The Infamous Stringdusters will host and perform at the 32nd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards presented by Yamaha, which will take place at Raleigh, NC’s Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts on Sept 30 at 7:30pm ET. 

“Entertainer of the Year” nominees – The Del McCoury Band, Balsam Range, and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys – will perform at this year’s show, as well as the reigning 2020 “Entertainer of the Year” and “Vocal Group of the Year” winner (and 2021 Vocal Group nominee): Sister Sadie. The show will also feature a performance by another nominee for “Vocal Group of the Year” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge.

The Stoneman Family, Lynn Morris, and Alison Krauss will be inducted into the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame at this year’s show, and special pairings are also planned to honor this year’s inductees including performances by Donna and Roni Stoneman and a Lynn Morris tribute. Additionally, a special all-star performance is planned for the Awards show finale.

“This show has been a pleasure to produce,” said Brian McNamara, producer of this year’s Awards show. “I’ve been so impressed by how eager all of the IBMA team and the performers have been to pivot and create an entirely new live program paired with a strong virtual element. It’s a testament to how the people in the bluegrass community are focused on pulling together to make great live music that can be enjoyed in person or virtually.”

“We are so pleased to once again have a live IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Show and have focused on delivering a safe return to live bluegrass at this year’s World of Bluegrass,” said Pat Morris, executive director of IBMA. “It should prove to be a very exciting Awards show with the Infamous Stringdusters as our 2021 hosts, and we look forward to all of the performances and special Hall of Fame inductions.

Tickets are available for this year’s Awards show: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/8133006/ibma-bluegrass-music-awards-show-raleigh-ibma-world-of-bluegrass-downtown-raleigh?_ga=2.256630536.283979375.1631470695-562876718.1631470695.

Proof of vaccination (without exceptions) and masks will be required for attendance at this year’s Awards show. For more information on the IBMA World of Bluegrass safety protocols, please visit the Health and Safety page on the IBMA World of Bluegrass website.

The audio for the show will air on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction channel, and livestream three ways: IBMA’s Facebook LiveYouTube, and via Swapcard, the official event platform for IBMA World of Bluegrass. Virtual passes for Swapcard, including a FREE Music Pass, are on sale now: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ibma-9856588504.

Other Awards sponsors include: Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, BMI, Boston Bluegrass Union, Compass Records, Deering Banjo Company, D’Addario, Recording Academy, Ron & Nancy McFarlane