1PM – 5PM | RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER (RCC) MAIN LOBBY
PRE-REGISTRATION PICKUP AND ONSITE SALES presented by Sound Biscuit Productions
8AM – 10PM | RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER (RCC) MAIN LOBBY
PRE-REGISTRATION PICKUP AND ONSITE SALES presented by Sound Biscuit Productions
8AM – 2AM | RCC 202
INSTRUMENT CHECK AND LOST & FOUND OPEN
9AM – 9:50AM | RCC 304
NEW ATTENDEE ORIENTATION
IBMA World of Bluegrass and the city of Raleigh have a lot to offer. Whether this is your first time, or you just want to get a fresh perspective on the most important week in bluegrass, this session will help you make the most of your time at the conference and in the city.
10AM – 10PM | RCC 402
IBMA YOUTH ROOM OPEN FOR JAMMING
10AM – 10:50AM | RCC 306
SUPERSESSION: A FEATURE ON JERRY GARCIA: A BLUEGRASS JOURNEY, THE BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM’S NEWEST EXHIBIT
11AM – 11:50AM | RCC 305
WORRIED PERSON BLUES: THE ROLES OF GENDER IN MODERN BLUEGRASS
11AM – 12PM | RCC 304
PLANNING FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
As a bluegrass industry professional, planning for your future is essential to achieving long-term stability and peace of mind. Whether you’re an artist, performer, or part of the industry, financial planning can seem overwhelming, but it’s crucial to set yourself up for success. This session will explore practical ways to save, invest, and prepare for your financial future, helping you secure the lifestyle and retirement you envision.
11:30AM – 12:45PM | RCC 306
EFFECTIVE SONG PITCHING presented by The Mechanical Licensing Collective
A highlight for any songwriter is to have one of your songs covered by a band or recording artist. Getting song cuts these days can be a great challenge. Artists often listen to hundreds of songs searching for that one “just right” for their next single or recording project. Our panel represents a cross-section of the industry, all having years of experience, ready and willing to share their “secrets of the trade” with you. This seminar is a must for the serious songwriter!
12PM – 2PM | RCC 304
ONE-ON-ONE FINANCIAL COACHING SESSIONS
These sessions will be led by either a certified professional or a candidate in a national certification program, such as CFP® (Certified Financial Planner®) or AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®). Each session will last up to 20 minutes and cover various aspects of personal finance education. If you have specific questions about your financial accounts, please bring any relevant documents. Our goal is to help you align your values with your finances to make informed and wise decisions in your personal financial life. No RSVP required.
12PM – 12:50PM | RCC 305
BAND COACHING WITH STEPHEN MOUGIN
Stephen Mougin will work with a band to dig deep into musical performance concepts, geared to help them (and any band) improve. During the workshop, he will pause to explain strategies and take questions from the audience.
1PM – 2PM | RCC 305
WHY TEACHING BLUEGRASS JAMMING MATTERS: IN SCHOOLS AND BEYOND
Are you an educator, events producer, or artist who wants to do more effective educational programming? This is an educational deep dive into the relevance of bluegrass jamming in schools, camps, and festivals. We will interview bluegrass mentor Pete Wernick in the last 25 min of this 60-minute panel.
2PM – 3:30PM | RCC 302B & 302C
SONG CIRCLES presented by The Mechanical Licensing Collective
Back by popular demand, song circles are an opportunity to share your songs with others in a relaxed setting. Song circles help keep you connected and can lead to new collaborative relationships. Just bring along a song or two, your instrument of choice, and join in the fun.
Song Circle Leaders: Ali Shumate & Jeff Daugherty
1:30PM – 3:30PM | RCC BALLROOM C
GIG FAIR
A rare meet-and-greet opportunity in the midst of a hectic and fast-paced music industry event, the IBMA Gig Fair serves as an organized information exchange for emerging artists and event producers. Using a speed-dating format, artists can take the first step in building important business relationships with the people who matter most. RSVP-only
3:30PM – 4:55PM | RCC BALLROOM AB
KEYNOTE PRE-PERFORMANCE presented by Turnberry Records
Deeper Shade of Blue will perform.
4PM – 5:30PM | RCC BALLROOM AB
KEYNOTE ADDRESS presented by Turnberry Records
6PM – 7PM | LINCOLN THEATRE
IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS® KICKOFF PARTY
Kick off the first night of the most important week in bluegrass with Sister Sadie & friends!
7PM – 11:35PM | VARIOUS VENUES
IBMA BLUEGRASS RAMBLE OFFICIAL SHOWCASE
Full lineup & schedule here
10PM – 1AM | VARIOUS VENUES
LATE NIGHT SHOWCASES
8AM – 10PM | RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER (RCC) MAIN LOBBY
PRE-REGISTRATION PICKUP AND ONSITE REGISTRATION SALES presented by Sound Biscuit Productions
8AM – 2AM | RCC 202
INSTRUMENT CHECK AND LOST & FOUND OPEN
9AM – 10AM | RCC 306
SUPERSESSION: PROJECT DREADNAUGHT
Project Dreadnought is a comprehensive study of over 150 prewar guitars. Inspired by Bryan Galloup’s wood analysis, and led by Joe Glaser, Dustin Miller, and Tom Nania, the team used advanced technology and historical research to explore 30’s Martins to inspire industry and enthusiasts alike.
9AM – 10:30AM | RCC BALLROOM C
BREAKFAST 2 BUSINESS
This networking session over a gratis hot breakfast allows agents to foster new and strengthen existing relationships with talent buyers through a focused information exchange including agent rosters, showcase schedules, and booking dates for next year’s calendar!
9:45AM – 10:45AM | RCC 304
EMCEE MASTERCLASS PT 2 sponsored by the IBMA Foundation & the Eppes-Jefferson Foundation
Being able to communicate well benefits emcees, broadcasters, social media writers, educators, and board members. This advanced-level, interactive seminar offers tips and inspiration from some of the best emcees in the bluegrass world: Daley, Baucom, Lauderdale, and Wright.
10AM – 10PM | RCC 402
IBMA YOUTH ROOM OPEN FOR JAMMING
10AM – 10:50AM | RCC 305
HOW I WRITE SONGS presented by The Mechanical Licensing Collective
Every great songwriter has their own individual approach to the craft of writing songs that works for them. Each have some similarities, some differences but are successful. Just like climbing up a mountain, there many trails that lead you to the top. In this session you will hear from some of the very best, offering insights into how they go about write songs. You will hear things you won’t find in any book, learn some tricks of the trade that will help you on your own songwriting journey.
10:10AM – 11:00AM | RCC 306
SPILLING PROMOTER SECRETS: MUSIC MARKETING DIY
How do I get more people at my shows? How can I choose venues with adept marketing practices? What are the promotional avenues I should spend my time and money on? Join us to break down methods good promoters use to sell tickets using tools within reach for indie artists that also build your brand.
11AM – 1PM | RCC BALLROOM AB
IBMA MOMENTUM AWARDS LUNCHEON presented by Campbell Law School
The IBMA Momentum Awards recognize artists and business people in the early years of their bluegrass music careers. This catered event will feature awards presentations and performances by Momentum Band of the Year nominees. Join us to support and celebrate emerging talent in the bluegrass community.
12:30 PM – 5:30PM | RCC 201
BLUEGRASS COUNTRY RADIO AFTERNOON SHOWCASE & LIVE BROADCAST
1PM – 5PM | RCC EXHIBIT HALL C presented by Martin Guitar Co.
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
1PM – 5PM | RCC 204
ONE-ON-ONE FINANCIAL COACHING SESSIONS
These sessions will be led by either a certified professional or a candidate in a national certification program, such as CFP® (Certified Financial Planner®) or AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®). Each session will last up to 20 minutes and cover various aspects of personal finance education. If you have specific questions about your financial accounts, please bring any relevant documents. Our goal is to help you align your values with your finances to make informed and wise decisions in your personal financial life. No RSVP required.
1:15PM – 2:30PM | RCC 306
SUPERSESSION: AN EARL SCRUGGS 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
1:30PM – 2:30PM | RCC 302C
DJs, MEET YOUR LABELS!
Sixty minutes of speed dating format, allowing label reps, publishers, and songwriters to exchange contact info with broadcasters, podcasters, and DJs. Bring your business cards and merch for the ultimate DJ/Label exchange!
1:30PM – 5:00PM | INTERNATIONAL STAGE presented by Bluegrass in La Roche
2PM – 5PM | RCC 303
BILLY BLUE RECORDS SHOWCASE
2:10PM – 3PM | RCC 305
SONGWRITING 101 WORKSHOP presented by The Mechanical Licensing Collective
This session is perfect for the beginner to intermediate songwriters. Learn the fundamentals, basics of songwriting from one of the best. Your host Kristen Bearfield (Highroad band), will cover the important elements of the craft from structure to lyricism, exploring form, theme, rhythm, scheme. Get ready to share ideas, collaborate, harmonize, and craft an original song together from scratch. Come out for an unforgettable musical time.
2:15PM – 3:45PM | RCC 304
MODERNIZING REGIONAL BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATIONS
Explore best practices for a successful and impactful 21st century bluegrass association including activities, membership benefits, festival/jam maps, funding and outreach, and useful website resources/links. Keep in touch throughout the year by joining a global forum at CTbluegrass.com/forum
2:40PM – 3:50PM | RCC 306
EMERGING TRENDS AND STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE GRANT WRITING
In this session, you’ll learn the key essentials to successful grant writing, and practical tools that will increase revenue for your for-profit business or your non-profit organization.
3:10PM – 4PM | RCC 305
AUDIO PRESERVATION: BEST PRACTICES FOR ARTISTS AND COLLECTORS
A hybrid panel, educating Artists and Collectors on best practices and the knowledge needed when archiving audio (i.e. digital file extensions, storage, copyright issues, etc). Will include practical information and “tools” that can be used to begin keeping track of one’s own audio collections.
4PM – 4:50PM | RCC 304
FINDING AN AGENT: ESSENTIAL FIRST STEPS FOR DEVELOPING ARTISTS
Explore the key steps that aspiring bluegrass artists can take to become appealing prospects for agents. Learn what agents look for in potential clients, the critical information they need to evaluate your potential, and effective strategies for initiating conversations leading to representation.
4PM – 5PM | RCC 306
DEI TOWN HALL
This session will provide an update about the work of the IBMA’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, including a discussion of key topics related to fostering diversity in our community, brainstorming ways the IBMA can improve and/or take our work further, and opportunities to get involved.
5PM – 6:30PM | RCC BALLROOM RECEPTION AREA
AGENT & TALENT BUYER RECEPTION
DJ & ARTIST RECEPTION
INTERNATIONAL RECEPTION
SONGWRITER MEET & GREET presented by The Mechanical Licensing Collective
7PM – 11:35PM | VARIOUS VENUES
IBMA BLUEGRASS RAMBLE OFFICIAL SHOWCASE
Full lineup & schedule here
10PM – 1AM | VARIOUS VENUES
LATE NIGHT SHOWCASES
8AM – 8PM | RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER (RCC) MAIN LOBBY
PRE-REGISTRATION PICKUP AND ONSITE SALES presented by Sound Biscuit Productions
8AM – 2AM | RCC 202
INSTRUMENT CHECK AND LOST & FOUND OPEN
9AM – 10:30AM | RCC 306
IBMA TOWN HALL MEETING
The IBMA is more than 2,500 people in countries around the world who are passionately involved in the business of bluegrass music. Don’t miss this opportunity to sit down and discuss the state and future of the industry with the IBMA Board of Directors and membership.
10AM – 10PM | RCC 402
IBMA YOUTH ROOM OPEN FOR JAMMING
11AM – 1PM | RCC BALLROOM AB
IBMA INDUSTRY AWARDS LUNCHEON
Join us for lunch as the IBMA recognizes outstanding work in non-performing industry categories with the IBMA Industry Awards. This catered event will feature presentations of the seven Industry Awards categories, a special presentation of the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award honorees, and live music.
12:30 PM – 5:30PM | RCC 201
BLUEGRASS COUNTRY RADIO AFTERNOON SHOWCASE & LIVE BROADCAST
1PM – 5PM | RCC EXHIBIT HALL C presented by Martin Guitar Co.
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
1PM – 5PM | RCC 204
ONE-ON-ONE FINANCIAL COACHING SESSIONS
These sessions will be led by either a certified professional or a candidate in a national certification program, such as CFP® (Certified Financial Planner®) or AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®). Each session will last up to 20 minutes and cover various aspects of personal finance education. If you have specific questions about your financial accounts, please bring any relevant documents. Our goal is to help you align your values with your finances to make informed and wise decisions in your personal financial life. No RSVP required.
1:15PM – 2:30PM | RCC 302C
DJ TAPING SESSION
This is a broadcaster and artist session designed for conducting short interviews and collecting station IDs and other content.
1:30PM – 1:45PM | RCC 304
ROOTS REVIVAL: BLACK STRING BAND SYMPOSIUM presented by Banjo Gathering and IBMA
WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS
1:30PM – 2:30PM | RCC 305
EVERYONE IS A SINGER – THE VOICE IS AN INSTRUMENT
Bluegrass vocals are a subject that all too often doesn’t get the attention it deserves in the bluegrass world. This highly knowledgeable and experienced panel of singers and educators are on a mission to change that.
2PM – 3:15PM | RCC 304
NAVIGATING NARRATIVES: BEING A BLACK WOMAN IN FOLK MUSIC presented by Banjo Gathering and sponsored by Folk Alliance International
This session builds on the “Avoiding Tokenism in Trad Music” panel from 2023, and includes a panel of Black women in the traditional music industry explores how they each build upon their experiences and the expectations placed upon them to create authentic representation in the industry.
2PM – 3:30PM | RCC 306
IBMA FOUNDATION RECEPTION
2:40PM – 3:30PM | RCC 305
WRITING BLUEGRASS GOSPEL presented by The Mechanical Licensing Collective
Gospel has been an integral part of Bluegrass going back to the early days of Bill Monroe, Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs among many others. Gospel music continues to grow in popularity, and todays songwriters continue to offer new songs of faith to keep the tradition alive. Our panelists will share insights into their own approach to writing Bluegrass Gospel. This is the first time we’ve offered this seminar at WOB, it’s a session you won’t want to miss.
2:45PM – 3:45PM | RCC 303
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS
This session will break down emotional intelligence and EQ (self-awareness, management, social awareness and relationship management) and how it relates to being a young musician in the music industry.
3:30PM – 4:45PM | RCC 304
ALIVE IN THE ARCHIVES presented by Banjo Gathering and sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union
Explore how Black bluegrass and folk musicians use source and archival recordings to bridge the gap in person-to-person transmission of music between Black musicians who were recorded in the 20th century and musicians today. Musicians and scholars will play tunes, discuss their research methods and limitations, and share how we can use these sources authentically and accurately.
3:40PM – 4:30PM | RCC 305
ONE TIME AT BLUEGRASS CAMP
This is a rockstar panel that will engage both camp clinicians and coordinators in sharing how to maximize the camp experience. Designed to be highly engaging, don’t miss this special opportunity to chime in and learn more about putting on your own camp…what works and what hurdles can arise.
3:45PM – 4:45PM | RCC 306
SONGWRITER SHOWCASE presented by The Mechanical Licensing Collective
An integral part of our WOB Songwriter Track, the Songwriter Showcase is a coveted opportunity where ten selected songwriters take center stage to perform an original song in front of an audience, that includes other writers, artists, producers, and leaders in the industry. The Songwriter Showcase has helped launch the career of many a songwriter.
5:30PM – 7PM | MARTIN MARIETTA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
IBMA BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS RED CARPET AND RECEPTION sponsored by Yamaha Guitar Group and BMI
7:30PM – 10:30PM | MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
35TH ANNUAL IBMA BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS
7PM – 11PM | VARIOUS VENUES
BEER & BANJOS IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS EDITION (Local Showcases)
Full lineup & schedule here
10PM – 1AM | VARIOUS VENUES
LATE NIGHT SHOWCASES
8AM – 2AM | RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER (RCC) 202
INSTRUMENT CHECK AND LOST & FOUND OPEN
9AM-9:50AM | RCC 303
TAI CHI WITH JIM LAUDERDALE
10AM – 12PM | RCC BALLROOM C
BLUEGRASS JAM CLASS – BRING YOUR INSTRUMENTS WITH PETE WERNICK
All bluegrass instruments welcome. No jamming experience necessary. You will be jamming right away! Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching. Mistakes allowed/expected. Singing not required but encouraged and taught. Easy 2- and 3-chord songs, slow speeds. Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught. Do you qualify? It’s easier than you may think!, Registration is available onsite. Hosted by Pete Wernick!
11AM – 6PM | EXHIBIT HALL C
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
10AM – 11:30AM | RCC 306
GUITAR PULL presented by The Mechanical Licensing Collective and sponsored by Faris Guitar Co.
Decades ago there was a fraternity of songwriters in Nashville trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Legends like Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson would gather in a living room, pass around a guitar, and sing their new songs. These events took on the name of “guitar pull” because it was said you would have to “pull” the guitar from the person beside you to take your turn. Back by popular demand, this year’s guitar pull will feature: Greg Blake, Rick Faris, Laurie Lewis, Jerry Salley, Becky Buller, Daryl Mosley, Bob Minner, and Joe Newberry.
10AM – 10PM | RCC 402
IBMA YOUTH ROOM OPEN FOR JAMMING
10:30AM – 11:45AM | WORKSHOP STAGE
PICKING FOR THE PRIZE FLATPICKING GUITAR CONTEST presented by Martin Guitar Co. and sponsored by Walnut Valley Association, Elderly Instruments, Calton Cases, Paige Capos, Strum Machine, and ToneSlabs
Five flatpicking finalists compete for a coveted Grand Prize package that includes a custom Martin Guitar and a guaranteed spot in the 2025 National Flat Picking Championship at the famed Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas.
11:15 AM – 12:30PM | RCC 304
MAKING INSTRUMENTS presented by Banjo Gathering and sponsored by Pisgah Banjos
Within the history of American traditional music, Black instrument builders have often been overlooked, from the creators of gourd banjos in early America to contemporary makers today. They will explore how building instruments honors the history of the music while making it more accessible to broader audiences.
12:45PM – 2PM | RCC 304
JOURNEY OF A SONG presented by Banjo Gathering and sponsored by Berkeley Old Time Music Convention
This panel and showcase will explore how songs from the Black tradition became bluegrass standards. Musicians will play songs and will be in conversation with cultural historians Valerie Díaz Leroy and Jen Larson, discussing how we can accurately and appropriately bring music’s history into our performances and recorded work.
1PM – 5PM | RCC WORKSHOP STAGE (MAIN LOBBY)
INSTRUMENT WORKSHOPS
1:00PM Mandolin Workshop – Alan Bibey, Scott Napier, Nick Dumas, & Nick Chandler
2:00PM Banjo Workshop – Greg Cahill, Raymond McLain, & Anthony Howell
3:00PM Guitar Workshop – David Grier, Jeff Huffman, Scott Patrick, & Bob Minner
4:00PM Fiddle Workshop – Austin Scelzo
1PM – 5PM | RCC 204
ONE-ON-ONE FINANCIAL COACHING SESSIONS
These sessions will be led by either a certified professional or a candidate in a national certification program, such as CFP® (Certified Financial Planner®) or AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®). Each session will last up to 20 minutes and cover various aspects of personal finance education. If you have specific questions about your financial accounts, please bring any relevant documents. Our goal is to help you align your values with your finances to make informed and wise decisions in your personal financial life. No RSVP required.
2:15PM – 3:30PM | RCC 304
BLACK MUSIC IN APPALACHIA SHOWCASE presented by Banjo Gathering and sponsored by Ear Trumpet Labs and Junior Appalachian Musicians
In this showcase-based session, Black Appalachian musicians Dr. Dena Jennings, Kelle Jolly, and Tray Wellington will perform and discuss the region’s influences on their music.
3:45PM – 5PM | RCC 304
BEYOND BLUEGRASS SHOWCASE sponsored by Bluegrass Pride
In recent years, Arnold Shultz has been acknowledged as a core figure in Bluegrass history. This showcase features musicians Darcy Ford-James, Art Bouman, and Nelson Williams and how they build diverse styles and use other traditional music in their repertoire.
10PM – 1AM | VARIOUS VENUES
LATE NIGHT SHOWCASES
8AM – 2AM | RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER (RCC) 202
INSTRUMENT CHECK AND LOST & FOUND OPEN
9AM-9:50AM | RCC 303
TAI CHI WITH JIM LAUDERDALE
10AM – 12PM | RCC BALLROOM C
BLUEGRASS JAM CLASS – BRING YOUR INSTRUMENTS
All bluegrass instruments welcome. No jamming experience necessary. You will be jamming right away! Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching. Mistakes allowed/expected. Singing not required but encouraged and taught. Easy 2- and 3-chord songs, slow speeds. Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught. Do you qualify? It’s easier than you may think! Registration available onsite. Hosted by Pete Wernick!
10AM – 10PM | RCC 402
IBMA YOUTH ROOM OPEN FOR JAMMING
11AM – 6PM | RCC EXHIBIT HALL C presented by Martin Guitars
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
1PM – 2:30PM | RCC 306
BLUEGRASS COLLEGE INFO SESSION
High school students and their parents are invited to come and hear about bluegrass degree and ensemble programs from colleges, with a sample of music from each student band present.
1PM – 5PM | RCC WORKSHOP STAGE (MAIN LOBBY)
INSTRUMENT WORKSHOPS
1:00PM Clawhammer Banjo – Joe Newberry & Laura Boosinger
2:00PM Vocal Workshop – Johnny Williams, Jeanette Williams, & Jay Shelton
3:00PM Bass Workshop – Zak McLamb & Wyatt Harman
4:00PM Karaoke with Nick Chandler & Delivered – Sign up to sing a song with the band!
1PM – 5PM | RCC 204
ONE-ON-ONE FINANCIAL COACHING SESSIONS
These sessions will be led by either a certified professional or a candidate in a national certification program, such as CFP® (Certified Financial Planner®) or AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®). Each session will last up to 20 minutes and cover various aspects of personal finance education. If you have specific questions about your financial accounts, please bring any relevant documents. Our goal is to help you align your values with your finances to make informed and wise decisions in your personal financial life. No RSVP required.
10PM – 1AM | VARIOUS VENUES
LATE NIGHT SHOWCASES
*Schedule Subject to change
