The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Bluegrass Music Awards has unveiled its hosts for the 35th annual ceremony, set to take place on Thursday, September 26, at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Renowned bluegrass artists Missy Raines and John Cowan will lead the festivities, celebrating a milestone year in the world of bluegrass music.
This year’s IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards is particularly poignant as it marks the final chapter for IBMA World of Bluegrass and Bluegrass Live! in Raleigh. The festival, which has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, will bid farewell with a weekend packed full of music and events. The celebration continues with the IBMA Bluegrass Live! Festival on September 27-28, featuring standout performances from Sierra Ferrell and the Steep Canyon Rangers, among others.
As IBMA World of Bluegrass and Bluegrass Live! prepare to move to Chattanooga, Tennessee, this year’s festival offers a final chance for Raleigh residents and bluegrass enthusiasts to experience the event in its current home. With the event’s departure, the city will see the end of an era, but fans are encouraged to make the most of this last opportunity to revel in Raleigh’s bluegrass scene.
For those looking ahead, there is exciting news on the horizon. Raleigh will welcome a new bluegrass festival, Raleigh Wide Open, set to debut in October 2025. This new festival, organized by the Piedmont-based music nonprofit PineCone, aims to honor the legacy of the original Oak City bluegrass festival while introducing fresh talent and new traditions to the local music scene.
NewGrass Radio Show on JamFest: A Monday Night Tradition
In addition to the upcoming festival news, bluegrass aficionados can enjoy a weekly dose of bluegrass music with the NewGrass Radio Show, airing every Monday night on JamFest. This radio show is a staple for bluegrass lovers, featuring a dynamic mix of classic tracks and contemporary tunes from the genre’s pioneering artists and rising stars.
Hosted by passionate bluegrass enthusiasts, the NewGrass Radio Show offers listeners an immersive experience into the heart of bluegrass music. Each episode delves into the rich history of the genre while showcasing new and exciting developments in the bluegrass community. From in-depth interviews with artists to exclusive live performances, the show provides a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of bluegrass music.
Tune in to JamFest on Monday nights to stay connected with the vibrant world of bluegrass, and don’t miss the final IBMA Bluegrass Live! Festival in Raleigh, as well as the future Raleigh Wide Open festival, which promises to carry on the spirit of bluegrass in the years to come.