IB bluegrass INTERNATIONAL
Vol. 31 No. 8 September 2016
World of Bluegrass issue Pro-Hacks at W.O.B
Bluegrass Ramble Shines On
What’s New at W.O.B.
Making the Connection
Remembering MELVIN GOINS | DON PARMELY
International Bluegrass Editor: Kelly Kessler kelly@ibma.org
Vol. 31 | No. 8 | September 2016
Designer: Erin Faith Erdos erinfaitherdos@gmail.com
STAFF
Paul Schiminger Executive Director
BOARD
Kelly Kessler Director of Communications and Professional Development
Leah James Director of Member Services
Eddie Huffman Director of Convention Services
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
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.�
TABLE O F C ON T E N T S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS
5 Letter from the editor
World of Bluegrass - Business conference 8 Red Hat 10 Making the Connection: Red Hat and the Bluegrass Trust Fund 12 Whats New at the Business Conference 14 ProHacks for WOB 2016 17 W.O.B. Tracks: Talent Buyers; Songwriters; CLE; Wellness
20 Bluegrass Ramble Shines On! 22 Ballots Are In - 2016 Special Awards Nominees
23 Leadership Bluegrass deadline 24 In rememberence Melvin Goins Don Parmley Takeharu Kunimoto Vic Jordan
26 Industry news | Membership News
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International Bluegrass | September 2016
Letter from the Editor Hello, bluegrass
friends
I’d like to make a quick introduction and then move on to a matter close to my heart. I’m honored to have joined the IBMA staff this summer, and to have the opportunity to do what I can to help bluegrass thrive. Some of you may know me from Leadership Bluegrass (2006) or from my W.O.B. trips to Louisville and Nashville, or my years as manager for missy raines & the new hip. I may not bust my ’55 00-18 out in front of most of you, but I have loved this music since I bought a bluegrass album with babysitting money when I was 11. That’s when I first learned the raw power of “Can’t You Hear Me Calling” and “Highway of Sorrow”. We’re all on full tilt at the IBMA office, hoping to make this W.O.B. a great one, and most likely you’re busy making preparations, too. I hope you take a moment to read the stories from our members of how they were helped in times of great need by the Bluegrass Trust Fund. I think it makes the stellar Red Hat mainstage show twice as enjoyable knowing it’s how we all pitch in to help the Fund every year. I look forward to seeing you there. I also hope you’ll find enough about the World of Bluegrass in these pages to get you fired up for our yearly gathering just around the corner. All the best-
Kelly Kessler
Please send any industry news for the newsletter to me at Kelly@ibma.org
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AW
nce !
egrass Music E u l B g x i n r e n t p h h t o e e O l W rie o k o n ee ke r ld iL
TuesdayThursday Sept 27-30
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FridaySaturday Sept 30-Oct 1
CONFERENCE
WIDE OPEN 5 BLUEGRASS
The IBMA Business Conference is the premier industry event and trade show for bluegrass professionals.
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Weekend Festival
EXHIBIT HALL
The Bluegrass Expo is the central gathering place to browse the latest industry wares, conduct business, and network.
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BLUEGRASS RAMBLE
Official showcase performances at the IBMA's annual World of Bluegrass Business Conference form the premier platform for introducing talent and new music to the bluegrass community.
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AWARDS SHOW
Wide Open Bluegrass has a ticketed Main Stage at Red Hat Amphitheater, with part of the proceeds benefiting the Bluegrass Trust Fund, and a FREE StreetFest with music in downtown Raleigh on five stages plus a dance tent, free activities, stages, and a music expo inside the Raleigh Thursday Convention Center, and much more!
Sept 29
The International Bluegrass Music Awards Show is the biggest night on the bluegrass calendar, recognizing outstanding achievement and pioneering efforts in the genre.
TICKETS 6
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WHERE BLUEGRASS DOES BUSINESS The IBMA Business Conference is the premier industry event and trade show where top bluegrass professionals—including artists, agents, journalists, merchandisers, record labels, publicists, publishers, talent buyers and more— come to share and discover the latest tools, strategies, technology and sounds. The 2016 conference takes place September 27 - September 29 at the Raleigh Convention Center in beautiful downtown Raleigh, NC.
Highlights • Discounted conference registration for first-time attendees. • Cutting-edge seminars, panels and workshops on business models, touring, festivals, marketing, radio, copyright, digital media, contract negotiation and more. • Focused content tracks for Talent Buyers, Songwriters, CLE Training and Wellness. • Health Fair with FREE vision exams AND EYEWEAR, dental exams and custom ear plug fittings. • Special events, including the Gig Fair (like speed dating for artists and talent buyers), DJ Taping Session, and Song Critique Session. NOTE: Gig Fair is at a new time. • Sponsored and official Afternoon Showcases in the Raleigh Convention Center. • Business-to-Business (B2B) Exhibit Hall. • Town Hall Meeting and special Constituency Meetings with fellow professionals in your field. • Keynote Address and reception. • Momentum and Special Awards luncheons. • Networking receptions and Happy Hours.
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE HERE. REGISTER HERE.
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WIDE OPEN BLUEGRASS and RED HAT
PNC
presents Wide Open Bluegrass, th e u r b a n b l u egra ss m usi c festival that closes out the IBMA’s World of Bluegrass week in beautiful downtown Raleigh. Jointly produced by the IBMA and Raleigh’s Local Organizing Committee, our festival features the stellar Red Hat Mainstage show. Red Hat packs the house, with up to half of the net proceeds going to support the Bluegrass Trust Fund, a non-profit organization helping bluegrass professionals in times of need.
The Red Hat Main Stage of Wide Open Bluegrass has proven to be a hot ticket. Your membership offers the advantage of early ticket sales and discounts. Don’t miss a note of the action! Buy your Red Hat tickets here. And get a look at the schedule here. In addition to the star-studded ticketed main stage, the festival now includes a FREE street festival loaded with great bands. As we go to press, or rather pixels, the street festival line-up has yet to be released. The 2016 Wide Open Bluegrass festival is coming right up: September 30 - October 1 in Raleigh’s amazing downtown Red Hat Amphitheater.
This year’s Red Hat lineup includes special events like a set from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary; music from the Soggy Bottom Boys; and a collaboration between the Kruger Brothers and The Symphony of the Mountains. You’ll hear top bands like the Del McCoury Band, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, the Earls of Leicester, and North Carolina favorite sons the Steep Canyon Rangers. And that’s just the start to the electricity our powerhouse lineup of Hall of Famers and headliners will bring to this one-of-a-kind festival.
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HEADLINE HERE
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From WIDE OPEN BLUEGRASS Festival to the Bluegrass Trust Fund
MAKING THE CONNECTION The Bluegrass Trust Fund is at the very heart of Bluegrass, and it’s a big part of what motivated the founders to start IBMA. Musicians who have given us their all throughout their careers have often found themselves unable to cover costs when life handed them serious setbacks.
Making the Connection
James King faced a similar struggle – as bills mounted during his illness, taking care of the basics became an insurmountable challenge. Becky Rhodes, James King’s girlfriend, wrote to the Trust Fund: Phil Leadbetter had just such a setback a few years ago. He wrote in recently, saying: I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. Unable to work, I was not only battling the disease, but also struggling to survive this huge financial hardship that lay ahead. I contacted the IBMA, and very quickly help was on the way. I will always be a huge supporter of the IBMA Trust Fund. I have seen it work, and it helped save me from financial crisis in such a dark time in my life. I am so glad it is there to help others in the future just like it helped me and my family. Forever grateful!
You have no idea the difference you made in what we didn’t know were James’ last days. He not only struggled with his health over the past two years but also with the worry of providing for our basic everyday living expenses. The day he received the news of the grant being approved is a day I will never forget. The joy and relief you and IBMA gave him is priceless. I will forever be grateful to you and all involved for your assistance and expediting the application process. I am more than happy to help promote the IBMA Bluegrass Trust Fund any way I can. Recently a fundraising campaign was launched to pay for James King’s headstone. The people running it asked Becky to pick a charity in case there were any extra funds raised. Without hesitation, she named the Bluegrass Trust Fund.
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The Trust Fund quietly helps many professional bluegrass musicians in need. It has already awarded nearly $600,000 in assistance. And here’s where the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival connection comes in. Every year IBMA helps the Trust Fund by staging Wide Open Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC. Roughly half of the proceeds from all ticket sales goes directly to the Bluegrass Trust Fund. There are two ways you can help the Bluegrass Trust Fund help out our hard-working musicians. You can buy a ticket to Wide Open Bluegrass in Raleigh for September 30-October 1, with your choice of either or both days. (Click here for tickets). You’ll have a great time in Raleigh, seeing many of the best bands in the business. Another way to help is to donate directly to the fund by emailing, writing or calling Paul Schiminger at IBMA Bluegrass Trust Fund, 4206 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN, 37216, USA, 888-438-4262. To learn more about the Bluegrass Trust Fund, click here. Listen to your heart and support the Fund.
If you have any stories you’d like to share of being helped by the Bluegrass Trust Fund, please email them to Kelly Kessler at IBMA.
Images: Phil Leadbetter, Becky Rhodes & James King, BG Trust Fund Logo, Red Hat crowd – credit Bluegrass Situation International Buegrass
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What’s New at the WORLD OF BLUEGRASS
GIG FAIR NEWS:
NEW FOR TALENT BUYERS AND AGENTS
For all you talent buyers and performers, the Gig Fair has moved to Tuesday. Talent buyers can sign up for the Gig Fair here. (You can register for the conference from that link, too.) Artists can register for the conference here, and you’ll be notified when online sign up opens up.
• Talent Buyers, come together with your peers, both new and old. A new event is the Business to Breakfast event (think speed dating with agents). RSVP’s are required for this limited capacity segment. Rosters are constantly changing and new buyers/event producers are always emerging. You’ll be brought up to speed through a quick agent introduction that will include a run-down of their roster, and a detailed timeline of where you can catch them and their acts throughout the WOB week. Talent buyers RSVP HERE.
Wellness NEWS: (...And terrific news it is): FREE vision exams and eyewear! This is in addition to free dental exams and free custom ear plug fittings.
• Agents, take advantage of Business to Breakfast to promote your artists WOB schedules, learn who the new players are to begin fostering relationships that will pay forward for countless years to come, reconnect in person with your long-standing buyers, and network with the buyer you have been pitching for months. Join us to start your day off right over a delicious breakfast, piping hot coffee, and refreshing water, all complimentary, while participating in a valuable segment that helps you set yourself up for a successful conference experience. Agents RSVP HERE.
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HEADLINE HERE
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WORLD OF BLUEGRASS
IBMA ProHacks//:
What’s Your Top 3?
Seasoned veterans of the World of Bluegrass experience are quick to tell you that in late September and early October I.B.M.A. stands for “I’ve Been Mostly Awake”. It’s hard not to burn the candle at both ends when the IBMA Business Conference offers around-the-clock opportunities for bands and businesses hitting their stride or just getting started. Paul Harrigill of Flatt Lonesome talks about how exciting the business conference is for the whole band:
S
o just how does someone make the most of their trip to Raleigh, where much of the bluegrass world travels to make music and do business? We’ve asked everyone from pickers - like Paul - to presenters for their top three tips, and here’s what they had to say:
“It’s a time where we can meet up with all of our friends, watch amazing shows and jam so late that we are cross eyed. It wasn’t until the release of our first album in January 2013 that we started tapping IBMA for all of its potential. The business conference is sometimes overlooked to the week’s attendees who think it’s nothing more than a festival with an award show. As a band we have learned so much from the business conference that has helped us take our band’s operation and social networking to the next level.”
Paul Harrigill, Flatt Lonesome 1.) Don’t think that a seminar is not for you. I guarantee that you will take away a valuable piece of information even if the seminar isn’t targeted towards your interests. 2.) Go to as many seminars as you can! This week in Raleigh is a very fun week but don’t be afraid to work. There are so many opportunities given to you during the conference that you
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need to take advantage of. If you are a band then split up. Schedule a couple of members of the band for one session and other members for another session. Then later collaborate on what was discussed. 3.) Don’t be afraid to ask questions. IBMA, along with the moderators, spends a lot of time to comprise the best panel for each seminar, so it’s important to learn all that you can from them.
WOB PROHACKS
Devon Leger, founder, Hearth Music, music journalist 1.) I guess my main pro tip would be: Hang out at the California Bluegrass Association suite at night. You’re guaranteed great music, they’re some of the friendliest people, and last time I ate a lot of delicious baloney and lunch meats. Ha-ha - not sure that helps! But it’s the truth. 2.) Stay up late and go check out the jams even if you don’t play that much. I don’t actually play bluegrass, but just had such fun trolling around the corridors of the hotel late at night listening to and checking out killer jams. 3.) Don’t forget about the exhibit hall. Not only are there some really great people and key contacts down there, but also some killer impromptu performances. It’s easy to miss out on this if you get too attached to other daytime programming, but I had a blast down there and made some great contacts that still help me out.
Steve Johnson, MerleFest 1.) Seek out the people you want to meet (don’t be afraid to network). 2.) Plan ahead but leave room to be spontaneous (pre-plan for the events you can’t miss and leave some room for the fun stuff you didn’t know about). 3.) Remember the music is what brings us together and builds the community (do your part to listen, jam, perform, network, and explore the music you know and the music you don’t know).
Jeremy Darrow, Front Country
Patrice O’Neill, Wintergrass
1.) Go to as many events as you can. Don’t skip panel discussions because you stayed up too late and don’t skip the Ramble and jams because you have an early session the next day. There’s a lot to do and WOB only lasts a few days. You can catch up on sleep when you get home.
1.) Read the schedule in advance! Choose which events you definitely want to attend, but leave yourself some open time.
2.) Have your materials together. Flyers, posters, business cards, etc., should all look great and be ready to go before the conference starts. You don’t want to be scrambling to design and print your stuff after you get to Raleigh. 3.) Talk to people! Make a list of the people you know you want to meet or speak with before you get there. If you can, reach out beforehand and try to schedule something. If you meet someone at the conference that you might want to work with, take the time THEN to get to know them and make a connection. This isn’t the time to be shy, or too cool.
Erin Erdos, Graphic Designer 1.) Bring something to write on, a backup battery for your devices, bring something to record with. Then, when your tape fails and your laptop dies, you still have a notebook. 2.) Budget your time. The Tracks will be catered to you. For instance, I didn’t have any business at Gig Fair but oh, my goodness - the Bandzoogle panel! The seminars are like grad school instead of undergrad. Focus so you don’t burn out. 3.) Have lots of business cards. Give people a way to contact you.
2.) Take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water, eat at least one meal a day, get enough sleep. The only thing you win by being the last to go to bed is a fuzzy brain and inability to fully take in the next day. 3.) Ask people questions. Everyone wants to talk about what they do. Listening is a great way to make new friends.
Phil Bankester, The Bankesters 1.) I think regardless of your role in attending WOB (artist, promoter, media, etc.) the most important thing for me is to make a prioritized list of the people I want to specifically see and speak with. Otherwise with all that’s going on it’s easy to be distracted and this is, after all, a business conference. 2.) The educational opportunities are excellent. Read all the descriptions, get out your calendar for the week, and carefully plan which seminars you’re going to go to. Then get up and go to them! Take notes or bring a recording device. You won’t be able to remember all you hear. 3.) Hear as much music as you can, but be sure to get some sleep!
WOB PROHACKS
1.) Rest up as much as you can in the week before World of Bluegrass. Good gigs are good gigs, but marginal ones might not be worth the disadvantage of arriving in Raleigh already tired out. There’s a lot to do during the day, and no less to do at night— and in both cases, you’ll be advancing your career. Don’t overdo it, but be prepared to do on shorter-than-usual sleepy time.
Claire Ratliff, Laughing Penguin Publicity and Consulting 1.) First, if you are not a member of the IBMA, join! It is important for those interested in spreading the gospel of bluegrass to support the professional organization that’s dedicated to the same mission. Take advantage of the benefits of IBMA membership, and if you’re unsure about the many tools and benefits available to you, just head to the website for lots of great surprises, or call the office. They’ll be glad to help.
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2.) Prioritize networking events. There are several of them during the week, and their value is easy to overlook. Whether you’re a dyed-inthe-wool bluegrasser or come from some other part of the big tent, your success in the bluegrass world is largely dependent on building relationships—and not necessarily the most obvious ones, either. You may meet a new co-writer, a future bandmate or publicist, or just make a new friend in the business. That’s always a good thing.
3.) Get out of your musical comfort zone. The tendency to stick with what (and who) you know is understandable, but World of Bluegrass is a great time to check out what else is going on. If it’s represented there—in the Bluegrass Ramble, in the afterhours showcases, on the festivals’ stages—it’s appealing to someone in the bluegrass community. And that means there’s something to learn by checking out some unfamiliar artists and audiences.
2.) Plan your conference. Take time in advance to look over the schedule and choose those panels and opportunities that best fit your interests and goals. If you’re attending with a group, divide and conquer! Split up to cover as many events, topics, panels as possible. Then, get together and share notes later.
have conversations with the folks you meet and seek to come away with just a few truly meaningful connections. Look for opportunities to connect with people that can help you, but also those that you can help as well. Back home, follow up soon with calls or emails to keep those contacts warm and see how you might benefit one another moving forward.
3.) Seek quality networking opportunities. Gathering business cards for 2-3 useful contacts is far more important than collecting dozens of business cards from people and wondering later why you did so. Take the time to
What tips would you add for the newbie? Share them with our membership on our Facebook page. I have to admit I’m partial to Jon Weisberger’s short and sweet version: Learn All Day, Pick All Night!
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Jon Weisberger, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, songwriter, radio producer
WOB TRACKS
WORLD OF BLUEGRASS The Songwriter Track The Songwriter Track during the Business Conference (September 27-29) is geared for songwriters interested in cultivating the craft, developing solid business practices, networking, and pitching material to bluegrass artists and producers.
This focused track is designed to make real industry connections, and it is a part of World of Bluegrass 2016 that you do not want to miss! Attend and experience why the World of Bluegrass is an indispensable event for professional development and new business generation.
Highlights • Professional development seminars geared for songwriters, covering issues from publishing and copyright to royalties, cowriting, and pitching. • Songwriters Meet & Greet: Network with your fellow songwriters as well as potential clients from other areas of the music industry. Light refreshments and cash bar provided. • Songwriter Showcase: The Songwriter Showcase features ten select songwriters with new bluegrass material.
Who is this Track for: SONGWRITERS
Songwriter Track Seminars Each participant performs one song for an audience of artists, producers, and publishers looking for new material. • Song Critique Session: Get constructive feedback on your craft from some of the best in bluegrass songwriting. • Song Circles: Song Circles provide a relaxed “in the round” environment for sharing your songs, ideas, tips and more with other songwriters as well as artists and publishers.
The CLE Track The revolution hitting the music industry challenges all bluegrass professionals with how to make a living when the financial landscape around us is in constant flux. For our second year of CLE (Continuing Legal Education), the attorney volunteers on the CLE Committee offer a program of guidance on the financial side of your bluegrass career, presented by national legal experts in language that does not require you to be a lawyer. Our legal 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.
Publishing 101 with song-plugger and publisher guru Sherrill Blackman; Turning Writer’s Block into a Stepping Stone (hint- bring that song you’ve been trying to finish for 7 years); Creating Well with Others (an encore of last year’s hit seminar); Musical Theatre for Bluegrass Musicians with revered writer Si Kahn; Getting Cuts & Getting Paid with Sherrill Blackman; and the Youth Songwriter Workshop with the Gibson Brothers for writers under the age of 25. Register today!
Who is this track for? LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
CLE Seminars include Music Industry 101 with Rob Monath Current Music Licensing Issues Created by Streaming Services with David Oxenford and Coe Ramsey What Is Your Digital Legacy with Evan Carroll and Jean Carter Soundalikes Litigation with Jennifer Jenkins.
Panelists and presenters include digital expert Evan Carroll, estate planning maven Jean Carter, intellectual property specialist Jennifer Jenkins, copyright pro Robert Monath, broadcasting and webcasting expert David Oxenford, entertainment law specialist Coe Ramsey, and moderator and nonprofit expert Ron Raxter.
Register Today! Special First-Time Attendee Discount Available for the Business Conference.
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WOB TRACKS
WORLD OF BLUEGRASS The Wellness Track
Who is this Track for: E V E R Y O N E I N T H E B L U E G R A S S C O M M U N I T Y
Your health is important to the IBMA, and with that in mind we’ve developed the Wellness Track. We’re starting the week off right with the workshop “Dealing with Stress and Anxiety” with Doyle Lawson and Josh Swift.
In addition, we are delighted to once again partner with several providers, including Sight & Sound Vision Care and MusiCares (the Recording Academy’s healthcare outreach), to bring you the World of Bluegrass Health Fair in Raleigh, offering IBMA members these services:
Vision Clinic
Sight & Sound VISION CARE FOR THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Sight & Sound has partnered with the America’s Best Glasses and Contacts to provide free vision screenings and eyewear to all registered conference attendees. “Sight & Sound, as a provider of eye care to those in the music industry, is thrilled to be working alongside the International Bluegrass Music Association,” says Mark Lindsey from Sight & Sound. “We understand that not everyone has access to regular eye care. We look forward to providing care to all attendees, and hearing some terrific bluegrass music. Please come by our clinic this year for free exams and eyewear (glasses, readers, sunglasses). Special thanks to America’s Best Glasses and Contacts for their donations of time, equipment and resources.”
Dental Clinic MusiCares, in conjunction with the Smiles program, will be providing dental screenings, teeth cleaning, and complete x-rays to uninsured music professionals in need.
Hearing Clinic MusiCares, in partnership with Audibel, will also be offering ear impressions for free custom ear plugs. MusiCares also works to address the health and wellness needs of music professionals. In support of these efforts, MusiCares will be joined by an audiologist who will be onsite during select hours to provide valuable information on the importance
of hearing conservation. It is offering ear impressions for FREE custom musicians’ earplugs, valued at $200, while supplies last, which will likewise be provided compliments of MusiCares. Danielle Bowker, Manager of MusiCares, notes, “MusiCares is honored to again participate in the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Business
Register Today! Special First-Time Attendee Discount Available for the Business Conference. 18 International Bluegrass | September 2016
WOB TRACKS
WORLD OF BLUEGRASS The Talent Buyer Track
Who is this Track for: ARTS PRESENTERS, PROMOTERS, TALENT BUYERS, EVENT PRODUCERS & AGENTS
Designed to make real industry connections, this focused track is a part of IBMA’s World of Bluegrass 2016 that you don’t want to miss. The Talent Buyer Track will take place Tuesday, September 27 through Thursday, September 29 during the IBMA Business Conference, with focused events offered to ensure that productive networking and business opportunities are available for all participants. Attend and experience why the World of Bluegrass is an indispensable event for professional development and new business generation. Talent buyers from festivals, fairs, theaters, clubs, colleges and universities, municipalities, arts councils, and concert series alike will rave about their gains from this year’s track. Be sure to be one of them!
Highlights First-Time Attendee Discount Breakfast 2 Business (RSVP required – in addition to registration - limited capacity) Exhibit Hall Gig Fair (RSVP required - in addition to registration) Agent/Talent Buyer Networking Reception (RSVP required - in addition to registration – limited capacity) Education Panels Afternoon Sponsored Showcases Bluegrass Ramble Evening Showcases
Register Today! Special First-Time Attendee Discount Available for the Business Conference. International Buegrass
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WORLD OF BLUEGRASS The Bluegrass Ramble Shines On!
The Bluegrass Ramble is IBMA’s innovative showcase series in club venues in downtown Raleigh. With over 200 showcase performances, the Ramble is the premier platform for showcasing our great talent and their new material to the bluegrass community. Venues include: Lincoln Theater, The Pour House, Kings, Architect Bar, Vintage Church, and the Raleigh Convention Center. Ramble along and catch some of the hottest acts shaping bluegrass music today!
Highlights Over 200 showcase performances! Experience 30 official IBMA showcase, plus additional sponsored talent in an authentic live music environment! Business Conference registrants get privileged access to all showcases with full conference registration. Ramble-only passes also available. Free Ramble Express shuttle.
The Bluegrass Ramble is free to all who register at the Business Conference. (You can register for the Business Conference here.) The public can also attend this one-of-a-kind urban bluegrass festival with passes ranging from a $25 advance single day pass for IBMA members to a $75 full pass for non-members. Tickets for the Bluegrass Ramble can be purchased here.
If you’d like a taste of what’s in store, download our free Bluegrass Ramble 2016 Mixtape here. 10 String Symphony
Andrew Collins
Annie Lou
Bill & the Belles
Cardboard Fox
Carolina Blue
The Hackensaw Boys
Hannah Shira Naiman
High Plains Jamboree
Hot Buttered Rum
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Jenni Lynn
Joe Walsh
John Jorgensen
Kaia Kater
The Lil’ Smokies
Missy Raines & the New Hip
Molly Tuttle Band
Old Salt Union
Red Wine
Run Boy Run
Steep Ravine Band
Tellico
The Honey Dewdrops
The Loose Strings Band
The Unseen Strangers
Tim Carter & Bang Bang
Town Mountain
Trout Steak Revival
Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike
Zoe & Cloyd
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WORLD OF BLUEGRASS 2016
International Bluegrass Music
Special Awards Luncheon; September 28, IBMA Business Conference in Raleigh, NC The IBMA announced the nominees for our Special Awards on August 24, 2016, in recognition of outstanding work in categories including Broadcaster of the Year, Bluegrass Event of the Year, Best Graphic Design for a Recorded Project, Best Liner Notes for a Recorded Project, Print/Media Person of the Year and Bluegrass
Ballots are in!
Special Awards Nominees Songwriter of the Year. The Special Awards will be handed out Wednesday, September 28, during a luncheon at the World of Bluegrass Business Conference at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown Raleigh, NC. “Announcing the Special Awards nominees is yet another highlight of the year, as our membership recognizes and celebrates annual contributions of excellence by people who are the backbone of the bluegrass commu-
nity,” said IBMA Executive Director Paul Schiminger. “The artistry and hard work of these nominees is vital to everyone in bluegrass music.” Nominees are selected by a specially appointed committee made up of bluegrass music professionals who possess significant knowledge of the history of the genre. The recipient of each award is decided on by the Panel of Electors, IBMA members with deep roots in the bluegrass music industry.
Broadcaster of the Year
Event of the Year
Kyle Cantrell
44 Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival (Woodstown, NJ)
Larry Carter
The 2015-16 Emelin Theatre Bluegrass Concert Series (Mamaroneck, NY)
Joe Mullins
La Roche Bluegrass Festival – Special 10th Edition (La Roche sur Foron, France)
Ronnie Reno
Musicians Against Childhood Cancer (Lockbourne, Ohio)
Alan Tompkins
New Richmond Bluegrass Festival (Quebec, Canada)
th
Best Liner Notes for A Recorded Project
Best Graphic Design for A Recorded Project
Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year
Darol Anger and Joe Walsh – Project : “The People Need Light”; Artist: Mr. Sun; Compass Records
Robert Hakalski – Project: “Traveling Roots”; Artist: Matt Flinner Trio; Compass Records
Chris Jones
Ron Block – Project: “Forbes Family Treasures, Volumes 1&2”; Artist: The Forbes Family; Rebel Records
Dave Hummel and Charles R. Humphrey III- Project: “Traveling Show’; Artist: Songs From The Road Band; Lucks Dumpy Toad Records
Peter Cooper – Project: “The Muscle Shoals Recordings”; Artist: The SteelDrivers; Rounder Records Daniel Mullins – Project: “The Blues Are Still The Blues”; Artist: The Traditional Grass; Rebel Records Larry Nager – Project: “Modern Day Man”; Artist: Josh Williams; Rounder Records Jim Wood – Project: “Home Made Sugar and a Puncheon Floor”; Artist: Howdy Forrester and John Hartford; Spring Fed Records
Anthony Ladd – Project: “The Road’s Not Easy”; Artist: Ash Breeze; Travianna Records Scott McCormick – Project: “ Ladies & Gentlemen”; Artist: The Infamous Stringdusters; Compass Records Jennifer Peck – Project: “Nothing But Sky”; Artist: Delta Reign; Travianna Records
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Charles Humphrey III Tammy Rogers King Milan Miller Donna Ulisse
Bluegrass Print/Media Person of the Year Derek Halsey David Morris Daniel Mullins Penny Parsons Garret K. Woodward
LEADERSHIP BLUEGRASS
Deadline to Apply for Leadership Bluegrass Is November 15, 2016 Class scheduled for Mon-Wed, March 20-22, 2017, in Nashville Leadership Bluegrass is an intensive, threeday 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-ofa-kind 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, or call Kelly Kessler at (615) 256-3222, kelly@ibma.org
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In Remembrance
Melvin Goins - July, 29 2016
M
elvin Goins, bluegrass guitarist and singer, passed away July 29, 2016. The long arc of Goins’ career included his work with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, the Stanley Brothers, Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys, the Goins Brothers, and Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain. Goins also worked enthusiastically to bring music to kids in schools throughout rural Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. Goins got his start 1953 with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, recording several sides with RCA Victor and Starday. Dubbed “Big Wilbur” by Carter Stanley, Goins joined the Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys as their bass-playing comedian. Goins has been credited with working tirelessly to help the career of the Stanleys through Carter’s illness and passing, and Ralph’s launch as bandleader. With his brother Ray, the Goins Brothers performed for thirty years, recording twenty albums. An impressive roster of players joined the Goins Brothers, including Paul Mullins, Art Stamper, Joe Meadows, Dave Evans, Glen Duncan, Charlie Sizemore, Jason Carter, Harley Gabbard, Curly Lambert, Buddy Griffin, Scotty Sparks, Hunter Berry, John Rigsby, Billy Rose, John McNeely, James Price, Gerald Evans, Dale Vanderpool, and Jack Hicks. Starting in the mid-90’s, he led Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain. Melvin Goins is a member of the IBMA Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. He was awarded Morehead State University’s Appalachian Treasure Award. He was the first bluegrass musician to be featured on the cover of Smithsonian Magazine. We offer our condolences and sympathies to Melvin’s wife, Willia, and his family. We are grateful for the immeasurable, lifelong contribution Melvin Goins has made to our music.
Vic Jordan - August, 25 2016 In late-breaking news, Vic Jordan passed away August 25, 2016 as we were finishing this issue. The following passage was written as part of Vic Jordan being honored with the IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 2013:
Vic Jordan was an influential banjo player who toured and recorded with Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys, Lester Flatt & the Nashville Grass, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper & the Clinch Mountain Clan, Jim & Jesse, James Monroe and
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the Midnight Ramblers, and The Wayne Newton Orchestra—along with decades of television and studio work. That’s Vic’s banjo you hear on Monroe’s recordings of “Gold Rush,” “Sally Goodin,” Virginia Darlin’,” “Is the Blue Moon Still Shinin’,” “Train 45,” “Ken-
tucky Mandolin,” “I Want to Go with You,” “Crossing the Cumberlands,” and “Walls of Time.” He also played banjo on the soundtracks for Coal Miner’s Daughter and Smoky & the Bandit II, and was in the 1992 Hee Haw band.
In Remembrance
Takeharu Kunimoto - December 24, 2016 Japanese entertainer, storyteller, and shamisen player Takeharu Kunimoto, 55 years old, passed away on December 24, 2015 in Tokyo, Japan. A well-known figure in the Japanese entertainment and television industry, Takeharu Kunimoto was also the world’s only bluegrass shamisen player. (The shamisen is a three stringed fretless banjo-like instrument from Japan.) Attending a concert by Bill Monroe in Tokyo as a teenager, Kunimoto’s life was transformed and bluegrass became an essential part. Selected by Japan as a cultural exchange scholar, he spent a year in East Tennessee State University for study and cultural exchange. While living in
Johnson City, TN, he formed Takeharu Kunimoto & The Last Frontier. The band had several tours in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Kunimoto recorded three albums with his group and appeared as a guest on Bobby Osborne’s 2010 release “Memories”, playing the iconic banjo break to “Up This Hill and Down” on the shamisen. An international music ambassador who brought traditional Japanese music to the United States and helped spread Bluegrass Music in Japan, Takeharu Kunimoto will truly be missed all across the globe. -J. P. Mathes II, Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music
Don Parmley - August, 25 2016 In the 1970’s Parmley joined forces with his son David Parmley and Randy Graham to form the Bluegrass Cardinals. They moved from California to the Washington D.C. area in 1976. Release of their eponymous first album on Rounder (known to fans as “Welcome to Virginia”) in 1977 brought them broad popular and critical acclaim. Their instrumental ability, exceptional harmonies and top-flight singing garnered them a wide following. They released a string of albums Don Parmley, founder of the lies (not to be confused with for Sugar Hill, CMH and Flatt & Scruggs’ playing on seminal bluegrass band the eventually their own BGC the theme song.) Parmley Bluegrass Cardinals, passed label. Parmley was particucame to prominence in the away July 30, 2016. Born in larly regarded for his banjo Monticello, KY, Parmley first 1960’s California band the and baritone, as well as his gained notice in Los Angeles Hillmen, along with front influential work on blending playing the soundtrack banjo man Chris Hillman and Vern and arrangements. parts on the Beverly Hillbil- and Rex Gosdin.
Over a run that spanned three decades, the Bluegrass Cardinals were a training ground for many fine musicians, including Larry Stephenson, Warren Blair, Mike Hartgrove, Norman Wright, Tim Smith, Dale Perry, Greg Luck and Ernie Sykes. We join the bluegrass community in mourning the loss of Don Parmley and we offer our sympathies to his family and friends.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
September 2016
Cindy Baucom Launches Bluegrass Music Video Show
Nancy Cardwell joins BuckleDown Booking & Productions and Foundation for Bluegrass Music
Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame member and IBMA Broadcaster of the Year, Cindy Baucom, is taking her national radio show, Knee-Deep In Bluegrass, to television this fall under the same name. The show, produced by North Valley Media for Yadtel, will air weekly in northwest and central North Carolina through broadcast and online streaming, with plans to offer the show across the Southeast and beyond.
Nancy Cardwell, past Executive Director of IBMA, has joined BuckleDown Booking & Promotions, based in Bell Buckle, TN. She represents Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Bluegrass Hall of Famer/Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds and his Virginia Boys, and new Pinecastle Records artist, Ray Cardwell & Tennessee Moon. (Ray Cardwell is Nancy’s younger brother.)
The half-hour format will combine interviews, videos and commentary. Baucom encourages interested artists and labels to submit their videos here, and to contact her for more information about the program and appearance requirements.
For more information: nancyk.cardwell@gmail.com www.buckledownproduction.com, (615) 260-4807 Nancy Cardwell also was named Administrator of the Foundation for Bluegrass Music in August. For more information: www.bluegrassfoundation.org
MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Membership Benefits: Travel and Websites The International Bluegrass Music Association is excited to announce a new partnership with HotelStorm to bring you exclusive hotel discounts. HotelStorm negotiates hotel discounts only available to our members, with discounts up to 55%. HotelStorm is great for artist travel, vacations, upcoming events and conferences and for any other hotel needs you may have. Contact Leah at leah@ibma.org
We’re always looking for ways to make business a little easier, a little smoother, and a little more profitable for our members. We hope these new benefits might fit the bill.
Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music. Their step-bystep system will get you online in minutes. Choose from hundreds of mobile-friendly themes, then customize them with Bandzoogle’s easy point and click editor.
professional newsletters. Pull in content from all of your online services, including Instagram, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Twitter. An important feature is that you can count on live support by Bandzoogle’s musician-friendly team. All the features you need for a professional Bandzoogle is offering IBMA members a three-month free trial, plus 15% off memwebsite are built-in. You can sell music, merch, and tickets commission-free, right bership. Plans start at $10/month, including free registration of your own .com on your website. You can stream your domain. Click here to start your risk-free music, with flexible options for music three-month trial. downloads. Build your fan list and send
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INDUSTRY NEWS
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IB