Bluegrass festival announces performers, additional safety measures
The 2021 IBMA World of Bluegrass has released the lineup for its Bluegrass Live! festival, plus additional information about safety measures in the wake of rising COVID-19 numbers in the state.
The event includes ticketed main stage shows at Red Hat Amphitheater and free performances on four StreetFest Stages on Oct. 1-2.
Red Hat Amphitheater shows will start at 4 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. each day. Headliners include Béla Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz & Bryan Sutton; The Del McCoury Band; Steep Canyon Rangers; Yonder Mountain String Band; and Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer & Odessa Settles.
Guests attending shows at Red Hat Amphitheater will be required to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19. All sections will be ticketed at the venue in order to control the capacity.
The StreetFest stages will be spaced out this year to reduce street congestion, organizers announced. The big changes will be in City Plaza, where the Youth Stage will now be located. The City Plaza stage has been moved to the parking lot across from the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. The parking lot will also feature food trucks, a beer garden and room for families and friends to gather.
See the schedule for StreetFest and Red Hat Amphitheater shows
Capitol Broadcasting Company, which includes WRAL-TV and WRAL.com, is the exclusive media partner for the ticketed Main Stage performances at Red Hat Amphitheater, as well as the free performances at StreetFest Stages downtown.
In addition to Red Hat Amphitheater shows, proof of vaccination will also be required for any events that require registration and ticketing. These events include the IBMA Business Conference, the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcase series and the 32nd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards.
All artists, stage managers, crew and staff for shows at the main stage and StreetFest must be vaccinated.
Masks are required at all indoor activities including bathrooms, hallways and green rooms, and also recommended for outdoor shows.
IBMA will be streaming some content throughout the week via Swapcard. Virtual tickets will include access to a virtual exhibit hall, conference sessions and performances.
Virtual tickets will be on sale soon, while tickets to the in-person festival are on sale now.
A portion of the proceeds from IBMA Bluegrass Live! will go to the IBMA Trust Fund, which provides financial assistance to bluegrass artists and other industry professionals in times of emergency.
