RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2025 IBMA INDUSTRY AWARDS
presented by Benwood Foundation
NASHVILLE, TN (September 18, 2025) – The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announced the recipients of the 2025 IBMA Industry Awards presented by Benwood Foundation, recognizing outstanding work in non-performing industry categories. The IBMA Industry Awards were presented at a ceremony today at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee; they are part of the 5-day IBMA World of Bluegrass®, in partnership with Chattanooga Tourism Co. and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, which runs September 16-20, 2025.
Recipients of the 2025 IBMA Industry Awards are:
WRITER OF THE YEAR
Dan Miller
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Madison Thorn
SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Stephen Mougin
EVENT OF THE YEAR
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Mill Spring, North Carolina
BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR
Daniel Mullins
Real Roots Radio
Walls of Time Bluegrass Podcast
Front Porch Fellowship
Xenia, Ohio
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jon Weisberger
GRAPHIC DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Gina Dilg
LINER NOTES OF THE YEAR
Earl Jam – Tony Trischka
Written by Neil V. Rosenberg
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.
# # #
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 Benwood Foundation:
The Benwood Foundation is a private foundation focused on supporting shared prosperity in Chattanooga through strategic grant-making, collaborative problem-solving, and adaptive leadership. They partner with a number of entities–including nonprofits, other foundations, local government, community leaders, and businesses. The Benwood Foundation believes that collective knowledge, creativity, and resources can achieve a greater impact than any of us can make alone. Learn more at https://www.benwood.org/.
#IBMA2025
#2025IBMAWorldofBluegrass
#2025IBMAWOB
# # #
Press/General Info: Elizabeth Dewey, IBMA
[email protected], 615-673-4811
