A free concert with bluegrass supergroup The Travelin’ McCourys & Friends will take place immediately after the Tennessee Titans’ game on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at Cumberland Park, 592 South 1st Street in Nashville, in the shadow of the Titans’ stadium on the banks of the Cumberland River.
The concert will kick off IBMA’s World of Bluegrass Week, Sept. 24-30, at the Nashville Convention Center and the Ryman Auditorium, and a public celebration of September as “Worldwide Bluegrass Music Month.” IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the professional trade organization for the global bluegrass music community.
Earlier in the day, family patriarch and IBMA Hall of Famer Del McCoury will perform the National Anthem at LP Field, just before the start of the Titans/Detroit Lions game (12 noon CST). Immediately following the game, “The Travelin’ McCourys,” as Del’s band members are known when they work as a quartet, will perform with some special guests at an open-air bluegrass concert at Cumberland Park.
“This concert is our way of thanking local bluegrass fans and the city of Nashville for eight amazing years as the hosts of World of Bluegrass,” said Nancy Cardwell, newly appointed IBMA executive director. “And what better way to celebrate Worldwide Bluegrass Music Month than with some pure, powerful, award-winning McCoury bluegrass?”
Del will join his sons Ronnie and Rob onstage as a special guest with their new configuration, The Travelin’ McCourys, along with a surprise list of friends. “The McCourys know nearly every good musician in town, so there’s no telling who will show up onstage with them!” notes Cardwell. “We’re delighted to present this show for the people of Music City as a way to kick-start the World of Bluegrass. If you like what you hear, be sure to stop by the Nashville Convention Center during the week for more of that high lonesome sound!”
Parking will be taken up by Titans fans, so concertgoers who will arrive later are advised to park downtown and walk over the bridge to Cumberland Park if they are not planning to attend the game; visit www.parkitdowntown.com for great parking locations.
“The Travelin’ McCourys & Friends” FREE show on Sunday, Sept. 23 is hosted by Bluegrass Underground & Music City Roots for IBMA, and is co-sponsored by BBC (Bluegrass Brewing Company).
