2025 IBMA Momentum & Industry Award Winners Announced

/by

The International Bluegrass Music Association has revealed the 2025 IBMA Momentum Award and Industry Award winners.

The Momentum Awards, which focus on artists and industry professionals who are in the early stages of their bluegrass music careers. were presented at a ceremony last night (Sept. 17) at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The Momentum Awards are part of the five-day IBMA World of Bluegrass, in partnership with Chattanooga Tourism Co. and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, which runs Sept. 16-20.

2025 IBMA Momentum Awards:
Band of the Year – Mountain Grass Unit

Industry Involvement – Austin Scelzo

Instrumentalist of the Year (Two Awarded) – Kyser George, Rainy Miatke

Vocalist of the Year – Ali Vance

Mentor of the Year – Rick Lang

Additionally, the recipients of the 2025 IBMA Industry Awards, presented by Benwood Foundation, were revealed, recognizing outstanding work in non-performing industry categories. The Industry Awards were presented at a ceremony today (Sept. 18) at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Chattanooga.

2025 IBMA Industry Awards:
Writer Of The Year
Dan Miller

Photographer Of The Year
Madison Thorn

Sound Engineer Of The Year
Stephen Mougin

Event Of The Year
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Mill Spring, North Carolina

Broadcaster Of The Year
Daniel Mullins
Real Roots Radio
Walls of Time Bluegrass Podcast
Front Porch Fellowship
Xenia, Ohio

Songwriter Of The Year
Jon Weisberger

Graphic Designer Of The Year
Gina Dilg

Liner Notes Of The Year
Earl Jam – Tony Trischka
Written by Neil V. Rosenberg

The 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, presented by Get It Played, will take place tonight (Sept. 18) at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, and IBMA Bluegrass Live!, a two-day festival of live performances and fan experiences, will take place Sept. 19-20.

Lorie Hollabaugh
Latest posts by Lorie Hollabaugh (see all)