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PineCone – the nonprofit traditional music organization that presented IBMA Bluegrass Live for its entire run in Raleigh – is excited to launch a new event in 2025, the Raleigh Wide Open Bluegrass Festival! Raleigh Wide Open will include all the things we loved about the previous festival in downtown Raleigh, plus a few new traditions taking root. Read more about the new festival here, and stay tuned for updates!

INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC ASSOCIATION, INC.
TERMS OF USE

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

These Terms of Use (the “Terms’) govern your access or use of the International Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. (“IMBA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) websites located at www.ibma.org and www.worldofbluegrass.org and mobile applications (the “IMBA Sites”). Please read these Terms and our Privacy Policy (the “Privacy Policy”) carefully before you use the Sites, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and IMBA governing your access and use of the IMBA Sites and the services accessible through them (collectively, the “Services”). Your use of the Services will be deemed to be your acceptance of these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, do not use the Services. Additionally, failure to comply with these Terms may lead to termination of your IBMA membership, which can be granted or terminated in our sole discretion.

PRIVACY

Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, store, share, or otherwise use any personal information you provide through the Services (“Personal Data”). Our use of Personal Data will be in accordance with the Privacy Policy and you hereby grant us the right to use your Personal Data consistent with these Terms, including the Privacy Policy.

CONTENT

All information, text, photographs, graphics, images, videos, logos, data, software and other materials contained on IBMA Sites are the copyrighted property of IBMA, or its subsidiaries and/or third-party licensors. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary IBMA or its affiliates. No material from any IBMA Site or any Internet site owned, operated, licensed, or controlled by IBMA or its affiliates may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way, except that you may download one copy of the materials on any single computer for your personal, noncommercial home use only, provided that (i) you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices, (ii) you make no modifications to the materials, (iii) you do not use the materials in a manner that suggests an association with any of our products, services, or brands, and (iv) you do not download quantities of materials to a database that can be used to avoid future downloads from any IBMA Site. For purposes of these Terms, the use of any such material on any other website or computer environment is prohibited. All trademarks, service marks, trade names, and trade dress are proprietary to IBMA.

In the event you download software from any IBMA Site, the software, including any files, images incorporated in or generated by the software, and data accompanying the software (collectively, the “Software”) are licensed to you by IBMA or third-party licensors for your personal, noncommercial home use only. We do not transfer title to the Software to you. You own the medium on which the Software is recorded, but IBMA (or third-party licensors) retain full and complete title to the Software and all intellectual property rights therein. You may not redistribute, sell, de-compile, reverse engineer, disassemble, or otherwise reduce the Software to a human-readable form.

MEMBERS REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Any material, including but not limited to works listed in IBMA World of Bluegrass applications (“Material”), must be original to the member submitting such material. By submitting Material, Member hereby represents and warrants that it does not violate any rights of third parties, including but not limited to defamation, copyright and liable. In the event of default of the foregoing representations and warranties IBMA reserves the right to terminate any member’s membership at its sole discretion and Member will indemnify and hold harmless IBMA and its agents, employees and representatives from any claims and/or damages arising from the Material.

DISCUSSION BOARDS, EMAIL FORUMS, LISTSERVS AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

International Bluegrass Music Association has a zero-tolerance policy towards spam, and any solicitation of its members via email. “Discussion Board”, “Email Forum” or “Listservs” refers to any chat area, message board, or e-mail function, using the IBMA name. This includes but is not limited to any of these services offered as part of any IBMA international or regional website, or any third-party-hosted networking group (i.e. Facebook or Google Group) affiliated with the IBMA. By using these sites, or participating in any IBMA-affiliated group, Discussion Board or Email Forum, you agree that you will not:

  • defame, abuse, harass or threaten others;
  • make any bigoted, hateful, or racially offensive statements;
  • advocate illegal activity or discuss illegal activities with the intent to commit them;
  • post or distribute any material that infringes and/or violates any right of a third party or any law;
  • post or distribute any vulgar, obscene, discourteous, or indecent language or images;
  • advertise or sell to or solicit others, except in specific and designated forums;
  • use these electronic forums or groups for commercial purposes of any kind, except in specific and designated forums;
  • post or distribute any software or other materials that contain a virus or other harmful component; or
  • post material or make statements that do not generally pertain to the designated topic or theme of any chat room or forum.

It is the policy of IBMA to respect and guard the privacy of all website visitors. Therefore, in addition to the privacy of membership data (see our Privacy Policy), we will not monitor, edit, or disclose the contents of a customer’s email unless (a) you authorize us to do so, (b) we must do so in order to resolve technical problems on any IBMA Site; or (c) unless required to do so by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to: (1) comply with the law or comply with legal process served on us; (2) protect and defend our rights or property; or (3) act in an emergency to protect the safety of our customers or the public. Customers shall remain solely responsible for the content of their messages. IBMA reserves the right to remove or edit content from any Discussion Board or Email Forum at any time and for any reason.

When participating in a Discussion Board or Email Forum, never assume that people are who they say they are, know what they say they know, or are affiliated with whom they say they are affiliated with in any chat room, message board, or other user- generated content area. Information obtained in a Discussion Board or Email Forum may not be reliable, and it is not a good idea to trade or make any investment decisions based solely or largely on information you cannot confirm. IBMA cannot be responsible for the content or accuracy of any information beyond that which is posted expressly by the Executive staff of the IBMA.

CONTENT LINKED TO ANY IBMA SITE

Please exercise discretion while browsing any Internet site linked to an IBMA Site. You should be aware that when you are on an IBMA Site, you could be directed to other sites that are beyond IBMA’s control. There are links to other sites from IBMA pages that take you outside of the service of IBMA. For example, if you click on a member benefit link or resource link, the click may take you off an IBMA Site. This includes links from advertisers, sponsors, and content partners that may use our logo(s) as part of a co-branding agreement. Please note that the Site may link to other websites and online services operated by third parties, including authors whose books we publish. These websites and applications operate independently from us, and we do not control their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites or applications to which your child provides personal information. These other sites may send their own cookies to users, collect data, solicit personal information, or contain information that you may find inappropriate or offensive.

IBMA reserves the right to disable links from third-party sites to any IBMA Site.

IBMA makes no representations concerning the content of sites listed in any of its directories. Consequently, You will not hold IBMA responsible and IBMA shall not be liable for the accuracy, relevancy, copyright compliance, legality, or decency of material contained in sites listed in our search results or otherwise linked to an IBMA Site.

Please keep in mind that whenever you give out personal information online — for example, via message boards or chat — that information can be collected and used by people you don’t know. While IBMA strives to protect your personal information and privacy, it cannot guarantee the security of any information you disclose online; you make such disclosures at your own risk.

DISCLAIMER

THE MATERIALS IN THESE IBMA SITES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE MATERIALS ON ANY IBMA SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT ANY IBMA SITE OR THE SERVERS THAT MAKE SUCH MATERIALS AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. WE DO NOT WARRANT OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE MATERIALS ON ANY IBMA SITE IN TERMS OF THEIR CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. YOU ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR, OR CORRECTION. APPLICABLE LAW MAY NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

International Bluegrass Music Association is not responsible for the accuracy, content, or availability of information found on sites that link to or from any IBMA Site. IBMA has no obligation to ensure that you will be satisfied with any products or services that you purchase from a third-party site that links to or from any IBMA Site or third-party content on our sites and shall have no liability with respect to the purchase or use of such products or services. IBMA does not endorse any content, merchandise or services, nor has it taken any steps to confirm the accuracy or reliability of, any of the information contained in such third-party sites or content. IBMA does not make any representations or warranties as to the security of any information (including, without limitation, credit card and other personal information) you give any third-party, and you hereby irrevocably waive any claim against IBMA and its board, officers, employee, agents and affiliates with respect to such sites and third-party content. IBMA strongly encourages you to make whatever investigation you feel necessary or appropriate before proceeding with any online or offline transaction with any of these third parties.

CREDIT CARDS

IBMA takes the issue of your privacy seriously. IBMA uses your credit card number, billing and shipping information when you buy goods or services through IBMA sites, using a secure payment program. Otherwise, IBMA does not share your credit card information with anyone else.

MEMBER SERVICES

Members’ rights to use IBMA Services are subject to any limits established by IBMA or by the member’s credit card issuer. If payment cannot be charged to a member’s credit card or the member’s charge is returned for any reason, including chargeback, IBMA reserves the right to either suspend or terminate that member’s access and account, thereby terminating this Agreement and all obligations of IBMA hereunder.

If a member has reason to believe that its account is no longer secure (for example, in the event of a loss, theft or unauthorized disclosure or use of the member’s ID, password, or any credit, debit or charge card number stored), such member shall promptly notify IBMA of the problem to avoid possible liability for any unauthorized charges to the member’s account.

INDEMNIFICATION

You are entirely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your Password and account and for all activities that occur under your account, and IBMA shall have no liability for your failure to maintain such confidentiality or with respect to any activities that occur under your account, whether performed by you or otherwise. You hereby indemnify, defend, and hold IBMA and its affiliates and our officers, directors, owners, agents, information providers, affiliates, licensors, and licensees (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from and against any and all liabilities and costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees’) incurred by the Indemnified Parties in connection with any claim arising out of any breach by you of this Agreement or claims arising from your account. You shall use your best efforts to cooperate with us in the defense of any claim. IBMA reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, NEGLIGENCE, SHALL IBMA BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, LOST PROFITS OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT RESULT FROM THE USE OF, OR THE INABILITY TO USE, ANY IBMA SITE OR MATERIALS CONTAINED THEREIN OR FUNCTIONS ON ANY SUCH SITE, EVEN IF IBMA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. APPLICABLE LAW MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, AND CAUSES OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT [INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, NEGLIGENCE], OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU, IF ANY, FOR ACCESSING ANY IBMA SITE.

JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES

www.ibma.org and www.worldofbluegrass.org is controlled and operated by International Bluegrass Music Association and the Executive Offices in Tennessee. IBMA makes no representation or warranty that materials on IBMA Sites are appropriate or available for use in any particular location. Those who choose to access a IBMA Site do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable. Software from this site is further subject to United States export controls. No software from this site may be downloaded or otherwise exported or reexported (i) into (or to a national or resident of) Cuba, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Syria, or any other country to which the U.S. has embargoed goods; or (ii) to anyone on the U.S. Treasury Department’s list of Specially Designated Nationals or the U.S. Commerce Department’s Table of Deny Orders. By downloading or using the Software, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country or on any such list.

TERMINATION

These terms are effective until terminated by either party. You may terminate these terms at any time by discontinuing use of all IBMA Sites and destroying all materials obtained from any and all such sites and all related documentation and all copies and installations thereof, whether made under these terms or otherwise. Your access to any and all IBMA Sites may be terminated immediately without notice from us if in our sole discretion you fail to comply with any term or provision of these terms. Upon termination, you must cease use of the IBMA Site and destroy all materials obtained from such site and all copies thereof, whether made under these terms or otherwise.

ANTI-HARRASSMENT POLICY

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone at all World of Bluegrass and other IBMA-produced events. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, harassment based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other protected group status, as provided by local, state, or federal law. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. This policy applies to all attendees, staff, board members, volunteers, speakers, performers, sponsors, exhibitors and other participants, and violators of these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the events without a refund at the discretion of the event organizers.

Click to view IBMA’s full Anti-Harassment Policy.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law. You agree that any action at law or in equity arising out of or relating to these terms shall be filed only in the state or federal courts located in Nashville, Tennessee, and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction of such courts for the purposes of litigating any such action. If any provision of these terms shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from these terms and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. This is the entire agreement between us relating to the subject matter herein and shall not be modified except in writing, signed by both parties.

REFUND POLICY

IBMA World of Bluegrass Tickets and Registrations

REFUNDS/EXCHANGES IBMA BLUEGRASS LIVE! FESTIVAL, THE IBMA BLUEGRASS RAMBLE, IBMA BUSINESS CONFERENCE, AND THE IBMA BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS SHOW

NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE IBMA BLUEGRASS LIVE! FESTIVAL, THE IBMA BLUEGRASS RAMBLE, IBMA BUSINESS CONFERENCE, OR THE IBMA AWARDS SHOW. Lineup subject to change. Artist cancelation is not grounds for refund. Ticket user bears all risks of personal injury incidental to the event, whether occurring before, during or after the event. Ticket user bears all risks, including cancelation of the event, or any parts of the event, due to inclement or dangerous weather, Acts of Nature or other reasons.

Under no circumstances is IBMA responsible for any costs incurred by you associated with attending the event, such as hotels, travel, or other expenses, whether or not you attend the event or the event is canceled for any reason.

IBMA reserves the right to cancel the event, or any parts of the event, in circumstances IBMA deems unsafe for ticket holders or musicians. In case of such a cancelation (subject to government mandate due to COVID-19 as noted above), tickets will not be refunded.

Ticket user gives permission to IBMA to use his/her image or likeness incidental to any video display, transmission or recording of the event. IBMA reserves the right, without the refund of any portion of the ticket purchase price, to refuse admission or to eject any person who fails to comply with the rules of the venue, local, state or federal law, health safety rules established by the IBMA and it’s venue partners, or whose conduct is deemed illegal, disorderly or offensive by IBMA. IBMA shall have no liability with respect to any such admission refusal or rejection.

IBMA World of Bluegrass Exhibit Hall

Written cancellation for exhibit space received on or before JULY 15 will receive a full refund minus a 20% processing charge of all fees paid or $50, whichever is greater. Exhibitors who fail to cancel before JULY 15 or fail to attend are liable for the ENTIRE FEE. Refunds require a request in WRITING to show management.

Ticket user gives permission to IBMA to use his/her image or likeness incidental to any video display, transmission or recording of the event. IBMA reserves the right without the refund of any portion of the ticket purchase price to refuse admission or to eject any person who fails to comply with the rules of the venue, local, state or federal law, health safety rules established by the IBMA and it’s venue partners, or whose conduct is deemed illegal, disorderly or offensive by IBMA.

IBMA Memberships

IBMA MEMBERSHIPS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-EXCHANGEABLE.

If you have any questions about IBMA membership policies, please contact the IBMA Member Services Director at [email protected].

Merchandise and Other Products

We have a 30-day return policy for merchandise and products that are not tickets to events, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn and unwashed, with tags, and in its original packaging. You will also need your receipt or proof of purchase. Items purchased on-site at a festival or event are ineligible for a return.

To start a return, you can contact us at [email protected]. Please list the item(s) being returned as well as proof of purchase, and include “REFUND REQUESTED” in the subject line. Once your return is approved, we will send you instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, typically within 3-5 business days of receipt, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you will receive a full refund for your purchase to your original payment method. Shipping costs will not be refunded except in the case of a damaged, defective, or incorrect item. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund to your account.

If you have any questions, or need further guidance in the return process, please reach out at [email protected].

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon receipt and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.

Unfortunately, we also cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get the item you want is to return the item you have and, once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.

Late or Missing Refunds
If you have not yet received your refund, first check with your bank or credit card company. Sometimes it will take several days for the refund to be processed and posted to your account. If you have already done this, please reach out to us at [email protected] with “MISSING REFUND” in the subject line.