs
  • Phil Leadbetter

GUITAR

  • Jim Hurst
  • Tony Rice
  • Kenny Smith
  • Bryan Sutton
  • Josh Williams

MANDOLIN

  • Jesse Brock
  • Sam Bush
  • Sierra Hull
  • Ronnie McCoury
  • Adam Steffey

BLUEGRASS EVENT OF THE YEAR

  • Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival; Oak Hill, New York; July 2008
  • 33rd Annual Tri-State Bluegrass Festival; Kendallville, Indiana; May 2008
  • 2008 World Cultural Fusion Festival; Kawaguchi City, Japan; July 2008

BLUEGRASS BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR

  • Kyle Cantrell; Sirius XM Satellite Radio; Nashville, Tennessee
  • Katy Daly; HD Radio WAMU 88.5 Channel 2, 105.5 FM Washington, D.C.
  • Ned Luberecki; Sirius XM Satellite Radio; Nashville, Tennessee
  • PRINT MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR
    • Tom Adams, Banjo Newsletter
    • Dan Miller, Flatpicking Guitar
    • Roger Siminoff; Siminoff’s Luthiers Glossary, Banjo Newsletter and Bluegrass Breakdown
  • LINER NOTES FOR RECORDED PROJECT

    Writers, Album, Artists, Label

    • Charlie Cushman, Marty Stuart, Eddie Stubbs & Johnny Warren (writers); A Tribute to Fiddlin’ Paul Warren; Johnny Warren & Charlie Cushman (artists); no label
    • Eddie Dean (writer); Old-Time Pickin’: A Clawhammer Banjo Collection, Ralph Stanley (artist), Rebel Records
    • Steve Martin (writer), The Crow, Steve Martin (artist), 40 Share Productions
  • BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR RECORDED PROJECT
    • Designer, Album, Artists, Labels, G. Carr & Salli Ratts (designers), The Crow, Steve Martin (artist), 40 Share Production
    • Stumptown Printers (designer), Uncle Charlie Osborne: The June Appal Recordings, Uncle Charlie Osborne (artist), June Appal Recordings
    • Loren Witcher (designer), Inside Out, Missy Raines & the New Hip (artist), Compass Records

    HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES: The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, The Dillards

    DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS: Hylo Brown, Pati Crooker, Jody Rainwater, Dick Spottswood, Joe Wilson

    Submitted by Karen Byrd Public Relations

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