Last night the International Bluegrass Music Association held their awards show in Nashville. It was the second year they’ve been at the Grand Ole Opry. It use to be held in Kentucky, most recently in Louisville.

The week-long event is a celebration of music. One would walk through the lobby of the Galt House and find scores, if not hundreds, of musicians staking out a corner and playing. If they started by themselves, they would not be playing alone for long. Another musician would stop and play with them. You’d find amateurs playing alongside the most seasoned pros. It was a wonderful communal atmosphere. Improvisation reigned.

Maybe one day the IBMA and bluegrass’ biggest show will see the light and come home. For the life of me, I can’t figure out how Louisville let this one go.