Sunday, June 27, 2010

Del McCoury, the Dillards + More Celebrate IBMA's 25th Birthday


It was standing room only at Loveless Barn in Nashville Wednesday night, as the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) celebrated its 25th anniversary with music from the full spectrum of bluegrass artists. Reaching back into its historic past with Jesse McReynolds and Rodney Dillard, and forward to its future in the likes of Sierra Hull and Rockin' Acoustic Circus, IBMA presented a showcase of talent that demonstrates why bluegrass is one of the most interesting genres of music today.
Alison Brown, who opened the show, says diversity is a good thing when it comes to the music. "It is exciting to see all the talent here tonight and to hear the various forms our music is taking," she told the audience. Allison brought out the first surprise guest for the evening, Del McCoury.
"My band is scattered all over the United States right now, so I'm on my own," Del shared. "I think I'll do a little 'High on the Mountain' for you."
The Farewell Drifters, who hail from Nashville, represented one of the younger sets of musicians, as did Sierra Hull and Rockin' Acoustic Circus. Sierra is currently attending Berklee School of Music in Boston, but took time to come and be part of the IBMA celebration. Rockin' Acoustic Circus, who hail from Oklahoma, is a six-piece from Oklahoma that features fiddle, mandolin, bass, banjo, guitar and cello. The unique configuration allows them to present some interesting new music for today's bluegrass sound.
G2 is a group of young men, all sons of famous bluegrass musicians in Holland. Yes, Holland. The crowd showed their appreciation not only for the distance they traveled to be part of the show, but for their excellent skills as pickers. "We are so excited to be a part of this celebration," said Christoffer Olsson, lead singer and songwriter for the band, which will tour the US for four months. "We have found everyone to be so welcoming and friendly here." Read on.

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