Artists interested in showcasing their talents during the 2022 IBMA World of Bluegrass that is slated for September 27-October 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina can now submit applications. Proposals for business conference sessions from artists, educators and industry professionals are also now being accepted, while conference registration opens in April.
Considered the genre’s annual industry gathering and family reunion, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s annual World of Bluegrass week has taken place in Raleigh since 2013 – apart from 2020 when the trade and professional association shifted to online presentation of its professional development seminars, artist showcases and awards. IBMA World of Bluegrass generally features a wide array of professional development seminars, meetings and forums; Bluegrass Ramble official showcases; the IBMA Songwriter Showcase; sponsored artist showcases and late-night hospitality functions, plenty of networking and relationship-building opportunities; the International Bluegrass Music Awards Show; and the IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival.
Official Showcase Artists Sought for IBMA Bluegrass Ramble
March 31 is the deadline for artists to submit online applications for Official Showcases during the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble and IBMA Business Conference, which is considered the premier platform for introducing talent and new music to the bluegrass community during IBMA World of Bluegrass. Invites to participate as Official Showcase artists during the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble at six venues throughout downtown Raleigh will be extended to up to 30 acts. Artists/bands will be chosen through a juried selection process that takes into consideration the applicant’s entertainment value, level of professionalism, potential appeal, quality of work, and potential to benefit from the opportunity, according to the IBMA’s World of Bluegrass website.
Selected Official Showcase acts will have at least two performance opportunities — typically once during the IBMA Business Conference and a longer set at an IBMA Bluegrass Ramble venue. They also will receive full conference registration, complimentary exhibit hall booth space during the business conference, up to three individual IBMA memberships, and various pre-event promotional opportunities.
Online applications and additional information may be found at worldofbluegrass.org/ramble. There is a $25 application fee, while selected artists also will be assessed a $500 fee to offset costs of services and showcase production.
A Coveted Showcase Opportunity for Songwriters
Up to 10 talented songwriters or songwriting teams will be afforded an opportunity to showcase their talents during the IBMA Songwriter Showcase that takes place as part of the business conference, September 27-29. Songs are chosen through a juried selection process based on the applicants’ quality of work and appeal to bluegrass audiences. Songwriters may submit one song per entry and are limited to two entries. Although there is no application fee, those selected are required to register for the IBMA Business Conference in order to participate. For online applications and more information, visit worldofbluegrass.org/conference/songwriter-track/songwriter-showcase/.
IBMA Bluegrass Live! Street Stage Performers, Business Conference Session Proposals Also Sought
Applications are also now being accepted for the IBMA Bluegrass Live! Street Stage. A two-day free festival, IBMA Bluegrass Live! marks the culmination of IBMA World of Bluegrass and draws throngs of music lovers to downtown Raleigh to enjoy more than 100 acts on different street stages. The StreetFest also includes an arts market, exhibit hall, master workshops, youth performances, food and beverage vendors, and more. Bluegrass and general music industry professionals are also invited to submit proposed workshops/panel discussions or topics for what are typically 50-minute sessions addressing current music industry concerns and trends.
IBMA (ibma.org) seeks to facilitate the growth and development of the bluegrass community – for professionals and enthusiasts who share a passion for the music. More information about IBMA’s World of Bluegrass will be posted on AcousticMusicScene.com in coming months and may also be found on worldofbluegrass.org.
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