Island Bluegrass Alliance
The Island Bluegrass Alliance is a Not-for-profit organization started by Bill Chrisman in 2001 as a means of bringing bluegrass music to Chincoteague Island and the Eastern Shore. As a great fan of the bluegrass genre, and unable to find any concerts or festivals closer than 5 hours; Bill has decided to bring the bands here. With the help of local corporate sponsors such as Bills Restaurant, Outten Brothers, Lighthouse Inn, Pine Grove Campground and others, and with IBA members and their families that pay yearly dues, Bill is able to book the bands to come and perform at the Chincoteague Center.
All the publicity for the concerts, tickets and sales, Stage setup and help at the show are volunteers. A little profit is made on food sales and band payments are partially covered by the ticket sales. The only other cost is rental at The Chincoteague Center through a program started called “Partners with the Center”. The seven years of bluegrass concerts has been very successful. Bands love the venue and the fans are increasing every year.
At the present time there are 3 shows a year; generally the third Saturday in April, June and August. A “house” band from northern Virgina called “Roadside Café” always perform in April and sometimes is preceded by a open mic and jam in the afternoon, The main shows always start at 7pm, sometimes with a national band in June and August or 2 regional bands. With 7 years of successful concerts, the IBA is a strong non-profit organization with a yearly budget around $10,000.
A great Venue with many fine bands playing some of the best bluegrass music heard anywhere; the IBA will continue to entertain fans from the Eastern Shore and tourist from all over the country.
Chincoteague Island Bluegrass Alliance will hold several shows and events in 2009 held at the Chincoteague Center. April 18 will feature the Roadside Café, June 20 Blue Daze, The Satyr Hill Band and August 15 Charlie Sizemore.
