Songs will be chosen via a juried selection process that takes into account the quality of the applicant’s work and its appeal to bluegrass audiences. Songwriters interested in being considered must submit an application that includes a demo recording of the song (mp3 format only), song lyrics (PDF only), high-res photos and bios of each songwriter credited on the song, along with names and email addresses. Applicants do not have to be IBMA members. Here’s a link to view the online application and additional information:
https://worldofbluegrass.org/conference/songwriter-track/songwriter-showcase/

Although there is no application fee, those selected to participate and perform their song live in the Songwriter Showcase will have to register for the IBMA Business Conference. This portion of IBMA’s World of Bluegrass will feature a wide array of professional development programming, a gig fair, artist showcases and late-night hospitality functions, an exhibit hall, and plenty of networking and relationship-building opportunities.

Extending from Sept. 16-20, IBMA’s World of Bluegrass is considered the genre’s annual industry gathering and family reunion. In addition to the business conference, it also includes a two-day live music festival, an IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards show recognizing outstanding achievement and pioneering effort in bluegrass music, and artist showcases at various venues throughout downtown Chattanooga. All are presented by the IBMA – a nonprofit music association that connects, educates and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide.

IBMA selected Chattanooga as the host city for its annual World of Bluegrass for 2025-2027 last summer after considering more than 30 locations for a new home. “While other cities could offer the necessary commitment, the passion and enthusiasm of the people of Chattanooga truly stood out,” said Ken White, IBMA’s executive director, in a statement issued last July 29. “We are incredibly grateful for the support from the State of Tennessee and the welcoming spirit of Chattanooga. This city’s unique charm and hospitality makes it a perfect home for WOB artists and guests.” For its part, the Chattanooga Tourism Co. anticipates that the 2025 World of Bluegrass will attract more than 18,00 overnight visitors and more than 45,000 including day visitors, generate more than $30 million in economic impact, and add just over $1 million to the state’s coffers via taxes.

More information on the IBMA and its World of Bluegrass may be found online at ibma.org and worldofbluegrass.org.

In addition to general contact information, applicants must submit bios, a high-res photo, one demo recording of the song in mp3 format only, and song lyrics (PDF only) with their online applications. Songwriters must be willing to perform the song live if chosen. They do not need to be IBMA members. Although there is no application fee, and multiple entries may be submitted, songwriters selected to showcase are required to register for the IBMA Business Conference in order to participate.

For more information and to complete the online application form, visit
https://ibma.org/world-of-bluegrass/songwriter-track/songwriter-showcase-application-information

Now in its fourth year in Raleigh, IBMA’s World of Bluegrass is bluegrass music’s annual industry gathering and family reunion. Featuring a wide array of professional development seminars, meetings and forums, artist showcases and late-night hospitality functions, a keynote speaker (to be announced), an exhibit hall, plenty of networking and relationship-building opportunities, the business conference portion will extend from Tuesday, Sept. 27 through Thursday, Sept. 29. The 25th annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, a centerpiece of the week, will be presented on Thursday evening, Oct. 2, while the festival portion will take place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

Featuring both free stages and ticketed performances, the Wide Open Bluegrass Music Festival will afford attendees and the general public opportunities to hear a wide variety of bluegrass music and enjoy a street fair with music stages, vendors of all sorts, and youth activities. A bluegrass film festival also is being planned for the second consecutive year.

Registration and ticket sales for World of Bluegrass open April 5 for IBMA members and April 19 for non-members. For more information, visit www.ibma.org.

Singer-songwriters Ben Arnold and Jill Sobule will deliver keynotes and perform during the conference. SS Cape May also will feature two afternoons of panel discussions, workshops, mentoring and demo-listening sessions, exhibits and performance critiques at Congress Hall & Harrison Conference Center. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking with other singer-songwriters, musicians and music industry professionals.

Non-performers and non-applying performing artists may register and attend SS Cape May for a small fee. Evening showcase performances at restaurants, bars and hotels around the National Historic Landmark City will be free and open to the public.

For more information, visit www.sscapemay.com.

Editor’s Note: I have spoken on PR, social media and strategic communications for artists and done some one-on-one mentoring at previous SS Cape May conferences and likely will do so again in 2016.