The largest free urban bluegrass festival in the world is going virtual in 2020! PineCone continues to serve as IBMA’s local host in Raleigh, in addition to producing the festival in this new virtual format. Reserve your FREE music pass today to access not only the festival, but also the Bluegrass Ramble showcases and the 31st Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards!
And here is a SwapCard tutorial (YouTube link) – SwapCard is the primary platform that the festival and all the other World of Bluegrass events will stream on
Friday, October 2 schedule – music begins at 3 p.m. (Eastern Time)
MAIN STAGE
Carolina Blue
Steve Gulley Tribute
Earl White Stringband
Chatham Rabbits
Tray Wellington Band
AJ Lee & Blue Summit
Lindsay Lou, Phoebe Hunt, Mimi Naja sing the songs of Bluegrass Women
Sierra Hull & Molly Tuttle
Stephen Mougin & Friends
Sister Sadie
Jerry Douglas & Odessa Settles
The Travelin’ McCourys with Del McCoury
PLAZA STAGE
Stephen Burwell fiddle workshop
Alan Bibey mandolin workshop
Johnny & Jeanette Williams vocal workshop
Ron Block banjo workshop
Buncombe County Bug Stompers (Warren Wilson College)
BJU Grass (Bob Jones University)
Warren Wilson Bluegrass Band
Denison University Bluegrass Ensemble
ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band
Look up the Saturday, October 3 schedule
“We will be working hard to make this year work, and plan to use what we learn about building an online audience to expand the audience for when we’re back on Fayetteville Street,” said David Brower, PineCone’s Executive Director. “We hope that this experience will allow people to participate who haven’t been able to travel to Raleigh before, and that this will also inspire them to make plans to join us in Raleigh in 2021.”
This year’s virtual IBMA World of Bluegrass event will incorporate all components of the in-person event, adapted to a virtual environment ― with the added benefit of allowing the bluegrass industry to offer new activities to its members and reach new listeners across the globe.
Music fans will have access to free live streaming ― and on-demand sessions and performances ― of the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcases, the 31st Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, and IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, a music festival with performers ranging from emerging artists to industry icons.
For the eighth year, PNC Bank returns as the presenting sponsor of IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. “This music festival has become one of our community’s most anticipated and loved events, and PNC is proud to help bring it to life,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas. “While the experience will be different this year, we remain committed to supporting this event and look forward to sharing in the beauty and vibrancy of bluegrass music in a virtual format.”
IBMA is actively working to develop innovative, compelling activities and content for this year’s event, and will be releasing information and updates throughout the summer. As additional details about IBMA World of Bluegrass 2020 virtual events are determined, they will be shared across the organization’s social media platforms, through email notification, and on worldofbluegrass.org and ibma.org. Updates will also be available via social media platforms and email newsletters of Raleigh partners, including PineCone, the Raleigh Convention Center, and Visit Raleigh.
More details to come!
