Nashville, Tenn. — IBMA’s World of Bluegrass attracted 19,546 (the fourth highest ever) from all over the globe to make Nashville “Bluegrass Music City” from September 29 to October 5. The week included the bluegrass music industry’s business conference, Bluegrass Fan Fest and the International Bluegrass Music Awards.

Memphis, Tenn. — The North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance (The Folk Alliance) announces activist and songwriter, Phil Ochs, American folk performers, Guy and Candie Carawan, and the Old Town School of Folk Music, as recipients of the 2009 Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Awards (LAAwards). The presentation will be made during the Folk Awards Show on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Memphis Marriott Downtown.

Hendersonville, Tenn. — Four time Dove Award nominated Bluegrass Gospel group The Chigger Hill Boys & Terri have released their brand new project, “Hymns From Chigger Hill” on Thoroughbred Records. The CD was officially released on Tuesday, September 23rd, and features 11 traditional hymns with a Chigger twist.