Thoughts from a first-timer by Eddie Huffman Is it crazy that World of Bluegrass 2013 still registers high on the mental activity meter? Maybe, but then again, how do you forget over 140,000 bluegrassers of all strains—artists, managers, talent buyers, merchandisers, journalists, fans, and more? I do not want to re-hash Nancy’s editorial from our previous issue of IB here, but I just wanted briefly share my impressions and experience as a first-timer. Working World of Bluegrass proved to be taxing mentally and physically. By the end of the week, I was answering the phantom call of my name ringing in my ear. I became a bit on edge, thinking everyone wanted to ask me questions. That fellow is not beckoning me; he’s waving to a friend behind me. Paranoid? Maybe. Exhausted? Definitely. In fact, I’m still thinking and writing in choppy statements rather than complete sentences because the mental capacity to do so, if it was ever there to begin with, has not returned. But for all this, and I might be exaggerating a bit there, looking out over the 6000 plus crowd Saturday night at the Red Hat amphitheater or snaking through the 60,000 outside at the street fair earlier that day was somehow soothing after a week of sixteen-hour work days. Viewing success unfold before one eyes is such a simple satisfaction, elegant and effective. The business conducted at World of Bluegrass forms the basis from which anything like Wide Open, Streetfest, or any other bluegrass festival (and many “roots” and “Americana” festivals, to boot) could ever spring forth. These festivals are symbolic of the success of the industry. They denote the state of our union, so to speak. Of course, a successful industry is what a trade organization is for, and that is what you all achieved at World of Bluegrass. You all made a 140,000-strong Wide Open Bluegrass a reality. Not by your physical presence, but by being the business, by discovering that emerging artist, by showcasing your talent, by connecting with your colleagues, by exhibiting your instruments, by putting records out, by producing festivals, by volunteering at your local associations, by producing radio shows and publications, and so much more. These are the seeds with which the bluegrass fields are sown. Your dedication enables our growth and harvest. When I looked over that crowd, I glimpsed the professional, creative, and vibrant fruits of our industry. The global musical landscape continues to unfold, and bluegrass music has great things on its horizon. You will take your experiences in Raleigh and apply them to your craft throughout the year. The IBMA staff will do the same. Of course, we’re already thinking about WOB 2014, but we’re also thinking about the interim (as not simply “the interim”). Our goal as a staff is to create opportunities for you to conduct business and nurture professional relationships and shape the musical landscape throughout the year, not for just one week in September. The staff is working to facilitate a more robust set of tools that connect bluegrass professionals around the world. A primary push in this direction is to provide increased member access to industry information and increased member-driven functionality. We also want to reach out to the membership directly; we want to hear your ideas. To this end we have established suggestions@ibma.org, for members only. So send us your thoughts, and let’s keep the momentum generated during WOB going! International Bluegrass
3