Balsam Range Takes Top Honors at IBMA Awards

Mountain Home Music Company artists honored for excellence in several categories

Nashville, TN – It was a big night for Balsam Range at the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, which were announced during a red carpet event at the annual World of Bluegrass convention in Raleigh, NC.

Singer/Fiddler Buddy Melton was named Male Vocalist of the Year and shared his heartfelt gratitude from the stage. Balsam Range was honored as Vocal Group of the Year, and in the final award of the night, this band of friends from North Carolina's Haywood County was honored with the coveted IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award.

Guitar virtuoso and singer, Caleb Smith, however, nearly missed the big moment.

Balsam Range had just performed "Moon Over Memphis" and Caleb was backstage talking guitars with fellow-artist, Del McCoury. Guitars are, after all, a favorite topic for Smith, a luthier who makes Caleb Smith Guitars. When the Entertainer of the Year award was announced, McCoury had to interrupt Smith, saying "Son, I think they just said your name." No fret, Caleb made it to the stage in time to accept the award alongside Tim Surrett, Buddy Melton, Marc Pruett and Darren Nicholson.

Label-mates at Mountain Home Music Company also received IBMA awards. Adam Steffey of The Boxcars was named Mandolin Player of the Year, and Flatt Lonesome won the Emerging Artist of the Year award. At an earlier luncheon program, Tim Surrett of Balsam Range was honored with the Mentor Award (one of a series of special honors called Momentum Awards) for his inspiration and work with young and developing artists.

Balsam Range, [pictured above], recently released its fifth album, FIVE. The band's previous release, PAPERTOWN, was named 2013 IBMA Album of the Year.

IBMA Awards are decided by a vote of the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. The IBMA Awards Show was broadcast live on SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction), and streamed for viewing by Music City Roots.

Balsam Range: New Album Available Today

FIVE is the latest project from IBMA Album of the Year winning band
Nashville, TN --- IBMA Album of the Year winner, Balsam Range, returns with the band’s appropriately-titled fifth album. Five is set for release today, June 17th.

Five exemplifies Balsam Range as one of the most remarkable bands in Acoustic music. If the goal was to elevate the level of songs, performance, production value, and excitement, then Five surely marks the successful achievement of that goal.

From deep in the Appalachians where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Blue Ridge come the gifted men of Balsam Range, creatively blending Bluegrass, Folk, Gospel and Jazz into a new American acoustic music experience. Mountain Home Recording artists founded in 2007, Balsam Range is five friends with unique experiences and backgrounds blending together effortlessly to form their distinctive sound. Since bursting onto the scene, Balsam Range has made a definite mark in the Bluegrass and Acoustic music world.

The band's 2010 release TRAINS I MISSED brought in a #1 hit and Bluegrass Song of the Year award for its title track. PAPERTOWN (2012) built on that momentum with five consecutive months as the #1 album on Bluegrass radio, and won the 2013 IBMA Album of the Year award.

In the wake of PAPERTOWN’S success, expectations have been high.

"Papertown was received so well that we were a little anxious about what we could do next," said Tim Surrett, vocalist and bass player for the band. "How do we follow an Album of the Year? We finally just went in there and made the best record we could and had some fun."

The band has a consistent knack for conveying emotion with power. The result is a heartfelt delivery of tributes to working class heroes, an original Gospel a cappella song, a driving instrumental, and even a John Denver classic. The group draws from diverse influences and original sources while giving each track the Balsam Range treatment.

The band has also just announced its revamped fan benefit site, www.balsamnation.com which offers free music, discounts and exclusive merchandise to its growing population of dedicated fans. Information on Balsam Nation is available through the band web site. Additionally, Balsam Range has posted a fun video on the making of the tune, “Moon Over Memphis.”

Hi Rez Images and eReview LINK

For more on Balsam Range, visit www.balsamrange.com

Sonya Issacs Yeary Garners IBMA Female Vocalist Nomination

Nashville, TN (August 16, 2013) On August 15, 2013, Multi-award winning singer and songwriter Sonya Isaacs Yeary garnered the nomination for "Female Vocalist of the Year" at the 24th Annual International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards that will be held on September 26 in Raleigh, NC.
Sonya Isaacs Yeary expressed her gratitude for this nomination saying, “Having grown up with such admiration and respect for bluegrass music, I feel extremely honored to be nominated again for Female Vocalist of the Year in the 2013 IBMA Awards. I love bluegrass music and am grateful to be considered among such talented women.”
This award is nominated by the members of the IBMA for the outstanding female vocalist based on recorded and in-person performances. The award recognizes the artist.
Sonya Isaacs Yeary travels and performs with her family group, The Isaacs, and also spends time co-writing many hit songs with her husband Jimmy Yeary and her sister Becky Isaacs Bowman. She and her husband are also raising a wonderful 2 year old son, Ayden Yeary.

You can find more information on the Isaacs at www.theisaacs.com or www.facebook.com/TheIsaacs .

For more information about the IBMA go to https://ibma.org/

To contact the Isaacs E-mail them at info@theisaacs.com
To book the Isaacs contact info@harperagency.com



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About The Isaacs
The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 30 years ago, are based out of Nashville, TN . The vocalists are Lily Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman. Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. Their musical influences emerge from all genres of music including bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk, and country, contemporary acoustic and southern gospel. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series and travel throughout the year performing internationally. Concert venues include civic centers, auditoriums, arenas, fair grounds, parks, churches and other locations. They have performed the National Anthem for many sporting events, including a Cincinnati Bengal's football game, several Nashville Predators Hockey games, an Astros/ Braves pre-season baseball game as well as various political gatherings. They also received a standing ovation for their patriotic performance at Carnegie Hall.

APA Nashville Signs Bluegrass Superstar Duo Dailey & Vincent

Nashville, TN (May 20, 2013) -- APA Nashville has signed Bluegrass superstar duo Dailey & Vincent to their roster, it was announced today by APA's Cass Scripps. The duo, celebrating its five-year anniversary, has earned two Grammy nominations, three consecutive IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Awards for "Entertainer of the Year" and three awards for "Vocal Group of the Year," respectively, and over 40 other awards and honors. They have multiple #1's and currently have two albums in the Top 10 on the Billboard charts.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the award-winning and multi-talented Dailey & Vincent. Adding them to our roster will open many exciting doors of opportunity in the future," comments Scripps.

Dailey & Vincent's current single, "Steel Drivin' Man," was the #1 most-played song on Bluegrass Today's monthly chart in April and marked Jamie Dailey's first #1 as a songwriter. The video premiered on CMT Pure and remains an ongoing top-trending clip. Their new CD, BROTHERS OF THE HIGHWAY, is currently #2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart. In addition, THE GOSPEL SIDE OF DAILEY & VINCENT is currently sitting at #7 in its 69th week of activity on the Billboard Gospel Albums Chart.

From L to R: Zac Koffler (APEX Entertainment Management), Ray Shelide (APA), Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent, Cass Scripps (APA), Matt McGuire (APA), Michael Stevens (APA)

Notes Dailey, "We are excited to be working with some of Nashville's finest and hardest-working agents." While Vincent adds, "We are looking forward to a great future with a fantastic group of folks at APA Nashville."

Dailey & Vincent are also represented by Zac Koffler / APEX Entertainment Management, attorney David Crow of Milom, Horsnell, Crow, Rose, Kelley, PLC. and Rounder Records.

IBMA Announces Leadership Bluegrass Class of 2013

IBMA announces Leadership Bluegrass class of 2013
NASHVILLE, TN. The International Bluegrass Music Association is proud to announce the graduating class of Leadership Bluegrass 2013. Leadership Bluegrass is an intensive, three-day program focused on interactive learning and networking experiences that invite participants to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the bluegrass music industry, along with leadership development issues. This was the 14th year of Leadership Bluegrass, which now boasts over 300 alumni.
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Leadership Bluegrass 2013 was hosted at BMI, and Bone McAllester Norton PLLC in Nashville, Tennessee March 7 through 9. Trisha Tubbs was the facilitator. Each year participants are selected through a selective application process and are a cross section of current and future leaders from various aspects of the industry, and come from various regions of the U.S. and the world.
Freelance writer and journalist Shannon Turner, a Leadership Bluegrass 2013 graduate, said she will always value being a part of the class. “Leadership Bluegrass is an invaluable program of learning, growth, and even transformation. You leave with a renewed energy and determination to spread the gospel of bluegrass music,” Turner said. The Bluegrass Situation’s Amy Reitnouer, who was also a participant agreed, saying, “I was awed by the fellow classmates, network of alumni, and incredible presenters.”
Congratulations to our graduates:
Darin Aldridge; Darin and Brooke Aldridge; Cherryville, NC
Melissa Armstrong; Detour; Sand Lake, MI
Andrea Ball; Make Welcome Entertainment; Washington, DC
Katherine Coe; IBMA; Nashville, TN
Jeremy Darrow; The Erin McDermott Band/Freelance Musician; Nashville, TN
John DeMarce; DC Bluegrass Union; Washington, DC
Susie Glaze; Hilonesome Music, Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band; Burbank, CA
KC Groves; Artist & Composer; Lyons, CO
Kayla Hotte; Kayla Hotte & her Rodeo Pals; Ardrossan, Alberta, CA
Caroline Isachsen; Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival; Delmar, NY
Steven Johnson; MerleFest; Wilkesboro, NC
Lori King; Bluegrass Music Association of Iowa; Drakesville, IA
Jordan Laney; Appalachian State University; Vilas, NC
Ron Murphy; Muddy River Band; Wilmington, OH
Amy Reitnouer; The Bluegrass Situation; Los Angeles, CA
Carolyn Routh; Nu-Blu, Red Squared Audio; Siler City; NC
Sheila Selby; Boston Bluegrass Union; Brookline, MA
Carly Smith; International Bluegrass Music Museum; Owensboro, KY
Erin Stamper; WAMU’s Bluegrass Country; Washington, DC
Shannon Turner; Freelance writer/journalist; Hermitage, TN
Missy Werner; Missy Werner Band; Liberty Township, OH
Jill Wiese; Bluegrass Association of North Dakota; Washburn, ND
Kristi Wilcox; Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP; Nashville, TN
Courtney Worthen; PineCone – The Piedmont Council of Traditional Music; Raleigh, NC
Thank you to our sponsors for Leadership Bluegrass 2013:
Gold: BMI; The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation; Bone McAllester Norton LLC; Wintergrass Music Festival (Acoustic Sound); Martha Dantzic/Quicksilver Productions
Patron: John & Trisha Tubbs
LBG Family: Terry & Sharon Alford, Phil Bankester, Nick Barr, Danny Clark, Katy Daley, Regina Derzon, Arnie Fleischer, Lisa Jacobi, Denise Jarvinen, Richard Spratt, Kimberly East Williams
Friends of LBG: Claire Armbruster & Jeff Koontz, Mike Armistead, Fred Bartenstein, Janet Brightly, Dr. Richard Brown, Mary Burdette, Paul Byrum, Greg Cahill, Casey Campbell, Nancy Cardwell, Dag Iver Caspersen, Darwin Davidson, Lachlan Davidson, Lynda Dawson, Mary Tyler Doub, Bill Foster, Carolyn Hotte, Lisa Husted, Carl Jackson, Rienk Janssen, Russell Johnson, Bill Knowlton, Kitsy Kuykendall, Dagfinn Pedersen, Tina Potter, Mike Ramsey, Jim Roe, Dana Romanello, Neil & Terri Rosenberg, Stephen Ruffo, Mary Sackmann, Peter Salovey, Sharon White & Rick y Skaggs, Mary Faith Rhoads-Lewis, Sheila Selby, Earle Simmons, Frank Solivan, Jean Spivey, Susan Stewert, Kit Swaggert, Ben Surratt & Missy Raines, Brian Smith, Barry & Holly Tashian, G.C. Teskey, Dana Thorin, Traci Todd, Alan Tompkins, April Verch, Garian Vigil, Lucy Weberling, Bob Webster, Jon Weisberger, Dwight Worden, Stan Zdonik.
The Leadership Bluegrass planning committee this year included: Alan Tompkins (Chair), Joan Kornblith, Amy Beth Hale, Jean Spivey, Emilee Warner, Ben Surratt, Nolan Lawrence, Trisha Tubbs (facilitator), and Nancy Cardwell (staff liaison). Kornblith, Surratt, Gerald Jones, and Chris Stuart served on the Selection Committee. Taylor Coughlin, IBMA, was the facilitator’s assistant.
For information on the next Leadership Bluegrass class, contact Nancy Cardwell at (615) 256-3222 or nancyc@ibma.org.


Photo Caption:
From top, left to right: Missy Werner, Darin Aldridge, Shannon Turner, Steve Johnson, KC Groves. Second row from top, left to right: Carolyn Routh, Jill Wiese, John DeMarce, Lori King, Melissa Armstrong, Jeremy Darrow, Ron Murphy. Second row from bottom, left to right: Amy Reitnouer, Carly Smith, Courtney Worthen, Erin Stamper, Andrea Ball, Caroline Isachsen. First row bottom, left to right: Sheila Selby, Kristi Wilcox, Susie Glaze, Katherine Coe, Jordan Laney, Kayla Hotte.

The Top Ten Reasons to Attend World of Bluegrass 2012

Reason #1: It's great, we're here, and you should be too!

The great band Della Mae is just wrapping up their showcase and Jim Hurst, The SteelDrivers and Volume Five are waiting in the wings ready to go on next, as I'm writing this message to you! We're halfway through World of Bluegrass week with three big days left! You still have time to hop in the car, on a bus, on a plane, a train, hot air balloon, or a bike and join us in Nashville! Check us out on Facebook here and here to see the videos, photos and comments from all corners of the Nashville Convention Center--which is literally ringing with great music and the laughter of old friends.

You should be here, too!

Still coming up Thursday: our annual IBMA Town Hall meeting for all members and those interested in finding out about membership, the Special Awards Luncheon with the presentation of IBMA's Distinguished Achievement Awards and industry awards for broadcasting, event production, print/media, liner notes and graphic design for a recorded project, and a new award for bluegrass songwriter of the year!

Tomorrow night is the International Bluegrass Music Awards at the historic Ryman Theater, hosted by Del McCoury and Laurie Lewis. I'm backstage at the Ryman right now, listening to soundchecks by one amazing band after another, and getting more excited by the minute! You definitely don't want to miss this one, folks! Tickets are still available at ryman.com, in person at the Ryman Box Office, and at the World of Bluegrass registration desk through tomorrow afternoon (Sept. 27).

If you can't be here in person, be sure to catch us on the first ever live streaming broadcast on www.bluegrassnation.org or www.bluegrasstoday.com, or live on Sirius XM satellite radio, WSM-AM or wsmonline.com.

Fan Fest, with more than 60 great bands, a world-class fiddling competition, the masters workshop stage, an exhibit hall, celebrity jams, the great "Kids on Bluegrass" set, and jamming unlimited kicks off Friday morning, Sept. 28 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 30. Single day and three-day passes are still available at the gate. Kids under 16 are free with an adult, and there are special discounts for students with a high school or college ID. Here's the line-up.

Great business connections are being made, amazing music is being played, and big fun is still to be had during the next four days of World of Bluegrass in Nashville, Tenn.!

Hope to see you! If you can't join us, follow us on Twitter, on Facebook (IBMA & Bluegrass Nation pages) and Instagram, and tune into the show tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. Central.

-Nancy C.

THE ROYS Immerse Themselves In IBMA's World of Bluegrass Week

THE ROYS Immerse Themselves In IBMA's World of Bluegrass Week

Duo Returns To Nashville Fresh From Appearances On CBS & Fox, Find Themselves On Amazon's Top 20 Bluegrass Best Sellers List

Nashville, TN (September 21, 2012) -- Award-winning, trend-setting duo THE ROYS return to Nashville to immerse themselves in a busy IBMA World of Bluegrass celebration after sweeping through New York City this week for performances on Fox & Friends, CBS THIS MORNING and a taping of THE BETTER SHOW. The siblings were also excited to learn that their newest CD, NEW DAY DAWNING, had risen to the Number 1 slot on Amazon's Bluegrass Best Sellers list on Saturday, September 15. The EP is currently among the Top 20 Bluegrass Best Sellers on AMAZON.

"We're happy to be home," exclaims Elaine Roy. "And we're really proud to get the news about Amazon!" Lee Roy adds, "We're looking forward to a big week and catching up with our fellow artists, radio folks, fair buyers and fans."

THE ROYS have six scheduled appearances and will participate in a host of other activities throughout WOB week. The duo is booked for autograph signings, live interviews and energetic performances:

September 24 - WAMU Radio - Live Performance 3:00-3:30 p.m. WAMU Radio, billed as American University Radio, airs on the PBS network. Fans worldwide can listen to WAMU's Bluegrass Country live online.

September 25 - 650 AM WSM (Bill Cody Show) - 8:15 a.m. Interview plus acoustic performance. Streams on at WSMonline.

September 25 - Moonstruck Management Booth - 12:30-1:30 p.m. (THE ROYS' sponsors, Team RealTree™ Outdoor Energy Drink, will furnish a variety of drinks for visitors to sample).

September 25 - Rural Rhythm Records and BlueHighways TV Present the BEHIND THE DREAM - SEASON 1 Featured Artists Showcase at ERNEST TUBB RECORD SHOP. THE ROYS perform from 9:30-10:00 p.m., following performances by Darrell Webb Band, Carrie Hassler, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, andAudie Blaylock & Redline.

September 26 - "SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction Live From IBMA" Concert 11:00 a.m.-12 Noon. THE ROYS join Lonesome River Band and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out for the live broadcast performance.

September 28 - Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Join THE ROYS for a Cookin' Out Country luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. The music starts at Noon, and at 1 p.m. they will sign CDs inside the Museum gift shop. Tickets are now available ONLINE.

September 29 - IBMA FAN FEST Main stage performance 1:00-1:20 p.m.

Throughout the busy week, THE ROYS will be performing songs from their sophomore Rural Rhythm Records' EP, NEW DAY DAWNING. The disc debuted at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart earlier this month, and their current single, "Still Standing," recently enjoyed exclusive coverage on AOL, SiriusXM, FOX NEWS Edge, #CMChat, Bluegrass Radio Network and GAC-TV.

In case you missed these recent appearances, click on:

CBS THIS MORNING
DR. STEVE SHOW
FOX & FRIENDS


More national television is scheduled for October, and details will be announced soon.

Fans can follow Lee and Elaine online at THEROYSonline, Facebook and on Twitter @theroysonline.

Full event information on World of Bluegrass week can be found WOBOnline .

At 2012 World of Bluegrass Week, Special Performances Abound

“Can’t Miss” Special Performances Abound At 2012 World of Bluegrass Week

40th Anniversary Will the Circle Be Unbroken Sing-along with John McEuen;
"Doc Watson Hour" with Buddy Greene, Ricky Skaggs, and more;
and star-filled tribute to Hazel Dickens featuring Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea and MORE are highlight events on this year’s schedule

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s World of Bluegrass Week, Sept. 24-30, will get off to a festive start this Sunday when “The Travelin’ McCourys and Friends” host their free show at Cumberland Park after the Tennessee Titans game.

That’s just the start of the incredible music performances at World of Bluegrass, a week of activities that includes a Business Conference, Thursday’s International Bluegrass Music Awards show and the weekend’s Fan Fest, all taking place at the Nashville Convention Center and the Ryman Auditorium.

Savvy bluegrass fans know to expect special performances each evening on Monday (Sept. 24), Tuesday (Sept. 25), and Wednesday (Sept. 26) after the day’s work is done at the Business Conference. On these evenings, dozens of groups -- ranging from rising stars to beloved veteran musicians -- will showcase their bluegrass, and unique, star-filled events will take place.

Highlights include:
Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea, Laurie Lewis, Claire Lynch, Dudley Connell, James King, Della Mae, Tom Rozum, Sally Love, Todd Phillips & Special Guests: “Heart & Soul: A Concert Honoring Hazel Dickens” (Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6:15-7 p.m.); Nashville Convention Center, Level 1 Center Hall. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration, or available with a $25 one-night ticket at the door.
Slidegrass: Honoring the Music of Dobro Pioneers Josh Graves & Pete “Bashful Brother Oswald” Kirby (Monday, Sept. 24, 6:15-7 p.m.); Nashville Convention Center, Level 1 Center Hall. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration, or available with a $25 one-night ticket at the door.
40th Anniversary Will the Circle Be Unbroken Sing-along with John McEuen & Friends (Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:15-7 p.m.); Nashville Convention Center, Level 1 Center Hall. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration, or available with a $25 one-night ticket at the door.
"The Doc Watson Hour:" Music In The Round with Buddy Greene, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Jones, Jack Lawrence, Bryan Sutton, & Missy Raines (Tuesday, Sept. 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m.); Nashville Convention Center, NCC 209/210. Admission to this event is included in the day’s registration for the Business Conference registration.
A detailed schedule of the many events, professional development sessions, activities and performances that take place during IBMA’s 2012 World of Bluegrass may be found at www.worldofbluegrass.org .

“On every day of the World of Bluegrass schedule and around every corner at the Nashville Convention Center, at the Ryman -- really, all across town -- there will be literally dozens of exciting, absolutely ‘can’t miss’ events planned,” said Nancy Cardwell, Executive Director of IBMA.

IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the professional trade organization for the global bluegrass music community.

For more information on World of Bluegrass, including the International Bluegrass Music Awards, Fan Fest and the many activities of the week, visit www.ibma.org, join IBMA’s Facebook group, or call 615-256-3222 (888-GET-IBMA). Tickets will be on sale at World of Bluegrass Registration, located at the main entrance of the Nashville Convention Center, Sept. 24-29. Awards Show tickets are also available from the Ryman box office at (615) 889-3060 or http://www.ryman.com/event/detail/ibmaawards12.html.

THE ROYS To Appear On CBS THIS MORNING, FOX & FRIENDS And More

Exposure Surrounds Release of Latest CD, NEW DAY DAWNING

Nashville, TN (September 12, 2012) -- THE ROYS' latest EP, NEW DAY DAWNING, was released on August 28, and the disc debuted at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart last week. In support of the release, the award-winning duo will appear on the following syndicated radio and national television programs:

September 10 - 16 / KNEE-DEEP IN BLUEGRASS, Artist Spotlight. Syndicated radio; (click link for network affiliates and local broadcast times)

September 15 / CBS THIS MORNING, 8 a.m. ET hour. Interview and performance.

September 15 - 16 / DR. STEVE SHOW, various times / various markets. Episode taped at Nashville's Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt for a Music Therapy segment. Click HERE for more information.

September 16/ FOX & FRIENDS, 8 a.m. ET hour. Performance.

September 26 / THE BETTER SHOW, (click link to determine local airdates / times)

More national television is scheduled for October, and details will be announced soon.

In the midst of this hectic appearance schedule, THE ROYS are preparing for a busy International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) week. They've just signed an exclusive new booking agreement with Moonstruck Management and have announced the details of a strategic partnership with Team RealTree™ Outdoor Energy Drink. Their current single, "Still Standing," recently enjoyed exclusive coverage on AOL, SiriusXM, FOX NEWS Edge, #CMChat, Bluegrass Radio Network and GAC-TV.

Copies of NEW DAY DAWNING (Rural Rhythm Records) are available at retail outlets Wal-Mart, Music Millennium, The Disc Exchange, Ernest Tubb Record Shops and online at AMAZON and iTunes.

Initial Slate of Performers/Presenters announced for 9/27 International Bluegrass Music Awards

Initial slate of performers and presenters announced for International Bluegrass Music Awards September 27

Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers, The Gibson Brothers and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out among many confirmed performers and presenters


Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 5, 2012) — An initial list of performers and presenters for IBMA’s 23rd International Bluegrass Music Awards has been confirmed for the event, which kicks off at 7:30 PM CST on Thursday, September 27. The Awards Show, held at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, will feature performances and award presentations from some of the genre’s brightest stars, including Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Gibson Brothers and Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers.

Awards Show hosts Del McCoury and Laurie Lewis will also be joined onstage by Eddie & Martha Adcock, Terry Baucom, Kristin Scott Benson, Byron Berline, Blue Highway, The Boxcars, Jason Burleson, Dale Ann Bradley, Alison Brown, Sam Bush, Martino Coppo, J.D. Crowe, Dailey & Vincent, Della Mae, Steve Dilling, Jeremy Garrett, Chris Jones, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jens Kruger, Kitsy Kuykendall, Rob McCoury, Joe Mullins, Mike Munford, Chris Pandolfi, Junior Sisk, Graham Sharp, Sammy Shelor, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Special Consensus, Pam Tillis, Tony Trischka, Josh Williams, and many others. A finalized lineup of performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

“This year, as we give recognition to those musical heroes we have lost, but also focus on all of the great talent that we have, we celebrate our bluegrass family and community,” said Stephen Ruffo, who is co-producing the Awards Show with Claire Armbruster. “Working with Claire once again to co-produce this great event for the IBMA -- gathering all of the parts -- is just so great.”

“The Awards show is one of the highlights of IBMA's World of Bluegrass,” said Armbruster. “It is an honor to be working with Stephen again, as well as with this wonderful slate of award nominees.”

The International Bluegrass Music Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. The IBMA Awards Show is the centerpiece of the World of Bluegrass Week, September 24 – 30 in Nashville, Tenn., which also includes the IBMA Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest.

For the first time ever, the 2012 IBMA Awards Show will be broadcast live from the Ryman as streaming video on BluegrassNation.org and BluegrassToday.com. The Awards Show will also be broadcast live on Sirius XM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction, Channel 14) and syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to sponsors Compass Records, ArtistWorks Academy of Bluegrass, Deering Banjos, BMI, the International Bluegrass Music Museum, BluegrassToday.com, Boston Bluegrass Union, VisitRaleigh.com, and 650 WSM AM. Program directors and station managers may register as affiliates by calling 888-GET-IBMA or 615-256-3222.

For more information on World of Bluegrass week, including tickets to the International Bluegrass Music Awards, go to www.worldofbluegrass.org, join us on Facebook, or call 615-256-3222 (1-888-GET-IBMA).

A complete list of nominees, this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, and the recipients of the Distinguished Achievement Award can be found at http://ibmaawards.org/node/222.

The Roys Are Among Top 5 Nominees In Three ICM Categories

THE ROYS Are Among Top 5 Nominees In Three Categories For 18thAnnual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards

Siblings In Running For Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year & Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year Awards

Nashville, TN (September 4, 2012) -- The reigning Inspirational Country Music Bluegrass Artist of the Year, THE ROYS, are among the Top 5 nominees in three categories for the 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards, scheduled to be held October 18 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. The siblings are honored to be eligible for Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year awards. "Folks always say how humbled they are to be nominated, and I know it's true for us," says Lee Roy. Adds Elaine, "To be in the company of artists we have admired for many years is incredible."

The Awards are dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent among artists who perform Inspirational Country Music. The event is a great fit for THE ROYS, who continue to inspire their fans with fresh, uplifting and thoughtful tunes that are full of life and love.

Their newest Rural Rhythm Records' EP, NEW DAY DAWNING, was released earlier this week and the disc is already drawing rave reviews.

"An optimistic look at life has long been a key part of THE ROYS' brand of Bluegrass. On their new studio album, the brother/sister duo continues to blend an uplifting message with a traditional sound and sibling harmonies as they take time to reflect on their own roots." - GAC

"One of the reasons people love Country music is its focus on morals. Family, love, God, heartbreak, and relationships are all held dear to those of traditional thinking, and there's no type of music that more accurately represents these principles than Country music and its sub-genres, including the newest release by Bluegrass duo THE ROYS." - MUSIC CITY ENCORE

"Elaine and Lee have such a gift for finding great songs, and singing wonderful harmony." - SiriusXM Radio

The duo's current single, "Still Standing," is drawing equally strong reviews. Music Row's Robert K. Oermann has called the track "Their strongest outing yet," while JoeLimardi, Program Director at powerhouse station 650 AM WSM enthusiastically calls the single "THE breakout hit for THE ROYS!"

A massive launch campaign has surrounded the release of the new EP. THE ROYS recently made appearances on SiriusXM, Fox News, WAMU, 650 WSM AM and Bluegrass Radio Network.

The new disc follows their landmark Rural Rhythm Records' debut CD, LONESOME WHISTLE, which earned the duo a spot on BILLBOARD'S Top 50 Bluegrass Albums of 2011 Chart and gave Lee and Elaine two hit singles: "Coal Minin' Man" and "Trailblazer." In addition to chart success, THE ROYS have received the accolades of their peers, winning the coveted 2011 Inspirational Country Music's Bluegrass Artist of the Year award. The siblings were previously honored with the ICM's Duo of the Year award in 2010 and 2009.

Fans can catch up with THE ROYS online at www.THEROYSonline.com.
For more information on the 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country ™ Awards or to purchase tickets, please visit www.FaithFamilyCountry.com.

News from Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers

Look for our new album, They're Playing My Song, coming soon!

Thanks to the International Bluegrass Music Association for blessing us with our second IBMA nomination for Emerging Artist Of The Year. We have been working hard all year and have played for more people in 2012 than ever before. We thank you so much for your continued support.

We would also like to announce that our upcoming album, They're Playing My Song, ships to radio stations next month. Featuring originals from Adam McIntosh, Mike Terry, Joe Mullins, Becky Buller, and Bill Anderson, the album will also included deep catalog covers they learned from Dave Evans, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jim & Jesse, and even Johnny Cash! Also featuring a tribute medley to The Osborne Brothers, keep an eye out for more news regarding They're Playing My Song, coming soon on Rebel Records.

Make sure to look for Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers during IBMA's World Of Bluegrass conference as well as our first ever appearance at Fan Fest on Friday afternoon. We would be honored to receive your vote for IBMA's Emerging Artist of the Year.


Sincerely,

Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers

radioramblers.com
info@radioramblers.com

IBMA Announces Nancy Cardwell as New Executive Director

August 17, 2012

The Board of Directors of the International Bluegrass Music Association is pleased to announce that it has appointed Nancy Cardwell as the organization’s Executive Director.

“After an extensive selection process that began with more than 65 applications for the position, the Board concluded that Nancy brings the right mix of skills to the table and will be able to take the organization to the next level of success,” said Board chair Stan Zdonik.

Cardwell, who has been serving as the IBMA’s interim Executive Director since the beginning of March, takes on the top job after 17 years as the IBMA’s Special Projects Director.

“Nancy is deeply connected to the bluegrass music community,” Zdonik noted, “and her experience in the IBMA office makes her uniquely prepared to take on the added duties of Executive Director. She is forward-thinking and has the right outlook to take us into the future. Her respect for the roots of the music, combined with her appreciation of the next generation, will guide the organization through the challenging times ahead.”

Cardwell grew up in the Missouri Ozarks in a family bluegrass band. Before joining the IBMA staff in 1994 she worked as a Spanish and English teacher, a Field Executive for the Dogwood Trails Girl Scout Council in Springfield, Mo., and a freelance musician and journalist based in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Branson, Mo. A graduate of Leadership Bluegrass (2000) and Leadership Music (2009), Cardwell holds an Education degree from Northwest Missouri State University and was the 2006 recipient of the Charlie Lamb Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism. Her book, The Words & Music of Dolly Parton, Country's Iron Butterfly, was published by ABC-Clio in July 2011.

"It's an honor to continue to serve on the IBMA team in this new role as we work together for the future of bluegrass music," Cardwell said. "I'm blessed with a creative and hard-working staff and board of directors, as well as a community of members from across the country and around the globe, who are passionate about the greatest music in the world. I look forward to seeing many of you at World of Bluegrass in Nashville, Tenn. Sept. 24-30, at our annual Business Conference/ Awards Show/ Bluegrass Fan Fest/ Music Family Reunion!"

For more info: (615) 256-3222, info@ibma.org, www.ibma.org
Contact Nancy at nancyc@ibma.org.

IBMA Grant Application Deadline Extended

FOUNDATION PLANS GRANTS IN MEMORY OF WARREN HELLMAN AND EARL SCRUGGS
Application Deadline Extended To August 22, 2012

Earl Scruggs was perhaps one of the only musicians in any genre who created the definitive sound of his instrument in the genre; banjo players around the world will forever identify the sound of the three-finger style of bluegrass banjo playing as “Scruggs style.” Warren Hellman was a visionary who created, funded and grew his California-based “Hardly Strictly Bluegrass” free event into one of the largest of its kind in the country. Mr. Hellman passed away on December 18, 2011, and Mr. Scruggs passed away on March 28, 2012.

“In remembrance of these two highly creative individuals—both who have left huge footprints in the performance and presentation of American music---we will allocate funds to foster innovation in the world of bluegrass music,” said Foundation president Greg Cahill. “We are very pleased to honor the memory of these brilliant men in this way.”


A fund of $8000 has been earmarked to support public projects that foster innovative development in the world of bluegrass music. Individual grants ranging from $2000-4000 will be given in memory of Earl Scruggs and Warren Hellman. Of special interest are bluegrass music-related projects and programs that involve education or youth.

This is a competitive application process and candidates must meet the Foundation’s Grant Application Guidelines. Grants awarded will be announced no later than October 1, 2012 with funds available after January 1, 2013.

Donations to the Foundation for these and related efforts are welcomed in any denomination, and these grants will be funded regardless of donations received.

The Foundation for Bluegrass Music is a non-profit (501c3) organization created to serve as an “umbrella” under which funds may be placed and disbursed to support educational, literary and artistic activities related to bluegrass music, of public benefit. Examples of programs that can grow under this umbrella include Bluegrass in the Schools (grants, workshops, programs); academic conferences; literary works and related efforts; public artistic presentation of an educational nature; historic preservation; and other works of a charitable nature.


For more info, please visit http://bluegrassfoundation.org/Grants.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR FUNDS IS AUGUST 22, 2012

IBMA World of Bluegrass Fan Fest September 24-30, 2012

IBMA's WORLD of BLUEGRASS to include star-studded FAN FEST headlined by Del McCoury Band; Will The Circle Be Unbroken 40th anniversary celebration;sessions with Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush & Rodney Dillard ...and much, much MORE!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Though it’s still in the works, the 2012 WORLD of BLUEGRASS in Nashville, September 24-30, 2012, already includes an enticing itinerary of unforgettable bluegrass events: a star-studded Fan Fest featuring more than 60 acts, headlined by The Del McCoury Band; intriguing panel discussions and presentations in the week-long business conference; and a very special 40th anniversary celebration of Will The Circle Be Unbroken, a landmark recording that helped put bluegrass music on the international map.

Produced by the International Bluegrass Music Association, World of Bluegrass is a cornerstone event that draws casual fans, working musicians, and industry tradespeople for a week that includes something for everybody in the bluegrass community: a business conference, trade show, panel discussions, tributes, masters’ workshops, a fiddle contest, a golf outing, an awards show, a festival, and jamming all week long.

Some of bluegrass music’s superstars will appear in the tribute sessions, panel discussions, and educational seminars being planned for the
WOB business conference. Highlights include…
§ On Monday, Sep. 24 at 1:30 p.m., the conference kicks off with a keynote speech by Missy Raines and Chris Jones.

§ The week continues with a session on Creative Music Arrangement featuring Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Bill Evans, and moderator Harry Stinson.

§ Claire Lynch, Buddy Greene, Ricky Skaggs, and Chris Jones will participate in The Doc Watson Hour, remembering the late guitar innovator with some of his own music.

§ An intriguing session called Pioneers & Explorers will feature musicians Pete Wernick, Tim Stafford, and Sierra Hull as they embark on a musical adventure that compares and contrasts traditional and progressive bluegrass styles.

§ “Doug's Tune”: Remembering Doug Dillard will include memories and stories from Kathy Chiavola, John McEuen, and Rodney Dillard.


On Wednesday, September 26, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., IBMA’s World of Bluegrass business conference will include a celebration, discussion and Q&A session dedicated to Will The Circle Be Unbroken. Released in 1972, this landmark recording brought Mother Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Merle Travis, Vassar Clements, Bashful Brother Oswald Kirby, Norman Blake, Jimmy Martin, Roy Acuff, and others into a studio with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, a popular country-folk-rock group, to record a triple album that made music history. The recording was an irresistible bridge to bluegrass and traditional country music for rock audiences. Hosted by John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the celebration will also feature remarkable, rarely-seen photographs of the recording sessions, most shot by producer William McEuen.

World of Bluegrass ends each year on a high note with Fan Fest, a huge three-day indoor bluegrass concert at the Nashville Convention Center from Friday, Sep. 28 - Sunday, Sep. 30. More than 60 acts, all donating their performances, will appear at the event. This year’s lineup, still in progress, already includes…

The Del McCoury Band
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
The Steep Canyon Rangers
The Grascals
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Jesse McReynolds & Virginia Boys Reunion
Balsam Range
Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice
Claire Lynch Band
Blue Highway
Lonesome River Band
The SteelDrivers
The Nashville Bluegrass Band
Dale Ann Bradley
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
The Skip Cherryholmes Quintet
Marty Raybon
The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys
Jim Lauderdale
Josh Williams Band
Sierra Hull & Hwy 111
Newfound Road
​Charlie Sizemore Band
Della Mae
The Bankester Family
The Roys
Volume Five
…and more to be announced!


Fan Fest sponsors include Martin Guitars, GHS Strings, VisitRaleigh.com, BlueHighways TV, SESAC, and WAMU’s Bluegrass Country.

For more information on World of Bluegrass, including tickets to the International Bluegrass Music Awards, visit www.ibma.org, join IBMA’s Facebook group, or call 615-256-3222 (888-GET-IBMA). Tickets are on sale now at the website and at the phone number listed above.

# # #

Contacts:
Judy McDonough, JEMMedia:
(615) 243-5994, mcdonoughmedia1@yahoo.com,

Caroline Wright, IBMA
(615) 256-3222, caroline@ibma.org



Judy McDonough
615-243-5994
Twitter: @jemmcd
mcdonoughmedia1@yahoo.com

New Contest Offers All IBMA Members Chance to Win a “Little Cabin Home on The Sea”

Mountain Song at Sea’s Ultimate Bluegrass Cruise

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- In an exciting new membership drive, all active members of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) as of September 27, 2012 will receive a chance to win an oceanview cabin for two on Mountain Song at Sea’s Bluegrass Cruise.

An entire ship has been chartered for the festival, which boasts a fantastically diverse lineup: The David Grisman Sextet, Del McCoury Band, Punch Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Tim O'Brien and Bryan Sutton, Kruger Brothers, Peter Rowan, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Travelin' McCourys, Shannon Whitworth, Della Mae and Town Mountain.

Thanks to the generosity of cruise hosts The Steep Canyon Rangers, Mountain Song Productions and Sixthman, one lucky winner will receive a Mountain Song at Sea cruise package for two with an Ocean View cabin (value: $2,030), in a drawing to be held onstage during Fan Fest at IBMA’s World of Bluegrass in Nashville, Tenn. on September 28-30, 2012.

All current members of IBMA (including professional, Grass Roots, youth, lifetime & organizational members) as of September 27, 2012 will be eligible for the drawing. For more information, click here.

On February 1-4, 2013, Mountain Song at Sea will set sail on a round-trip cruise from Miami to a private island in the Bahamas aboard the Norwegian Sky, a luxury ship chartered for the festival. Highlights will include concerts, artist collaborations and jams, and plenty of interaction between artists and fans in beer and wine tastings, workshops, games, and a poker tournament with cruise hosts The Steep Canyon Rangers, IBMA Entertainers of the Year.

Just in time for World of Bluegrass discounts and the last rounds of voting for IBMA’s Music Awards, the membership drive features a sale on professional membership perfect for bands and businesses--“four for the price of three.” The professional membership sale is good through the end of 2012. Call 1-888-GET-IBMA directly to take advantage of this offer!

IBMA members will also be eligible for a 10% discount on the cruise. Sixthman, known for award-winning music-themed cruises, is accepting cruise reservations now at 877/379-9189. Members must mention their IBMA membership to receive the cruise discount. Those who join by September 27 will be eligible to win the Mountain Song at Sea cruise package.

In addition to annual conference discounts, IBMA members have access to a number of showcasing, networking and professional development tools. (Check out the long list of diverse IBMA member benefits and services here.) For more information on the cruise, click here or call 1-888-GET-IBMA.

Visit Mountain Song at Sea online for more information.
Click here for rules and additional info
on IBMA’s cruise contest and membership promotion.

# # #

Contacts:
Judy McDonough, JEMMedia:
(615) 243-5994, mcdonoughmedia1@yahoo.com

Caroline Wright, IBMA:
(615) 256-3222, caroline@ibma.org

Laurie Lewis & Del McCoury to Host 23rd International Bluegrass Music Awards Sept. 27

Laurie Lewis & Del McCoury to Host 23rd International Bluegrass Music Awards

Nominations for the IBMA Awards, the centerpiece of World of Bluegrass week,
to be announced at a special press conference Wednesday evening, August 15, at The Loveless Barn in Nashville.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 12, 2012 -- A powerful and delightfully unusual pairing of bluegrass superstars -- Laurie Lewis and Del McCoury -- will host the 23rd Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards this year, on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.

Nominations for the International Bluegrass Music Awards will be announced at a special press conference scheduled for Wednesday evening, August 15, at The Loveless Barn in Nashville.

The IBMA Awards are the centerpiece of World of Bluegrass week, scheduled for September 24-30 in Nashville. Produced by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade organization for global bluegrass music, World of Bluegrass also includes the industry’s Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest.

“I’m thrilled to be invited to co-host the Awards Show with the great Del McCoury!” said singer/songwriter/fiddler Laurie Lewis from her home in northern California. “I predict this will be a very significant and poignant event, as the bluegrass community comes together to recognize and honor its own, and to pay tribute to some of the pioneers we’ve lost this year, including the great Earl Scruggs.”

A two-time winner of the California State Women's Fiddle Championship, Lewis began her career in the mid-1970s as a co-founder of all-female bluegrass band The Good Ol' Persons. She’s worked as fiddle player on the Masters of the Five String Banjo tour with Ralph Stanley; was twice voted IBMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year; and The Oak and the Laurel, her collection of duets with musical co-conspirator Tom Rozum, was nominated for a Grammy® in 1996.

Lewis also contributed songs to the Grammy-winning True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe, and to Grammy-nominated Clinch Mountain Country. Her original tunes have been recorded by Kathy Mattea and Patsy Montana, whose cover of Laurie’s “Cowgirl Song” is the unofficial theme song of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. She’s toured and worked in various configurations over the years, and in 2006 began working regularly with a band she calls “The Right Hands.” Lewis’ latest recording, Skippin’ and Flyin’, an acclaimed tribute to Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe, features her pals Linda Ronstadt and Kathy Kallick (her old friend and fellow Good Ol’ Person).

“I was excited to be asked to host the IBMA Awards again,” said IBMA Hall of Fame member Del McCoury from his home near Nashville. “With World of Bluegrass moving to Raleigh next year, this might be the last Awards Show IBMA will hold at the Ryman Auditorium, at least for a few years. It's a tremendous honor for me to be co-hosting with my old friend, Laurie Lewis. We haven't had the opportunity to perform or record together much over the years, but she's a great lady and I know we are going to have a lot of fun hosting the show."

Born in York, Penn., McCoury was a briefly a member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, working as the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in 1963. He performed as a regional artist for some years, and in the 1980s welcomed his sons, Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo), to his ensemble. Today he is leader and patriarch of The Del McCoury Band, a quintet that includes his sons, plus fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram. The band has seen spectacular success in the 21st century, bringing huge new audiences to bluegrass at venues and events like Madison Square Garden, Bonnaroo, and High Sierra, and introducing bluegrass audiences to new music through appearances and recordings with artists as diverse as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Steve Earle, and Phish. Five years ago, McCoury began hosting his own annual DelFest in Cumberland, Md.

At the 2003 IBMA Awards Show, Ricky Skaggs had the pleasure of inviting the Del McCoury Band to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For those who attended, it was an unforgettable moment. A 2010 recipient of a National Heritage Fellowship lifetime achievement award from the National Endowment for the Arts, McCoury was inducted into IBMA’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2011.

The IBMA Awards Show will be broadcast live on Sirius XM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction, Channel 14) and syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to the sponsorship of Compass Records, Deering Banjos, BMI, the International Bluegrass Music Museum, BluegrassToday.com and 650 WSM AM. Program directors and station managers may sign up to be affiliates online at www.ibma.org.

The International Bluegrass Music Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the IBMA.

For more information on World of Bluegrass, including tickets to the International Bluegrass Music Awards, visit www.ibma.org, join IBMA’s Facebook group, or call 615-256-3222 (888-GET-IBMA). Tickets are on sale now at the website and at the phone number listed above.

# # #

Contacts:
Judy McDonough, JEMMedia:
(615) 243-5994, mcdonoughmedia1@yahoo.com,

Caroline Wright, Interim Publication Editor/Special Projects Director, IBMA
(615) 256-3222, caroline@ibma.org




Judy McDonough
615-243-5994
Twitter: @jemmcd
mcdonoughmedia1@yahoo.com

STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS NAMED IBMA ENTERTAINERS OF THE YEAR

(from left to right: Nicky Sanders, Charles Humphrey III, Woody Platt, Steve Martin, Mike Guggino and Graham Sharp. Photo by Alane Anno)



On the strength of a busy touring schedule, a string of national television appearances and the release of a new album, Rare Bird Alert on Rounder Records, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers took home the Entertainer of the Year award at the 22nd annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Thursday night, September 29 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Martin, who always included banjo picking in his early stand-up comedy routines, has become more serious about recording and performing bluegrass music during the past two years, with the release of two albums of original music.

Martin appeared at the microphone to receive the bluegrass music industry’s highest music award, leapt a few times into the air, congratulated the other Entertainer of the Year nominees and jokingly thanked them for losing. He went on to thank producers John McEuen and Tony Trischka as well as his band mates, and then he talked about how hard they’ve been working on their music, as well as the humor and entertainment aspects of their show, while never denigrating the music. Martin said that while half of their audience usually comes to see him not knowing anything about bluegrass, “they all leave loving it, and maybe they seek out other musicians. We’re really, really honored to win this award tonight.”

Steep Canyon Rangers lead singer, Woody Platt quipped, “Working with Steve, we might be the most entertained of all. Most of all we thank Steve for giving us this most amazing ride.”

Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers, a young group based in North Carolina named IBMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year in 2007, played “Me and Paul Revere” during the Awards Show—a song Martin wrote from the perspective of Revere’s horse and performed on national television at the Capitol 4th Concert in Washington, D.C. July 4. There’s always been something a little magic about fiddle and banjo music, and Martin’s deft clawhammer style underscored by Nicky Sanders’ exuberant fiddling and soaring three-part vocal harmony from the Rangers definitely did the trick.

It was an exciting night for New York State-based band, The Gibson Brothers, who took home awards for Vocal Group of the Year and Album of the Year for Help My Brother, on Compass Records.

The Boxcars, a new combination of veteran musicians, were named Emerging Artists of the Year and Instrumental Group of the Year. Band member Ron Stewart tied for Banjo Player of the Year with The Grascals’ Kristin Scott Benson, who received the award for the fourth consecutive year.

Balsam Range received top honors for Song of the Year for “Trains I Missed,” written by Walt Wilkins, Gilles Godard & Nicole Witt. “There are a lot of folks out there—myself included—who are thankful for some of those trains missed and how things turned out,” commented Tim Surrett of Balsam Range.

Legendary artists Doyle Lawson, J.D. Crowe and Paul Williams took home two trophies for Recorded Event of the Year and Gospel Recorded Performance, for “Prayer Bells from Heaven.” The three announced their plans to record a second Old Friends album, much to the delight of fans in attendance at the Awards Show.

Russell Moore of IIIrd Tyme Out and Dale Ann Bradley took home awards for Male Vocalist and Female Vocalist of the Year—the fourth time for each. Rob Ickes of Blue Highway was awarded his 13th Dobro Player of the Year award, the most trophies any individual instrumentalist has received in the history of the IBMA Awards.

Michael Cleveland was named Fiddle Player of the Year for the ninth time, and his band received the award for Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year for “Goin’ Up Dray Branch,” a song written by Buddy Spicher and Jimmy Martin. Marshall Wilborn was named Bass Player of the Year for the third time, Bryan Sutton received the Guitar Player of the Year award for the sixth time, and Adam Steffey dedicated his eighth Mandolin Player of the Year to his twin sons, who he expects to be born in the next two weeks.

Hosted by legendary mandolin player and band leader Sam Bush, the 2011 IBMA Awards Show were a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bill Monroe, recognized as the Father of Bluegrass.

Sam Bush told a story about how a young musician once approached Bill Monroe and played a tune he’d written squarely in the Monroe style. The older mandolinist listened carefully and said, “That’s real good. What can you do on your own now?” The question was answered at the IBMA Awards, as band after talented band hit the stage.

As bluegrass music heads into the second hundred years after its founder’s birth, the genre is stronger than ever—as evidenced by a number of virtuoso level, high energy live performances from The Sam Bush Band, The Grascals, Balsam Range, The Del McCoury Band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Sierra Hull & Highway 111, Lonesome River Band, The Boxcars, The Gibson Brothers, Dailey & Vincent, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver—later joined by J.D. Crowe and Paul Williams, George Shuffler, Hall of Famer Tom Gray and new Distinguished Award recipient Roland White.

The moment that probably would have made Bill Monroe smile was when White kicked into “Wheel Hoss,” with the next break played in twin harmony by Sam Bush and Ronnie McCoury on their mandolins. Dailey & Vincent thrilled the crowd with triple fiddles added to their usual line-up for “Close By,” and The Grascals brought two young girls from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital who are battling cancer onstage with them to sing “I Am Strong,” a song inspired by the band’s trip to St. Jude.

Ronnie and Rob McCoury inducted their father into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, and guitarist James Alan Shelton inducted George Shuffler, the bass and cross-picked guitar stylist known as “the third Stanley Brother.” The evening ended with a guitar rendition of “Life is Like a Mountain Railway” from Shuffler and Shelton, backed by Gray, and a medley of Del McCoury songs delivered in his trademark, scalding tenor range.

The International Bluegrass Music Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), which serves as the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. The IBMA Awards Show is the centerpiece of the World of Bluegrass Week September 26 – October 2 in Nashville, Tenn., which also includes the IBMA Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest.
The IBMA Awards Show was broadcast live on Sirius XM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction, Channel 61) and on WSM-AM; the show will be syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks thanks to the sponsorship of Martha White, Deering Banjos, the International Bluegrass Music Museum, Bluegrass, Moonshine & The Birth of NASCAR – The Movie, Compass Records and the Academy of Bluegrass. Program directors and station managers may sign up to be affiliates by calling (615) 256-3222 or emailing jill@ibma.org

A complete list of nominees, this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and the recipients of the Distinguished Achievement Award are listed below.


The 2011 International Bluegrass Awards:
Hall of Fame Inductees - Del McCoury, George Shuffler

Entertainer of the Year - Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers

Vocal Group of the Year - The Gibson Brothers

Instrumental Group of the Year - The Boxcars

Male Vocalist of the Year - Russell Moore

Female Vocalist of the Year - Dale Ann Bradley

Emerging Artist of the Year - The Boxcars

Album of the Year - Help My Brother by The Gibson Brothers (artists), Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber (producers), Compass (label)

Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year - "Goin' Up Dry Branch," Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artist), Buddy Spicher & Jimmy Martin (songwriters), Jeff White & Michael Cleveland (producers), Rounder (label)

Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year - "Prayer Bells of Heaven" by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, & Paul Williams (artists), Ben Isaacs (producer), Mountain Home (label)

Song of the Year - "Trains I Missed;" Balsam Range (artists); Walt Wilkins, Gilles Godard & Nicole Witt (songwriters)

Recorded Event of the Year - "Prayer Bells of Heaven" by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artists); Ben Isaacs (producer); Mountain Home (label)

Banjo Player of the Year - Kristin Scott Benson and Ron Stewart (tie)

Guitar Player of the Year - Bryan Sutton

Fiddle Player of the Year - Michael Cleveland

Bass Player of the Year - Marshall Wilborn

Mandolin Player of the Year - Adam Steffey

Dobro Player of the Year - Rob Ickes

Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients - Greg Cahill, Bill Knowlton, Lilly Pavlak, Geoff Stelling, Roland White

Broadcaster of the Year - Katy Daley, WAMU Bluegrass Country

Print Media Person of the Year - Juli Thanki, Engine145.com

Bluegrass Event of the Year - Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass & BBQ Festival; Branson, Mo.

Best Graphic Design - Ricardo Alessio & Erica Harris (designer & artist), Abigail Washburn (artist), Rounder (label)

Best Liner Notes - Colin Escott (writer), A Mother's Prayer, Ralph Stanley (artist), Rebel (label)

BOSTON-BASED DELLA MAE TO PERFORM DURING IBMA

Sweet, Feisty Bluegrass-Folk Originals, Traditional Strings,
World of Talent Fill Quintet’s Live Shows

Austin, TX — Della Mae, the all-woman bluegrass quintet out of Boston that brings acoustic grit and twang to town with no apologies, will play shows in Nashville during the IBMA Business Conference and Fan Fest.

Della Mae plays at:
Monday, September 26
12:20 a.m., Boston Bluegrass Union, Room 203

Tuesday, September 27
11:30 p.m., Patuxent Music After-Hours Showcase, Room 108, Nashville Convention Center
12:15 a.m., Acoustic Trail New Frontier Showcase, Renaissance Hotel

Wednesday, September 28
11 p.m., Foreign Affairs, Convention Room 109
12:25-12:50 a.m., Emerging Artist Showcase, Mast Farm Inn

Friday, September 30
2:20 p.m., Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, 418 Broadway St.

Saturday October 1
12:45 p.m., Grand Master Fiddler Champion Stage, Fan Fest Showcase, Room 205

Della Mae features the 2009-2010 National Fiddle Champion Kimber Ludiker, powerful mandolinist Jenni Lyn Gardner, seasoned bassist Amanda Kowalski, and the sweet, sultry vocals and driving acoustic guitar of Celia Woodsmith.

A new member has joined the band: Courtney Hartman, a bluegrass guitar flatpicker from Colorado who grew up playing music with her family. “An extraordinary bluegrass guitarist and a fluid, inventive improviser … one of the finest musicians I have ever had the privilege of working with,” said Matt Glaser, instructor at Boston’s Berklee College of Music.

The band will release its debut full-length album, I BUILT THIS HEART, in October, with all-star guests Alison Brown, Laurie Lewis, Brittany Haas (Crooked Still) and Emma Beaton (Joy Kills Sorrow). The album was produced by Austin Nevins (Josh Ritter) and engineered by Erick Jaskowiack.

Vintage Guitar magazine describes Della Mae’s sound as “straightforward, expertly executed music that stays true to its inspirations.” Its musical style seamlessly blends years of experience with bluegrass music and modern singer-songwriter sensibilities. With award-winning instrumental abilities and a reputation for energetic live performances, the five women of Della Mae are turning heads.

Della Mae performed at RockyGrass and Grey Fox Music Festival and others this year and will play at the Bluegrass Jamboree in Germany in December.

In the words of master mandolinist Mike Marshall, “These gals can get down and aren’t messing around.”

Interview times for the band are available as well as press kits.

For more information, visit www.dellamae.com

Media Contact: McGuckin Entertainment PR
Heidi Labensart 512.698.2621; heidi@mcguckinpr.com

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS

The Boxcars, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Gibson Brothers,
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Lonesome River Band,
Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers Lead List


Nashville, Tenn….IBMA is proud to announce the nominees for the 22nd annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, scheduled for Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Nashville, Tennessee’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Also announced at the press conference were this year’s inductees to the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame - bluegrass ambassador and leader of one of the most awarded bands in the history of IBMA, Del McCoury and pioneering bass player and guitar stylist George Shuffler – and the five recipients of the Distinguished Achievement Award: Greg Cahill, Bill Knowlton, Lilly Pavlak, Geoff Stelling and Roland White.

The Entertainer of the Year category includes the two bands who have received the title the past five years: Dailey and Vincent (2008-2010) and The Grascals (2006-2007). The Boxcars, The Gibson Brothers and Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers are all first-time nominees for the prestigious award which recognizes excellence in all aspects of the entertainment field—including recorded and in-person performance, public acceptance, attitude, leadership and overall contributions to the image of bluegrass music.

The Boxcars, a band that features the talents of Adam Steffey, Ron Stewart, John R. Bowman, Keith Garrett and Harold Nixon, lead in all categories with IBMA Award nominations for Entertainer of the Year; Instrumental Group of the Year; Album of the Year (The Boxcars, self-produced for the Mountain Home label); Gospel Recorded Performance (“In God’s Hands,” written by John Benjamin Rochester); Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year (“Jumpin’ the Track,” written by Ron Stewart); Emerging Artist of the Year; Banjo Player and Fiddle Player (Ron Stewart) and Mandolin Player (Adam Steffey).

With nominations for both Entertainer of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year, The Boxcars join the rarified company of acts like Dailey & Vincent and Cherryholmes, who emerged and rose straight to the top in the eyes of their peers the same year. They’re not an overnight success, of course. Adam Steffey is the reigning and seven-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year. Ron Stewart, the only musician in the history of the IBMA Awards who has been a frequent finalist in two instrumental categories, was the Fiddle Player of the Year in 2000.

Rural Rhythm recording artists Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out have been nominated in eight categories including Vocal Group of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year (Moore) and Mandolin Player (Benson). Their other nods are testimony that the group plays well with others, including: Album of the Year—for their role in the multi-artist recording The All-Star Jam: Live at Graves Mountain (Rural Rhythm); Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year (“Sailing On,” recorded by Russell Moore and Dale Ann Bradley); Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year (“Ground Speed,” featuring IIIrd Tyme Out mandolinist Wayne Benson in The Rural Rhythm All-Stars); Recorded Event of the Year (“Graves Mountain Memories,” recorded by the Rural Rhythm All-Stars featuring Russell Moore with several other artists); and another Recorded Event of the Year (“Lonesome River,” recorded by Lou Reid & Carolina featuring Russell Moore). IIIrd Tyme Out is a perennial fan favorite, with seven crystal trophies on the mantle for Vocal Group of the Year. Moore is the current Male Vocalist of the Year, an award he also received in 1994 and 1997.

IBMA Emerging Artists of the Year in 1998, The Gibson Brothers (Eric and Leigh) took home trophies for Song of the Year and Gospel Recorded Performance at the 2010 Awards. After a year of radio chart-topping success and a strong touring schedule, the Compass Records recording artists are back with seven nominations for 2011: Entertainer of the Year; Vocal Group of the Year; Album of the Year for Help My Brother, produced by Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber for Compass; two Song of the Year nods for “Help My Brother” (written by Leigh Gibson) and “Walkin’ West to Memphis” (written by Chris Henry); Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year for “He Can Be Found,” written by Ella Barrett & Faye Cunningham; and Male Vocalist of the Year (Leigh Gibson).

Much to the delight of bluegrass fans everywhere, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas are back on the tour bus in 2011. Their new album, Paper Airplane (Rounder Records) is currently at the top of Billboard’s Bluegrass Album sales chart. Alison and the guys are nominated in seven categories including: Female Vocalist (Krauss); Male Vocalist (Dan Tyminski); Banjo Player (Ron Block); Bass Player (Barry Bales) and Dobro Player (Jerry Douglas). Alison is also a finalist for Song of the Year (“I’ll Take Love,” collaboration with Dale Ann Bradley and Steve Gulley written by Louisa Branscomb) and Recorded Event of the Year for the same song from the Compass Records album I’ll Take Love, from the pen of Louisa Branscomb.

Members of the Lonesome River Band have five IBMA nominations, including Album of the Year for their participation on The All-Star Jam: Live At Graves Mountain on the Rural Rhythm label. They received two nods for Instrumental Recorded performance of the Year for “Pretty Little Girl,” on the album, Still Learning (Rural Rhythm), and also for band members Sammy Shelor, Brandon Rickman and Mike Hartgrove’s work on “Ground Speed,” by The Rural Rhythm All-Stars (Rural Rhythm). LRB has a Recorded Event of the Year nomination for the song, “Graves Mountain Memories,” recorded by the Rural Rhythm All-Stars (including Sammy Shelor and Mike Hartgrove) on The All-Star Jam: Live at Graves Mountain album; and band leader Sammy Shelor is nominated for Banjo Player of the Year, an award he received four consecutive years from 1995-1998.

Movie star, comedian, author and proud banjo geek at heart Steve Martin has released his second album on the Rounder Label, Rare Bird Alert , with touring band mates The Steep Canyon Rangers. Martin and the Steeps also have nominations in five IBMA categories: Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year (Rare Bird Alert), Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year (“Rare Bird Alert,” written by Martin), Best Liner Notes for a Recorded Project for Rare Bird Alert (Martin – writer, Rounder), and also Best Graphic Design for a Recorded Project for the same album (G. Carr and Salli Ratts – designers, Rounder).

The following have received four award nominations each: Blue Highway, Dale Ann Bradley, The Grascals, Carl Jackson, Mark Newton and Lou Reid & Carolina.

A complete list of nominees follows. For additional information on the Hall of Fame inductees and the recipients of the Distinguished Achievement Award, go to http://ibmaawards.org/node/222.

The International Bluegrass Music Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), which serves as the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. The IBMA Awards Show is the centerpiece of the World of Bluegrass Week September 26 – October 2 in Nashville, Tenn., which also includes the IBMA Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest.

For more information on World of Bluegrass week, including tickets to the International Bluegrass Music Awards, go to www.worldofbluegrass.org, join us on Facebook, or call 615-256-3222 (1-888-GET-IBMA).

The IBMA Awards will be broadcast live on Sirius XM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction, Channel 61) and also will be syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks thanks to the sponsorship of Martha White, Deering Banjos, the International Bluegrass Music Museum, “Bluegrass, Moonshine & The Birth of NASCAR – The Movie,” Compass Records and the Academy of Bluegrass. Program directors and station managers may sign up to be affiliates by calling (615) 256-3222 or emailing jill@ibma.org.


2011 INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS

BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
Del McCoury
George Shuffler
IBMA DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Greg Cahill
Bill Knowlton
Lilly Pavlak
Geoff Stelling
Roland White

NOMINEES

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
The Boxcars
Dailey & Vincent
The Gibson Brothers
The Grascals
Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Blue Highway
Dailey & Vincent
The Gibson Brothers
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Blue Highway
The Boxcars
Sam Bush Band
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
The Infamous Stringdusters

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Balsam Range
The Boxcars
Sierra Hull & Highway 111
Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jamie Dailey
Leigh Gibson
Russell Moore
Dan Tyminski
Josh Williams

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dale Ann Bradley
Sonya Isaacs
Alison Krauss
Claire Lynch
Rhonda Vincent

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Help My Brother,” The Gibson Brothers (artists), Leigh Gibson (songwriter)

“I Am Strong;” The Grascals featuring Dolly Parton (artists); Jamie Johnson, Susanne Mumpower-Johnson, Janee Fleenor (songwriters)

“I’ll Take Love,” Dale Ann Bradley with Alison Krauss & Steve Gulley (artists), Louisa Branscomb & Dale Ann Bradley (songwriters)

“Trains I Missed;” Balsam Range (artists); Walt Wilkins, Gilles Godard, Nicole Witt (songwriters)

“Walkin’ West to Memphis,” The Gibson Brothers (artists), Chris Henry (songwriter)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

The All-Star Jam: Live At Graves Mountain; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Crowe Brothers, Lonesome River Band, Mark Newton, Lou Reid & Carolina, Carl Jackson, Audie Blaylock & Redline, Carrie Hassler with Brand New Strings (artists); Mark Newton & Carl Jackson (producers); Rural Rhythm Records (label)

Almost Home, Larry Sparks (artist), Larry Sparks (producer), Rounder Records (label)

The Boxcars, The Boxcars (artists), The Boxcars (producers), Mountain Home (label)

Help My Brother, The Gibson Brothers (artists), Compass Records (label), Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber (producers)

Rare Bird Alert, Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers (artists), Tony Trischka (producer), Rounder Records (label)

Trains I Missed, Balsam Range (artists), Balsam Range (producers), Mountain Home (label)

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“God’s Front Porch,” Lou Reid & Carolina (artists), Dennis Duff (songwriter), Lou Reid (producer), Rural Rhythm Christian (label)

“He Can Be Found,” The Gibson Brothers (artists), Ella Barrett & Faye Cunningham (songwriters), Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber (producers), Compass Records (label)

“In God’s Hands,” The Boxcars (artists), John Benjamin Rochester (songwriter), The Boxcars (producers), Mountain Home (label)

“Prayer Bells of Heaven;” J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artists); J.F. Lowe & H.W. Ward (songwriters); Ben Isaacs (producer); Mountain Home (label)

“Sailing On,” Russell Moore & Dale Ann Bradley (artists), Rick Lang (songwriter), Jesse Brock & John Miller (producers), Rural Rhythm Christian (label)

INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

“Goin’ Up Dry Branch,” Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artists), Buddy Spicher & Jimmy Martin (songwriters), Jeff White & Michael Cleveland (producers), Rounder Records (label)

“Ground Speed;” Rural Rhythm All-Stars: Sammy Shelor, Carl Jackson, Brandon Rickman, Wayne Benson, Mike Hartgrove, Mike Anglin (artists); Earl Scruggs (songwriter); Mark Newton & Carl Jackson (producers); Rural Rhythm Records (label)

“Jumpin’ the Track,” The Boxcars (artists), Ron Stewart (songwriter), The Boxcars (producers), Mountain Home (label)

“Pretty Little Girl,” Lonesome River Band (artists), Public Domain, Lonesome River Band (producers), Rural Rhythm Records (label)

“Rare Bird Alert,” Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers (artists), Steve Martin (songwriter), Tony Trischka (producer), Rounder Records (label)
RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR

“Graves Mountain Memories;” Rural Rhythm All-Stars featuring Carl Jackson, Mark Newton, Audie Blaylock, Lou Reid, Russell Moore, Carrie Hassler, Sammy Shelor, Mike Hartgrove, Wayne Benson, Mike Anglin (artists); Mark Newton & Carl Jackson (producers); Rural Rhythm Records (label)

“I Am Strong,” The Grascals featuring Dolly Parton (artists), The Grascals (producers), Cracker Barrel/BluGrascal Records (label)

“I’ll Take Love,” Dale Ann Bradley featuring Alison Krauss and Steve Gulley (artists), Louisa Branscomb & Missy Raines (producers), Compass Records (label)

“Lonesome River,” Lou Reid & Carolina featuring Russell Moore (artists), Mark Newton & Carl Jackson (producers), Rural Rhythm Records (label)

“Prayer Bells of Heaven;” J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artists); Ben Isaacs (producer); Mountain Home (label)
INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR

Banjo:
Terry Baucom
Kristin Scott Benson
Ron Block
J.D. Crowe
Sammy Shelor
Ron Stewart

Bass:
Barry Bales
Mike Bub
Missy Raines
Mark Schatz
Marshall Wilborn

Fiddle:
Hunter Berry
Jason Carter
Michael Cleveland
Stuart Duncan
Ron Stewart

Dobro:
Mike Auldridge
Jerry Douglas
Rob Ickes
Randy Kohrs
Phil Leadbetter

Guitar:
Cody Kilby
Tony Rice
Kenny Smith
Bryan Sutton
Josh Williams

Mandolin:
Wayne Benson
Sam Bush
Sierra Hull
Ronnie McCoury
Adam Steffey

BLUEGRASS BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR
Katy Daley; WAMU’s Bluegrass Country; Washington, D.C.
Chris Jones; Sirius XM Satellite Radio; Nashville, Tenn.
Tim White; Song of the Mountains; Marion, Va.

BLUEGRASS EVENT OF THE YEAR
The 31st Annual Bluegrass & Chili Festival; September 2010; Claremore, Oklahoma
Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival; May 2010; Branson, Missouri
Wintergrass Youth Orchestra Gala; February 2011; Bellevue, Washington

BLUEGRASS PRINT MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Ralph Berrier, Jr; author of If Trouble Don’t Kill Me (Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.)
Tim Stafford & Caroline Wright, authors of Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story (Word of Mouth Press)
Juli Thanki; freelance writer for The 9531 and The Washington Post, Senior Editor of District Noise

BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR A RECORDED PROJECT
Ricardo Alessio (designer), City of Refuge, Abigail Washburn (artist), Rounder Records (label)
G. Carr & Salli Ratts (designers), Rare Bird Alert, Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers (artists), Rounder Records (label)
Albert J. Roman (designer), Daybreak, Sierra Hull (artist), Rounder Records (label)

BEST LINER NOTES FOR A RECORDED PROJECT
Colin Escott (writer), A Mother’s Prayer, Ralph Stanley (artist), Rebel Records (label)
Geoffrey Himes (writer), The Rounder Records Story, Various Artists, Rounder Records (label)
Steve Martin (writer), Rare Bird Alert, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers (artists), Rounder Records (label)