Chattanooga, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The IBMA Bluegrass Live festival commenced in Chattanooga, attracting a large crowd to Miller Park. Featuring top fiddle players Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, the festival showcased their award-winning performances. Despite some setbacks, attendees enjoyed an engaging atmosphere filled with vibrant music and dance. Local talent, including 16-year-old Eb Saunders, contributed to the lively spirit. The festival aims to solidify Chattanooga’s role in the bluegrass music scene as it continues into the weekend with more performances scheduled.
Chattanooga Hosts Successful First Day of IBMA Bluegrass Live Festival with Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter
Chattanooga kicked off the first day of the IBMA Bluegrass Live festival on Saturday, drawing hundreds of attendees to Miller Park. The festival featured acclaimed fiddle players Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, who performed alongside a six-piece string band that included banjo, mandolin, bass, guitar, and two fiddles.
Both Cleveland and Carter recently achieved significant recognition, winning three titles at the Bluegrass Music Awards, including album of the year, song of the year, and collaborative recording of the year. Their performance was highly anticipated, and they delivered an engaging show that resonated with the audience.
The festival is part of a larger event hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in downtown Chattanooga. Despite initial setbacks, including the withdrawal of headliner Sierra Ferrell earlier in the week, the festival managed to attract a lively crowd, many of whom actively danced to the traditional bluegrass music.
Audience engagement was complemented by a festival worker’s decision to lift restrictions, allowing general admission attendees to access exclusive seating areas. This decision enhanced the overall experience for participants, further fostering a vibrant atmosphere.
Among the participating musicians was Eb Saunders, a local 16-year-old fiddle player who, during the festival, has already performed at 15 gigs in the last nine days. Saunders highlighted the supportive nature of the audience and the camaraderie shared among young bluegrass musicians, contributing to a collaborative spirit at the event.
In addition to the performances by Cleveland and Carter, the Miller Plaza stage hosted the Mountain Grass Unit, which was recognized as the association’s momentum band of the year. The line-up for the evening also included renowned artists Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, who were highly anticipated to close the night.
The Bluegrass Live festival serves as a bookend to the larger IBMA World of Bluegrass event that commenced earlier in the week. As the festival continues into Sunday, multiple performances are scheduled across various venues in Chattanooga. The event marks Chattanooga’s aim to host the IBMA World of Bluegrass for at least three years, following its previous location in Raleigh, North Carolina, emphasizing the city’s commitment to becoming a key player in the bluegrass music scene.
Key Aspects of the Festival
- Location: Miller Park, Chattanooga
- Featured Artists: Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter, Mountain Grass Unit, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings
- Awards: Cleveland and Carter won album of the year, song of the year, and collaborative recording of the year at the Bluegrass Music Awards
- Attendance: Hundreds joined the festival, actively participating in the ambiance
- Local Talent: Eb Saunders, a local 16-year-old fiddle player
- Event Duration: Continues into Sunday with various performances
FAQ
What is the IBMA Bluegrass Live festival?
The IBMA Bluegrass Live festival is part of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s event in downtown Chattanooga, featuring various performances from acclaimed bluegrass musicians.
Who were the featured performers on the first day of the festival?
The festival featured performances by Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, both of whom have won multiple awards at the Bluegrass Music Awards.
What were some of the challenges faced before the festival?
The festival faced a challenge when headliner Sierra Ferrell pulled out earlier in the week, but it still attracted a large crowd.
How long will the festival run?
The festival will continue into Sunday, featuring multiple performances scheduled across various venues in Chattanooga.
What is the significance of this event for Chattanooga?
The festival represents Chattanooga’s goal to host the IBMA World of Bluegrass for at least three years, establishing itself as an important location for bluegrass music.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Miller Park, Chattanooga |
| Performers | Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings |
| Awards Won | Album of the year, Song of the year, Collaborative recording of the year |
| Attendance | Hundreds of attendees |
| Local Talent | 16-year-old Eb Saunders |
| Duration | Continues through Sunday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Fire Captain George Turley Honored at Memorial
Billy Strings Advocates for Diversity in Bluegrass Music
Chattanooga Hosts Inaugural Bluegrass Live Festival
Chattanooga Hosts Silver Linings Exhibition Featuring Black Artists
Chattanooga Hosts 36th Annual International Bluegrass Awards Show
Levitt BLOC Music Series Returns to Chattanooga
Chattanooga Welcomes IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival
Chattanooga Prepares for a Festive Fall with Upcoming Events
Chattanooga Welcomes the 36th Annual IBMA World of Bluegrass
Chattanooga Hosts IBMA Bluegrass Live Festival Without Sierra Ferrell
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Gets a Taste of Its Newest Bluegrass
- Wikipedia: Bluegrass Music
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga PD Taking Extra Safety Precautions for IBMA Bluegrass Awards and Festival
- Google Search: Bluegrass Music Festival
- Saving Country Music: It Finally Happened – Billy Strings and Luke Black Join Forces on Stage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bluegrass
- Local 3 News: Retired Chattanooga Fire Captain Takes Center Stage for IBMA Bluegrass Festival
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.
