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IBMA Artist Showcases


- Selection Committee
- "Routine" Showcases
- "Label Recommended" Showcases
- Private Showcases and Hospitality Functions

The following information is provided to acquaint artists, artist representatives, record labels and IBMA members with details about the selection process and criteria for artist showcases presented by the organization during its annual World of Bluegrass events. Additional information may be available by contacting IBMA. There are two primary types of showcases presented by IBMA during the annual convention for which selection procedures apply:

- "Routine" Showcases
- "Label Recommended" Showcases

Although there are similarities between the two and the presentation for each is almost identical, there are two separate application/recommendation procedures for these showcases. Those applying should familiarize themselves with both in order to maximize the opportunities presented. In additional, there are "informal" showcases arranged during the events that are generally held in private suites or at venues beyond IBMA's control. Those are explored in brief here, as well.

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Artist Selection Committee

Committee Purpose:

This committee shall function to select artists according to established procedure and criteria for IBMA artist showcase opportunities.

Committee Structure:

IBMA's Showcase Selection Committee shall consist of four members, with staggered terms, each serving a maximum three-year term. After service of three years on this committee, members are ineligible for appointment to the committee for a period of two years. Committee members must be professional members of IBMA in good standing during their term of committee service. Vacancies on the committee shall be filled by appointment by the current Chairperson of the IBMA Board. While striving to appoint the best qualified persons to any committee vacancy, the chairperson making an appointment should strive for balance in representing the diversity within IBMA's membership. Committee members shall not have any vested commercial interest in any artist which has applied for a showcase opportunity. The committee shall serve without compensation and without remuneration for expenses.

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"Routine" Artist Showcases Purpose

In its efforts to promote bluegrass and related forms of music, IBMA shall create and host artist showcase opportunities. Showcases shall be designed to introduce any one or all of the following to the various facets of the industry (i.e. event presenters, broadcasters, press, record companies) anticipated to attend a showcase.

(1) Emerging talent capable and willing to broaden their market,

(2) Established bands which need to introduce significant changes to their act, or,

(3) Artists who have significant new recorded product.

The extension of an invitation to showcase is most appropriate where such opportunity maximizes both the industry's overall needs and the individual artist's ability to benefit from the promotion.

Selection Procedures

  • The artists, or their representative, shall submit five full promotional packages (including demo audio or video material) to the IBMA office prior to a pre determined deadline which shall allow sufficient time for the selection committee to give fair appraisal to each artist's potential in a showcase opportunity. There may also be an application fee required with the submission of material to help defray the expenses associated with the selection process. Material submitted should reflect the qualities, personnel, and type of material to be performed at a showcase. IBMA shall announce its criteria and will make publicly available this information to afford any artist the chance to become involved.
  • Committee members shall be given a minimum of one week to evaluate every 20 artists which submit material for consideration. (The evaluation process usually takes four to eight weeks).

Committee members shall evaluate artists d upon the following criteria:

  • Professionalism: The artists' ability to represent themselves in a manner whichwould enhance the overall image of bluegrass music in general, and their long range potential as an ongoing performing act in a larger market
  • Quality of Work: With respect to recorded material, the artists' presentation of their vocal and instrumental abilities, skills in original composition or interpretation of non original work, and attention to qualitative details in recording and any other material submitted
  • Entertainment Value: With respect to printed reviews and references, the artists' potential to command repeat performances before live audiences and/or sustain a following of fans
  • Potential Appeal: The artists' ability to attract the attention of broadcasters, event presenters, record companies, print media or other components of the music industry involved in bluegrass music and the act's demonstrated willingness and capability to broaden their market.

Voting (Preliminary)

  • First Round: Each committee member shall assign points to artists on the following scale d upon their evaluation of the above criteria:
    13 First choice acts: 2 points each
    5 Second choice acts: 1 point each
  • All other acts: 0 points each
    These points shall be assigned in writing without consultation with other members of the committee, and shall be sent to the IBMA office for tabulation. After staff has tabulated the preliminary results, they shall be distributed to each committee member for review and consideration prior to the teleconference.
  • Teleconference: At a time convenient to the committee, IBMA staff shall arrange a telephone conference at which committee members may choose to explain their evaluation and assignment of points on artists in question. The committee may then choose to select all or some of the 13 showcase selections and 5 alternates. If the slots available are not filled by unanimous agreement, those acts verbally agreed upon by three of the four committee members will be accepted. All remaining acts may be considered in a final round. Any deadlock in decision making may be referred to the final round.
  • Final Round: d upon established criteria, plus information gained during the committee's conference call, each committee member shall assign points to each artist d on the following scale:
  • 13 First choice acts: 2 points each
  • 5 Second choice acts: 1 point each
  • All other acts: 0 points each The artists receiving the highest cumulative total of points from committee members shall fill showcase openings and alternate designations in a descending point total order. In the event of a tie in points assigned which would require further designation, the points assigned to acts in question during the first round shall be used to break the tie. If this does not settle the question, the committee chair shall have the right to order the acts in question. The results of balloting in this round are final and may not be reversed by the committee.

Disqualification From Showcasing

Acts are disqualified from applying for a "routine" showcase in the current year if the artists have showcased at an IBMA event within the last year. Any band or artist who has appeared within the two years prior to the showcase applied for may be eliminated from consideration by the committee unless the committee can justify that substantial change has occurred within the band's personnel or if no acceptable alternative act has been submitted for the committee's consideration. If after being selected for a showcase opportunity, an act is found to have disbanded or to have changed substantially from the material which represented the act to the committee, the act's invitation to showcase may be suspended by 3/4 vote of the full committee.

Invitation To Showcase

All acts applying to showcase shall be notified of the names of the artists invited to showcase by the IBMA office in a timely manner. Acts invited shall have a reasonable time in which to arrange to accept the opportunity and to comply with any requirements made of showcase artists. Showcase requirements shall include payment of an administrative registration fee and further: the act (or all members of the act) shall be or must become professional members in good standing at least 60 days prior to the showcase event. IBMA shall not be responsible for any travel expenses or fees associated with the artists' showcase performance (i.e. travel, accommodations, meals, performance fees).

Alternate Acts
The committee shall designate at least five alternate artists in case selected artists are unable to accept the showcase opportunity. These acts shall be invited to showcase according to their rank in number of votes accumulated by the committee vote totals.

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"Label Recommended" Artist Showcase Purpose

IBMA will offer six "special" showcase opportunities at its World of Bluegrass Trade Show in addition to the "routine" showcases that have historically been part of the convention. These presentations are designed to introduce one or all of the following to the various facets of the industry (i.e. event presenters, broadcasters, press, agents/managers record buyers & distributors) anticipated to attend a showcase presentation.
  • Established bluegrass artist(s) who have significant new recorded projects expected to be released within six months before or after the showcase presentation. The recording project may feature either of the following:
    -Single acts
    -Special collaborations of more than one act.

  • Significant bluegrass artists new to the national bluegrass scene signed to the label within one year prior to the showcase presentation schedule. The extension of an invitation to showcase is most appropriate where such opportunity maximizes both the industry's overall needs and the artist's and record label's ability to benefit from the promotion.

Special Restrictions

These special showcases are limited in number and amount of time available (a total of six (6) thirty minute time slots--see sample schedule), and IBMA wants to assure the opportunities are spread evenly throughout the artistic and recording community as much as possible. Therefore:

  • The six time slots will be filled by artist(s)/projects from six separate record labels. The exception shall be if the committee has fewer than six labels submit information for consideration.
  • Artists who have appeared at the event as a showcase artist within the last two years (regardless of which label they are signed to) are ineligible for this particular opportunity.
  • Artists participating in these showcases must be signed to an agreement with a record label that has national distribution of their product.

Selection Process

  • IBMA shall notify all bluegrass recording labels of the opportunity and request that each label submit a listing of artists and/or recording projects which fit within the above stated purpose. A deadline shall be established for receipt of such listing and only information received prior to that deadline will be used in the selection of artists and projects to be showcased.
  • IBMA's Showcase Selection Committee will use the above criteria and shall have the sole responsibility of reviewing the information and determining which artists and/or projects will be showcased. The committee will also handle arrangements for scheduling all such presentations.
  • Performing members of all showcase acts are extended complimentary admission to the IBMA event at which they are performing. They are also responsible for any related fees associated with being a showcase artist for the events.

"Label Recommended" Artist Showcase Fees

$ 150.00 (administrative fee also covers complimentary admission to IBMA Trade Show and Bluegrass Fan Fest events for performing members of group) plus IBMA membership (if not already members). IBMA does not compensate artists for any showcase presentations and does not pay for nor provide lodging, meals, travel or other arrangements for artists or their representatives.

Sample Artist Showcase Performance Schedule
(Note: Consult actual World of Bluegrass Business Conference Schedule for definitive schedule of performances for any given year.)

  • Monday
    Evening Showcase Performances
    8:00 - 8:30 p.m., Routine Showcase
    8:30 - 9:00 p.m., Routine Showcase
    9:00 - 9:30 p.m., Routine Showcase
    9:30 - 10:00 p.m., Label Recommended Showcase
    10:00 - 10:30 p.m., Label Recommended Showcase
  • Tuesday
    Evening Showcase Performances
    8:00 - 8:30 p.m., Routine Showcase
    8:30 - 9:00 p.m., Routine Showcase
    9:00 - 9:30 p.m., Routine Showcase
    9:30 - 10:00 p.m., Label Recommended Showcase
    10:00 - 10:30 p.m., Label Recommended Showcase
  • Wednesday
    Brunch Showcase Performances
    11:30 am - Noon, Routine Showcase
    Noon - 12:30 p.m., Routine Showcase
    12:30 - 1:00 p.m., Routine Showcase
    1:30 - 2:00 p.m., Routine Showcase
  • Evening Showcase Performances
    8:00 - 8:30 p.m., Routine Showcase
    8:30 - 9:00 p.m., Routine Showcase
    9:00 - 9:30 p.m., Routine Showcase
    9:30 - 10:00 p.m., Label Recommended Showcase
    10:00 - 10:30 p.m., Label Recommended Showcase

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Privately Showcases and Hospitality Functions

WORLD OF BLUEGRASS “AFTER HOURS”

 

One of the most important aspects of the World of Bluegrass events are the “After Hours” private shows and hospitality functions hosted by various groups, organizations and companies.  They’re valuable because they provide an informal means of presenting talent and focusing on different products and services for attendees. 

 

IBMA has made arrangements with all host hotel properties to allow “jamming” on designated floors of each hotel for those impromptu gatherings to share music and enjoy the fellowship of attendees.  But hotel rooms are not always suitable for larger gatherings and presenting music. (Please keep in mind that all safety hazard concerns will be addressed by property security officials.  Congregations that block exits and create safety issues will be asked to move or disband.)

 

   Maximize your presence at the events.

 

One of the assets of our facilities in Nashville is the abundance of centralized presentation space at the host properties (Nashville Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel) and for a modest fee, private event hosts can rent space which offers:

 

-          presentation space to accommodate various size crowds (30-300 people)

-          centralized and accessible location under one roof

-          coordinated promotions in advance of and during events to draw attendees

-          space better suited for “shows and presentations” (more space, available sound, lights, etc)

 

“AFTER HOURS” FUNCTION SPACE FEES

Includes:          
1. Function space for up to 100 (“theater style” seating set-up) **

                      (larger rooms available – inquire about costs)
2. Pre- and During event promotions to event attendees

3. Special Guest Passes for acts, clients, production needs
4. Cash bar(s) will be set up in adjacent common areas

  

NIGHTS                                 RATE       GUEST PASSES *

Five Nights (M, T, W, F, S)      $ 600        200
Three Nights                          $ 350        120
One Night                              $ 150         40

           

(Rates may be higher for larger rooms or if you have special set up requirements.)

(If renting space for “Three Nights” – two nights must be consecutive.)

 

* Guest Passes

Guest passes are good for one night each and allow entrance to “After Hours” presentation areas ONLY, during designated hours.  They DO NOT allow entry to IBMA showcases, Fan Fest, expo hall, seminars or other functions.  They are provided to allow hosts to gain entry into “After Hours” presentation areas for their performing artists and special guests who are not otherwise registered for the events.  Hosts will be provided with these passes in advance of the events and are responsible for delivering them to their guests, performers and others.  Additional guest passes are NOT available for purchase.

 

** Sound and lighting package available at additional cost

*** Additional food & beverage served must be arranged through convention center or hotel catering.

 

NOTE:  Event registration or a guest pass is required entry into “After Hours” areas in meeting rooms – including performers, emcees and others involved in presentation.

RESERVING SPACE

You must request an application from IBMA to apply for after hours function space or if you have questions, contact IBMA at 1-888-438-4262 or info@ibma.org. 

 



INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

 

WHERE CAN YOU HOST YOUR FUNCTION?

To minimize conflicts with other IBMA attendees and hotel guests, all such Functions that are hosted in hotel rooms must be on "Jamming Floors" designated by the hotel as such prior to the events.  (Check with your hotel when making reservations or at check in for specifics).  You are also permitted to utilize Convention Center and Renaissance meeting room space for “After Hours” shows and presentations.  Contact IBMA for information about available space and restrictions.

 

WHAT TYPE OF EVENT CAN YOU HOST?

In keeping with the purpose and nature of IBMA's World of Bluegrass events, IBMA encourages hosts to consider the purpose of any Function they plan to host well in advance of the event.  Proper planning allows the host and prospective attendees a better opportunity to know what to expect and increases the chances of accomplishing everyone's goals.  While there are exceptions, there are generally two types of Functions which may have overlapping purposes:

 

¨       live artist shows and product presentations  (suggest using meeting space)

¨       informal hospitality/jamming/business relationship building (hotel rooms well suited)

 

WHO CAN ATTEND YOUR EVENT?

Once you have determined the purpose of your Function, consider who you want to attend the Function.  While some Functions in hotel rooms are open to anyone, event registration or a guest pass is required for entry into “After Hours” functions hosted in meeting rooms.  In keeping with the spirit of what brings us all to the World of Bluegrass, we strongly encourage hosts of events in hotel accommodations to limit attendance to their Function to only World of Bluegrass registrants (usually identified by either a convention name badge or wristband).  An alternative is to strongly and politely recommend that any of your guests who are not registered for the convention would benefit from doing so.  Some Functions are not open to all attendees, but only to invited guests or certain types of registrants.  Even these Function hosts can benefit from a review of these procedures and guidelines.  While the purpose of these guidelines is not to control what anyone does in the privacy of their own hotel room, every Function host must be made aware they assume certain responsibilities and risks when inviting guests to their private space.

 

ARE THERE FOOD AND BEVERAGE RESTRICTIONS?

Your options within the confines of your own hotel room are limited only by your budget and creativity.  Some Function hosts choose to bring their own food and beverage to entertain with, or they request assistance from the hotel catering department which offers a variety of options.  If you're using a meeting room for “After Hours” activities, all food, beverage and room set-up must be coordinated through the hotel or convention center catering department.  Note that IBMA will arrange for a cash bar in common areas near these rooms. 

 

HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR EVENT?

If you are renting meeting space for shows or presentation purposes, IBMA will help promote all such activities in advance of and during the events to foster attendance.  You should additionally consider promoting what you’re presenting directly to attendees by email or regular mail in advance of the events and by handing out literature during the events. 

 

To have your event promoted in advance – You must register the event with IBMA no later than Friday, July 21, 2006

 

At the events, designated bulletin board areas will be provided for participating Function hosts to post a flyer or poster with details and promotional information about their Function.

 

You might also consider special invitations to prospects prior to the event by using IBMA's list of pre-registered convention attendees or handing out business cards or flyers announcing your Function to individual attendees inside the exposition hall or during meetings and seminars. 

 

 

NOTE:  To maintain the appearance of the hotel and minimize damages to its property, the posting of flyers and notices about any Function on walls, elevators or in other common areas of the hotel or convention center not designated or approved by IBMA and the host properties is strictly prohibited and any such material will be removed upon sighting it.   Any damages done by posting such materials may also be assessed to the Function host(s).

 

 

AT WHAT TIMES ARE FUNCTIONS ALLOWED TO BE HOSTED?

An enormous number of activities are scheduled during the World of Bluegrass week and IBMA strongly discourages the hosting of private Functions open to all attendees that conflict with IBMA sponsored showcases, exposition hall hours, educational sessions, meetings or other events on the formal schedule.  There are open spaces within the official schedule where private Functions are given ample time to accomplish their purpose.  (See information within this packet or contact IBMA for further details.)  To allow attendees the opportunity to get from one event to another on the schedule, IBMA requests that any private Function should allow a minimum of 15 minutes between its starting and stopping time and any official IBMA events scheduled.  Further, in respect for the official activities the following morning, IBMA requests that any private Function be finished before 2:00 AM to allow attendees enough time for proper rest.  (We need to sleep at least a few hours each night, folks!)

 

WHAT ABOUT SERVING ALCOHOL

The availability of beverages containing alcohol at Functions is neither encouraged nor discouraged by IBMA, unless the use of it by individuals distracts from the nature and quality of our events and/or creates risks.  Please consider that some event attendees will receive a lasting impression of our music at your Function or they may be accompanied by younger children.  If you serve alcohol, you may be assuming at least partial responsibility for the actions of every individual who chooses to consume it until the effects of the alcohol wear off.  Also, the service to, or consumption of alcohol by persons under the age of 21 is illegal in Tennessee.  Keep the dispensing of alcohol under control at all times.

 

MAKING SURE YOU'RE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

While hosting your event, please keep an eye on the size of the crowd in your room and the spill-over effect it can have on your neighbors next door.  For fire protection reasons, use your best efforts to keep an aisle open at all times within your room and within the hallway to exits and elevators.  Even though your room may be on a "jamming floor" where music is permitted, consider the sounds and crowd noise level in your space and be aware your neighbors may also have plans.  Cooperate with each other.  Once the Function is over, assist the hotel by cleaning up any messes or trash left in the hallway all the way to and including the elevator.  Ask the hotel for additional trash receptacles if needed.  Although cleanliness is the hotel housekeeping department's job, there's no point in being a sloppy guest or leaving a mess for hours until hotel staff gets to it.  And consider a sizable tip for those folks if they provide you service above the norm.

 

RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY

As outlined above, IBMA and the host properties provide limited informational assistance to event attendees interested in visiting or hosting private Functions during its World of Bluegrass events.  However, the IBMA, its officers/staff, event sponsors, the Renaissance Hotel and Nashville Convention Center assume no responsibility or liability associated with private Functions. 



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