Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 2, 2025
News Summary
The city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, will host the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards on September 18, featuring co-hosts Steve Martin and Alison Brown. Tickets are priced from $67 to $130, and the event celebrates significant achievements in bluegrass music. Martin’s first-time co-hosting role adds excitement to the ceremony, which will include notable nominees for awards like Entertainer of the Year. The annual World of Bluegrass event will also take place in Chattanooga from September 16 to 20.
Chattanooga Hosts the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Featuring Steve Martin
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is set to host the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards on September 18, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The event will take place at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium and will feature Steve Martin as the co-host, alongside renowned musician Alison Brown. This will be Martin’s first experience in the co-hosting role for the prestigious awards ceremony.
Tickets for the awards show are available for purchase through Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from $67 to $130. The awards show is a highlight of the World of Bluegrass event, which runs from September 16 to 20.
The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards are presented by the International Bluegrass Music Association and celebrate exceptional achievements in the bluegrass music scene. This year, Martin and Brown will present accolades across various categories including Entertainer of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. Notably, the nominees for Entertainer of the Year include distinguished groups such as Alison Krauss and Union Station, Billy Strings, and The Del McCoury Band.
Collaboration and Nominations
Martin’s enthusiasm for bluegrass music is evident, having played the banjo since his teenage years and creating the Broadway bluegrass musical Bright Star. He has also released multiple albums showcasing his love for the genre. His collaboration with Alison Brown, titled 5 Days Out, 2 Days Back, has received acknowledgment through three nominations at this year’s awards: Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Collaborative Recording of the Year.
Background of the Event
The World of Bluegrass event is an annual gathering that includes educational opportunities, showcases, and networking for bluegrass professionals and fans alike. This year marks a significant transition as the annual conference and awards show move to Chattanooga, a city that has a vibrant music scene and strong ties to the bluegrass community.
The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards are a much-anticipated event in the bluegrass calendar, celebrating the rich tradition and contemporary developments within the genre. The awards not only spotlight individual artists but also highlight the collaborative spirit that defines bluegrass music.
Final Thoughts
With the combination of Steve Martin’s star power and Alison Brown’s musical contributions, this year’s IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards promises to be a memorable evening filled with remarkable performances and celebrated achievements, shining a light on the artists who shape the bluegrass landscape.
FAQ
- When will the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards take place?
The awards will be held on September 18, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. - Where is the event located?
The ceremony will take place at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. - Who are the co-hosts for the event?
Steve Martin and Alison Brown will co-host the awards show. - How much are tickets for the event?
Tickets are priced between $67 and $130 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster. - What awards categories will be featured?
Categories include Entertainer of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and more.
Event Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards |
| Co-Hosts | Steve Martin, Alison Brown |
| Date & Time | September 18, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Location | Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, TN |
| Ticket Price | $67 – $130 |
| Nominees Highlight | Alison Krauss, Billy Strings, The Del McCoury Band |
| Event Duration | September 16-20, 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga to Host Bluegrass Live! Festival
Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards
- WDEF News
- Google Search: Steve Martin IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards
- Times Free Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bluegrass Music
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
