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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

‘We got to allow these fresh ideas to mingle with tradition’: Notable quotes from a week in Chattanooga area news

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Billy Strings delivers the keynote address during the first day of the IBMA World of Bluegrass event at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Sept. 16, 2025. Strings spoke about the need to meld new ideas with tradition in the genre.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Billy Strings delivers the keynote address during the first day of the IBMA World of Bluegrass event at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Sept. 16, 2025. Strings spoke about the need to meld new ideas with tradition in the genre. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Billy Strings delivers the keynote address during the first day of the IBMA World of Bluegrass event at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Sept. 16, 2025. Strings spoke about the need to meld new ideas with tradition in the genre.

People who had a way with words in the news last week:

“We have to continue to welcome new voices whose unique perspectives and experience will enrich our collective artistic expression. We got to allow these fresh ideas to mingle with tradition.”

— Bluegrass musician Billy Strings on diversity in the genre during the International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass keynote address.

“For many of us, like here in this fellowship, Charlie sort of became one of us, like one of our own sons.”

— Calvary Chapel Chattanooga pastor Frank Ramseur about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.