Bluegrass musicians ready for in-person IBMA Awards in Raleigh
After taking a break from an in-person event last year due to COVID-19, the International Bluegrass Music Association will host its annual awards in Raleigh Thursday night.
The awards ceremony at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts will honor Alison Krauss and the other Hall of Fame inductees, banjoist Lynn Morris and early bluegrass influencers the Stoneman Family, on the final day of the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, a three-day music showcase held at six venues in downtown Raleigh.
The nominees for “Entertainer of the Year” include Balsam Range, which features five acoustic musicians and singers from western North Carolina. Other nominees include Billy Strings, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Del McCoury Band and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
Sampson County's own Gena Britt, of group Sister Sadie, is nominated for Banjo Player of the Year. The group, which won Entertainer of the Year last year, are up for Vocal Group of the Year at Thursday's event.
Tickets for the award ceremony are available at worldofbluegrass.org. The event will also be livestreamed on the IBMA Facebook page.
Tickets to the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, held Sept. 28-30, range between $25 for a single-day pass and $60 for a three-day pass. IBMA Bluegrass Live!, a two-day festival featuring free shows on street stages in downtown Raleigh and ticketed concerts at Red Hat Amphitheater, will be held Oct. 1 and 2.
