Chattanooga may be best known for its natural beauty, surrounded by mountains, valleys, and the Tennessee River. This charming Appalachian city is also home to annual music festivals like the IBMA World of Bluegrass and the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival . The streets and venues fill with musicians and fans dedicated to upholding the traditions of bluegrass music.

Chattanooga has always been a city of convergence. Long before trains arrived, the river drew people through a narrow passage in the mountains; later came traders, artists, and entrepreneurs. At festival time, bluegrass becomes the city’s soundtrack, with impromptu performances and jams ranging all across town.…