The International Bluegrass Music Association Board of Directors has selected Ken “Kentucky” White to be its next Executive Director beginning on October 2nd, following the completion of IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC.
The Northern California Bluegrass Society is a longtime organizational member of the IBMA.
White comes to the IBMA with a wealth of experience in bluegrass music and business leadership. Raised on a steady diet of Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley and Tony Rice, Kentucky native, Ken White, fell asleep many childhood nights with an ear next to the family hi-fi. As a result, he cinched the Kentucky State Banjo Championship at age 14. At the University of Louisville Music School, he studied guitar with the late, great jazz icon Jimmy Raney, while continuing to record, perform, and tour with Bluegrass and Americana luminaries in acclaimed venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, RockyGrass, Walnut Valley Festival, IBMA World of Bluegrass in Owensboro, KY, and The Station Inn where he spent many nights listening, playing, or helping restock the bar.
Ken has written for and performed with the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Over a lengthy musical career Ken’s multi-instrumental prowess can be heard on many recordings, most recently, a catalog of music he has co-written with his wife, Robin Macy, inspired by the bountiful patch of earth they have called home for 22 years: Bartlett Arboretum, in Belle Plaine, Kansas.
In 2002, he and award-winning designer Nicole Howerton formed Howerton+White, an integrated marketing agency. For over two decades, Ken has led the company’s expansion and ongoing integration of marketing and media platforms. Under his leadership, Howerton+White has become a multimillion-dollar business with more than 40 active clients on the roster.
Ken has played an active role in several community organizations that couple his technological acumen with his passion for music. He has served as president of the Wichita Jazz Festival, serves on the Wichita Symphony Orchestra board, and for 17 years has co-produced a popular seasonal concert series at Bartlett Arboretum. Despite having established roots in Kansas, Ken looks forward to returning to Nashville and its vibrant bluegrass music scene to lead the IBMA.
