Onwards and upwards with the IBMM

The International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM) in the city of Owensboro, KY, is in process of transforming into the International Bluegrass Music Center, fronting on the Ohio River and adjacent to a new waterfront park, two new hotels, and a new convention centre, making it the focal point of Owensboro. The museum will have ongoing support from the city in the form of free rent for 99 years.

Completing the plan will enable the IBMM to move into a building twice the present size (artist's impression shown below), with far more exhibit space, concert areas for 500 inside and 2,000 outside, an expansive gift shop, an international hall, a research library, teaching rooms, and a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Banks of the Ohio. In just a few months Owensboro residents have donated $5 million dollars toward the project, and the IBMM is now appealing to the international bluegrass community for further aid.* Donations can be made through the IBMM website, as announced on Bluegrass Today.

*The IBMM has always taken the 'International' part of its title very seriously, giving display space to bluegrass outside North America, and booking non-US acts such as Red Wine for its annual festivals.