2025 IBMA Momentum Award Nominees Announced
Recipients announced on September 17 in Chattanooga, Tennessee
NASHVILLE, TN (July 23, 2025) – The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announced the nominees for the 2025 IBMA Momentum Awards. These awards focus on artists and industry professionals who are in the early stages of their bluegrass music careers; an award is also presented to a mentor for their positive influence on new artists and industry professionals. The Momentum Awards will be presented on September 17 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 Momentum Awards are:
BAND OF THE YEAR
The Burnett Sisters Band
Country GongBang
Jackson Hollow
Mountain Grass Unit
Wyatt Ellis Band
INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
Jordan Laney (artist support, music event specialist)
Helen Ludé (booking agent, tour manager)
Austin Scelzo (musician, teacher)
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR (2 awarded)
Justin Alexander (banjo, guitar)
Luke Black (banjo, guitar)
Marissa Colter (fiddle)
Kyser George (guitar)
Anthony Howell (banjo, guitar, other instruments)
Rainy Miatke (mandolin)
Sam Stage (fiddle)
VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kristen Bearfield
Carly Greer
Yebin Kim
Seth Mulder
Ali Vance
MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Becky Buller
Louisa Branscomb
Martin Gilmore
Rick Lang
Deanie Richardson
Bands, instrumentalists, vocalists, and industry professionals who are new to bluegrass and have been active during the eligibility period are invited to apply for the IBMA Momentum Awards; nominees do not have to be IBMA members. All Submissions are reviewed by IBMA Executive-appointed Momentum Awards Nominating Committees for each category. The leading candidates in each category are recommended to the IBMA Momentum Awards Selection Committee for decision by majority vote. 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
