Nashville Boosts Bluegrass Event

The International Bluegrass Music Association’s decision to move its convention and awards show to the Nashville Convention Center from Kentucky paid off.

The IBMA’s World of Bluegrass week October 24-30 saw a 21 percent jump in attendance from last year, and an 18 percent jump in the number of radio stations broadcasting the awards show at the Ryman Auditorium.

The event was previously held in Owensboro and then Louisville, Ky., until space became an issue. Nearly 23,000 people attended the week of events this year.

The IBMA has contracted to hold the conference, awards show and fan festival in Nashville through 2007.