DEADLINE: JUNE 30

Nominations are currently being accepted from IBMA members for the following awards, to be presented during World of Bluegrass Week, October 1-7, 2007, in Nashville, Tenn.: Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year, Print Media Person of the Year, Best Graphic Design, Best Liner Notes and Bluegrass Event of the Year.

Bluegrass Broadcaster & Print Media Person of the Year—

If you would like to nominate a broadcaster or print media person for consideration for the 2006 awards, submit a letter of nomination which includes the broadcaster or writer’s name and contact information, broadcast or print affiliation, and a few paragraphs telling why you think this individual is deserving of the honor—along with a summary of his or her accomplishments during the eligibility period (April 1, 2006 – March 31, 2007). 

A recent sample of the print media nominee’s work is welcome for consideration by the special award committee.  For broadcasters, please send a CD or cassette of a sample radio show during the 2007 awards eligibility period, along with the following: biographical info on the candidate, contact & broadcast info for the nominee’s radio station, a list of specific contributions during the past year—including involvement in the local community, a summary of past contributions and years of service, and any other relevant info which may help the committee evaluate a candidate’s contributions. 

Bluegrass Event of the Year—

If you are nominating a bluegrass event produced by an individual who hosts several bluegrass events during the year, be sure to specify the name and the date of the event you are asking the committee to consider.  To be nominated, the concert, festival or other live performance production must have taken place during the general eligibility period for 2007 awards. 

Your letter of nomination should include comments on the following: the event’s overall contributions to the field of event production, the professionalism and quality of presentation, work furthering bluegrass in the geographic area of service and demonstrated ability to foster bluegrass music’s image.  Longevity of an event (the number of years it has been produced) may be a contributing factor for extending the award, but length of service alone is not an acceptable reason for recognition within the stated eligibility period. 

Best Graphic Design & Liner Notes—

Nominations for Best Graphic Design or Best Liner Notes, which both deal with recorded album projects, may come from anyone involved in the graphic design process, the writing of liner notes, the recording process or music played on an eligible album released between April 1, 2006 – March 31, 2007. 

A letter of nomination for the Graphic Design or Liner Notes awards must be accompanied by six copies of the nominated CD graphics and/or liner notes.  Please do not send photocopies.  Either the entire CD package or just the tray cards and booklets may be submitted for consideration.  NOTE: If you want a recording to be considered for both Graphic Design and Liner Notes awards, submit 12 copies—6 for each separate committee’s consideration.

Nominations—

Nominations for the five awards will be evaluated by Special Awards Committees appointed by the IBMA board chairman.  Nothing within the criteria prevents a broadcaster or print media person from winning the award more than once or in consecutive years.  An event may win more than once—but the specific production during the year’s eligibility period must be considered for that year.  A graphic designer or writer of liner notes may win more than once, as long as the recording being considered has been released during the current eligibility period.

Nominating letters, packets and sample recorded radio shows must be received no later than June 30, 2007.  Mail to: Special Awards, c/o IBMA, 2 Music Circle South, Ste. 100, Nashville, TN  37203.  Letters of nomination may also be emailed to nancyc@ibma.org.