Womack, Douglas named to co-host IBMAs

The International Bluegrass Music Awards is part of International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass 2014 event, coming Sept. 30-Oct. 4.

"Aside from the fact that each has a boatload of undeniable talent and personality, Jerry Douglas and Lee Ann Womack share a musical outlook that has plenty of room for creativity and innovation on the one hand, and for a love and mastery of tradition on the other," said IBMA Board chair Jon Weisberger. "It's a perfect combination, and one that exemplifies the enduring vitality of our kinds of music. To say that we're excited about having these folks hosting our awards is an understatement."

Womack slipped into Raleigh during last year's World of Bluegrass as a fan, catching Wide Open Bluegrass and street fair artists, listening in to some of the many jam sessions (occasionally acceding to requests to sing from pickers who recognized her), and enjoying the Awards Show.

"Last year, I came as a fan, and I loved every moment of World of Bluegrass!," Womack said. "The joy everybody has about the music, the quality of the playing, seeing old friends, discovering new artists and even meeting Tony Rice. To be a part of the IBMA Awards is such an honor, I can't tell you... and to get to co-host with Jerry Douglas? How lucky can one girl get?"

"It is my great pleasure to be co-hosting this year's IBMA Awards," said Douglas. "In the 40 years that I have been a professional musician, starting with the Country Gentlemen in 1973, bluegrass music has been my anchor and compass wherever I may go. If that weren't enough, I get to share duties with the beautiful Lee Ann Womack, one of the most amazing singers in the world and a very funny lady. I don't exactly see a night of sticking to the teleprompter with her around, and that is just fine with me. I'm sure it's going to be a wonderful evening for us all!"

Womack will release "The Way I'm Livin'" in September on Sugar Hill.

Douglas has captured 13 Grammy Awards while being named "Musician of the Year" by The Country Music Association (2002, 2005, 2007), The Academy of Country Music (11 times), and The Americana Music Association (2002, 2003). Douglas will release two albums in September on Rounder - "Three Bells" and "The Earls of Leicester."