Day 9 - Bluegrass Special - IBMA

Tuesday 9/16 our morning was full of domestic chores... some errands to run, items to pick up and a stop at the Convention Center to pick up our wristbands. We went to Camping World looking for a screen door bar and this 5th wheel caught my attention. I am not a fan of using the American Flag as decoration, but I have to admit it makes a stunning RV! It's a Keystone Cougar Premium Fifth Wheel.

Tonight is the first night of World of Bluegrass IBMA Bluegrass Ramble. I should say Rambles, because there are 7 stages at 6 venues for music for the next 2 nights. We chose the Chattanooga Convention Center, because this venue has seats! No food or drinks, but padded seats! The venues are several downtown staples; the Barrelhouse Ballroom, Hi-Fi Clyde's, Songbirds, Gate 11 Distillery, the Comedy Catch, and 2 stages in the Convention Center. 

Before we entered the ballroom for the showcases we found some pick-up jam sessions in the hallway. It's an awesome place to hear great music!

First showcase was Caroline Owens & New Company. Caroline Owens is a twenty-two year old bluegrass singer/songwriter from Denton, North Carolina. Denton, NC is a small town in North Carolina that is known for giving that true “small town” feeling to both residents and visitors. 

In town you can find the widely known Denton Farm Park, we have been there for the Malpass Brothers festival. Denton, NC is now known for being the hometown of one very talented rising bluegrass artist, Caroline Owens to many more people. She began singing at the age of 2. Decided to become a bluegrass singer at age 13. In 2021 she formed the Caroline Band. In 2022 she was invited to showcase at the IBMA World of Bluegrass. At age 21 released her first single “Heartbreak Train” on Skyline Records. In 2024, she changed her band's name to New Company. Caroline has a beautiful voice but there are many who are unaware of her songwriting talent. Billy Blue Publishing took notice of her songwriting abilities and signed her in 2024. 

The Second showcase was Special Consensus. They are marking their 50th anniversary in 2025. They continue to deliver a vibrant contemporary bluegrass sound deeply rooted in tradition. The band released a brand-new album, Been All Around This World, on Compass Records label this past June. 

The group has released 22 acclaimed recordings, earned eight IBMA awards, and received two Grammy nominations - all a testament to their enduring artistry and innovation. Special Consensus’ sound is grounded in a deep appreciation and understanding of bluegrass music, incorporating both the drive and harmonies of the traditional sound with the more contemporary sounds and repertoire of today.  These four talented vocalists and instrumentalists follow their creative desires without straying too far from their roots. 

The third showcase was The Wood Box Heroes. We have heard their songs on Bluegrass Junction, but have never seen them live. They are hardly anything like the traditional bluegrass music you used to find in the cassette player of your grandad’s old chevy pickup truck. 

Deeply rooted in tradition while melding together an eclectic-array of sounds from the country, bluegrass, blues, jazz, rock, and classical varieties, paired with crafty and authentic songwriting, the band delivers a piercing listening experience that plunges deep into the caverns of the soul. Bringing together some of the world’s most highly lauded musicians in Matt Menefee (banjo-Mumford & Sons, Cadillac Sky, Warren Haynes),  and Barry Bales (bass-Alison Krauss & Union Station) backing up the vocal magic of Jenee Fleenor (fiddle-Blake Shelton, Larry Cordle) and Josh Martin (singer/songwriter/guitarist), this group has over a century of musical seasoning between them. 

The fourth showcase in this ballroom was Florida's own, Remedy Tree!

Florida's Americana ensemble Remedy Tree has achieved notable success, securing second place at the prestigious SPBGMA National Band Championship. They've sold out most of their Summer tour and have hit ticket sales milestones. Following their signing with Mountain Fever Records in 2024, the band has performed internationally, showcasing their talents at Ireland's Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, and they're headed to England later this year as well. 

Remedy Tree has shared the stage with legendary artists such as Peter Rowan, The Steeldrivers, Ricky Skaggs, Town Mountain, Rhonda Vincent, and Della Mae. As a selected 2023 IBMA Ramble Showcase band, they have demonstrated their prowess within the industry. Remedy Tree, founded by Gabriel and Abigail Acevedo in 2015, had a strong indie-folk sound in its inception. As time progressed, Remedy Tree added a banjo player and was subsequently thrust into a bluegrass trajectory. Gabriel Acevedo was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and was raised in rural Umatilla, Florida. His Puerto Rican heritage and upbringing provide an outsider’s approach to the genre. Abigail was raised in folk and old-time music circles and traveled with her family band throughout her teen years. The addition of Isaac Taylor and Nathan Beaumont, along with their deep roots in bluegrass tradition, elevates and bonds the music closer, further blossoming the Remedy Tree sound. An original music band at heart, Remedy Tree combines the love for bluegrass, an Appalachian old-time spirit, and the folk melodies that started it all, creating a truly unique Americana experience that provides a fresh perspective into where bluegrass is headed in the future.

We ducked into the other venue at the Convention Center and heard the most unique sound and instruments with Foggy Mountain Spaceship. In 2022, the cosmic convergence of three veteran Colorado banjo musicians created Foggy Mountain Spaceship. The band is composed of Chris Elliott on Banjo, Chris Sheldon on the Banjotron Acoustikit 2000™, and Kyle Ussery on Bass. The band performs original compositions, unexpected covers, psychedelic instrumentals and more. This picture includes the Banjo Synth that was created by Kyle Ussery in 2024. It was built as a means to play both bass and keyboard sounds without the need to sit at a keyboard. Notice that all of the members have some sort of bango... very unique! 

The video is of a bluegrass band playing a polka! I can honestly say I do not remember every hearing that before!

There are different bands and jams playing in the Marriott next to the convention center until 2am or later! I think we are safer at the campground for the night! But, the music will be epic over there! Stay tuned for more #TwoLaneAdventures!