The presenting sponsor of virtual music festival IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC will match donations for a total up to $50,000
Funding will help IBMA and bluegrass professionals recover from pandemic-related financial losses
Donations may be made at https://ibma.org/support/donate-to-the-ibma/
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, September 24, 2020 – With anticipation building for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) kick-off of IBMA World of Bluegrass 2020, PNC Bank is boosting its support for the IBMA and bluegrass artists experiencing financial hardship due to pandemic-related performance cancellations. PNC Bank, the presenting sponsor of IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, has announced it will match all 2020 donations made to the IBMA organization and the IBMA Trust Fund, for a total up to $50,000.
IBMA is the nonprofit professional organization for the global bluegrass music community — connecting, educating and empowering bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts while honoring tradition and encouraging innovation worldwide. The organization has suffered financially this year due to pandemic-related health precautions that are preventing the IBMA World of Bluegrass event from being held in Raleigh, N.C. The IBMA Trust Fund, which is administered by IBMA, was established in 1987 as a means to offer emergency financial assistance to bluegrass music professionals. In 2020, requests for assistance have increased tenfold due in large part to COVID-19.
Donations may be made online; additionally, those registering for the free IBMA Virtual World of Bluegrass Music Pass have the opportunity to make a donation during the online registration process. The Music Pass includes access to all music performances during the week, including IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC, the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards presented by Count On Me NC, and IBMA Bluegrass Ramble presented by Count On Me NC.
“This has been a devastating year for every bluegrass professional and for the IBMA organization itself,” said Paul Schiminger, Executive Director for IBMA. “PNC’s appreciation for the cultural significance of bluegrass music and its generous financial support are vital for our community to regain its collective footing and prepare to thrive again in the future. We ask fans of bluegrass music, as well as those who treasure the arts, to search their hearts and give so we can make the most of PNC’s crucial matching program.”
As the presenting sponsor of IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC since 2013, PNC Bank has helped bring bluegrass music and culture to Raleigh for what has become one of the city’s most beloved live, free events. While IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC cannot be presented as an in-person event in 2020, PNC remains committed to supporting this event and community tradition by helping deliver bluegrass programming in a virtual setting, Oct. 2-3.
“The talented artists who have performed during IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC over the years have brought so much joy and inspiration to the Raleigh community,” said Jim Hansen, PNC Regional President for Eastern Carolinas. “In addition to continuing our support for this event in 2020, we want to give to the bluegrass professionals who may be struggling during this time.”
According to data released by Visit Raleigh, attendance at IBMA World of Bluegrass grew by more than 50% since moving to Raleigh in 2013. Over the last seven years combined, the event has attracted more than 1.2 million total attendees and generated more than $80 million in direct economic impact throughout Wake County. The 2019 event alone saw more than 200 acts perform, attracted 218,000 attendees and generated $18.65 million in direct economic impact.
About PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
About IBMA
IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the nonprofit professional organization for the global bluegrass music community. The organization’s successful run in Raleigh is the product of their partnership with The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Raleigh Convention Center, PineCone—The Piedmont Council of Traditional Music, the City of Raleigh and a local organizing committee.
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Press Info: Judy McDonough, Karen Campbell Media
[email protected], 615-243-5994
General Info: Casey Campbell, IBMA
[email protected], 615-256-3222
