The IBMA FOUNDATION supports programs fostering the growth of bluegrass music through charitable donations and planned giving. Learn more at bluegrassfoundation.org or at the Foundation booth in the Expo Hall this week, where we can talk about how YOU can help make the future of bluegrass music brighter! Also check out the 2026 Strings for Dreams Bluegrass Raffle prize, a Martin Herringbone D28 guitar. Please drop by the Pisgah Banjo Company booth for info on their online raffle of a Pisgah banjo to benefit the IBMA Foundation’s Arnold Shultz Fund. All locations below are in the Chattanooga Convention Center unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, September 17
1-5 p.m. IBMA Foundation booth in Expo Hall
4-6 p.m. IBMA Foundation board meeting (off site)
Thursday, September 18
9-10:30 a.m. IBMA Town Hall (IBMA Foundation report)
11 a.m. -1 p.m. IBMA Industry Awards Luncheon (IBMA Foundation report)
1-5 p.m. IBMA Foundation booth in Expo Hall
2-3:30 p.m. Private reception to honor 2024-25 recipients of IBMA Foundation grant and scholarship recipients. Sponsored by Rick Lang Music.
7:30 p.m. IBMA Awards Show (Congrats to new Hall of Famers Arnold Shultz, Hot Rize, The Bluegrass Cardinals, and all the nominees!), Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, TN
Friday, September 19
11 a.m.-6 p.m. IBMA Foundation booth in Expo Hall
12:30-2:30 p.m. Bluegrass Educators Luncheon (Marriott, Tennessee River Room) Ticketed event, register in advance. For educators who teach bluegrass music on the college/ university level.
6 – 10:15 p.m. Bluegrass College Band Showcase (8th & Market Street, Youth Stage)
- The East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Pride band (directed by Dan Boner)
- UT Appalachian Strings (directed by Evie Andrus & Sean McCollough)
- The Mountain Music Ambassadors from the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University (directed by Daxson Lewis)
- Colorado College Bluegrass Ensemble (directed by Keith Reed)
- Denison University Bluegrass Ensemble (directed by Adam Schlenker)
- The UNG (University of North Georgia) String Band (directed by Esther Morgan–Ellis)
10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.: College Bluegrass Band Get-Together for bands in the Bluegrass College Band Showcase. (off site) Sponsored by Laurie Greenberg.
Saturday, September 19
9-10:30 a.m. Biscuits for Bluegrass fundraiser breakfast, VIP artists, Silent Auction to benefit IBMA Foundation (N. Rotunda, Chattanooga Convention Center) TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT. Check in at the IBMA Foundation’s Expo Hall booth earlier in the week to get on the ticket waiting list. Sponsors: Bluegrass First Class/ ATS Records, Turnberry Records, Pickin’ in the Peaches, Sam Blumenthal, Richard Brown (in honor of BBU 50th anniversary and Hall of Fame induction of Arnold Shultz), Katy Daley & Bill Brown, Laurie Greenberg, Mark Schuster, Trisha & John Tubbs, and Lee Zapis.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. IBMA Foundation booth in Expo Hall
1-2:30 p.m. Bluegrass College Info Session
Moderator: Trisha Tubbs
High school students and families: Learn about college and university programs, degrees, bands and ensembles, scholarships, and more! University reps and bluegrass students will be on hand to answer your questions and play some music too!
6-10:15 p.m. Bluegrass College Band Showcase (8th & Market Street, Youth Stage)
- Pellissippi State Community College Bluegrass Band (directed by Larry Vincent)
- Warren Wilson College Bluegrass Band (directed by Natalya Weinstein Miller)
- OCTC Capital Bluegrass Band at Owensboro Community College (directed by Scott Napier)
- Orchestra Appalachia at Ferrum College (directed by Emily Tucker)
- Tigertown Roots at Clemson University (directed by Ryan Wilson)
- Berklee College of Music Bluegrass Ensemble (directed by Tony Watt)
RETURN to the August 2025 issue of The Cornerstone.
Recent Comments