World of Bluegrass will require vaccines for ticketed events, masks indoors next month in Raleigh

Proof of vaccination will be required at all IBMA World of Bluegrass events that require registration or tickets in Raleigh next month. All indoor events will require masks as well. Events are scheduled throughout downtown Raleigh from Sept. 28 through Oct. 2.

Organizers announced the change on Tuesday, amid a surge of coronavirus cases in North Carolina. The state is averaging more than 5,000 new cases per day, on par with the previous, pre-vaccine peak from last winter.

"As live bluegrass music begins to re-emerge, our emphasis on a safe return cannot be understated,” said Mike Simpson, chairman of the IBMA board of directors. “We have been closely monitoring safety guidelines, and in the interest of everyone’s safety, our Board of Directors has taken the unanimous position that participation in this year’s World of Bluegrass begins and ends with safety - requiring proof of vaccination and indoor mask wearing. I am pleased to say that our discussions were strikingly non-political and focused purely on the best safety measures that we could take for all involved.”

Proof of vaccination will be required for attendance at:

• the IBMA Business Conference
• the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcase series
• the 32nd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards
• concerts at the Red Hat Amphitheater for IBMA Bluegrass Live!
• other IBMA World of Bluegrass events at the Raleigh Convention Center, the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and various venues downtown.

People will be asked to provide proof of vaccination as they check in to an event, and the vaccinated will be provided with a wristband to wear at all events.

“The past 18 months have been so hard on all of us – and I know everyone missed getting together as a community, in person, for IBMA World of Bluegrass in 2020. I'm glad that we’ve found a way to safely gather back in Raleigh this fall; it will uplift music fans and musicians,” said Tim Stafford of Blue Highway.

Ticketholders who change their minds based on the new protocols can choose to request a refund on the World of Bluegrass website.

Those who wish to attend virtually will have options. Morris said select content, including conference sessions and music performances will be streamed. Details on virtual tickets will be announced soon.