LENOIR, NC (August 29, 2018) — The International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) annual convention will be held in Raleigh, NC September 25-29. The annual convention has been held in Raleigh, NC since 2013. Attendance has set records with last year’s convention drawing 210,000 participants.
Mission Statement “The 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 association supports a variety of programs for young people as a means of growing and sustaining the musical genre. These include “Bluegrass In The Schools,” “Kids On Bluegrass,” and a special series of convention events aimed at young musicians. These include youth-centered jams, seminars, workshops, and performances.
As part of these events, Caldwell County’s own Blackberry JAM band will perform in Raleigh on September 28. The performance opportunity is sponsored by Regional Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) and the Caldwell Arts Council’s Caldwell JAM program.
Blackberry JAM was formed just over two years ago as a means to allow advanced JAM students the opportunity to perform for the public. Members of Blackberry JAM include: brothers Dawson & Lincoln Clark, Gideon White, Kemdyn Clement, and brother/sister Dalton & Averi Sigmon.
The group performs regularly at The 1841 Café in Lenoir and at local festivals and events over a four county area. The music is a mix of Old-time, Gospel, Bluegrass, and Country music that is high energy and fun. For information about how to participate in Caldwell JAM, contact the Caldwell Arts Council at 828-754-2486.
About Blackberry JAM
The band, Blackberry JAM, was formed out of the need to provide a performance outlet for talented members of the Caldwell JAM program. Band members are: Brothers-Dawson and Lincoln Clark, Brother/Sister- Dalton and Averi Sigmon, Kemdyn Clement, and Gideon White. The band has quickly gained experience performing at a variety of events, festivals, and venues over the past two years. While rooted in the rich musical traditions of our area, the musicians are open to many musical influences. We know you will enjoy Blackberry JAM-The future of tradition.