Recognizing artists and business professionals
in the early years of their bluegrass music careers
Nashville, TN, September 29, 2021 – The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced the recipients of the 2021 Momentum Awards, awarded today as part of this week’s IBMA World of Bluegrass.
The Momentum Awards, brought to you by Fishman, and sponsored by Bluegrass Country Radio, Rounder Records, and Ear Trumpet Labs, focus on artists and industry professionals who are in the early stages of their bluegrass music careers. There are four performance awards: one each for Band and Vocalist, and two for Instrumentalist. Two more awards recognize industry achievement: Industry Involvement, and Mentor.
The Mentor Award is the one Momentum Award that recognizes veteran bluegrass professionals, where they have made significant contributions fostering excellence in young bluegrass performers and members of the industry.
Nominees and recipients are selected by a multiple, committee-driven process. Regional and local associations — as well as all IBMA members — are encouraged to identify serious emerging artists and leaders for consideration. With the exception of the Mentor category, anyone previously nominated for an IBMA Music or Industry Award may not be considered for a Momentum Award.
The 2021 Momentum Awards recipients:
Mentor of the Year
Cathy Fink
Momentum Industry Involvement of the Year
Kara Kundert
Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year (2 recipients in this category)
Maddie Denton
Julian Pinelli
Momentum Vocalist of the Year
Jaelee Roberts
Momentum Band of the Year
Stillhouse Junkies
About IBMA
IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide.
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Press Info: Judy McDonough, KCM
[email protected], 615-243-5994
General Info: Casey Campbell, IBMA
[email protected], 615-256-3222
