2025 IBMA Official Showcase Artist Applications Now Open
Official showcases are an exclusive opportunity to introduce up-and-coming talent and new music to the bluegrass community during IBMA Bluegrass Ramble at IBMA World of Bluegrass®, taking place September 16-20 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Applications close at (CT) 5:00pm 28th Feb 2025.
The Official Showcase Package:
Each selected showcase act will perform at least twice during the week— once at the Chattanooga Convention Center and once at an IBMA Bluegrass Ramble venue. In addition to two showcase opportunities, the official showcase package includes:
- Full conference registration for performers
- Priority access to Gig Fair appointments
- Complimentary Exhibit Hall booth space
- Up to three (3) individual IBMA memberships
- Featured promotion in IBMA communications
Eligibility:
All emerging bluegrass bands, as well as established bands with new music or new personnel, are encouraged to apply. If you want to showcase your act or new material in front of top bluegrass talent buyers, this official showcase opportunity is for you! Applicants do not have to be IBMA members.
International bands are encouraged to apply. All non-U.S.-based artists must be legally able to enter the United States and are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel permits, including visas when required. Learn more.
Official showcase artists may not participate in the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble for two consecutive years. Official showcase artists from the 2024 event are NOT eligible to apply for the 2025 event.
International bands are encouraged to apply.
Application Process:
All applications must be submitted here. Up to 30 artists will be chosen through a juried selection process that takes into consideration the applicant’s entertainment value, level of professionalism, potential appeal to audience, quality of work, and potential of act to benefit from the opportunity. The IBMA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Artists with disabilities, artists who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and those who identify as LGBTQ are encouraged to apply.
Applications will open on February 3, 2025 and close on February 28, 2025. All applicants will receive a response from the IBMA via email indicating whether they have been selected for an official showcase, selected as an alternate, or not selected for an official showcase.
Click here To review the required application materials before applying please click here.
A $5 application fee is required. If invited to participate as an official showcase artist, there is an additional fee of $250 plus $75 per performing band member to offset costs of services and showcase production.
Please direct any questions to IBMA Events Director, Ethan Charles, at et***@**ma.org or (615)673-4815.
