World of Bluegrass makes move to Raleigh for 2013-15

The International Bluegrass Music Association announced plans today to move its annual World of Bluegrass event to the City of Oaks for three years beginning in September 2013. The event has been in Nashville since 2005 and was previously held in Kentucky.

The week-long event, which includes the IBMA Business conference, the IBMA Awards, and a three-day bluegrass Fan Fest, will be hosted by the Raleigh Convention center, the Raleigh Amphitheater and Memorial Auditorium and is both a cultural and financial get for the city. The event will draw thousands of out-of-towners to downtown Raleigh hotels and restaurants, with an estimated $3 million in economic impact.

While it will be unknown for sometime which performers will make their way to Raleigh in 2013, last year's award winners included Del McCoury and Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers.

One thing is for sure — between Hopscotch and the IBMA, September is shaping up to be a huge month for downtown Raleigh businesses.