Cary Fagan
Jun-04-2010, 7:55am
I'm just curious. Anyone been to the fan fest of the world of bluegrass, the IBMA event in the fall? What's it like? Worth a special trip?
Michael Ramsey
Jun-04-2010, 8:47am
Been going since 1994. Owensboro, KY then Louisville, KY and now Nashville. All three sites had their own pluses and minuses.
Fan Fair is a three day (actually about 2.5 day) affair where you get to see most of the top bands in the industry for about 45 minutes each. Some special configurations will go for a bit more than an hour.
If you are a fan of the music, you'll love it. If you plan to plan, plan early. There's a variety of hotels with a very wide variety of prices, usually based on the hotels' proximity to the convention center.
The entire week event (which includes the World of Bluegrass, including seminars, workshops, IBMA sponsored and private showcases, and tons of jamming) is a wonderful thing to behold, at least once in your lifetime. But, the price for the entire event includes the Fan Fair as well.
Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Cary Fagan
Jun-04-2010, 1:01pm
Thanks for the reply. I had the impression the days before fanfest were for the industry. But anyone can attend?
Also, is there jamming at different levels or is it all pretty advanced?
f5loar
Jun-04-2010, 10:33pm
It's worth doing at least once in your life but be prepared to shell out the dough to do it all. It ain't cheap. Nashville ain't cheap.
There is enough to do there to spend a full week.