How Christopher Howard Williams is Building Our Global Bluegrass Community

By Michael Luchtan

If you have noticed the ‘I’ in International Bluegrass Music Association getting bigger in the last few years, it’s no doubt due to the hard work of Christopher Howard Williams, the International Chair of the IBMA and organizer of the Bluegrass in La Roche festival.

In the world of bluegrass, community is everything. We share songs, licks, and stages. But for a long time, the “international” aspect of our community faced significant challenges, from distance and cost to simple visibility. Christopher Howard Williams has made it his personal mission to tear down those walls and build bridges in their place.

His work operates on two powerful fronts: as the dedicated organizer of France’s celebrated Bluegrass in La Roche festival, and as the International Chair for the IBMA. This dual role has created a powerful link between the European and North American bluegrass scenes, fostering a new era of global collaboration.

Nowhere was this more apparent than at this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass®. The IBMA International Stage was another huge hit, and we have Christopher’s work to thank for curating a world-class lineup of artists from around the globe. This stage is more than just a venue; it’s a vital platform that gives international artists a voice at the very center of the bluegrass universe.

Photo: Anh Bao Tran-Le
Furthermore, this platform was made possible through a perfect example of global teamwork. Bluegrass in La Roche, Christopher’s home festival, served as the presenting sponsor for the International Stage, demonstrating a deep commitment to lifting up the entire international community.

Christopher’s efforts also provide direct, life-changing support for artists. He plays a leading role in the IBMA International Band Performance Grant program. This crucial program provides funding for one international band each year to travel to the United States, attend IBMA World of Bluegrass, and conduct a summer tour. This isn’t just a gig—it’s a career-launching opportunity that allows new voices to be heard and new professional relationships to be forged.

The bluegrass sound may have been born in one part of the world, but its heart beats globally. We are incredibly grateful for Christopher and all he does to help grow and connect our international bluegrass family.