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.

“More important than the sheer number of people who came to events is the quality of benefits gained by participants and fellowship among professional colleagues and between artists and fans. In the midst of fuel shortages in the region and economic crisis in the world, our turnout suffered slightly compared to recent years, but every indication from attendees points to one of the best events we’ve ever hosted. Whether hoping to advance their professional interests or simply there for the music and fun, participants are overwhelmingly telling us their expectations were either met or exceeded at every turn.” - Dans Hays IBMA executive director

IBMA’s World of Bluegrass business conference attendees found dozens of professional development functions, countless networking opportunities and over 300 artist performances which showcased everything from established talent with new material to emerging acts breaking onto the international scene.

Among the highlights was a first-ever International Summit of leaders from around the globe who met for two-days to identify opportunities and priorities for expanding bluegrass music’s presence outside of the US. “It laid solid foundations for future progress,” according to international committee chair Richard Hawkins from Ireland.

The International Bluegrass Music Awards Show felt like it was being hosted at “home” to a capacity crowd at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The legendary and amiable Del McCoury emceed the evening filled with almost a dozen rousing performances by the music’s leading acts. At the end, the night belonged to the newest ambassadors for the music as Dailey & Vincent walked away with an unprecedented seven of the most coveted awards in the industry. Pioneers Bill Clifton and Charles Wolfe also were honored with stirring inductions into the association’s Hall of Fame. The show was broadcast live via XM Satellite Radio and syndicated to more than 320 radio affiliates around the world.

The halls of the Nashville Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel were filled with fans for the weekend’s Bluegrass Fan Fest. More than 11,500 were ticketed for the 3-day gala and they mingled with their musical heroes, enjoyed over 60 headline performances, shopped in the exposition center and made their own music in impromptu jams sessions throughout each night.

Before the final notes were played, work had already begun for the 2009 World of Bluegrass events slated for September 28-October 4 in Nashville.

The events have an estimated $4.3 million impact on the regional economy and are generously supported by corporate partners including: Martha White Foods, Martin Guitars, Bluegrass Unlimited, D’Addario Strings, MerleFest, Knee Deep in Bluegrass, Gibson Instruments, The Tennessean, WSM-AM 650, GAC TV, Bluegrass Now, BMI, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Sugar Hill Records, Stelling Banjo Works, Good Home Grown Music, Huber Banjos, Rural Rhythm Records, California Bluegrass Association, SESAC, ASCAP, GHS Strings, Deering Banjos, Pinecastle Records, Homespun Tapes, CMT, Colorado Case Company, Musicians Against Childhood Cancer and NARAS MusiCares.

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) is the trade organization representing artists, composers, labels, publishers, event producers, broadcasters, agents, managers, journalists, educators, merchandisers, luthiers, associations and other professionals in the bluegrass community.

For more information contact IBMA at 1-888-438-4262 or visit www.ibma.org.