We are excited to share a project grant highlight from our board member, Mona Salyer!
The String Band Summit at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City, Tennessee, was awarded an IBMA Foundation Project Grant for 2026. The ETSU Institute for Appalachian Music and Culture has hosted this fantastic summit since 2017. This year’s event will feature a keynote session with an analytical, social-science twist, youth engagement activities in partnership with local and regional JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) groups, and a public community dance.
“At the IBMA Foundation, we’re always looking for a way to make a brighter future for bluegrass! One way we do this is to fund project grants, and one of those grants for 2026 went to the ETSU String Band Summit, which unites artists, scholars, teachers, and industry professionals.
It explores string band traditions, histories, and practices across the Americas to foster collaboration, bridging gaps between genres, vocations, and geography. I was very fortunate to be able to attend a small part of the Summit on behalf of the Board.
How exciting to hear “Shifting Currents: Tributaries of Post-Secondary Research on Old-Time and Bluegrass Music,” where three Indiana University students shared their fascinating work.
We’d love for these and others involved in research to apply for The Neil Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award with the IBMA Foundation, as well!” The Neil Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar award deadline is June 30th, for more details link here.
RETURN to the May 2026 edition of the Cornerstone.
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