Obviously, I also think the things raised above (i.e.; this column’s topic) are also true. Genres that continue are both defined and elastic..and there will very likely be more experimental and more traditionalist aspects to them.

The main reason bluegrass music will continue to thrive in its many forms is its blessed lack of a direct link to any mainstream media corporate system. Mainstream, mass market genres like Top 40 Country live and die by widespread radio airplay and have become part of the pop culture realm. The TV broadcast of the Top 40 country awards shows is a perfect example of how mainstream contemporary country music has become. In such a system the mass market oriented media outlets become the gate keepers and taste makers that ultimately control the direction of the music they play, putting commercial concerns far ahead of artistic integrity. The fact Top 40 country radio grew weary of traditional forms of country music is why that genre is in the doldrums today seemingly on its way to commercial extinction, much as cowboy music and western swing before it. Mass market media cater to being hip and on the cutting edge, forever looking for the next big thing or newest trend and look askance at tradition as being fuddy duddy. Thank goodness bluegrass is not overshadowed by such malevolent influences!

Just as all types of country and roots related music that is considered unsuitable for Top 40 country radio has been unceremoniously dumped into the Americana realm, such seems to be happening with acoustic music in the bluegrass realm to a lesser degree. If the IBMA doesn’t wish to include clearly non-bluegrass acoustic music under its umbrella, maybe they should start the IAMA to cover all of the peripheral acts currently considered fringe elements of the bluegrass genre. They could still include both in their annual joint festival but have separate awards shows and presentations to help keep the bluegrass genre more “pure” and undiluted while recognizing innovators with real talent in the IAMA area.

It may well be that it isn’t a good idea to include too wide of variety of types of artists and music under the tent labelled “bluegrass”. The pop-rock dilution of what passes as mainstream country music today shows where that can lead. On the other hand that doesn’t mean there can’t be another tent right next door that covers most everything else in the acoustic realm that wants to be associated with bluegrass but isn’t.

My biggest beef with the whole bluegrass movement is that we don’t get near enough of it in any form out here in Southern California! There needs to be a good festival within 60 miles of downtown LA, not way off in Victorville or up in Santa Barbara. Argh!