The IBMA World of Bluegrass starts today in Nashville and, sad to say, I'm going to miss it this year.
Bluegrassers from all over will be there. Business ands social events will be highlighted by the awards show this Thursday at the venerable Ryman...and, FanFest this weekend. Even though I won't be able to partake, I will make a point to catch the awards fest on my Sirius Satellite radio and will pick a tune or two this week as a tribute.
I'll be there in spirit.
Just back from the IBMA World of Bluegrass, I'm now starting to digest the whole thing and let it come out in some artwork. This is the first and based on a scene at the Benoit Guitar booth at World of Bluegrass. I've roughed a few things but last year I promised our friends, Anita and Carroll Benoit of Benoit Guitars that I would be doing some paintings involving resonator guitars. Watch for some more paintings inspired by performances both on stage and in hallways.
It was nice to see a number of folks made it down to the IBMA from Pittsburgh this year. Karen and Bob Artis along with Bernie Cunningham from the Allegheny Drifters were present as usual. John Trout, of WYEP's Traditional Ties Show was also in attendance and was kind enough to stop by and say hello. Here is a picture of him looking good in our booth. Also thanks to John for mentioning the Bluegrass Painter on his new blog, John Trout's Bluegrass World. John also has some great photos and posts on IBMA up on his new site. We were also happy to see Paul Dvorchek. Paul is with St. Joseph's House of Hospitality in Pittsburgh and is the force behind their annual bluegrass benefit. Other Western Pennsylvania friends included Dennis, Laura and Emma Hough, Ed and Judy Wetzel and Bill and Carole Ann Lovett from Garrett County.
Karen and Bob Artis
Bill Lovett and Emma Hough making a new friend in our booth.
John Trout from WYEP's Traditional Ties
Bob and Karen Artis keeping me in line.
Yep, there he was...in the flesh...Tim White...the guy our public television station brings to us at 4:00 AM on Monday morning with the Song of the Mountains show. I asked Tim what he could do about that 4:00 AM thing and I believe he suggested that we up our donations and maybe we would have more influence on them...
I did enjoy our conversation there and plan to take him up on his invitation to visit when in the eastern TN/southwest VA area. Tim is a pretty impressive guy. In fact besides being a fine musician and showman, Tim is an incredible artist. He showed me a photograph of the mural he created in Bristol, TN of the history of country music...wow!
Keeping Tim out of trouble and assuring that he will never be penniless is Tim's lovely wife, Penny.
I think it was mentioned here before on this blog how pleased we were to be asked last year by the IBMA to
provide artwork for the 2008 World of Bluegrass marketing materials. Here's a look at an image they sent out yesterday in an email some of you probably received about the event. They did a great job with the graphics on this. Thanks again to Dan Hays for involving us in this project. We're looking forward to attending the event again this year.
I'm finally getting back to reviewing some of my IBMA photos. Here's one of Hickory Ridge, one of the first bands that we enjoyed listening to upon arriving at IBMA . These guys are somewhat local to me as they are from south central Pennsylvania. You can catch up with them at www.hickoryridgebluegrass.com.
We got back Sunday night from the super IBMA gathering in Nashville. We had a fun and productive trip, enjoying the company of friends both old and new. We even managed to do some business between picking tunes and seeing some great musicians, both on stage and off.
Thanks to Dan Hays, Executive Director of the IBMA. He asked us to provide the artwork that the IBMA will use in their promotional and graphic materials for the 2008 World of Bluegrass. We can't be prouder about this and can't wait to see the art in action. Dan's guidance and encouragement for us to participate as exhibitors got us involved. I believe this is a significant landmark for our Appalachian Studio. We sure plan to be back next year. 
We could not have been more fortunate than to have had Benoit Guitars, represented by Anita and Carroll Benoit in our neighboring booth. They provided advice and a helping hand. Class folks with beautiful resonator guitars.
Reflecting on some personal highlights of this past weekend...picking "Whiskey Before Breakfast" with David Harvey at the Gibson booth on the Ricky Skaggs Master Model Mandolin #1...renewing acquaintances with Alaskan Cruise mates Louis Champagne, Tom Thorpe, Dwight Worden, David Moultrie and, of course, Carla and Greg Hoover of Cottage Music. Louis brought his entire band, Grassfire, to IBMA and let me jam some with them...thanks Louis. This was all after attending the IBMA Award spectacular...talent of this level is inspiring to say the least. And attending late night showcases by The Claire Lynch Band, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, The Infamous Stringdusters, J.D. Crowe, among many others.
And from the home front...Karen and Bob Artis helped guide us through our first IBMA. They were there with Bernie and Mary Beth Cunningham. Karen, Bob and Bernie are 75% of The Allegheny Drifters...a truly fine bluegrass band from the western Pennsylvania region. These folks need to be showcased.
If you have a chance to get to this event next year...don't miss it. I hope to have more pictures and comments up soon. 
