The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced today the artists invited to the 2018 World of Bluegrass convention to showcase during the event’s Bluegrass Ramble. Each invited act will have at least two opportunities to perform during World of Bluegrass (September 25-27), which attracts decision makers and taste influencers from all over the world.
Bluegrass Ramble artists are chosen with an eye towards selecting those who are ready for major career advancement, and more established artists who have recently changed direction. They are selected by a committee of industry professionals assembled for this purpose, and will play in a variety of setting in and near the Convention Center in Raleigh, NC where World of Bluegrass will be hosted.
Among these are arch-traditionalists, more contemporary bluegrass acts, old time artists, and groups that perform music influenced by bluegrass traditions.
Chosen to showcase for 2018 are:
Amanda Cook – Jay, Florida
Appalachian Road Show – Ellijay, Georgia
Ashleigh Caudill – Nashville, Tennessee
Bill and the Belles – Johnson City, Tennessee
Cedar Hill – Hillsboro, Missouri
Charm City Junction – Baltimore, Maryland
Circus No. 9 – Johnson City, Tennessee
Colebrook Road – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
David Davis & The Warrior River Boys – Cullman, Alabama
Davidson Brothers – Bendigo, Victoria (Australia)
Flats and Sharps – Brighton, Cornwall (United Kingdom)
Hawktail – Nashville, Tennessee
Jeff Scroggins & Colorado – Parker, Colorado
JigJam – Fermoy, Cork (Ireland)
John Reischman and the Jaybirds – New Westminster, British Columbia (Canada)
Kim Robins and 40 Years Late – Bloomington, Indiana
Kristi Stanley & Running Blind – Coeburn, VA
Lonesome Ace Stringband – Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Man About a Horse – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Missy Raines – Nashville, Tennessee
Rebekah Long – Nashville, Tennessee
Special Consensus – Oak Lawn, Illinois
The Band of Kelleys – Spring Hill, Tennessee
The Barefoot Movement – Hendersonville, Tennessee
The Honey Dewdrops – Baltimore, Maryland
The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers – Stockdale, Pennsylvania
The Plate Scrapers – Hagerstown, Maryland
The Trailblazers – Mount Ulla, North Carolina
The Wooks – Lexington, Kentucky
Wood & Wire – Dripping Springs, Texas
IBMA Executive Director Paul Schiminger, commenting on this year’s choices, sees a good mix of music that people generally associate with bluegrass.
“Each year, there is a great deal of anticipation to learn who was selected as Official Showcase Bands for the upcoming World of Bluegrass out of an incredibly competitive field. Once again, the Showcase Selection Committee faced difficult decisions but did a terrific job. It is fun to see a mixture of well-established bands with new material along with bands who are achieving success in the earlier stages of their careers. There is no better opportunity for talent buyers and other industry professionals to connect with new music and new talent than the showcases at IBMA’s Business Conference and Bluegrass Ramble!”
Full details on World Of Bluegrass, including ticketing information and accommodations in Raleigh, NC, can be found online.