Yesterday was our second day at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s business conference. It continues to be an absolute blast. Absolutely exhausting but so much fun and we’re doing a lot of great networking. If you haven’t yet read my blog from Day One, here’s the link.
Yesterday, after the seminars we went down into the exhibit hall where luthiers and promoters and agents and all manner of other folk had their booths set up. I find I’m much better at approaching people at their booths than I am after a seminar. There’s something about having a table between me and the other person that makes that person less intimidating. But I did hand out our CDs and our business cards (I’ve realized that I really need to get my own business cards printed as a writer, especially since in just over a month I’ll be going to the World Fantasy Convention and trying to make connections with agents and publishers).
After a short nap, we went back to the convention center and watched some more showcase bands. Discovered some new-to-us bands, rediscovered old favorites and generally had a great time. By then it was eight o’clock at night and we realized that we hadn’t had any dinner yet. Seeing as we haven’t yet discovered how to sustain ourselves on Bluegrass music alone we headed over to the restaurant at the Marriott where we sat in close proximity to Tim O’Brien and Missy Raines (all at separate tables). I think the most amazing part of this convention has been the fact that as a band we’re taking the first steps towards crossing the bridge between being fans who have a band and actual professionals in the industry. It’s very different being at a business convention with your heroes than it is going to one of their shows. I’m not sure that I can really describe that difference, but it’s definitely there – a subtle shift in the way people interact with one another.
Sated, we wandered the halls of the Marriott, which has been completely taken over by Bluegrass musicians and professionals. There were people playing in the lobby, in the stairwells, in the hotel business center, in each of the conference rooms, and basically in every available nook and cranny. It made me wish that we were staying at the Marriott (we booked too late and are staying five miles away) so that I could haul my bass out of my room and join in the jams.
I think we’re getting an idea of how to do IBMA so next year when we come back we’ll be prepared to take further advantage of what the conference has to offer.
Thank you for reading.
Click here to read about Day Three.