IBMA Question

[BluegrassDoc]

Turns out I'll be off the weekend of the 29th/30th, and I'd like to get down to the IBMA in Nashville.

I've been to the award show before, but what I'm really interested in this year is checking out the exhibitor booths and putting a pick down on several different mandolins(if they'll let me http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif)I might even upgrade!

Will most exhibitors hang out for the weekend or not? I know that is "Fan Fest," but I wasn't sure what exactly went on during that time period. I'll most likely get there Friday night or Saturday morning and stay through Sunday.

I'd certainly appreciate the inside scoop from those planning to attend.

[Dale Ludewig]

My experience (and I've exhibited before and will this year) is that most of the builders will be there actively Friday and Saturday. Sunday usually, at least from my perspective, starts to slim out the exhibitors. Tired, want to go home, and the traffic through the exhibit area is much less. I'd suggest concentrating on Friday and Saturday. And don't miss the jamming that goes on all night. You'll get your hands on more mandolins (if you're nice <g> than you can believe) and play with players of all levels. It's definitely worth it.

This year is the first year in Nashville. I don't know what the setup will be like. In Louisville, you had two towers- one for jamming all night, and concerts, etc.- the other tower for sleeping. Last year in the jamming tower I believe most people who stayed up late enough thought things maybe got a little out of hand in the "politeness" category. Playing was still very good.

I hope you have a room booked. If not, do it now. You probably won't be able to stay in the same hotel as the convention (the convention center (!))- that's pretty much booked up by the exhibitors. So having a quiet place to sleep shouldn't be a problem, but you have to find a way to said place. Hopefully they'll be running shuttle busses..........

[BluegrassDoc]

Thanks for the reply, Dale. Sounds excellent. I was a big fan of the Galt House "two tower" layout as well. Plus I used to live in Louisville which made it extra-nice!

[BigJoe]

We will be there all week, but if traffic is very light, we will wrap it up about noon Sunday. You are welcome to play everything we have there anytime. Its always a great time a good time to see good friends we don't get to see too often.

[Steve Perry]

Not that I'm a cheapskate, or anything... # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

But, do you have to pay anything to get into the exhibit area? #I'm trying to buy a new mando too and want to keep as much as possible for that. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Chadly]

I'll be there with Greg and the store, House of Fine Instruments. We'll be sharing a booth with Jaroslav Prucha again this year. We'll have lost of great mandolins to try out.

Chad Fadely
House of Fine Instruments
[/URL]www.gregboyd.com (http://)

[Dale Ludewig]

Steve, I'm pretty sure you have to pay to get in anywhere but the lobby. How much I don't know. I'm sure if you check out (hope this is right) www.ibma.org all the info will be there. I think. (therefore I play mandolin)

[Amandalyn]

I will be attending IBMA this year and look forward to meeting many of you co-mando's
Teri LaMarco
The Music Tree