2025 IBMA Industry Award Nominees Announced
Recipients announced on September 18 in Chattanooga, Tennessee
NASHVILLE, TN (July 23, 2025) – The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announced the nominees for the 2025 IBMA Industry Awards, recognizing outstanding work in non-performing industry categories. The Industry Awards will be presented on September 18 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as part of IBMA World of Bluegrass®, an annual event featuring a business conference, showcases, awards show, and street festival highlighting the best in bluegrass talent.
Nominees for the 2025 IBMA Industry Awards are:
WRITER OF THE YEAR
Dan Miller
Alisa Murphy
Jessica Nicholson
Gary Reid
Garret K. Woodward
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Sophie Clark
Laci Mack
Kevin Slick
Jason Tanner
Madison Thorn
SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Scott Barnett
Eddie Faris
Clay Miller
Stephen Mougin
Rebekah Speer
EVENT OF THE YEAR
DelFest
Cumberland, Maryland
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Mill Spring, North Carolina
Hartford’s Mammoth Marathon
Nashville, Tennessee
High Mountain Hay Fever
Westcliffe, Colorado
Jerry Garcia – A Bluegrass Journey
Owensboro, Kentucky
BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR
Barb Heller
String Fever Bluegrass
North Country Public Radio
Canton, New York
Matt Hutchinson
Bluegrass Jam Along
London, England
Michelle Lee
Smoked Country Jam & Bluegrass Borderline
Michelle Lee On Air
Columbus, Ohio
Ronnie Moretz
WMMY
Jefferson, North Carolina
Daniel Mullins
Real Roots Radio
Walls of Time Bluegrass Podcast
Front Porch Fellowship
Xenia, Ohio
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Becky Buller
Brenna MacMillan
Jon Weisberger
Rick Lang
Thomm Jutz
GRAPHIC DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Andrea Roberson
Audrey Fletcher
Carla Wehby
Gina Dilg
Rebekah Speer
LINER NOTES OF THE YEAR
Jubilee – Becky Buller
Written by Becky Buller
Julia Belle: The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 2 – Various Artists
Written by Rachel Baiman
Destinations & Fun Places – Rhonda Vincent
Written by Daniel Mullins
Earl Jam – Tony Trischka
Written by Neil V. Rosenberg
Remains to Be Scene – The Seldom Scene
Written by Ben Eldridge, Doug McKelway, Dudley Connell, Lou Reid, Ronnie Simpkins, Ron Stewart, and Fred Travers
IBMA Industry Awards are given annually to industry professionals who are dedicated to furthering bluegrass music and its artists. Songwriters, broadcasters, writers, graphic designers, event promoters, and sound engineers who have been active during the eligibility period are invited to apply. Nominees do not have to be IBMA members. All Submissions are reviewed by IBMA Executive-appointed Industry Awards Nominating Committees for each category. The leading candidates are recommended to the IBMA Panel of Electors, whose vote determines the award recipients. Category descriptions, awards eligibility and criteria can be found in the IBMA Awards Handbook, available online at ibma.org.
IBMA World of Bluegrass®, in partnership with Chattanooga Tourism Co. and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, runs September 16-20, 2025. The week, the most important in bluegrass music, encompasses four events: the IBMA Business Conference, Sept. 16-18 at the Chattanooga Convention Center; the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, an innovative series of showcases taking place Sept. 16-18 in local Chattanooga venues; the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, presented by Get It Played, scheduled for Thursday evening, September 18 at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium; and IBMA Bluegrass Live!®, Sept. 19-20, a two-day festival of live performances and fan experiences.
Tickets are now on sale for all IBMA World of Bluegrass® events; visit worldofbluegrass.org for details.
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About the IBMA:
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) 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. The organization hosts IBMA World of Bluegrass®, an annual event featuring a business conference, showcases, awards show, and street festival highlighting the best in bluegrass talent. The event supports the IBMA and the IBMA Trust Fund. Other special IBMA initiatives include the IBMA International Band Performance Grant, Leadership Bluegrass, and Kids on Bluegrass. Learn more at ibma.org and worldofbluegrass.org.
About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development:
The TDTD’s goal is to be the global music destination of choice; a diverse American experience offering family fun, outdoor adventure, live entertainment, sporting events, festivals and a showcase of craftsmanship at the crossroads of rich history, local cuisine and renowned scenic beauty. Their mission is to increase the state’s economic viability and support the growth of tourism in all 95 counties by inspiring travel, developing programs and enhancing industry partnerships which drive job creation, tax revenue and new investments, thereby enriching the quality of life for every Tennessean. Learn more at https://www.tn.gov/tourism.html.
About Chattanooga Tourism Co.:
The Chattanooga Tourism Co. promotes and develops visitor experiences that fuel economic growth and enhance the quality of life in the Chattanooga community. They are a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization, along with a 501(c)(3) foundation, responsible for marketing and promoting Chattanooga as a premier travel destination. With the power of tourism lighting the way, Chattanooga Tourism Co. highlights the incredible businesses and organizations that make Chattanooga a must-visit destination for all. Find out more at https://www.visitchattanooga.com/.
About Get It Played:
Get it Played is a service-based membership for musicians, producers, record labels and industry personnel. Their media and radio distribution packages serve as an essential way for artists and labels to get the attention of major mainstream media; reaching genre-specific and mass communication outlets provide key opportunities for both seasoned artists and up-and-coming future stars to get their music seen by thousands of different publications & stations. Learn more at https://getitplayed.com/.
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Press/General Info: Elizabeth Dewey, IBMA
[email protected], 615-673-4811
