OKLAHOMA ’ S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Celebrates 25 Years !
PHOTO by the late TRACY BLAIR
O klahoma ’ s International Bluegrass Festival is the brainchild of the late Byron Berline , three-time national fiddle champion . During his travels throughout the world , Berline was an unofficial bluegrass ambassador to China , Mexico , Australia , Germany , and most points in-between .
While speaking to bluegrass fans worldwide , Berline saw the need for a festival where national and international players could perform and mix freely . This type of event would be new to the bluegrass world and would appeal not only to the musicians themselves , but to bluegrass and other music fans worldwide .
In 1984 , while still living in Los Angeles , Berline visited Oklahoma and ran into Joe Hutchinson , who was a state representative at the time . Hutchinson was more than interested in Berline ’ s ideas about an international bluegrass festival in Oklahoma .
But it was over 10 years later before the wheels were set in motion . OIBF consists of volunteers and willing professionals who have raised funds , solicited charitable donations , and given time and money to make the nonprofit festival a success .
Specialists from event-planning , tourism , economic development , fundraising , public safety , volunteer management , and of course , the bluegrass music business itself , were involved with the project . And although the OIBF looked at several possible sites for the festival , Guthrie was chosen because of its central location , easy accessibility , and historic charm .
OIBF has presented well known musicians including : Ricky Skaggs , Vince Gill , Willie Nelson , Tommy Emmanuel , Rhonda Vincent and many more . International performers have included Beppe Gambetta , April Verch , Blueside of Lonesome and Steve N Seagulls to name a few .
The festival continued to expand along the way with the additions of the Random Band Jam , Cottonwood Creek Stage , Youth Instrument and Youth Band Contests . OIBF has provided over $ 250,000 in scholarships and programming since inception . IBF
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