Sam Bush by David McClister

NASHVILLE, TN – Legendary bluegrass and Americana artist Sam Bush has been selected to host the International Bluegrass Music Awards October 4, 2007, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN.

Besides helming the popular Sam Bush Band, the mandolin prodigy from Kentucky has been a prodigious influence on musicians young and old–not only in his wide-ranging choice of material and signature groove, but also with his captivating, high-energy live shows that make him a much demanded headliner at mega-festivals and concert halls alike.

When not heading his own band, Bush has spent the past 15 years as a “super sideman” with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett and the Flecktones; spearheaded boundary-stretching collaborations with Edgar Meyer, Mark O’Connor and David Grisman; and driven a number of bluegrass supergroup collaborations with his powerful, inimitable mandolin chop.

“I am excited to be asked to host this year’s IBMA Awards Show. Bluegrass is and has always been an important part of my life and the foundation of the music I play. I love the music, the pickers and the fans. It’s an honor and a thrill. I’m psyched!”Sam Bush

On the Road, the first live concert DVD from the Sam Bush Band, is slated for an August 14 release on the Sugar Hill label. Recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, Calif., the world class band spins acoustic gold on a collection of favorites from Sam’s solo releases and New Grass hits, along with crowd pleasers like John Hartford’s “Back in the Goodle Days.” Bonus content on the disc includes interview footage from the taping, in-studio footage from Laps In Seven, and the music video for “The River’s Gonna Run” featuring Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller.

The International Bluegrass Music Awards are determined by the professional membership of the association and recognize outstanding achievement in the bluegrass genre. The show is syndicated to more than 300 radio stations across the country and around the world, and will be broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio. National Sponsors for the show include Martha White Foods; GACTV; GHS Strings; MerleFest and Deering Banjos.Tickets go on sale to the public on August 16 and may be purchased from Ticketmaster at 615-255-9600 or the Grand Ole Opry House Box Office at 800-733-6779.