IB bluegrass INTERNATIONAL
Vol. 31 No. 9 October 2016
SPECIAL WORLD OF BLUEGRASS 2016 EDITION
International Bluegrass Editor: Kelly Kessler kelly@ibma.org
Vol. 31 | No. 9 | October 2016
Designer: Erin Faith Erdos erinfaitherdos@gmail.com
STAFF
Paul Schiminger Executive Director
Kelly Kessler Director of Communications and Professional Development
Leah James Director of Member Services
Eddie Huffman Director of Convention Services
BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Joe Mullins, Chair Ben Surratt, Vice Chair Denise Jarvinen, Treasurer Regina Derzon, Secretary Alan Tompkins, Executive Committee member
Becky Buller-Artist/Composer/Publisher Jeremy Darrow-Artist/Composer/Publicher Jamie Deering-Merchandisers/Luthiers Mike Drudge-Agents/Managers/Publicists Silvio Ferretti- International John Goad-Print Media/Education Marian Leighton Levy-Recording/ Distribution/Marketing
William Lewis-At Large Steve Martin-At Large Stephen Mougin-At Large Mike Simpson-At Large Wayne Taylor-Artists/Composers/Publishers Bree Tucker-Myers- Event Production Bob Webster-Broadcast Media
INFO CONTACT US
INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS
The monthly emailed publication of the International Bluegrass Music Association
(ISSN #1095-0605) IBMA: IBMA is the trade association
4206 Gallatin Road, 37216 USA 615-256-3222 | 888-GET-IBMA Fax: 615-256-0450 Email: info@ibma.org Website: www.ibma.org
that connects and educates bluegrass professionals, empowers the bluegrass community, and encourages worldwide appreciation of bluegrass music of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Statement of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the writers alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers, directors, staff or members of IBMA. Portions of International Bluegrass may be reprinted provided that explicit citation of the source is made: “Reprinted with permission from International Bluegrass, the publication of the International Bluegrass Music Association, www.ibma.org.�
TA B LE O F C ON T E N T S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS
OCTOBER 2016
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news from 2016 World of Bluegrass
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Giving credit where credit is due
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thank you to Wob sponsors
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IBMA’s Hard-Working Committees
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IBMA board election update
10 Leadership Bluegrass deadline 11 A Song to Save a Town 12 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards 18 2016 World of bluegrass photo gallery 35 industry news Photo credits: David Brainard, Maria Camillo, Todd Gunsher, Willa Stein
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What just happened? News from the 2016 WORLD OF BLUEGRASS It is too early as we go to pixels to offer a rundown of the numbers from World of Bluegrass. We do know that: • • • • •
Business Conference attendance was up, Exhibit Hall attendance was up dramatically, turnout for all the Ramble venues was very strong, the showcases were extremely popular, and Wide Open seemed to be up in attendance, with the street brimming with people.
In addition, over 200 bands played throughout the week. We’ll have more numbers for you that reflect the relative success of different aspects of WOB tabulated in time for the November issue of IB.
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GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE Thousands of us flocked to the World of Bluegrass in Raleigh to build our businesses, learn new skills, make profitable connections, and honor our pioneers. Of course, we all came for some very good bluegrass, too. There was a sense of graciousness and hospitality once again at WOB which we credit to our remarkable Raleigh partners. The Local Organizing Committee, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Pinecone went to great lengths to make all feel welcome, and to let the world know we had a special event going on. They seemingly thought of every small detail, yet made it appear effortless. IBMA is moved by the enthusiasm and visible support of Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane, who joined us at our Leadership Bluegrass Reception, Keynote Address, Special Awards Luncheon, the IBMA Awards Show, and Red Hat Amphitheater. We greatly appreciate the home we have found in Raleigh.
Our sponsors have made this yearly event possible. We deeply appreciate each and every one of them for their support. Please see the next page for a full listing of sponsors. We specifically want to thank Chiesi USA, PNC, and Virginia Tourism Corporation for their generosity. We are grateful to Chiesi USA, who is our principal underwriter of the World of Bluegrass Business Conference, the Bluegrass Ramble and our annual Awards Show. These events are at the heart of why we gather every year, and we thank Chiesi for their important help in making them possible. We also thank them for recently extending their commitment through 2018. For the fourth year, PNC presented Wide Open Bluegrass, a two-day extravaganza featuring a free bluegrass street-fest with over 100 bands, and IBMA’s marquee event, the Mainstage at the Red Hat Amphitheater. It’s the Red Hat that helps fund both the Bluegrass Trust Fund and IBMA’s operational
expenses. We are grateful to PNC for their tremendous support since we arrived in Raleigh and their commitment through 2018. Virginia Tourism Corporation sponsored our Business Conference and the Red Hat Mainstage. The support of our music and our event from this heritage state is greatly appreciated. In addition to our committees who work on a voluntary basis (and who we thank on page 9), we have 325 volunteers who make the whole week run, from registration to helping with seminars to working the music venues. Some have been with us since Owensboro! If you volunteer for us, we appreciate you contributing your time, your know-how and your enthusiasm for bluegrass.
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IBMA thanks all our sponsors
Sight & Sound VISION CARE FOR THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
who make World of Bluegrass possible
We deeply appreciate your continued support
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IBMA’s Hard-working committees
Tremendous volunteer efforts over the past year went into making WOB 2016 a success. Much of the content the bluegrass world enjoyed in Raleigh came into being through the dedicated work done by these committees: • • • • • • • • • • •
International Committee Talent Buyers Committee Continued Legal Education Committee IBMA Youth Council Leadership Bluegrass Alumni Committee Leadership Bluegrass Planning Committee Membership Committee Songwriters Committee Songwriter Showcase Selection Committee Awards Task Force Awards Committee (Broadcast)
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• • • • • • • • • •
Awards Eligibility & Criteria Committee Awards Show Oversight Broadcast Award Distinguished Achievement Award Committee Event of the Year Award Hall of Fame Nominating Committee Liner Notes & Graphic Design Award Committee Momentum Award Committee Print Media Award Songwriter of the Year Committee
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IBMA Board Elections
Elections were held at the IBMA Board Meeting in Raleigh, NC on September 26, 2016. Incoming board members are Silvio Ferretti, who will take Angelika Torrie’s International position; Jeremy Darrow replacing Alan Bartram in an Artist/Composer/Publisher seat; and Mike Simpson taking Becky Buller’s vacated At-Large seat. Meanwhile, Becky Buller will serve in the Artist/Composer/Publisher position left open by Joe Mullins, who has been elected Board Chair of IBMA. The board sincerely thanks Tim Surrett, who has stepped down as chair to attend to health issues, Angelika Torrie, and Alan Bartram for their many contributions to the betterment of IBMA.
The Executive Committee now stands as Joe Mullins, Chair; Ben Surratt, Vice Chair; Denise Jarvinen, Treasurer; Regina Derzon, Secretary; and Alan Tompkins, committee member.
We will soon have contact information readily available for new board members. We encourage everyone to be in contact with your board representative to let your voice be heard. You are IBMA.
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LBG DEADLINE
DEADLINE
APPLY FOR Leadership Bluegrass 2017 Applications due by November 15, 2016 Class scheduled for Mon-Wed, March 20-22, 2017, in Nashville Leadership Bluegrass is an intensive, three-day workshop that brings together folks in the industry with different backgrounds to meet, discuss, learn and lead. “Leadership Bluegrass was an incredible experience for me,” said alumna Emilee Warner, Associate Marketing Manager/ Music for Cracker Barrel Old Family Store. “From the connections with classmates to the invaluable information shared from the speakers, it’s a one-of-akind opportunity we have in the bluegrass community. I highly recommend it.”
The purpose of the Leadership Bluegrass program is to pull together a cross section of people with exhibited or potential leadership qualities into a network of learning and communication. Participants (limited to 25 each year), examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, challenges and new trends in the bluegrass music industry which, in turn, can help them focus and succeed in the individual organization, company or group in which they choose to serve.
Leadership Bluegrass seeks to explore bluegrass music and its place in the larger world of entertainment through: • A systematic study of the business of bluegrass, its institutions and organizations, their needs, problems and resources • Exposure to a wide variety of current music leaders and notable persons • Independent thinking, fresh perspectives and approaches • Examination of relevant issues facing bluegrass, as we consider lessons learned in the past and move forward • A look at how related issues in the broader music and entertainment industry impact bluegrass • High quality interactive sessions for the participants.
Applications are due in the IBMA office by Nov. 15, 2016 for the 2017 class, scheduled for Mon-Wed, March 20-22, in Nashville. Click here to learn more about Leadership Bluegrass, and here to apply online or download an application form. For more information, call Kelly Kessler at (615) 256-3222, kelly@ibma.org
Leadership Bluegrass
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NEWS RELEASE
A Song to Save a Town
BULLER’S LATEST SINGLE A FUNDRAISER FOR DEVASTATED TOWN
Becky Buller, IBMA’s 2016 Fiddle Player of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year, has launched her latest single as a fundraiser. “Phoenix Arise” was recorded to help the people of Madelia, MN, rebuild after a massive fire destroyed a good portion of downtown last February.
Buller says, “Madelia is in my home county, Watonwan County, Minnesota, and it’s where my dad works. I wanted to do something to help in the relief effort, and this previouslyunrecorded song by Mark Simos and Lisa Aschman - which I have loved for years - immediately came to mind.”
For a limited time you can download the track at www.madeliastrong.com and make any size donation you’d like. Every penny goes to the families and businesses in Madelia, MN.
TO LEARN MORE AND HEAR A BIT OF THE SONG, WATCH BECKY’S VIDEO.
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The 27th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards The 27th Annual International Bluegrass Music Association Awards Show was held on September 30, 2016 at Duke Energy Center in Raleigh, NC, celebrating excellence in the field of bluegrass. Among the highlights were the Earls of Leicester taking home their second consecutive Entertainers of the Year Award, while individual Earls Jerry Douglas, Charlie Cushman and Barry Bales won for Dobro Player of the Year, Banjo Player of the Year and Bass Player of the Year. 2014’s Emerging Artists of the Year Flatt Lonesome swept three awards for Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Vocal Group of the Year. History was made when Sierra Hull (who co-hosted the Awards Show with Dan Tyminski) was the first woman named Mandolin Player of the Year, and Becky Buller the first woman to win Fiddle Player of the Year. Notable wins by women instrumentalists in the past include Alison Brown’s win on banjo at the 2nd Annual IBMA Awards ceremony, and more recently Kristin Scott-Benson’s four trips to the podium for the same instrument. Missy Raines has been honored seven times with Bass Player of the Year.
Awards Part 1
View Part 2 here! Roland White, backstage with Herb Pedersen and Patrick Sauber, accepts on behalf of his brother, Clarence White, who was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
In addition to her Fiddle Player of the Year Award, Becky Buller was also honored with the Female Vocalist of the Year Award. Audience members responded with surprise and delight when Danny Paisley picked up his first Male Vocalist of the Year Award. The founders of Rounder Records – Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton-Levy and Bill Nowlin - were inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame for their remarkable run of recording bluegrass (along with other genres), and their profound contributions to the field. Clarence White was also inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame for his innovative guitar playing and lasting influence. Presenters and performers included IIIrd Tyme Out, Balsam Range, Alison Brown, the Becky Buller Band, the Earls of Leicester, Flatt Lonesome, the Gibson Brothers, Sierra Hull, Carl Jackson, Alison Krauss, Laurie Lewis, the Lonely Heartstring Band, Lonesome River Band, Claire Lynch, the Del McCoury Band, Jesse McReynolds, Stephen Mougin, the Soggy Bottom Boys, John Virant, and Roland White. The audience responded enthusiastically to the performers and recipients, including several standing ovations.
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The Rounder Founders backstage after their 2016 induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame
AND THE WINNERS ARE
Winners of the 26th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Entertainer of the Year: The Earls of Leicester
Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: “All Dressed Up,” Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers
Banjo Player of the Year: Charlie Cushman
Female Vocalist of the Year: Becky Buller
Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year: “Fireball,” Special Consensus featuring Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley and Alison Brown
Bass Player of the Year: Barry Bales
Male Vocalist of the Year: Danny Paisley Vocal Group of the Year: Flatt Lonesome Instrumental Group of the Year: Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen Song of the Year: “You’re the One,” Flatt Lonesome
Emerging Artist of the Year: Mountain Faith Recorded Event of the Year: “Longneck Blues,” Junior Sisk and Ronnie Bowman Inductees into the Bluegrass HOF: Clarence White; The Rounder Founders: Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton-Levy and Bill Nowlin
Album of the Year: Runaway Train, Flatt Lonesome
Charm City Folk & Bluegrass Festival
Industry Involvement: Brad Kolodner Mentor: Stephen Mougin Band: Lil’ Smokies Instrumentalists: Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Jake Workman Vocalist: Melody Walker
Fiddle Player of the Year: Becky Buller Guitar Player of the Year: Bryan Sutton Mandolin Player of the Year: Sierra Hull
Special Awards Broadcaster of the Year: Joe Mullins
Momentum Awards Event of the Year:
Dobro Player of the Year: Jerry Douglas
Event of the Year: 44 Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival (Woodstown, NJ) th
Best Liner Notes for Recorded Project: Daniel Mullins – Project: The Blues are Still the Blues; Artist: The Traditional Grass; Label: Rebel Records
Best Graphic Design for Recorded Project: Scott McCormick – Project: Ladies & Gentlemen; Artist: The Infamous Stringdusters; Label: Compass Records Bluegrass Print/Media Person of the Year: Penny Parsons, Foggy Mountain Troubadour: The Life and Music of Curly Seckler, University of Illinois Press Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year: Donna Ulisse
Distinguished Achievement Awards: Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, Boston Bluegrass Union, SiriusXM Radio’s Bluegrass Junction, Bill Emerson, Jim Rooney
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WORLD OF B photo g 14 International Bluegrass | October 2016
BLUEGRASS gallery International Buegrass
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BUSINESS CONFERENCE
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HEADLINE HERE
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SHOWCASES & WORKSHOPS
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MOMENTUM AWARDS | KEYNOTE
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SPECIAL AWARDS | DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
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PICKIN’ & GRINNIN’
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YOUTH IN BLUEGRASS
HEADLINE HERE
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EXPO HALL
HEADLINE HERE
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EXPO HALL
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RAMBLE
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RAMBLE
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IBMA AWARDS
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IBMA AWARDS
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WIDE OPEN BLUEGRASS
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INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRY NEWS
october 2016
Ricky Skaggs to the Musicians Hall of Fame
14-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame this month. In addition to Skaggs, this year’s inductees include the late Jerry Reed; Garth Brooks; Brooks’ studio backing band, the G-Men; and the Sigma Sound Studio Rhythm Section. This will be the first time a bluegrass musician has been inducted into the MHoF. An induction ceremony and concert will be held on Wednesday, October 26, at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Skaggs will be joined in performance by Bruce Hornsby. The Municipal Auditorium is home to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and Grammy Museum Gallery at Musicians Hall of Fame. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
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SAVE THE DATES
IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS 2017 SEPTEMBER 26-30
IB