IBMA Awards Tickets

I attended the pre-show reception as well as the show. The reception was better that Raleigh because the area we had seemed larger. I know I felt it easier to move around and mingle. And the food I had was very good. The awards show seemed to go off well. The ushers and other staff in the facility were good at helping people find their seats in a new venue. I only noticed a few minor glitches which were probably just everyone getting used to the new location.

Being in the live audience for the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards show was a "bucket list"sort of experience. Hosted by the legendary comedian/musician Steve Martin and his musical partner Allison Brown, the show included musical performances and award presentations by a number of top names in the Bluegrass genre. Soldiers & Sailors Auditorium is a beautiful historic venue, with ample nearby parking in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. The event staff moved attendees along courteously and professionally, even through security checkpoints. Seating is comfortable and visibility, even near the back of the auditorium, was very adequate. Large video screens were in place to show on-stage details that might have been difficult to see at a distance. This review get four stars instead of five because of the audio/visual support of the show. Some specific examples: 1. During one of the early award presentations, the sound system (either the auditorium sound or the source audio... I don't know which) cut out a number of times. That seemed terribly unfair to the nominees for the award since the audience couldn't appreciate the music clips being played. 2. Consistently during the live music performances, video feed to the large screens showed irrelevant images. In a musical genre known for its implementation of solo instrumental breaks, the image on screen should showcase those solos. Even though there were sufficient cameras to cover the performance, the shots sent to the screens were all-too-often of performers other than the one doing the hot solo. This awards show is the biggest event of the year for Bluegrass music. I seems that even an abbreviated rehearsal would have provided the producer with an accurate shot list of which performer to put on screen at any given time. By comparison, the video crew performing the same function during live performances at the main stage outdoors on Friday and Saturday consistently "got it right." Overall, the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Awards provided an overwhelming trove of exciting memories. Technical issues notwithstanding, the event was extraordinary. Also, considering this was the first year for IBMA to hold its annual "World of Bluegrass"week in Chattanooga, it was a joy to attend this historic event. Now, the plans must commence for my attendance next year!

I started attending the early IBMAs in the 1980s on the banks of the Ohio in Owensboro, KY. I have many fond memories of those years including seeing the Bluegrass Album Band when they were really rolling, Doc Watson, Jim & Jesse, Skaggs, youngsters Chris Thile and Michael Cleveland, Hot Rize, and so many others. I like traditional bluegrass but also really hot picking. All the jams under the shade trees were absolutely amazing. It is hard to top what I saw in Owensboro. The Country Gentlemen stand out as a favorite at the Louisville IBMA one year. At the Nashville IBMA I was fortunate to see Dailey & Vincent (O’ Elizabeth) and Earl Scruggs performed You Are My Sunshine playing guitar, and sounding fantastic. It would be one of Earl’s last performances. I was unable to attend any of the IBMAs in Raleigh. So that brings us to this years first Chattanooga IBMA… The 2025 IBMA seemed to really expand the tent. There seemed to be something for everyone including all business aspects of the music and a variety of venues for live music. I attended the Awards Show, in which I saw living legend Del McCoury going strong at 86 years old. I hope I am so fortunate. This years HOF inductees, the Bluegrass Cardinals and Hot Rize, were long overdue. I saw both bands over 30 years ago, and they were both so entertaining. I still remember David Parmley breaking strings while singing a song, and getting a new string in and tunded in time to catch his guitar break. Also at the Awards Show were all the hot acts like Billy Strings and Sister Sadie, but I fell in love with East Nash Grass, who’s coming on strong and were nominated for entertainer of the year. The awards program was long, but excellent. I was glad to see some folks that are not traditionally associated with bluegrass music get recognition for their contributions to the foundation of the genre. There were a few glitches with sound and coordination of videos, but all in all the Awards Show was a success. Despite the Awards Show being great in every way, Friday was the highlight of my two days @ IBMA 2025. I walked into the convention center to sounds of banjos, mandolins, fiddles, guitars, basses and dobros. People of all ages were were jamming and having a great time. Before I could get to the Exhibit Hall I ran into Paul Williams, his son and some others who were participating at a song writers showcase. That reminded me that I had an hour for the exhibit hall before the session. My first stop in the exhibit hall was to see Ellis and Pava, two of the best luthiers on n the planet. Then on to renew my Bluegrass Unlimited Subscription and talk to the fine folks of the Wayne Henderson Luthier School. After test driving a Martin D-28 Billy Strings Edition I rushed down the hall to the Songwriter Showcase. This was the crown jewel for me. Paul , Doyle Lawson, Jeanette Williams, Greag Blake told stories about time in road, inspiration for songs and just “good old days” stuff… love lost and found…. Triumphs and tragedy. There was a sing along on the classic Hold What’cha Got. The highlight of my whole trip was Paul, Doyle and Greg singing When He Reached Down His Hand For Me. You could feel the spirit, emotion and sincerity. I decided that I would go home after that even though there was much more great bluegrass on the docket. But for me my cup was full. If you get an opportunity to go I highly recommend it.

The event went off perfect. Great bands and super convient location and festival layout.

An evening with a who’s who of bluegrass music A great historic building plus we found parking just across the street. We had great seats. We hope to go back again next year.

We missed the first few days - this will NOT happen again next year! We attended the awards show Thursday, and the concerts Friday and Saturday. Fantastic time. Hearing the tales of all the happenings from the beginning of the week at the convention center and the Marriott made us want to go back in time and redo last week. This is a perfect event for Chattanooga. I'm glad that it is here for at least (hopefully many more) two more years! Music was great (aren't bluegrass musicians incredibly talented!?!), Wood Brothers, while not bluegrass were perfect Friday night, and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings filled in admirably on Saturday night to close things out. There always has to be one thing: the three million reserved seat chairs! Thankfully, the festival quickly adapted and my wife and I were able to sit to where we could see the stage instead of standing on the side trying to see the stage. Kudos to the IBMA and all who put this on. We can't wait until next year.

My first experience at any award show live and IBMA was awesome. All the presentations and performances were top notch. And the ramble at the end was a moment for the ages. Steve Martin and Alison Brown were great host.

The IBMA award show is on our bucket list for next year. Cannot wait till October 20, 2026. See you then!

Great weather, great music as usual. My biggest take was band schedule could have been better. Missed to many acts I wanted to see because of times scheduled. Big name act should be better spaced out . The GA+ tickets didn’t mean a thing. No ticket check for the seating area. Paid extra for seating and many were taken up by non seat payers.

This was my first time in attendance but it certainly was not my last. Very entertaining and informative