Chattanooga, September 21, 2025
News Summary
The inaugural Bluegrass Live festival in Chattanooga kicked off with a vibrant performance by Alison Brown. Held across three downtown stages, the festival celebrated bluegrass music and attracted enthusiastic fans. Despite the summer heat, attendees engaged with the lively atmosphere, enjoying performances and community features including a vendor market. The festival is part of the larger IBMA World of Bluegrass event, which recently relocated to Chattanooga for at least three years.
Chattanooga launched its inaugural Bluegrass Live festival on Friday, featuring a vibrant performance by Alison Brown. The event, designed as a celebratory bookend to the larger International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) World of Bluegrass event, attracted enthusiastic attendees who set up chairs early to enjoy the music in shaded areas.
During her set, Alison Brown performed a series of well-loved covers, including “Gentle on My Mind” by Glen Campbell and “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper. An amusing moment occurred when fellow performers discussed their percussionist being humorously awarded “drummer of the year,” even though there is no official category for such an accolade.
The Bluegrass Live festival spans two days and features performances across three stages located in downtown Chattanooga, including Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square. The festival has been established as part of the IBMA event, which has recently transitioned from its former city of Raleigh, North Carolina, to Chattanooga for a minimum of three years.
The downtown area offers a vibrant backdrop for the festival, with notable buildings like the Volunteer Building, Smart Bank flatiron, Tomorrow Building, and the federal courthouse designed by R.H. Hunt. Along Market Street, attendees can also browse a free stage and vendor market set up for the event. Despite the warmth typical of summer, festivalgoers enjoyed the lively atmosphere and engaged with the continuing music.
The excitement was palpable, with attendees like Ali Vance of the DownRiver Collective expressing gratitude for the crowd’s presence, even in the heat. The festival not only attracted locals but drew visitors like Mary Bumbalough and her brother Steve Bumbalough, who are well-traveled fans of bluegrass, relishing the genre’s down-to-earth vibe. The Bumbaloughs emphasized their commitment to ensuring the IBMA continues to thrive in Chattanooga through their attendance and spending.
Other festival enthusiasts, such as Don and Dorothy Gray from nearby Dalton, remarked on the social nature of bluegrass events, enjoying the friendliness and entertainment value offered. Festival co-owners Mary Burdette and Rousby Quesenberry of the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in New York remarked on Chattanooga’s cleanliness and its welcoming community spirit, with many attendees experiencing a strong sense of community that bonds both musicians and fans.
Local fiddle player Eb Saunders shared his experiences of engaging with audiences at multiple gigs throughout the week, highlighting the collaborative spirit among performers. Saturday’s lineup featured well-known artists Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, who had recently garnered three awards at the IBMA Awards. Although headliner Sierra Ferrell had to withdraw from the lineup earlier in the week, attendees still embraced the music and showcased their enthusiasm by dancing and enjoying the performances.
The friendly and close-knit atmosphere prevalent at bluegrass events appears to foster strong community connections and frequent gatherings among musicians and fans alike, showcasing the cultural significance of the genre.
FAQ
What is the Bluegrass Live festival?
The Bluegrass Live festival debuted in Chattanooga with Alison Brown performing on Friday afternoon and serves as a two-day bookend for the larger International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) World of Bluegrass event.
Where is the festival taking place?
The festival features performances across three stages in downtown Chattanooga, including Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square.
What notable performances occurred at the festival?
Alison Brown performed covers like “Gentle on My Mind” and “Time After Time.” Additionally, Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, who recently won three awards at the IBMA Awards, were scheduled to perform on Saturday.
How has the IBMA event changed recently?
The IBMA event has moved to Chattanooga for a minimum of three years from its previous location in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What community activities are included in the festival?
A free stage and vendor market were also set up along Market Street, providing additional entertainment and community engagement.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Bluegrass Live |
| Performance Highlights | Alison Brown, Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter |
| Location | Downtown Chattanooga |
| Duration | Two Days |
| Community Features | Free stage and vendor market |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Chattanooga Hosts 36th Annual International Bluegrass Awards Show
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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
Chattanooga Prepares for the IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival
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Chattanooga to Host IBMA World of Bluegrass Event
Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Times Free Press
- Rolling Stone
- WDEF News 12
- The Bluegrass Situation
- Wikipedia: Bluegrass music
- Google Search: International Bluegrass Music Association
- Google Scholar: bluegrass music
- Encyclopedia Britannica: bluegrass
- Google News: 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.
