IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS SET FOR SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5
Roger Brown to Deliver Keynote; The Grascals, Doyle Lawson, Kathy Mattea,
Cherryholmes, Dailey & Vincent and More to Perform at Fan Fest
NASHVILLE, TN - The International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) annual World
of Bluegrass events, set for September 29-October 5 at the Nashville Convention Center
and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, are aptly named. This is the "must
attend" week for everyone interested in what's new in the whole, wide bluegrass world
and committed to the future success of the industry.
The week kicks off for industry professionals at the IBMA Business Conference
sponsored by Bluegrass Unlimited magazine and D'Addario Strings. With more than
2,000 key music and entertainment leaders in one place from around the globe, this
week is about building relationships with event producers, television & radio
broadcasters, retailers, record labels, agents, managers, artists, songwriters,
journalists, educators, association leaders, suppliers, producers & engineers,
publicists, internet consultants & designers, historians, academic leaders and also
consumers. It's a week for showcasing talent, as well as new ideas, new songs, new
events, projects and merchandise.
This year's keynote speaker, scheduled to address convention attendees on Monday
night, Sept. 29, is Roger Brown, president of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass.
Former Berklee students, graduates and faculty read like a Who's Who in the music
industry, including Chris Pandolfi, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Mark Schatz, Casey
Driessen, Scott Rouse, Rushad Eggleston, Evan Price, Nate Leath, Matt Glaser, Mark
Simos, David Hollander, John McGann, August Watters and more. Since Brown became
president, Berklee has added music performance majors in mandolin and banjo,
making it possible for students to earn a degree with a focus on bluegrass, along with
jazz and other types of popular music.
Brown, a bluegrass fan himself, is a graduate of Davidson College with a degree in
physics and a graduate of the Yale School of Management. Although best known as an
entrepreneur and philanthropist, he's also a drummer who has performed on several
CDs of children's music. Brown co-founded Bright Horizons Family Solutions in 1986
with his wife, Linda Mason, serving as CEO until 2002 for the organization which aids
non-profit agencies working with at-risk children. Prior to 1986, he was co-director of the
Save the Children relief and development effort in Sudan, and worked on the border of
Thailand with Cambodian refugees for CARE and UNICEF, both with Mason. Brown and
Mason co-authored the book Rice, Rivalry, and Politics, which examines the
management of emergency relief efforts. Roger also co-founded Horizons for Homeless
Children, which serves the needs of homeless children throughout the Boston area. He
received the 1999 Caring Corporation Award from the Child Care Action Campaign, and
he was honored in 1997 by Working Mother magazine as one of the "25 Friends of the
Family," a title bestowed upon men who have made it easier for working parents to raise
and nurture children. He was also named National Entrepreneur of the Year in 1996 by
Ernst and Young/USA Today, and Best Entrepreneur by Business Week magazine in
1997.
One of the benefits of attending IBMA's World of Bluegrass Business Conference is
checking out new talent, as well as new personnel and albums from current artists. The
following artists will showcase during the conference: Balsam Range, Blue Highway,
Cherryholmes, Cumberland Gap Connection, Dappled Grays, Dixie Bee Liners, The
Farewell Drifters, The Gibson Brothers, The Lonesome River Band, Kathy Mattea, Alecia
Nugent, Red Wine, Sawmill Road, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, The Charlie
Sizemore Band, The SteelDrivers, Ernie Thacker, Donna Ulisse and Widow Maker.
As an acknowledgment of the continued growth of bluegrass—both artistically and
commercially—around the world, IBMA will sponsor for the first time a two-day
International Summit on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Led by professional facilitator, bluegrass
historian and broadcaster Fred Bartenstein, international attendees will take a look at
current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for bluegrass music
outside of the U.S., as well as explore new ideas and options for the future and build
consensus for priorities.
Also new this year is the Crash Course for Bluegrass Songwriters, scheduled for
Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1. The seminar is designed for bluegrass artists who want
to take their writing to a more professional level and for songwriters interested in
pitching their songs more effectively to artists in the bluegrass community.
The high point of the week is the International Bluegrass Music Awards Show, which will
be hosted at the historically rich Ryman Auditorium on Thursday evening, Oct. 2. Fans
and industry reps alike won't want to miss this salute to the year's outstanding
achievements during a fast-paced evening of fabulous performances and the
presentation of the industry's top awards.
Wrapping up the week with a bluegrass festival unlike any other, is Bluegrass Fan Fest
(Oct. 3-5), sponsored in part by Martha White Foods, Martin Guitars and Knee Deep in
Bluegrass. Inside the comfortable setting of the Nashville Convention Center, attendees
will enjoy music from more than 60 acts on four stages, including the Main Stage, the
Roots & Branches Stage, the Masters Workshop Stage and the Grand Master Fiddler
Championship.
Performing artists confirmed at press time include The Grascals, Doyle Lawson &
Quicksilver, Bradley Walker, Kathy Mattea, Cherryholmes, Blue Highway, Dailey &
Vincent, Michael Martin Murphey, David Parmley & Continental Divide, Paul Williams &
Victory Trio, The Greencards, Special Consensus, Larry Stephenson, Robin & Linda
Williams and Their Fine Group, The Chapmans, Ralph Stanley II, Alecia Nugent,
Grasstowne, Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Keith Sewell, NewFound Road, Blue Moon
Rising, Circuit Riders, Balsam Range, The Freight Hoppers, The April Verch Band,
Ramona Jones Family & Friends, G2 Bluegrass Band, The Maybelles, The Red Desert
Ramblers, The Tina & Buddy Wright Group, The Songcatchers, Dennis Cash & Friends,
plus more artists to be announced soon.
Proceeds from Fan Fest ticket sales benefit the Bluegrass Trust Fund, established to
help bluegrass professionals during times of emergency need, as well as IBMA's
marketing and educational events to promote the music year-round. All artists appearing
at the event donate their time and talents for the cause.
Tickets for all events are available at www.ibma.org or by calling 888-GET-IBMA (615)
256-3222. For discount rates on accommodations, call the event housing bureau at 1-
877-259-4716.
http://www.ibma.org/, www.myspace.com/internationalbluegrassmusicassociation
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WORLD OF BLUEGRASS 2008 SCHEDULE
(all activities at the Nashville Convention Center unless otherwise noted)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Noon-1 p.m. Orientation (For All Attendees)
1:15-3 p.m.: Professional Development Seminars
1:15-5 p.m.: Crash Course for Artists
3-6 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
6:30-8 p.m.: Keynote Address & Dinner
8-11 p.m.: Artist Showcases
11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: International Summit (NEW)
10-11:30 a.m.: Professional Development Seminars
1:15-2:30 p.m.: IBMA Member Constituent Meetings
2-6:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
2:45-3:45 p.m. Professional Development Seminars
4-6:30 p.m. Songwriter Showcase, sponsored by ASCAP
6:30-8:15 p.m.: Song Circle 1 & 2
8:30-11 p.m. Artist Showcases
11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: International Summit
9 a.m.: Sign up for Gig Fair appointments
9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.: Sign up for Mentor Sessions
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Golf Tournament*
11 am to 1 pm: Artist Showcase Brunch
1-5 p.m.: Health Fair, sponsored by MusiCares
1:30-6:30 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
1:15-3:45 p.m.: GIG FAIR
4-6 p.m.: Professional Development Seminars
4-7 p.m.: Crash Course for Bluegrass Songwriters (NEW)
7-8 p.m.: Bluegrass Songwriter Assoc. meeting
8:30-11 p.m. Artist Showcases
11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions
Thursday, October 2, 2008
9-10:30 a.m.: Town Hall Membership Meeting
11 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: Special Awards Luncheon
1:30-5 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
2-4 p.m.: DJ Taping Sessions
3-5 p.m.: Song Demo Listening Sessions
8:30-11 p.m.: INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS* - Ryman Auditorium
Friday, October 3, 2008
8 a.m.: Fan Fest Ticket Sales Open
10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Utilizing Bluegrass in the Classroom Teacher Workshop
10:30 a.m.: Fan Fest Main Stage Opens
10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions
Saturday, October 4, 2008
8 a.m.: Fan Fest Ticket Sales Open
10:30 a.m.: Fan Fest Main Stage Opens
10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: Exhibit Hall Open
11 p.m.-2 a.m.: After Hours Showcases, Jam Sessions
Sunday, October 5, 2008
9 a.m.-Noon: Bluegrass Chapel/Gospel Show
*Separate ticketing required for certain functions.
ALL TIMES AND FUNCTIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
All times listed: U.S. Central Time
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MURRAH MUSIC GROUP SIGNS SINGER/SONGWRITER MATT DAME
NASHVILLE, TENN. (July 15, 2008)—Murrah Music Group has signed
singer/songwriter Matt Dame to an exclusive songwriter agreement.
“It’s always exciting to find a singer/songwriter like Matt with such unique
talent,” said Murrah Music Chairman Roger Murrah, “and even more exciting
to bring him into the fold. We know he’ll be a tremendous addition to our
creative team.”
A native of Batesville, Arkansas, a small town on the banks of the White
River, Matt began singing, writing songs and learning to play the guitar at an
early age. After high school, he attended Arkansas State University and
Harding University. He began a career in law enforcement in 1997 in Searcy,
Arkansas, and later worked in Little Rock for the Drug Unit at the
Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Matt moved to Music City in March 2005 to
pursue his dream of writing and singing country music. After making several
contacts in town, he landed a development deal with RCA Records. He
signed his first publishing deal with Famous Music in 2006. As one of the
most in-demand demo singers in town these days, he has had the
opportunity to work in studios all over Nashville with Music City’s most
legendary producers and songwriters. Matt resides in Franklin, Tennessee,
with his wife, Jessica, and son, Drew.
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