International Bluegrass: April 2016

IB bluegrass international

It’s time for

world of bluegrass Tickets On Sale to Members APRIL 5!

Plus, Everything You Need to Know About Hotels, the Showcase Ramble, World of Bluegrass Business Conference, Wide Open Bluegrass Festival

6 Reasons Not to Miss World of Bluegrass

Special Sessions Songwriters track Talent buyers’ track Continuing legal education New Attendees

AND MUCH MORE!

How Can you Get Next issue...

Leadership Bluegrass What’s that all about?

discounts to

world of bluegrass?

International Bluegrass Vol. 31 | No. 3 | April 2016

Editor: Shannon Turner shannon@ibma.org

Designer: Erin Faith Erdos erinfaitherdos@gmail.com

STAFF

Paul Schiminger Executive Director

board

Shannon Turner Director of Communications and Professional Development

Leah James Director of Member Services

Eddie Huffman Convention Services and IT Systems Director

Tim Surrett - Board Chairperson

Alan Bartram-Artists/Composers/Publishers Becky Buller-At Large Jamie Deering-Merchandisers/Luthiers Regina Derzon-Secretary, Associations Mike Drudge-Agents, Managers & Publicists John Goad-Print Media/Education Denise Jarvinen-At Large Marian Leighton Levy-Recording/Distribution/Marketing William Lewis-At Large

Steve Martin-At Large Stephen Mougin-At Large Joe Mullins-Treasurer, Artists/Composers/Publishers Ben Surratt- Vice Chair Wayne Taylor-Artists-Composers/Publishers Alan Tompkins-At Large Angelika Torrie- International 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

608 W. Iris Drive, Nashville, TN 37204 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.�

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

3

table o f c o n te nt s international bluegrass

April 2016 Cover Photo by Todd Gunsher

Cover story 6 6 Reasons Not to Miss World of Bluegrass Taylor Coughlin makes a compelling case for all that awaits those who come to Raleigh for World of Bluegrass.

10 World of Bluegrass Discounts “Your Road to Membership and IBMA Savings.” Looking to save some money on your World of Bluegrass tickets prices, PLUS get earlybird access to make your purchase in advance of the general public?

IBMA Member Services Director Leah James outlines membership guidelines that grant IBMA members preferred status to World of Bluegrass ticketing prices and on-sale dates.

12 Business Conference: Education at IBMA “Not Just Some Boring Classroom.” IBMA presents dynamic panels, interactive conversations and music workshops designed to make your career in bluegrass soar. Jeremy Darrow, chair of the Education Committee, shares a sneak peek at just a couple of the experts that will be available during World of Bluegrass. There’s so much more to come!

14 The Songwriter’s Track “Inspiration through Collaboration.” There is no bluegrass music without songwriters, and the IBMA knows it. That’s why we have created a track, or series, of educational opportunities devoted specifically to the needs of songwriters. Songwriting Committee chair and IBMA 2015 Songwriter of the Year Becky Buller talks about the seminars, Song Circles, workshops and receptions in store for songwriters at WOB. Table of Contents photos provided by Todd Gunsher and Willa Stein

4

International Bluegrass | April 2016

16 The Songwriters’ Showcase “A Success Story: Steve Bonefel Writes His Way to the Top.” Rick Lang shines the spotlight on award-winning songwriter Steve Bonafel, whose poignant tune, “The Last Parade,” moved Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers to record a future Song of the Year.

18 “HOLD WHAT YOU GOT” Continuing Legal Education. Ron Raxter introduces the national legal experts who will be with us to explain the details behind music and intellectual property rights, as well as other legal concerns.

20 The Talent buyers’ Track “Getting the Gig.” If you’re an event producer, booking agent or band looking for gigs, the Talent Buyers’ Track is for you! Talent Buyer’s Committee member William Lewis shares the specialized events for bands and buyers – the Gig Fair, the Bluegrass Ramble, the Afternoon Showcases and the new-for-this-year Business-to-Breakfast Agents’ Pitch.

21 Moment of the Month Joe Craven Wows at Leadership Bluegrass.

22 World of bluegrass tickets!

The details of when, where and how to buy World of Bluegrass, IBMA Awards Show and Wide Open Bluegrass tickets, plus discounted hotel rates, on April 5 for IBMA members. To purchase tickets, visit ibma.org or call 1-800-514-ETIX (3849). If you’re not already an IBMA member, you’re running out of time to get the early-bird pre-sale date and discounts!

24 welcome march new members We open our arms to the newest members of the IBMA family.

NEXT issue...

Leadership bluegrass.

What is it? Who goes? What happens there?

A look inside the three-day summit, and how you can be a part of Leadership Bluegrass in 2017.

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

5

Cover Story

Top Six Reasons Not to Miss World of Bluegrass 2016 IBMA’s

by Taylor Coughlin

Photo by Taylor Coughlin

6

International Bluegrass | April 2016

World of Bluegrass special

H

ow do you succeed in bluegrass music? Well, the fact that you’re reading this article in International Bluegrass means you already know something about it! Most of the time, to get from Point A to Point B in a career, a good investment must be made. Besides the obvious investments of instruments and tools to do your job every day, there’s one investment you maybe haven’t considered.

We’re talking about the IBMA’s World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina (September 27-October 1, 2016). Joining fellow industry professionals at World of Bluegrass could truly be the best investment in your business you will ever make.

Need more convincing? Here are the top six reasons World of Bluegrass is a worthwhile investment.

Photo by Bluegrass Today

1. Increase Your Knowledge and Network at the IBMA Business Conference (Sept. 27-29).

Whether you’re a talent buyer, songwriter, festival producer, artist, publisher or even a legal professional, you’ll find seminars, workshops and networking opportunities that will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need. This year there will be an in-depth discussion with Sound Exchange that could greatly impact your income level. Experts on streaming will share what you can’t even Google the answer to.

The conference also features focused content tracks for Talent Buyers, Songwriters (New!), and CLE Training. And while music can cure just about anything, it’d probably be a good idea to take advantage of the enhanced Health Fair, featuring free dental screenings, custom earplug fittings and more.

Back by popular demand will be the pop-up studio, DJ Taping Sessions, Agent Pitch Session, Gig Fair and

Song Critique Session. Plus, Afternoon Showcases, networking receptions and happy hours (your best chances to rub elbows or swap Bill Monroe quotes).

You’ll have the good problem of an such an overflowing schedule and expanded contact list, that by the time Friday rolls around all you’ll want to do is, well, probably listen to more bluegrass.

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

7

2. Face-to-Face Business and 3. The Best in Bluegrass and Roots Music Showcases Interactions Put the phone down. Come to the place where business is done - not Facebook, not FaceTime but face-to-face. The World of Bluegrass Expo is a chance for business to be conducted in person.

The best part? The Expo is broken out for more efficiency for vendors: The B2B Expo (WednesdayThursday), Wide Open Bluegrass Festival (FridaySaturday), or full week (Wednesday-Saturday).

Pick your best option and watch your business soar!

The Bluegrass Ramble, September 27-29, is seven stages, 90 acts over three days, dominating downtown Raleigh. That’s a lot of set lists, jams, string changes, tune-ups and handshakes. The Bluegrass Ramble has consistently been the best way for bands to be discovered and for the talent buyers, agents, record labels, producers and fans to discover them. And while we are not ready to release the lineup yet, this year’s roster of official Bluegrass Ramble Showcase bands will be one of the best ever! Plus, it’s just a darn good time.

4. Witness Bluegrass History in Person Remember the “speech heard ‘round the world” in 2013? Yeah, when Tony Rice spoke at the International Bluegrass Music Awards. Were you there in person? Would you like to have been?

What about when Bill Keith accepted his Hall of Fame plaque in person, just weeks before he passed away, or when Alison Krauss inducted Larry Sparks into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame? Moments like these only happen once in a lifetime, and they happen at the IBMA Awards. With affordable ticketing options, your dream chance of seeing Del McCoury’s famous pomp up close increases exponentially! Be a part of the night where bluegrass stars trade their Levi’s for bow ties, and don’t miss the show on Thursday, September 29.

8

International Bluegrass | April 2016

Photo by Alane Anno

World of Bluegrass

6. It’s in Raleigh, NC

Photo by Todd Gunsher

5. We make it easy for you to support your fellow bluegrass music professionals. All you have to do is enjoy the best bluegrass on the planet!

What only danced in our imaginations developed into reality in 2013, thanks to the help of our friends in Raleigh. Wide Open Bluegrass, presented by PNC Bank, is the urban bluegrass music festival that closes out World of Bluegrass week. The festival features the best in our traditional and acoustic music community on the Red Hat Amphitheater Main Stage. In addition to the stellar ticketed main stage, the festival also includes a FREE street festival with five additional stages! All told, Wide Open Bluegrass boasts over 100 acts, vendors, workshops and so much more! Up to half of the net proceeds support the Bluegrass Trust Fund, a non-profit organization helping bluegrass professionals in times of need.

Forbes reported in January that Raleigh is considered one of the top cities in America to prosper in the next decade.

Why? It has emerged as a tech hot-spot, according to the website article. But wait, why does that matter for you and bluegrass? Because you’ll see some of those tech experts sharing their knowhow at the Business Conference. Like it or not, tech is changing the way business is done and you likely have a bit to learn, whether you write songs or run an association. Tech is titanic – make friends with the giants.

In 2015, Raleigh was named number two behind Austin, Texas on the list of top music cities besides Nashville by Music from the Row. The City of Oaks’ unabashed love of music permeates its venues. You can feel the music-loving vibes when you walk down Fayetteville Street. Fact: Good things happen when your livelihood is music and you spend some time in a town that loves music.

Whatever aspect of World of Bluegrass you gravitate toward the most, be confident in the fact that being there will give you more opportunities to better your bluegrass business. The power of music has brought us all here, right now, reading this. What can the power of a conference surrounding bluegrass music do for you? There’s only one way to find out.

Tickets and registration for IBMA Members will be on sale April 5, 2016 at 10 a.m. Central Time at www.ibma.org.

Photo by Todd Gunsher

Tickets and registration for Non-IBMA Members will be on sale April 19, 2016 at 10 a.m. Central Time at www.ibma.org.

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

9

Become an IBMA Member and SAVE MONEY on World of Bluegrass!!

by Leah James, Membership Services Director

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) offers different levels and categories of membership in order to fit the needs of its constituents. No matter what category you choose, as a member of the IBMA you can participate in and take advantage of many valuable member incentives. Your membership connects you to a bluegrass community that can aid you in reaching other bluegrass professionals, opportunities to expand your industry knowledge and much more!

The IBMA has been working to expand and enhance its membership offerings. Below are the different categories an individual can choose from, as well as some of the benefits that are included with each membership. Recently, we have made changes to the Organizational membership, as well as implemented a new College Student membership for college-age students 18-22. You can find more information about our membership levels on the IBMA website (ibma.org).

IBMA Membership Levels Organizational - $205/year

Individual - $75/year

• up to 3 votes in IBMA awards process

• 1 vote in IBMA awards process

• additional members at the rate of $65/ individual/year

• priority access and discounts to World of Bluegrass tickets

• 4 promotions per year through IBMA media outlets

• access to IBMA database lists

• recognition at World of Bluegrass • priority access and discounts to World of Bluegrass tickets • IB: International Bluegrass publication • access to IBMA database lists • instrument/health/event insurance

• IB: International Bluegrass publication • instrument/health/event insurance Grass Roots - $40/year • priority access and discounts to World of Bluegrass tickets • IB: International Bluegrass publication • IBMA email list

10 International Bluegrass | April 2016

World of Bluegrass special

College Student - $25/year • 1 vote in IBMA awards process • priority access and discounts to World of Bluegrass tickets • access to IBMA database lists • IB: International Bluegrass publication • instrument/health/event insurance Youth - $15/year • 1 vote in IBMA awards process • priority access and discounts to World of Bluegrass tickets • access to IBMA database lists • IB: International Bluegrass publication • instrument/health/event insurance Friends - $25/year • IBMA email list

World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina

World of Bluegrass is the annual business conference and festival of the IBMA. This event offers unending opportunities for professionals to expand their network, learn the latest in industry practices, and discover new bluegrass music. This week in Raleigh includes the business conference, the IBMA Awards show, official showcases to introduce talent to the bluegrass community and much more.

This is an event you do not want to miss!!! Each level of membership, excluding the Friends category, offers priority access and discounts to World of Bluegrass. Tickets will go on sale for IBMA members only April 5, 2016. There is a limited block of rooms available for members attending the conference; therefore, it is extremely important to get your conference tickets and hotel room booked as soon as the ticket window opens. Don’t wait! Join today and take advantage of all that IBMA has to offer!

• IB: International Bluegrass publication

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

11

World of bluegrass special

“Not Just Some Boring Classroom.”

Education at IBMA’s Business Conference Hello, fellow bluegrassers! My name is Jeremy Darrow, I am currently the chair for IBMA’s Education Committee. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the committee for four years, and this is my first full year as chair. As our name suggests, the Ed. Committee’s role is to spearhead the planning and programming of most of the educational and professional development sessions during the World of Bluegrass business conference and Wide Open Bluegrass festival weekend events.

With oversight by the IBMA Board of Directors, we work in conjunction with the IBMA office staff, the Songwriters Committee, and the Talent Buyer Committee to put the offerings together and bring them to you.

I’m pleased to say that World of Bluegrass 2016 is shaping up to have one of the best sets of educational and professional development sessions the event has ever offered. This year we’re going to draw extra focus to several “tracks” within the general workshop and session offerings. This special emphasis will fall on topics of particular interest to new attendees, and talent buyers. These tracks have been knit into the offerings in years past, but for 2016 the schedule will be easier to inter-

pret so that attendees can quickly find these sessions amongst other events in the conference program.

Also, the Songwriter’s track will return, and so will the Continuing Legal Education Track (CLE), which offers professional development for law professionals. CLE was a popular new addition last year and we’re really pleased to offer it again. Specific offerings are still taking shape, but I’m very excited to share that we have already confirmed Linda Bloss-Baum from SoundExchange and Allen Bargfrede from Berklee’s Rethink Music Project as speakers.

Many bluegrass musicians are aware that our music receives most of its ‘airtime’ via satellite radio, but some may not be aware that satellite radio is also one of the most lucrative sources of airplay royalties for bluegrass artists.

SoundExchange is the organization tasked with distributing those royalties. Linda Bloss-Baum will join us to explain how SoundExchange works, and how artists and bands can take advantage of the service. Familiarity with SoundExchange is crucial for all of today’s recording artists, particularly so for bluegrass artists. For artists who are not yet connected to SoundExchange but are played on Sirius/ XM, this session may literally re-

12 International Bluegrass | April 2016

by Jeremy Darrow

sult in leaving the session having found money they didn’t know was theirs!

There are few concrete answers to questions about music-streaming services like Spotify, but the more musicians can understand and make sense of what’s happening now, and what is likely to happen in the future, the better. Allen Bargfrede, from Berklee’s Rethink Music Project, is one of the top authors and speakers on the topic of music streaming. I haven’t heard anyone else demystify streaming services, and the role they play in the rapidly changing music industry, as clearly and effectively as Mr. Bargfrede. Sitting in on the conversation will give attendees a much clearer idea of the issues and opportunities associated with this very new model of music delivery.

There is much more to come, and the Education Committee is working hard to get all of it lined up.

Please stay tuned for more news from IBMA regarding the offerings at World of Bluegrass and Wide Open Bluegrass. The 2016 conference and festival will be the best yet!

Headline Here

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

13

Songwriter track

2016

World of Bluegrass Songwriter Track

by Songwriter Committee Chair and Board of Directors Member-at-Large Becky Buller

We, your IBMA Songwriter Committee, are excited to announce the formation of the brandspankin’ new Songwriter Track at the 2016 World of Bluegrass! The conference is packed with opportunities for both newbie AND seasoned writers to hone their craft while upping their music business game and showcasing new material.

Our seminar sessions are: Publishing 101 Hosted by song-plugger and publisher guru Sherrill Blackman of Nashville, Tennessee, he and his team will give you the skinny on the PROs, setting up your publishing company, basic licensing and more.

Turning Writer’s Block into a Stepping Stone

Getting Cuts & Getting Paid

Bring along that song you’ve been working on for the last seven years and our panel will give you creative tips on how to break through, finish it up and write a bunch more.

Sherrill Blackman and his team are back to go deeper into what you need to know about doing your own publishing, with tips on how to get your songs to the folks you’d like to hear them and what happens when those tunes are cut.

Creating Well With Others

In addition to these seminars, we’re also offering the following events:

Get the skinny on how successful co-writing happens from the best in our industry. There’s more to it than making an appointment and a pot of coffee. This was such a popular session last year that we had to bring it back.

Writing For TV, Movies & Theater As writers of bluegrass music, we tend to think only in terms of having our tunes cut by bands.

The legendary Si Kahn (“Aragon Mill”) is slated to head up this seminar and get you thinking bigger in terms of marketing your music.

14 International Bluegrass | April 2016

Song Critiques Bring a demo of your current “greatest hit” along with lyric sheets for our panel. Demos will be chosen at random as time allows; writers will remain anonymous. Our panel will give constructive critiques on composition and presentation.

Songwriter Meet & Mingle This is a great way to casually network with other writers, publishers, label owners, producers and artists. We had over 100 folks in attendance last year. Let’s triple it this year! Light refreshments and cash bar available.

World of Bluegrass special Photos by Daniel Boner

Songwriter Showcase Since 1999, the Songwriter Showcase has introduced many a killer new writing talent to our industry. Look for it on the workshop stage Thursday afternoon.

Song Circles These are low-key performance and networking opportunities to meet potential co-writers and share what you’ve been working on. Each of our three Thursday afternoon circles will be hosted by a pair of our member writers.

Youth Council Room Songwriter Workshop This one is specifically for our ‘grassers who are under the age of 25. Look for it later in the week in our IBMA Youth Council room.

I look forward to seeing you all in Raleigh come September.

Becky Buller IBMA Songwriter Committee, chair IBMA Board of Directors

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

15

IBMA Songwriter Steve Bonafel takes SPBGMA song of the year

with “The Last Parade”

Congrats to IBMA songwriter Steve Bonafel, who walked away with Song of the Year honors at the 42nd Annual SPBGMA Awards for his self -penned composition “The Last Parade.” The awards ceremony took place on Feb 7th at the Sheraton Music City hotel, Nashville, Tennessee. The song was popularized by Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, who released it as a single off their new album, Another Day from Life.

Since 2002, Steve has fronted his own band, Steve Bonafel and One Iota. Based in the northern Kentucky area, they perform and have recorded several of Steve’s originals. “The Last Parade” is based on a real life story that took place back in 2007. Steve had heard on the radio that a local family from Dayton, Kentucky, had lost their son, Army Sergeant Nicolas Carnes, in a firefight in Afghanistan.

Steve actually knew Sergeant Carnes’ mother from back in his high school days.

“I heard the news they were bringing Sergeant Carnes home on Dixie Highway, in northern Kentucky, from the airport to the funeral home on a Saturday afternoon,” said Steve. “I wanted to go and just stand along the route to show respect, not wanting to invade the privacy of the family at the funeral. As I left my home, I looked at the big flag hanging off my front porch and took it with me. When I got down to Dixie Highway, I did not really expect many people, if any, to

be there. But much to my surprise, there were hundreds. When the police escort came through with the hearse and Carnes family, the restaurants and businesses emptied. People left their food on the table and cooks left their kitchens. I was greatly impressed by how much people still care. It turned out there were a lot of people with the same idea as me. People lined the street as though it was Memorial Day. There were many flags of all sizes. It was just a spontaneous show of appreciation for one family’s sacrifice.”

Very moved by that experience, Bonafel decided to attend Sergeant Carnes’ funeral, scheduled to take place near his home that next week.

The governor was there, and there was a flyover by some Army helicopters.

“I just watched from afar, and then somebody in the middle of the action near the family saw me and motioned for me to come closer,” remembers Bonafel. “It was my cousin. I did not know it, but he lived right next door to the family and Sergeant Nick Carnes was his best friend. He wanted me to stand with him, and he told me Nick’s story. After that, all I did was tell that story in this song. “The Last Parade” pretty much wrote itself, like one of those that just fall out of the sky. I kept the music very simple, quiet and low, as if we’re sitting in a living room with that grieving family, quietly trying to bring a small piece of comfort at a very bad time.”

16 International Bluegrass | April 2016

by Rick Lang

Steve began singing “The Last Parade” for live audiences, and started getting standing ovations even before they finished the song. In 2009, One Iota recorded the song on its Anthem of a Family Tree album. In 2011, Steve was invited to the IBMA Songwriter Showcase to perform the song. He tried to pitch “The Last Parade” to a few country artists and several bluegrass bands without success, being told by some that “war songs are not in style anymore.”

In March of 2014, Steve went to see Blue Highway perform in Ohio. Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers were opening the show.

“Joe saw me in the hall after the show and said he’d been listening to my CD, Dream Catcher from 2003, and he complimented me on my songwriting, said Bonafel. “I was surprised he remembered me. Joe asked if I had anything new, as they needed one more song for their new album.

I immediately thought of “The Last Parade” and e-mailed it to them.

“I heard back right away that they really liked and were cutting the song.

Joe’s band did a great job! In May 2014, they released it as a single ahead of the CD and sang it at the Grand Ole Opry.

They invited me to come, and I brought a guest - Wray Gene, the mother of the soldier for whom the song was written. Wray, the song and Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers got a standing ovation that night. It was a very spiritual moment that I will never forget.”

news release

That July, the song went to #3 on the Bluegrass Now radio chart, and in 2016, was nominated for the SPBGMA Song of the Year, eventually winning the award.

“I went to the awards show just to watch, as it was Joe’s version and the band that was actually up for the award,” Bonafel recalled. “That night Joe couldn’t attend, but told me bandmate Jason Barie would be there. He then asked if I would go up with Jason if it won, and tell how the song came about. I did exactly that, and thanked the Lord and Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers for taking “The Last Parade” to a national audience. Joe’s band does a wonderful job with the song and has been very inclusive to me along the way. They’re good guys, I’m proud that they are the ones who took it and ran with it. I do take the greatest satisfaction from knowing the song ministers to those families who have sacrificed so much.

It’s not the prettiest or most clever song I’ve written, but it has the most purpose.”

For his part, Mullins had this to say about his experience with “The Last Parade.”

“I had never actually heard Steve’s song until early 2014,” he said. “Our band was playing at a college in Ohio, and Steve Bonafel came to the show. I recognized him and we talked a second. I told Steve we were finishing a new CD, and to send me any songs for consideration. He sent a demo with just him and a guitar of “The Last Parade.” I was really moved by the mood and message

of the song, and it’s 100 per cent true.

Steve told me the entire story of Sgt. Nicolas Carnes of Dayton, Kentucky.

“We went to the studio immediately and recorded it. The song is not political at all; it’s just a story song honoring the life and sacrifice of a fallen hero. I tell audiences that it reminds us that freedom is not free and the spiritual

message is there, too. Greater love has no man than he lay down his life for his friends.

“Our band enjoys music with a message, and ‘The Last Parade’ has spoken to thousands of people.

We are grateful the song has been memorable.”

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

17

Hold What You Got

The 2016 CLE Sessions

by Ron Raxter

The revolution hitting the music industry challenges all bluegrass professionals with how to make a living when the financial structure around us feels like it is constantly changing. For the first time, last year IBMA World of Bluegrass offered sessions open to all WOB attendees that qualified as legal education for attorney-artists, yet was designed to provide information useful to any artist on strategies to deal with these challenges.

For our second year of CLE (Continuing Legal Education), the attorney volunteers on the CLE Committee developed a program that provides advice on ways to fund your bluegrass career, presented by national legal experts in language that does not require you to be a lawyer.

Jennifer Jenkins

Duke University law professor Jennifer Jenkins will discuss lawsuits over soundalikes. Lots of songs sound the same, but when do the similarities amount to copyright infringement? She will discuss the legal doctrines (some intuitive, some bizarre), and play lots of audio examples to illustrate the decisions so far.

Professor Jenkins is Director of There will be four one-hour ses- Duke’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain. She leads sions. We were blessed to be the Center’s “Arts Project” able to attract national expert which focuses on the protecspeakers who have appeared tion of intellectual property. She at other conferences that cost far more than IBMA’s Business writes frequently on intellectual property issues, and has been Conference. Among the prequoted in The Economist, The senters are: New York Times, USA Today and NPR’s “Marketplace.”

18 International Bluegrass | April 2016

Evan Carroll

National digital rights expert Evan Carroll will offer strategies for transferring your digital assets to your heirs or others.

Many states are drafting new laws that address the ownership and transfer of digital property. His discussion will address how artists can protect the economic interest in their creative property under these new rules.

Caroll is the author of Your Digital Afterlife, and is a frequent speaker on the digital experience. He has appeared on “CBS Sunday Morning,” NPR’s “Fresh Air,” The New York Times, The Atlantic, Popular Science and the PBS “Newshour.”

World of bluegrass special Coe Ramsey

Entertainment law bloggers David Oxenford and Coe Ramsey will discuss how the music licensing system is being impacted by streaming, which is overtaking other forms of music consumption. How will artists get paid? How are the music industry battles for diminishing revenue streams being played out? This presentation will discuss the current state of play.

Oxenford is the author of the Broadcast Law Blog. He is a partner at the law firm of Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP, in its D.C. office. His regulatory expertise includes all areas of broadcast law, including appearing regularly before the Federal Communications Commission.

Ramsey operates DJ Counsel. com, which has a focus on music copyright law. He is a

David Oxenford

partner at Brooks Pierce in its Raleigh office. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Wake Forest Law School, where he teaches Entertainment Law and is a past Chair of the Sports and Entertainment Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association.

Entertainment attorney and author Rob Monath will discuss how to license and monetize creative property beyond just our music. Our songs and recordings are not the only creative property that can be protected. His presentation will highlight other creative property that can be used to fund a musical career.

A Simple Copywriter Compliance Method for Musicians and Music Professionals, one of the leading guides in the field.

If making money by recording music in today’s music business has you concerned about paying for your future, plan to spend some time in beautiful downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, to attend the 2016 edition of the CLE sessions at the WOB Business Conference. Hopefully, our national experts will help you identify ways to “hold what you got” and give you ideas on how to make money from the other things you do for your career.

Rob Monath is a Raleigh entertainment attorney whose practice is devoted to the protection of intellectual property. He is the author of By the Book:

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

19

Calling all talent buyers

Event producers, Arts Presenters & Promoters

by IBMA Talent Buyer Committee & IBMA Board of Directors Member-at-Large William Lewis The World of Bluegrass Talent Buyer Track is back for 2016! Get all the information you need, register for the conference and sign-up NOW for the Gig Fair and the new “Breakfast to Business” Agent Pitch Sessions!

Is the Talent Buyer Track right for me?

If you are responsible for purchasing talent for concerts, festivals or live music events, then the answer is YES!

By participating in IBMA’s Talent Buyer Track, you will: •

Discover the hottest new talent and catch some of the industry’s most decorated artists performing live at The Bluegrass Ramble and The Afternoon Showcases.

•

Discuss and learn more about key issues & hot topics affecting the business of Event Production and Talent Buying at Educational Panels.

•

Discover what’s new on bluegrass rosters around the globe during the “Breakfast to Business” Agent Pitch Sessions.

Register

for the Business Conference to take advantage of some or all of the Talent Buyer Track. After you’ve registered, make sure you sign up for the Gig Fair on Tuesday (Note: new day of the week) and the “Breakfast to Business” Agent Pitch Sessions on Wednesday - spots fill up quickly!

20 International Bluegrass | April 2016

•

Experience the thrill of The Gig Fair – the bluegrass equivalent of speed dating.

Fast-paced, roundtable format, one-onone appointments with emerging artists.

A perennial favorite among participants, filled with new discoveries and lasting connections.

•

Meet and Network with our industry’s top Agents in the relaxed, informal setting of the Agent-sponsored Happy Hour Reception.

AND!

Don’t miss the Bluegrass Ramble Showcase - the premiere event to see some of the best upand-coming bands perform in venues around downtown Raleigh. A pass is included with a Business Conference registration.

IBMA Moment of the Month Joe Craven Wows Leadership Bluegrass 2016 March 23, 2016 – BMI, Nashville, Tennessee

Photo by Shannon Turner

The Leadership Bluegrass Class of 2016 convened at BMI headquarters in Nashville March 21 – 23 for an epic three days of learning, networking, camaraderie and of course, jamming.

On Tuesday, March 22, musician and creativity educator Joe Craven led the class in an exercise on “Intuitive Improvisation.”

Here, Joe is coaching Jocey Gold of Goldheart in the freeform style of feeling and expressing music.

There will be much more about Leadership Bluegrass in next month’s issue!

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

21

TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 5!

A bluegrass experience like no other in the world!

I M P O R TA N T T I C K E T I N F O R M A T I O N : Tickets/Registration and Hotel Reservations will be available online at www.ibma.org beginning at 10 a.m. Central on April 5 for members only, April 19 for non-members. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849) The Raleigh Marriott City Center and Sheraton Raleigh are once again host hotels for IBMA’s World of Bluegrass. Discounted World of Bluegrass hotel reservations at the Marriott & Sheraton are contingent upon the purchase of a ticket/registration to at least one WOB event (excluding Bluegrass Ramble tickets). Other local hotels will be available for reservation without prior purchase.

The IBMA proudly presents World of Bluegrass, a multifaceted industry event and festival with scores of offerings for every bluegrass professional and fan! World of Bluegrass provides unmatched opportunities for expanding your professional networks, learning the latest in industry best practices and discovering the finest bluegrass music in the world! Explore the opportunities:

IBMA Business Conference (Sept. 27-29) Network, promote and discover the latest business trends in the bluegrass music industry

Bluegrass Ramble Showcase Series (Sept. 27-29) 90 showcase acts on 7 stages

International Bluegrass Music Awards (Sept. 29) Recognizing outstanding achievements in bluegrass, featuring once-in-a-lifetime performances

Wide Open Bluegrass Festival (Sept. 30 – Oct. 1) The one-of-a-kind urban bluegrass music festival with the preeminent artists in bluegrass music

Become a part of IBMA today at www.ibma.org for members’ access and discounts!

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

23

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK We’d like to welcome the following friends who joined the IBMA or renewed their memberships in March. They will each get a chance(s) to win the autographed Grammy-winning CD from The SteelDrivers, The Muscle Shoals Sessions.

If you didn’t get in on this particular contest, don’t worry – we’re gonna do more! Watch this space in upcoming issues to see how you might be a winner with IB: International Bluegrass!

Grass Roots Members

IndividualMembers

Susan Adams Bruce Beatus Carl Boyce Cindy Bross Jim Burris Duane Estep Mollie Farr William Gibson Robert Ireland Deborah Jackson Renee Kendall Alan Long

Arlene McCown David Miller George Napier Frances Phillips Karen Preddy John Sherwood James Wills Peggy Meares Robert Meares Marsha Graham Robyn Crisenbery

Mike Anderson Alan Dyer Marcus Haynes Michelle Hiser Parks Icenhour Gracie Love John Moody

Ed Nelson Garrett Newton Donna Newton Scott Seiersen Rachel Whitney Oliver Apitius

Organizational Members Brad Bulla

Mike Cloonan

Eric Lindberg

…and a tremendously grateful welcome to our newest Lifetime member Sterling Harrison for his devotion, dedication and loyalty to bluegrass music and the IBMA. Welcome, Mr. Harrison!

If you are not yet a member of the IBMA, what are you waiting for?!

Be a part of all that is great about bluegrass - yesterday, today and tomorrow. Visit www.ibma.org/membership, or call to speak with our Membership Services Director, Leah James, at 615-256-3222.

24 International Bluegrass | April 2016

L E A DERS HI P BL U EGR ASS Would you trust these people with the future of bluegrass music?

Photo by Riley Mathews

On March 21 - 23, these 26 people from around the country descended on BMI’s Nashville headquarters for three intense, focused, challenging days of activities, lectures and discussions about the present and future of bluegrass.

Leadership Bluegrass was underway!

But what is Leadership Bluegrass? Is it a class? A group? A program? Is it anything IBMA members should be interested in? What is it all about, exactly?

In the May issue of IB: International Bluegrass, we will take a look at the Leadership Bluegrass experience.

We’ll get perspective from past graduates, newly-minted par-

ticipants, presenters, those who plan it, and the alumni who keep it alive long after graduation. We’ll find out just why a Leadership Bluegrass seat is one of the most hotly-contested chairs in IBMA. And, we will find out what drove the 26 people in the photo above to this edge of composure!

Stay tuned!

International Bluegrass

| April 2016

25

IB