J u n e 2 0 0 6 VOLUME 25 - NUMBER 6 w w w . n c b s . u s

M a y b e l l e W i l d f l o w e r I r i s h - M a y 3 , 2 0 0 6

N O R T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A B L U E G R A S S S O C I E T Y i i f o r a r u n d o w n o f f e s t i v a l s s e e F i n g e r o n F e s t e r s - p a g e 6 NCBS Election Set For Good Old Fashioned Fesitval, July 7-9 July 8 at GOF Festival by Michael Hall by Michael Hall The 13th Annual Good Old Fashioned Wi-Fi hotspot for all attendees with wire- The 2006 Northern California Bluegrass Bluegrass Festival will be held July 7-9, less computer access, sound on both Society annual meeting and election will 2006 at Bolado Park, the San Benito stages by Paul Knight, 100% flushy rest- take place at the Good Old Fashioned County Fairgrounds, in Hollister, CA. The rooms, hot showers, food and craft ven- Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, July 8, three day weekend event features 100% dors, childrens activities, Kids On Stage, between 10:00am and 5:00pm. NCBS top California bluegrass talent and is a shade trees and grass for tent camping, members will vote for candidates for the benefit for the Northern California limited reservable electric and water 9-member NCBS Board of Directors, Bluegrass Society. The advance ticket hook-ups and an onsite dump station for which elects the officers and manages the deadline is June 25. RVers, ice service, a raffle, and pleasant affairs of the Society. Directors serve one evening weather for jamming late into the year terms. Candidate statements and bal- This small, friendly festival has a long tra- nighttime. lots will appear in the July issue of dition of high-end features and services. Bluegrass By The Bay magazine and bal- This year, the GOF will offer a shaded This year's line-up features: Barefoot lots will also be available at the NCBS audience area, a low-power FM radio Nellies, Bean Creek, Birch Lake ....continued on page 3 broadcast of the stage to the camp, a free ....continued on page 6 Varner out! Kennedy in! After a period that can only be described as Prize winning author and well respected jour- far too long Mark Varner has been replaced as nalist Mary Kennedy has announced her editor of Bluegrass By the Bay. “He was kind departure from the position of editor of the of a cross between Lou Grant and the Big Paris Review. Kennedy is best known for her Lebowsky”, said former co-worker Chad role in the post-modern neo-Algonquin move- Hackney. “I don’t know what he did around ment of young writers in late 1990s Prague. here, but it sure wasn’t cleaning up after him- The Rhode Scholar and perennial Nobel nom- self”. “When he wasn’t eating our food out of inee has accepted the job of editor of the lunch room fridge he was a pretty good Bluegrass By the Bay, a music industry trade mentor”, said employee Constance Wong. publication. Mark Varner Mary Kennedy -iÀۈ˜} >˜` *ÀœÌiV̈˜} ˆ˜i Õi}À>Ãà ˜ÃÌÀՓi˜Ìà -ˆ˜Vi £™È™

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Editin’ by Mark Varner Bluegrass By The Bay is published monthly by the Northern California Friends, this will be my last issue as Bluegrass Society, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. The Northern California editor of the BBB. What a fun ride Bluegrass Society was founded in 1982 as the Santa Cruz Bluegrass Society and it’s been! I’m grateful for the oppor- continues to be known by that name in the greater Santa Cruz County area. The tunity to have been entrusted to name was changed in 1999 to reflect the expanded scope of the Society’s activities. bring you all the Bay Area bluegrass The Society brings people together for the preservation, enjoyment and advance- news and keep you informed about ment of bluegrass and related through jams, instructional work- NCBS activities. I will continue to shops, concerts, community festivals and this monthly newsletter.

be involved in this paper. I will also Bluegrass By the Bay staff and contributors be working in a journalistic capacity Thanks to writers Brenda Hough, Larry Carlin, Chuck Poling, Don Cooper, Mary for California bluegrass. Kennedy, George Martin, Michael Hall Photographs, graphics by Veronica and Mark Varner I’m leaving you in the hands of my good friend and col- NCBS Board of Directors league Mary Kennedy. Mary has been serving as NCBS Brenda Hough, [email protected], Mary Kennedy, Treasurer, [email protected], 408 241-5920 - Lora Hicks, [email protected], 831 623-9401, Gary Mansperger, [email protected], 408 272 9579, Michael Hall, [email protected], treasurer and now moves to the editor position. She’s got 650-596-9332, Mark Varner, [email protected], 831-338-0618, Susy Varian, [email protected] what it takes to do a fine job on the BBB. She’s a great 650-328-1125, Mike McKinley, president, mike@harmony grits.com, Mike Fisher, [email protected], 831-336- writer, she’s very involved in the community and has 2185 plenty of good humor and energy to take the BBB for- Committee Chairs ward. Please help keep this paper Susy Varian, Membership Chair, 650-328-1125, [email protected] Rich Evans, Volunteers - [email protected] lively and informative by contribut- Mark Varner, BBB Editor, 831-338-0618, [email protected] ing to the BBB. Support the NCBS Gary Mansperger, Webmeister, [email protected] - it’s a great club that has done a lot Deadlines: The 15th of the month preceding the desired publication date. for Bay Area bluegrass! Digital Format: To [email protected] - Written submissions must be either ASCII text or Microsoft Word docu- ments. We accept *.tiff, *.jpeg, *.gif, or *.pdf format artwork. Paper format: To Mark Varner, P.O. Box 1245, Note: In last month’s article on the Boulder Creek, CA 95006. We accept manuscript, original photos and camera-ready artwork. Display Ad Rates: Size 1 issue 6 issues retirement of Wild Oats and Honey Full Page: $200.00 $650.00 the BBB ran a photo of the band. Half Page: $80.00 $360.00 Don Cooper was left out of that Quarter Page: $50.00 $225.00 Business Card: $30.00 $135.00 photo. Our apologies to our friend Classified Ad Rates: Non-members: $.15/word; 10-word minimum. Member’s ads are free. Classifieds run in 4 con- Don! Don Cooper secutive issues. Please submit payment with ad copy. NCBS Web Site: http://ncbs.us Maintained by: Gary Mansperger. Send web calendar updates to:[email protected] 2 BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY Bluegrass By The Bay, hard copy & electronic form, © 2006 Northern California Bluegrass Society. CD Reviews by Brenda Hough Celebration of Shenandoah, the music never fails to Mississippi Bound, Ashland Breakdown, Life: Musicians enchant, amaze or simply get the mind, Every Humble Knee Must Bow, Old Against Childhood heart and rhythm centers synchronized. Mountaineer, Big Indian , The Old Cancer Ark’s A Movin’, January Nightmare, Skaggs Family Records The Seldom Scene sing “Wait A Minute” Stomp, How You Want It Done?, PO Box 2478 with its achingly sad story of departures, Vicksburg Stomp, Centipede Hop, Hendersonville, TN while and the Rage puts Standing on Jesus, Black’s Run, Sweet c.2006 the pedal to the metal in ’s Lizzie, Prison Blues, Tanyards. www.skaggsfami- “Jolene.” Paul Simon’s “Leaves That Are lyrecords.com Green” is covered by J.D. Crowe and the Acoustic Disc has prided itself on releas- New South and James King tells the pow- ing cutting edge music with unique Song list: The Star Spangled Banner, erful story of the “Bed by The Window.” sounds and blends of rhythms that pulse Some Old Side Road, Raleigh and Other vocal highlights include Doyle with creative energy. As David Grisman Spencer, Wait a Minute, Jolene, Tillery Lawson’s “John the Revelator,” and mentions in the liner notes, this album is Cove, He Goes To Church, The Leaves Cherryholmes’ “He Goes to Church.” “a refreshing alternative to the usual pro- That Are Green, Side by Side, Milk Cow gressive direction that most old time/blue- Blues, Bed by the Window, You Don’t The top instrumentalists shine here too. grass musicians are taking these days.” Know My Mind, A Brand New Wayne Bensen’s fronts “Tillery David Long and Mike Compton are both Heartache, Summertime, Church on the Cove” while Bryan Sutton flatpicks mandolin players who have explored the Cumberland Road, Your Love Is Like A through a melodic “Summertime.” Other playing of and in the process, Flower, BF05, Healing they have rediscovered music from the Kind, I’m In Love All deep South regions of , Lousiana, Over Again, I Hung My Mississipi and Georgia. This retrospective Head, Just When I look at the songs of the past gives a Needed You, Prisoner’s glimpse at the music that influenced the Tears, Louisville young musician Bill Monroe. David and Breakdown, There Will Mike add their own infusion of musical Always Be A Rocking sense and talent and make this CD a joy- Chair, Streets of ous romp. , I Know Where Love Lives, Victim of “Mississippi Bound” is a traditional tune Life’s Circumstances, that the duo sings in a close harmony John the Revelator, accompanied by tightly coordinated man- Country Boy, White dolin rhythms. Other vocals capture the Lightning, Ready For popular songs of the church: “The Old The Times To Get Better, Mama Don’t participants include , III Ark’s A Movin’,” “Every Humble Knee Forget To Pray For Me, Blue Ridge Tyme Out, , 3 Fox Drive, Must Bow,” and “Standing on Jesus” are Cabin Home, Empty Old Mail Box, , Wildfire, Kenny and done with a straight forward sincerity. Sugar Coated Love, Freeborn Man, Amanda Smith, Grascals, Cherryholmes, Mike switches to octave mandola on sev- Shenandoah. Blueridge, Rhonda Vincent and Tony eral songs and its lower voice rumbles in Rice. This set should be at the top of your tandem with David’s mandolin in With 37 songs and 136 musicians, it’s list of CD sets to buy this year. “Ashdown Breakdown,” “Big Indian hard to imagine a more talented gather- Blues” and the title cut, “Stomp.” Mike ing of bluegrass musicians. The Mike Compton and David Long: even pulls out an octave mandolin Musicians Against Cancer (MACC) Stomp for his solo “Black’s Run.” Run, stomp, gathered these top names and proceeds Acoustic Disc hop, breakdowns, blues – an extraordi- from the CD sales will benefit the St. PO Box 4143 nary mandolin adventure! Jude Children’s Research Hospital in San Rafael, CA 94913 fin Memphis, . From Barb Fox’s c.2006 stirring rendition of the Star Spangled www.acousticdisc.com Banner to ’s carefully crafted ...Elections from page 1 instrumental version of Songs: Evening Prayer Blues, booth on July 8. Candidate statements are due to the editor of Bluegrass By The Bay You are a leader. You should by June 15, 2006. NCBS members may run for the NCBS Board of vote by mail, but mail-in ballots must be Directors! received by July 6. Send candidate state- ments to: Mary Kennedy at [email protected] or to 3459 2B1ASK1 Bella Vista Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Mark Varner 831-338-0618 fin BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY 3 Hello City Limits by Chuck Poling The San Francisco Bluegrass Scene With apologies to ting. Featured acts include Julay and the They’re actually totally stoked about Rodgers, Nightbirds, Deb Berne and David Murray Grass Valley. Why? Because the afore- Hammerstein and of the Squirrelly Stringband, clogging mentioned Patti Garber has put together a you, my reading pub- cowboy Gordon Clegg, Misner and great kids entertainment program that lic, June is busting out Smith, Grizzly Peak, Texas songster J. includes, among others, our very own all over… with blue- Byrd Hosch and Jeanie & Chuck. Gayle Schmidt and the Toodala grass! It’s a wonderful Ramblers. time to be alive and The festival also has great workshops, pickin’ and packing including one led by Patti and Ted Garber Hey here are some gigs coming up in June the car for a weekend on bluegrass jam etiquette. I don’t think you don’t want to miss. Thanks to of chilling, jamming, the time has been finalized, but check the Stephanie Theodore for the heads up. link below as the date gets closer. All you reuniting with old June 03: Whoreshoes – Knockout friends and making new ones. new jammers, you do not want to miss this opportunity. Patti and Ted will walk June 05: Homespun Rowdy – Amnesia Festivals bring together people from you through the basics and teach you the June 08: Shut-ins – Atlas many different walks of life, age groups, little tricks that go into enjoying a suc- June 08: Hank III – Fillmore and life experiences that cover the spec- cessful jam. I remember being a novice June 23: Shut-ins – Knockout trum of political and religious beliefs. jammer and just being amazed that four June 26: Barefoot Nellies – Amnesia But at a festival, it’s all about the music. or five complete strangers could pull off a Steph and her pal Tom can be spotted at You’ll see tree-huggers and gun nuts jam- song with three-part harmony and kick- many local bluegrass shows, right up ming together blissfully. There’s even a ass breaks using some sort of impercepti- front taping their little hearts out. They campground for the tree-hugging gun ble sign language. Well, listen up to Patti always provide a copy to the band, which nuts. Seriously, I have always enjoyed the and Ted and you’ll be in with the in is highly appreciated. More on them in a check-your-attitude-at-the-door aspect of crowd. www.sffolkfest.org/2006/frame- future column. festivals, as it allows everyone to focus set.html on what we have in common. Remember folks, this column is only as The Club also sponsors a 4th informative as you make it. Send me Let’s see, the month kicks off with the of July campout in Boulder Creek, a great information about what you’re up to and Golden Old Time Festival way up in location for group camps and jams. I what’s coming up in the month ahead in Yreka. Two of my favorite local old time know some NCBS members who went the San Francisco bluegrass world. For bands, The Stairwell Sisters and The last year and had a great time. Check it information you want included in the July Mercury Dimes, are featured this year. out. http://www.sffmc.org/ column, please email me at http://www.goldenoldtimemusic.com/ Of course, the penultimate bluegrass [email protected] by June 10th. The Stairwells are reunited (and it feels event of every year in California is the fin so good) since that ramblin’ fiddler California Bluegrass Stephanie Prausnitz returned from a Association’s Father’s Day three-month sojourn to Tanzania. No, not Festival in Grass Valley Tarzana, Tanzania. During her stay, she (June 15–19). The good taught English to orphans of AIDS vic- folks at the CBA have put tims, went on safari, jammed with local together a monster lineup musicians and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. this year. If you somehow That’s all. haven’t yet made plans to attend, tarry not! Rearrange The Mercury Dimes have been touched your calendar. Put the dog in by the wanderlust as well. The whole a kennel. Dump the loser pickin’, frailing, sawing, strumming, boyfriend and go enjoy four thumping ensemble will be crossing the days of the bluegrass heav- pond this month to spread the old time en in the Sierra pines. www. gospel to our Gallic cousins in the land of cbaontheweb.org/ camembert, Bordeaux and the guillotine. ?newsid=2120 While the Dimes are traipsing through the Bois du Bolougne, local twangsters I’m especially excited to see The Whoreshoes will be exporting their the California showcase honky-tonk hi-jinks to Belgium and the bands this year. Hats off to Netherlands. Plans for world conquest the David Thom Band, the are still in the works. Stairwell Sisters, Homespun Rowdy, Mountain Laurel The San Francisco Free Folk Festival is and the Alhambra Valley coming up June 24 and 25 at Roosevelt Band. I’ve seen all these Middle School in the City. Don’t be bands before, but it will be a scared off by the ‘f’ word. The free folk treat to see them up on that festival has always featured a generous big stage. (Perhaps if I dress helping of bluegrass and . in red and black I can sneak This year I’m happy to be hosting a spe- onstage and fulfill my long- cial program called the L’il Ole Opry on time fantasy to become a Saturday the 24th from 3 to 6 in the choir Stairwell Mister). room. We’re recreating a vintage country variety show in an intimate acoustic set- The kids are all right. 4 BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY The Bluegrass Muse by Larry Carlin All roads lead to Beach on the 4th and 24th, as well as Lawson, Larry Sparks, Larry Stephenson, Grass Valley on playing the main stage at the CBA Fest. and much more. the 15th-18th for the CBA’s On the 14th at 8:30 p.m. the Bluegrass There is some good pickin’ going on up in Annual Father’s Gold series at Sweetwater in Mill Valley, Sebastopol on the 25th. It is a gospel, Day Festival. which is produced by Carltone Music and bluegrass and old-time gathering, and it The bluegrass co-sponsored by the NCBS, will feature takes place from 2-5 p.m. at the police will be King Wilkie, who will be returning to play Sebastopol Christian Church, 7433 taking atten- their only other Bay Area date other than Bodega Avenue. dance there daily, the CBA Festival. Combining the kick so make sure you show up. In the event that you have a valid King Wilkie excuse and cannot make it, our job here is to tell you what else is going on locally in the North Bay in June.

Devil in the green dress. The bluegrass chat lists are all abuzz about a promotion- al photo of singer Rhonda Vincent. Does and exuberance of youth with the finesse Ed Neff and Friends pick bluegrass every she look great in the photo? You bet. Does and style of musicians twice their ages, Thursday at the Willowbrook Ale House sex sell? Duh! Maybe not in Afghanistan King Wilkie is fast becoming a major in Petaluma from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Call or Pakistan, but it certainly does here in force in the Americana/roots music (707) 775-4232 for info. No cover. the US of A. Why else would the photo sweepstakes. Based in Charlottesville, have been put out there to begin with? VA, and formed in 2002, this is a sextet of Keep on pickin’! Check out the pic here: young men who inject beyond-their-years http://www.nemr.net/~rhondav/ chops and the knowing interplay of savvy Comments? News? Send e-mail to carl- veterans with vibrant, electrifying energy [email protected] or for more informa- New band alert. There is a new all-star that spikes the punch of the form's time- tion go to www.carltone.com. bluegrass band based in the North Bay. honored recipes. In 2004 the band made fin Adobe Creek features Ed Neff on man- multiple appearances on the dolin and , Keith Little on banjo, and eventu- st Mike Wilhoyte on guitar, and Jeff King on ally earned the IBMA's cov- Jam 1 Sunday Every Month bass. You will be hearing/seeing these eted Emerging Artist of the BRING THIS AD FOR FREE FIRST-TIME ADMISSION guys before long. They will also play at Year Award. Taking their Murphy’s on the 9th. name from Bill Monroe's favorite horse, the boys in Marin bluegrass jam. The dates for the King Wilkie eschew needless jam this month are the 1st and the 15th. showboating and stylistic The location is the Marin Lutheran tweaking, instead allowing Church in Corte Madera, and the time is their razor-sharp musician- 7:30-10 p.m. ship, and edgy, passionate harmonies to inject timeless Murphy’s Irish Pub in the town of Sonoma themes of love, loneliness, is the place to go for good music in spirituality and death with a Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers Sonoma County, with no cover charge. freshness and energy that's as June 4: Jam and open-mike stage; many Featured there this month are The Sonoma vital and relevant as any cut- Mountain Band on the 2nd, Adobe Creek ting-edge indie rockers could music styles including country, old-time, on the 9th, The Acme String Ensemble on deliver. The members are bluegrass, Celtic, Scandinavian, swing. the 10th, Spiral Mystics on the 16th, High Ted Pitney, Reid Burgess, Come to play, or just to listen. Country on the 24th, plus more. Abe Spear, John McDonald, Nick Reeb, and Jake Beginners and families welcome. Jammin’ in Sebastopol. The place to be on Hopping. Hoover School*, Naglee Ave. at Park, S.J. Saturdays is the Coffee Catz, from 2-5 p.m. On the 3rd and the 10th it is blue- At the CBA Fest on Father’s • Jam from 1 - 5pm; open-mic from 1:30 - 5. grass, old-time, old country, acoustic pick- Day Weekend you can, and • Adults $5; 16 and under free. ing and fiddling; on the 17th it will be should, see Uncle Earl, King • Acoustic instruments only, please. swing music, and on the 24th it will be Wilkie, The James King pickers’ choice. Band, The Biscuit Burners, Coming Up: Free Jams in July & August: The Stairwell Sisters, • July 2, Aug 6: *Free jam in nearby Rose Garden The David Thom Band will be playing Homespun Rowdy, The Park. Bring a picnic! (No open-mike stage.) bluegrass at The Sand Dollar in Stinson David Thom Band, Doyle www.scvfa.org or Pete Showman: 408-255-0297 BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY 5 : continued on page 10... ed copious amounts of her efficient orga- efficient of her amounts ed copious as is responsible and talents nizational word out. for getting the much as anyone Elicia Abbott, to Leslie Many thanks and all the bands, McKinley, Burton, Mike put on this folks who helped the other fine festival. fabulous bluegrass Festival 2006 Parkfield Bluegrass certainly has had won- The month of May Last this year. derful weather for festivals Bluegrass the fields at the Parkfield year, mess due to rain Festival were a muddy before the festival. Thursday night just was sunny and warm This year every day you lucky Those of even hot. and dry, festival were blessed enough to attend this California Poppy-col- with a great, big, Moon) to jam ored full Moon (Flower The under until 3:00am in the morning. glowing orange moon came up in the early evening and then made a slow lazy circle around the center of the sky all night pro- The air was viding lots of light to jam by. And the air in cool, almost warm all night. the hills smelled deliciously of sweet green grasses and flowers--heavenly jam- ming weather. and the crowd was hugely pleased by their pleased was hugely crowd and the Faire was year’s This fine performances. People were all day long. well attended the last per- leave at the end of reluctant to fun right everyone was having formance; last perform- last minute of the up to the ance. is required to be This bluegrass festival the City of Santa Cruz totally nonprofit by held in San Lorenzo in order for it to be event as the The NCBS hosts this Park. NCBS is Society. Santa Cruz Bluegrass rental fees and licens- reimbursed for park and concession sales es from donations Generally NCBS during the festival. income from the festi- makes just enough the Traditionally val to pay for expenses. services to this event. bands donate their have been met This year all expenses thanks to the high attendance at the festi- The NCBS plans to split any profit val. made from the festival between the bands. Harmony Grits, led by Mike McKinley (our esteemed NCBS president), has gen- erously donated their portion of the profits for to start a band fund for next year to pay Santa Cruz Bluegrass Faire 2007 band per- formances. Abbott Family devot- Abbott of the Leslie s s i: r r e e n i f j t t continued from page 1 s s r r GOF e e e e ...

F F g g by Mary Kennedy

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F F o o NO DOGS are allowed at this event. For more information and to purchase tickets online using PayPal or a credit card (and to join NCBS), visit http://ncbs.us. PO Box 20370, Mail checks payable to NCBS to: NCBS GOF, self-addressed envelope. San Jose, CA. 95160. Enclose a large, Info: [email protected] . NCBS members receive a deep discount on advance tickets Advance 3-day tickets for adult non-mem- ordered by June 25. bers $65 and $45 for adult NCBS members. Gate price is $70. There are discounts for seniors and youths, and children ages 12 and under are free. 1 and 2-day tickets are also available. Free camping is included with all multi-day tickets. Limited RV hook-ups cost $15 per night. Early camping is available July 6, for $10 per person. Thursday, after noon on Ramblers, David Thom Band, Earthquake Country, Faux Thom Band, Earthquake Country, Ramblers, David Hog Ranch Rounders, Renwahs, Grizzly Peak, Harmony Grits, JEDD, Jimmy Jones Band, Homespun Rowdy, Band, Mighty Varner Chickenpants, MacRae Brothers, Marty REO Haywagon, Crows, Mossy Creek, New Five Cents, Ridge, Windy Tuned, Sidesaddle & Co., Stay Rogue River, In Lady Lolita. Yodeling Whiskey Brothers, and special guest jamming, another 20 addition to these acts and widespread stage in front of bands will perform a short set on the 'tweener 3:00pm on Friday and the entire audience. Music begins at ends at 6:00pm on Sunday. Most Excellent was pro- Harmony Abbot Family, The vided by and REO Grits, Earthquake Country, The bands were in rare form Haywagon. The Santa Cruz Bluegrass Faire this year The Santa Cruz Bluegrass the most beautiful days was held on one of sunny day in May. in Santa Cruz, a lovely for an indolent, hedo- Santa Cruz is known day of the festival the nistic feel, but the reminiscent of par- weather was especially soft, warm, The air was golden and adise. the grass surrounding but not too warm, in Duck Pond Stage the hill in front of the San Lorenzo Park was soft and green The crowd was a happy under shady trees. col- mix of young and old, including many lege students who were ecstatic to hear good music playing while riding their bikes through the park. Santa Cruz Bluegrass Festival 2006 Santa Cruz Bluegrass EVENTS CALENDAR Always call ahead to confirm. REPEATING SHOWS & JAMS --THURSDAYS Irish Pub, 464 First St., Sonoma (707- 935-0660), 8pm. --MONDAYS Atlas Bluegrass series at Atlas Cafe, --SUNDAYS McGrath's Bluegrass jam, McGrath's 3049 20th St. (at Alabama), SF (415-648- American Roots Music Show series, The Pub, 1539 Lincoln Avenue, Alameda 1047), 8-10pm. Dark Hollow (1st Music Store, 66 W. Portal Ave.., SF, (510-522-6263), 7:30-10:30pm. Thurs), Jam (Last Thurs), Other shows (415-664-2044), 3-6pm. Baja Bluegrass jam (invitational), Baja TBA at www.bluegrasssociety.org/calen- Americana Unplugged Series, Jupiter Taqueria, 4070 Piedmont Ave.., Oakland drix. Brewpub, 2181 Shattuck Ave.., Berkeley, (510-547-2252), 8pm. Contact HMB Bluegrass series at The Half Moon 5:00pm. [email protected] to play. Bay Brewing Company, 390 Capistrano Jupiter old-time jam, Jupiter, 2181 Open mic, Red Rock Cafe, Mtn. View, Avenue, Princeton-by-the-Sea, Half Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 7pm. 7:30pm. Moon Bay, 7-10pm. Bluegrass and acoustic series, San --1st and 3rd Mondays-- Fifth String Music Store Bluegrass Jam, Gregorio General Store, Highway 84 (at Bean Creek band, Phil's Bluegrass 3051 Adeline St, Berkeley (510-548- Stage Road), San Gregorio (650-726- series, Phil's Fish Market. 7600 8282), 8pm. 0565), 11am-5pm. Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing (831- Ed Neff and Friends jam at Willowbrook --1st Sunday-- 633-2152), 6:30-8:30pm. Ale House, 3600 Petaluma Blvd. N., SCVFA jam, Hoover Middle School, Amnesia series, 853 Valencia St. (at Petaluma (707-775-4232), 6:30-9:30pm. Naglee Ave. at Park Ave., San Jose. 1- 20th), SF (415-970-8336), 7pm. --1st Thursday 5pm. --2nd and 4th Mondays-- The NCBS’ “First Thursdays” bluegrass --2nd and 4th Sundays-- Courthouse Ramblers band, Phil's Fish series at the Prince of Wales Pub, 106 Old-time jam, Progressive Grounds Market, 7600 Sandholdt Road, Moss East 25th Avenue, San Mateo (near the Cafe, 400 Cortland Ave. (Bernal Landing (831-633-2152), 7-9pm. entrance to Bay Meadows, 1 block east Heights), SF, 3-6pm. Irish jam, The Coffee Society, of El Camino Real), 8:00PM-11:00PM --4th Sunday-- Cupertino, [email protected], --3rd Thursday-- Bluegrass jam, California State Old 7:45-10:30pm. Café Amsterdam, (David Thom Band Time Fiddlers Association, United --TUESDAYS May 19th), 23 Broadway, Fairfax, Methodist Church, Castro Valley (925- Sam's Bluegrass series, Sam's BBQ, 8:30PM-11:00PM. 415-256-8020. 455-4970), 1:30-5pm. 1110 S. Bascom, San Jose (408-297- www.davidthom.com. 9151), 6-9pm: --1st and 3rd Thursdays-- West Coast Ramblers (1st Tues), Marin Bluegrass jam, Marin Lutheran Earthquake Country (2nd Tues), Bean Church, 649 Meadowsweet, Corte Creek (3rd Thurs), Wild Oats & Honey Madera, 7:30-10pm. (4th Tues.), Extreme Country (5th Tues.) --First three Thursdays-- --2nd and 4th Tuesdays-- SBF open mic, Espresso Garden Cafe, NCBS Bluegrass jam, Dublin Heritage San Jose, 7pm. Center Park, 6600 Donlon, Dublin, 7- -- FRIDAYS 9pm. --1st Friday-- --WEDNESDAYS 1st Friday series at Murphy's Irish Pub, Bluegrass jam, Fandango Pizza, 3407 464 First St., Sonoma (707-935-0660), Alma Street (Alma Plaza Shopping 8-10pm. STRING INSTRUMENTS Center), Palo Alto (650-494-2928), aza- --2nd and 4th Fridays-- *OLD & NEW*QUALITY* Bluegrass slow jam (at Barbra and Eric [email protected], 7-10pm. *UNUSUAL* Sam's Bluegrass series, Sam's BBQ, Burman's), 1145 El Solyo Hghts Drive, Felton (335-3662), 7-9pm. COMPLETE REPAIR * LESSONS 1110 S. Bascom, San Jose (408-297- *KNOWLEDGEABLE & 9151), 6-9pm. --SATURDAYS Americana, Roots Music series, Atlas EXPERIENCED* Sidesaddle & Co. (1st and 3rd Weds.), RECORDINGS * BOOKS * Diana & the Yes Ma'ams (2nd & 4th Cafe, 3049 20th St. (at Alabama), SF ACCESSORIES Weds.), MacRae Bros. band (5th Wed.). (415-648-1047), 4-7pm. --1st Wednesday-- Bluegrass and acoustic series, San 1506 Webster St. Alameda, CA 94501 Jeanie & Chuck's Bluegrass country Gregorio General Store, Highway 84 (at (510) 521-2613 jam, The Plough and Stars, Clement (at Stage Road), San Gregorio (650-726- [email protected] 0565), 11am-5pm. 2nd Ave.), SF (415-751-1122), 8- Tu-F 10:30-6:30, S&S 12-5pm 10:30pm. Bluegrass and acoustic jam, Catz www.ThinManMusic.com --1st and 3rd Wednesdays-- Roastery, 6761 Sebastopol Ave.., Bluegrass jam, hosted by Tom Sours, Sebastopol (707-829-6600), 2-5pm. Murphy's Irish Pub, 464 First St., --2nd Saturday-- Bring your new Sonoma (707-935-0660), 8-10pm. Hootenanny Night folk and acoustic Whiskey Brothers band, Albatross Pub, series, Cafe International, 508 Haight St., 1822 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley SF (415-775-0221), 7-10:30pm. banjo to GOF (510.843.2473), 9pm. --2nd and 4th Saturdays-- Murphy's Bluegrass series, Murphy's

BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY 7 Is your NCBS Schedule for GOF 2006 Visit www.ncbs.us membership deceased? to sign up for the July 7, 8, 9th Possum Pages , Friday July 7th the full color pdf version of the BBB. 3:00 Marty Varner Band - free to members! 4:00 Grizzly Peak 650-328-1125 www.ncbs.us 5:00 New Five Cents FOLK MUSIC CAMPOUT 6:00 Birch Lake Ramblers 7:00 Bean Creek July 4, 2006 8:00 Whiskey Brothers 9:00 Reo Haywagon Saturday, July 1 to Tuesday, July 4 Saturday, July 8th Come camp and sing along with the San Francisco Folk Music Club! 10:00 Barefoot Nellies 11:00 Homespun Rowdy •musical jams 12:00 Rogue River •concerts 1:00 Workshop Break •potluck dinner Sunday night 2:00 Jimmy Chickenpants Location: the Boulder Creek Scout Reservation, 3:00 JEDD among the redwoods of Santa Cruz County. 4:00 Mighty Crows This is a do-it-yourself weekend; bring acoustic instruments and 5:00 Workshop Break chairs and play along or sing along at campfires. 6:00 Mossy Creek For more information, see the Club’s web site www. sffmc.org, or contact the San Francisco Folk 7:00 Hog Ranch Rounders Music Club at [email protected] or (415) 661-2217. To register in advance, mail in the coupon below. 8:00 Houston Jones 9:00 Sidesaddle & Co

Sunday, July 9th 9:00 Windy Ridge 10:00 Macrae Brothers ✁ art by Valentine Doyle (Gospel) BOULDER CREEK SCOUT RESERVATION 11:00 Faux Renwahs Fourtha July weekend, Saturday, July 1, 2:00 pm—Tuesday, July 4, 2006, 12 noon Name: ______Home Phone: (___) ______11:45 (Special Guest Yodeling Address: ______Work Phone: (___) ______Lady Lolita) City, State, ZIP: ______E-mail: ______Sat. ___ Adults x $15 = $ ______+ ___ Kids under 12 x $7 = $ ______= $ ______12:00 David Thom Band Sun. ___ Adults x $15 = $ ______+ ___ Kids under 12 x $7 = $ ______= $ ______Mon. ___ Adults x $15 = $ ______+ ___ Kids under 12 x $7 = $ ______= $ ______1:00 Kids on Stage Total Enclosed: $ ______“Babes in arms” free. Children under 12 are $7 each per night, up to two children in a family. Additional children in the same family are free. 2:00 Stay Tuned Mail reservations to FOURTHA JULY, SFFMC, 885 Clayton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117. Send SASE (Self- Addressed Stamped Envelope). Confirmation and directions to camp will be mailed to you. 3:00 Earthquake Country If you’re sending dues, please send as a SEPARATE CHECK: $10.00/year (or multiples of $10.00 for more years). No pets, no radios, no TVs, no (beeping) watches, phones and other such distractions. 4:00 Harmony Grits RVs are OK, but no hookups are available. 8 BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY Classified Ads Note: Classified ads run for four consecutive months, and are CBA’s Father’s Day free to NCBS members. Contact editor. INSTRUMENTS Fesitval, June 15-18 STEVE SWAN is back on the San Francisco Peninsula. In stock is a great by George Martin selection of over 20 string basses and dozens of fine acoustic guitars. (916) 501-4619 [email protected] [03-06] The CBA has some serious singers and pickers booked for the Fathers Day For sale: old , 2 German -$400 ea, 1 Italian - $1000. Set up and ready to play. Festival, June 15-18 in Grass Valley. Cases but no bows. 831-338-0618 String bass 3/4 w/ebony fingerboard $550 w/bag. Guitaron Mexican bass guitar $250 The Larry Sparks Show, the James King w/bag. Silver PrincessJapanese Tubaphone copy $750, Aida 235 Japanese Band and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver "Masterclone" $550. Starter Deals, & Much MORE! The Thin Man 510-2613 or are perhaps the best known, but Audie [email protected]. Blaylock and Redline with the amazing MEMBERS MUSIC BUSINESS Chris Warner (longtime banjo player for The Music Motel -- Americana Music: bluegrass, folk, alt-country, blues & more! back in the day) should set http:// www.themusicmotel.com [04/04] the stage on fire, and the Larry MISCELLANEOUS Simple Wills and Trusts for NCBS members. Law Offices of Michael W. Hall. (650) Stephenson Band puts out some of the 596-9332 best pure tenor singing you’ll hear any- where. Stephenson hasn’t been to California in about 12 years, but he VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE GOOD OLD FASHIONED FESTIVAL FESTIVAL DATES: FRIDAY - SUNDAY, JULY 7th, 8th, 9th, 2006 Volunteers are needed in all areas! Volunteers will receive 1day free admission and one night camping at the festival for each 4 hour shift worked.

Name:______Address:______Phone Home:______Work:______Email:______

Please mark all areas of interest and days available: ___ Festival Phone Chairperson - months leading up to the Festival ___ Publicity - send out ads, press releases - beginning in March

Larry Sparks ___ Committee Chairman (many areas Available) ___ Be on a Committee ___ Computer work ___ Mailings ___ Volunteer recruitment ___ Sponsorship Chairman ___ Load equipment into Van Wednesday, July 5th (afternoon and evening) ___ Unload equipment Mon. morning -afternoon July 10th in Los Gatos/San Jose ___ Drive moving van with equipment on Wed. July 5, Thursday, July 6th and Monday July 10th sings like a young Bobby Osborne and ___ Set up Thursday, July 6th and Friday July 7th & Take down Sunday July 9th is no slouch on the mandolin as well. ___ Stage and shade cloth setup Thursday July 6th, Friday July 7th & take down Sunday July 9th ___ Electrical and lighting setup Thursday July 6th, Friday July 7th & takedown Sunday July 9 The Lonesome River Band, currently ___ Clean up Sunday July 9th and Monday July 10th (banjo), Jeff Parker ___ Facilities (grounds and misc. duties as needed) Thurs - Sun July 6th- 9th (mandolin), Barry Berrier (bass) and ___ Janitorial Duties (Thurs through Sun. July 6-9th) or (Fri. through Sun. July 7th, 8th & 9th) ___ Security Friday - Sunday July 7th, 8th, 9th Shannon Slaughter (guitar) continues ___ Parking crew Friday - Sunday July 7th, 8th, 9th to put out the quality music that has ___ Ticket sales at the Gate Friday - Sunday July 7th, 8th, 9th kept them on top of the heap for 15 ___ Children's program, Friday -Sunday July 7th, 8th, 9th years, and the young phenoms of King ___ T-shirt, membership, and band concession booths Fri - Sun. July 7th, 8th, 9th Wilkie, from Virginia, are sure to ___ Photography Friday - Sunday July 7th, 8th, 9th please the Grass Valley crowd. ___ Food/Hospitality Friday - Sunday July 7th, 8th, 9th ___ Pickup supplies and ice Friday - Sunday July 7th, 8th, 9th Old-time groups Uncle Earl and the Biscuit Burners will appear, as well as Which days can you help? California bands Teton Divide, the ___Wednesday July 5th ___ Thursday July 6th___ Friday July 7th Alhambra Valley Band, Homespun ___ Saturday July 8th___ Sunday July 9th___ Monday July 10th Rowdy, Mountain Laurel, the Please return this form to: Stairwell Sisters and the David Thom Penny Godlis 654 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Suite C #104 Los Gatos, Calif. 95030 Band. For more information, see CBAontheweb.org. Questions? Call Penny at 408-234-7641 or e-mail [email protected] Comments:______fin ______

BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY 9 With bands like Special Consensus, Ron 4 hour shift worked. If you would like to pages for more information. If you would Spears & Within Tradition Reunion, Lost help out or just save money by volunteer- like to be involved in bringing great blue- Highway, Chris Stuart & Backcountry, ing for the GOF, fill out the volunteer form grass music to the public at nonprofit StayTuned and more, the Parkfield included in the Bluegrass By the Bay and prices, you can submit your statement to Bluegrass Mother’s Day Festival vibrated submit to Penny Godlis before the end of the Bluegrass by the Bay before June 15, with great earthquake country harmony. June. Vendors interested in plying wares and run for one of two positions that are at the GOF, or in advertising in the GOF currently open on the board. NCBS is an CBA Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival program, please contact Syd Evans at rich- all volunteer, nonprofit 501c(3) corpora- [email protected]. tion. Memberships, other donations, tick- It’s the big kid on the block and not to be et sales, and ad sales in the BBB, are used missed. The California Bluegrass Elections to the NCBS board are held to pay for all expenses in running the Association can be counted on to bring the yearly at the GOF. You can vote by mail NCBS. best of bluegrass, old-time and gospel before July or you can vote at the festival music from all over the US. The event during the election for NCBS board mem- takes place at the Nevada County bers. Check the Bluegrass By the Bay fin Fairgrounds June 15-18, but folks start camping and picking the weekend before. this year the fester features some fine young acts like Uncle Earl and the Stringdusters. www.cbaontheweb.org.

Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival

Now that San Francisco Bluegrass & Oldtime Festival (February 2005) and the Santa Cruz Bluegrass Faire (May 2005) have been held, the NCBS holds its third festival of the year featuring the best of California bluegrass bands in July. This festival, the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival (GOF), is held on July, 7, 8, and 9 at the Bolado Park in Hollister. This festival is sure to be a great jamming festival, warm days and nights are guaran- teed this year. Remember to bring shade cloths and canopies for your campsite. The audience and stage has its own shade cloth. There are flush toilets and showers 15th Annual Bluegrass Festival at various locations on site. Bring water pistols for the kiddies and spray bottles for the adults to keep cool in case the weather Wolf Mountain gets hot. October 6-8, 2006 The moon will be increasing towards full Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds during the GOF festival (Full Buck Moon Perfect Strangers * Frank on July 10), giving ample light from the Wakefield * High Plains Tradition sky at night for jamming. This pleasant rural festival tends to be under lit by elec- We’ve Moved to the coast and to "Indian Bluegrass Redliners * Keith Little tric lights, so if you have a solar battery or Summer" when the weather is wonderful. and Jim Nunally * Lone Prairie * We have a waterfall, pond and lush lawns an RV compressor for power, be sure to in the audience area with a view of Mt. High Country * Mighty Crows * bring strings of lights to entice people to Madonna. Camping is on grass with lots Jake Quesenberry and the come by your camp to jam. The best and of Full-Hookups and a private tent camp- MacRae Brothers * HeartWood * most innovatively lighted camp will be ing area. Sunday morning will feature photographed and written up in the BBB Bluegrass Gospel. Vocal and instrument Page Brownton and Friends after the festival. Check out the festival workshops will take place all weekend Advance discount for 3-day only, all others flyer included in the Bluegrass By the Bay during lunch and dinner breaks. Craft available at the gate. No dogs allowed. All for information on the great bands that booths and food concessions offering acts are subject to cancellation. Show held will be playing. This year, the great band, breakfast, lunch and dinner. rain or shine. No refunds. Houston Jones, will be playing at the GOF Gates Open Thursday 10AM * Show Starts Friday 10 AM for the first time. Tickets ($49 Earlybird by June 1) $59 3-days with Fri/Sat camping $30 for Teen ticket (13 to 17 yrs) Children 12 and under are free. GOF volunteers get a free ticket to the fes- Send check to: Briogon, Box 91, Santa Cruz 95063 tival and camping for one night for every (831) 425-2270 [email protected] www.wolfmt.com 10 BLUEGRASS BY THE BAY THETHNE NOOORRRTTHHHEEERRRNNNCACLIAFAOLLRIINFFIOOARRBLNNUIIEAAGRBASLLSUUSEEOCGGIERRTAAYSSPSRESEOONTCCSIIEETTYY presents

!!! al nu An th 13

Jimmy Chickenpants Barefoot Nellies Macrae Brothers Bean Creek Marty Varner Band Birch Lake Ramblers Mighty Crows David Thom Band Mossy Creek Earthquake Country New Five Cents Faux Renwahs Reo Haywagon Grizzly Peak Rogue River Harmony Grits Sidesaddle & Co. Hog Ranch Rounders Stay Tuned Homespun Rowdy Windy Ridge Houston Jones Whiskey Brothers JEDD Special(Special Guest Guest Yodeling Yodeling Lady Lady Lolita Lolita) Kids On Stage (Acts subject to change)

July 7th, 8th, & 9th, 2006 Gates open 8am Shade Cloth in Friday, Saturday & Audience Area Sunday No Dogs Allowed SOUND BY PAUL KNIGHT!!! Music Begins 3 pm Friday CampingCamping  •Children’s Children’s ActivitiesActivities • OpenOpen Mic Mic Stage Stage Special Low Back    Chair Section Music Ends 5 pm FoodFood Concessions Concessions • RaffleRaffle • CraftsCrafts • JammingJamming Sunday Info: (408)241-5920For information  (650)596-9332 call (831) 479-4634  (831)336-2185 Limited RV Hookups at $15 / night NO BICYCLES 2006 Good Old Fashioned Festival Advance Ticket Mail Order Form Adv. Ticket Prices: Up to June 23rd At the Gate Specify Number of Tickets Ordered Members NonMembers ALL Specify NumberAdult of Tickets Senior Ordered:Youth 3-day ______3-day $45.00$45.00 $65.00 $70.00 $70.00 Adult Senior Youth $35.00 $50.00 $55.00 3-day2-day ______2-day $35.00 $50.00 $55.00 Sat $22.00 $33.00 $37.00 2-day1-day ______Sat 1-day $22.00 $32.00 $37.00 Fri/Sun 1-day ______$17.00 $23.00 $27.00 Sat 1-day ______Fri/Sun 1-day $15.00 $23.00 $27.00 Thursday night camping: Seniors: $3.00/day discount Fri/Sun 1-day$10 ____ per person ____ $ ______Youth (13-17) 50% discount Total Enclosed:RV hookups: $ ______Chidren (12 & under): Free All ticket Camping included with 2 & 3 day tickets only. sales final All$15 Ticketper night Sales $ Final!_____ Total Enclosed: $ ______Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ___ Zip: ______Phone:______AdvanceAdvance ticketticket orders orders must must be received be received by June by 26th. June Make 25th. checks Make payable checks to NCBSpayable - mail to toNCBS NCBS and GOF mail Tickets, to NCBS P. O. Box GOF, 390846, PO Box Mountain 20370, View San CA Jose,94039-0846. CA 95160. Enclose Enclose a LARGE a LARGE self-addressed, self-addressed, stamped envelope. stamped Advance envelope. (only) Advance GOF tickets (only) may GOF be charged tickets to may a credit be card charged or PayPal to a at credit the NCBS card or PayPal at the NCBS website: www.ncbs.us where more information can also be found. website, http://ncbs.us. For information, call (831) 479-4634 , e-mail [email protected], or see the NCBS website, http://ncbs.us

Free WiFi hotspot! Bring your radio to hear live KBUD radio! Bluegrass By the Bay - June 2006 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BLUEGRASS SOCIETY Membership Application

Name: ______Date: ______

Address: ______Phone: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip: ______E-mail: ______Please list first names of family members who are joining, volunteer work you would be interested in doing for NCBS, or any comments, questions, or corrections you would like us to know about. Thanks for joining us! ______

Life Member * 500.00 Check one: For office use only: Life Couple* 750.00 New Member INDIVIDUAL 20.00 Renewal Address Change Family (under one roof) 25.00 Multiyear Option (individual) $20.00/yr

* Life memberships include advance Make checks payable to NCBS reserved seating at NCBS concerts (preferred seats), NCBS T-shirt, and a NCBS Membership Chair lifetime subscription to Bluegrass By P.O.Box 390846 The Bay. Mountain View, CA 94039-0846

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BLUEGRASS SOCIETY/ SANTA CRUZ BLUEGRASS SOCIETY P.O. BOX 390846 MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94039-0846

Send Address and E-mail Changes To: NCBS Membership Chair P.O.Box 390846 Mountain View, CA 94039-0846

Cut out this box! The mailing label is now your NCBS membership card. Kindly remember to send your renewal - expiration date is listed below. June 2006 the Possum Pages Welcome to the NCBS’s publication, the Possum Pages, an extension to the Bluegrass By the Bay magazine. You find yourself here because you are clever enough to have elected to receive your club’s monthly newspaper in pdf form. Mille grazie, mon ami! We will endeavour to entertain and enlighten the sagacious read- ers who join us in the great stride we take to serve the bluegrass community. theYer editer, Possum Mark Varner (831)338-0618 [email protected] Pages CAlifornia! CAlifornia! Festival season in Festival Festival season in Festival Bluegrass goes to New July festival in San Martin school There’s a cool new event coming up this late July. It kept the bluegrass season Each year Tomales Elementary School, in summer and being produced by none going once we passed the GOF, the sec- Tomales, presents a concert for its stu- other than California Bluegrass Pioneer ond weekend of July. Last year the Wolf dents. This is no ordinary presentation as Jake Quesenberry. It'll be called the Mountain Festival was moved to San the musicians are always young people. Brown Barn Bluegrass Festival and it'll Martin, to a little park with nice ameni- There is no better way to introduce live be held July 29 and 30th in San Martin, ties. The music was presented inside a music to a group of children than by just south of San Jose. barn, so we stayed nice and comfortably showing them that people of their own cool. The upkeep on the facilities was For many years we trekked to Grass continued on page 3... Valley for the Wolf Mountain fester in continued on page 4... 2 Possum Pages ..Tomales School from page 2 Marty from Music Camp and thought they gone into schools a number of times and I age are involved in playing. It is inspiring would be great emissaries for bluegrass at knew that one feature that is always popu- for young people to know that they can be Tomales School, where she works. lar is the “petting zoo” where you let the a part of the excitement. This year Ingrid kids come and touch, strum and pluck the Noyes, who many of us know through her We were fortunate to have famous veteran various instruments. As it turned out we work running the California Bluegrass bluegrass fiddler Ed Neff with us for the didn’t have time for that before the next Association’s Music Camp, decided that show. Ingrid wanted to inspire the group came in so we offered the kinder- with all the young tal- garteners the opportunity to come back ent in our bluegrass after the show to get up close and person- world it was time for al with the instruments. some of our own to take the stage. Tomales School is K through 8, so we had a variety of ages for our next set. Like the Between the youngest kids the second group was Peninsula’s Jack respectful, fun and generous in their Tuttle and the NCBS appreciation. When asked how many stu- and CBA’s Kids on dents played music nearly half raised their Bluegrass program a hands, which was quite heartening. They number of talented hadn’t heard a lot of bluegrass, but when young folks have been Marty played a hot guitar solo it was nurtured in the art of something they could all relate to. We performing bluegrass tried to play up the commonality of musi- music. Jack is a Students at Tomales School cal experience with them while our young teacher and works grassers testified to the beauty and fun of with young and old to get them playing Tomales School string group with a show- the music we love best. This is truly out- and performing. His School of Bluegrass ing of some good violin work. We picked reach – when you aim to meet others in ensemble has been playing events around up Ed at his Petaluma home and headed the middle ground. After the show and the the Bay Area. The Kids on Bluegrass pro- west through some of the prettiest country interesting Q&A session the younger kids gram is a mini-music camp for children I’d ever seen. Sheep, goats and cows dot- came back, about a dozen of them, to see and teens with varying degrees of experi- ted the verdant rolling hills that were stud- the bass, banjo, guitar and mandolin. ence. It is held at numerous bluegrass fes- ded with rugged boulders colored by moss Marty handled this group like a master tivals including and lichens. We and finally had to be pulled away by the the Good Old rolled through rest of us. As we left one of the teachers Fashioned this bucolic set- told us about the great response she got Festival, July 7- ting until we when she asked the attendees what they 10 in Hollister came into the thought about the show. It was really a and CBA’s beautiful little pleasure playing for this wonderful Father’s Day town of Tomales. school! event, June 15- This charming 18. The young spot looks like it I think the difference between the schools performers spend hasn’t changed in that get to host bluegrass and those that several days of generations. On a don’t is simply a matter of the one person intense practice hill on the edge of who does the work of inviting the musi- to formulate a town stands the cians to come in and perform and answer musical revue to school. We got questions. If you can, please consider be presented on Marty and Ed Neff Victor, there about 10AM being a matchmaker between your local the main stage in front of a full audience. after a three hour drive. We met up with school and bluegrass musicians. Nothing Through these programs friendships and Angelica there and were shown to the beats kids showing kids what it’s all partnerships grow. small auditorium where we were to play. about, but adults can be inspiring to young folks as well. One such band emerging from this system First we performed for the kindergarten in the Marty Varner Band, comprised of age children, numbering about 50. We Angelica Grim, 16, on vocals and guitar, played a variety of tunes for them, includ- Victor Skidanenko, 16, on vocals and ing some bluegrass standards, fiddle tunes banjo and Marty Varner, 10, on vocals, and some kid-friendly sing along songs mandolin and guitar. I’m Marty’s dad and like Long Journey Home and She’ll be I play bass for the group. This band has Coming Round the Mountain. In between played for the SFBOT, the CBA’s spring the songs we talked about the songs, the campout, the emerging artist festival in the instruments, how the vocal harmonies Sierras, and will be performing on the worked and answered questions. It was a children’s stage at the Grass Valley remarkably focused and well-behaved Father’s Day Festival and at NCBS’s bunch. They clapped and sang along and GOF. Ingrid already knew Angelica and had lots of questions for our group. I’ve Tomales School

Possum Pages 3 New bluegrass club on Central Coast ....New festival from page 2 great, like someone’s home. There was Greetings to all bluegrass fans! This is to The second meeting will be a general lots of grass for tenters and for the kid’s to tell everyone who may be interested in organization meeting, to be held on play and there was plenty of room for RVs joining or otherwise supporting the newly Saturday, June 24, in Santa Maria. This in their respective area. It was an enjoy- formed Bluegrass Music Society of the meeting will be at Pioneer Park in Santa able event overall and much was made Central Coast (BMSCC). Maria. If you would like to camp about revisiting the spot for another blue- overnight, please call us and let us know. grass shindig. This year Wolf Mountain is Last month BMSCC was approved by the Agenda items for this meeting include the moving to the Santa Cruz County State of California as a non-profit corpora- above-listed eight items. Fairgrounds in early October. tion. Since then scores of local bluegrass lovers have expressed their desire to help Note that this agenda may be enlarged to Jake Quesenberry, with help from Matt achieve BMSCC’s goals, that is, to pro- accommodate worthy suggestions of those Dudman, collectively known as the mote bluegrass in the Central Coast area responding to this e-mail. In any event, MacRae Brothers, is putting on this new and to preserve the Parkfield Bluegrass advisory votes will be sought at the orga- fester and we sure hope it takes off. The Festival. The opportunity for participation nizational meeting for key agenda items. lineup is still being formulated, but any- in BMSCC’s activities is at hand. Within The shape BMSCC ultimately takes will one who knows California bluegrass the next month, we want to do the follow- be up to those who attend the organiza- knows that this promoter is not only ing: tional meeting and who thereafter partici- supremely knowledgeable about good (1) draft and adopt corporate by-laws pate as coordinators, committee members, music, but knows just about every band in (2) establish procedures and schedule for worker-bee volunteers, etc. At BMSCC’s the area and beyond, and has the street electing or appointing directors formation, it will be shaped both to fulfill cred to pull in the very best of the best to (3) appoint officers (secretary and treasur- its guiding purposes -- promotion of blue- perform for us. It’s a good date for a fes- er) grass in the Central Coast area and preser- ter, it’s a fine place for a fester and we (4) prepare proposed budget vation of the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival know all our friends are going to show up (5) set schedule for meetings of board of -- and to thrive indefinitely, regardless of to make it a jammin’ good time! directors and members whoever becomes directors, officers or (6) establish parameters for newsletter members. We hope you’ll take this oppor- The location of the Brown Barn Bluegrass subject matter, frequency and distribution tunity for ground-floor involvement. Festival is San Martin Country Park (7) establish coordinators and committees 13865 Monterey Hwy San Martin, just off for membership, newsletter, activities, For more info contact BMSCC directors 101 south of San Jose. The park’s web site website, publicity and 2007 Parkfield Ed Alston, Paul Lee and Joe Quealy at is: http://www.sanmartincountrypark.com Bluegrass Festival [email protected] Information can be had at 408-607-2410. (8) submit application to IRS for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status [making contributions See below membership blank, which you Is your NCBS to BMSCC deductible as charitable dona- may print out and use to join BMSCC. membership extinct? tions] ------BLUEGRASS MUSIC SOCIETY To accomplish these objectives, BMSCC of the CENTRAL COAST will convene two meetings: First will be a work session on Wednesday Mail this information to: evening, May 31, in Santa Maria. The pri- PO Box 2485, Orcutt, CA 93457 mary purposes of this session will be to Please print: Name: develop recommendations for (1) a set of by-laws, and (2) a budget for the next two ______years. By-laws and budget both are crucial Mailing Address: matters for BMSCC. Both are essential to obtaining tax-exempt status from the IRS. ______By-laws are especially important, because they determine how BMSCC will be gov- ______erned, from director election/appointment to membership classes and voting rights. ______Budgeting will address not only newslet- ter, mailings, administration, etc., but also the 2007 Parkfield Bluegrass Festival. E-Mail? ______Renew The narrow focus of the by-law and budg- Contact Phone: ______et work session probably means that only ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP today! a relatively small group will participate, SINGLE MEMBERSHIP: but all who may be interested are wel- ____ @ $10.00 come. COUPLES: 650-328-1125 or ____ @ $15.00 www.ncbs.us 4 Possum Pages CD Reviews by Brenda Hough Mark Schatz and musical buffet has something for every Bowmore, Country Blues. Friends: Steppin’ taste, tempo and mood. in the Boiler In the Iron Chef television program, the House Misty River: Willow chefs are given the same set of ingredients Rounder Records www.mistyriverband.com and then they must construct menu items One Camp Street c.2004 with varying tastes and textures using only Cambridge, MA their own resources and creative talents. 02140 Songs: Green Eyes, When I Go, Kathy’s is a musical chef. Using c.2006 Song, Homegrown Tomatoes, The his fiddles, Jamey Haddad’s percussion www.rounder.com Cuckoo, Shady Grove, These Are My instruments, and Vicktor Krauss’ bass as Mountains, Box of Lace, Blue-Eyed the main ingredients, he concocts a ban- Song list: Rig Root, The Falling Waters of Boy, Tammany Hall, This Town, quet of auditory delights. Casey’s Arden, Cajun Stomp, Eileen’s Waltz, Last Bright Morning Stars, Willow, Baird’s “recipes” are some of the traditional tunes Old Dollar, Season of Joy, Lennie’s Lullaby. played in rural times but he reheats the Misfortune, Steppin’ in the Boiler House, rhythms and adds new melodic spices and Calgary, Robindale/Slate, The Devil’s Misty River is a Northwest based group of produces a tasty variation that takes on its Game, Chelsea Town, Stay All Night, four ladies who are “compelling voices of own identity. “Gaptooth” started with the Black Mountain Aire. acoustic Americana.” Remember the lush banjo version of Cumberland Gap by harmonies and enchantment in the siren Riley Baugus and Casey changed it into a Mark Schatz’s bass playing has been part song in “Oh Brother” – “Go To Sleep fast paced jig powered by Bela Fleck’s of many bands including work with Bela Little Baby?” Misty River’s “Bright banjo and Jamey’s vibrating gongs. Fleck, Mark O’Connor and his current Morning Stars” has the same magic. This “Sugarfoot Rag” has Casey singing with work with . Less well group has a pitch-perfect blend of voices fiddle strokes powered along with Darrell known is Mark’s skill with the clawham- showcased in instrumental settings com- Scott’s electric guitar playing. Casey mer style banjo and his fancy footwork plete with fiddle, accordion(!), guitar, bass plays multitracked fiddles on Bill with the Footworks Percussive Dance and pipes (the flute kind). Lest the blue- Monroe’s “Jerusalem Ridge” and the Ensemble. grass fans run away, the accordion adds a melody runs parallel with fiddle bowing melodic undercurrent to the songs and has rhythms. Casey’s fiddle drones through Mark has old tunes sounding new and his more dobro-style flourishes than polka Snowflake Reel/Done Gone/Cheyenne in own newly composed songs sound as if rhythms. Carol Harley is a multi-instru- tandem with Jamey’s drums and the they were lifted from an old time stage mentalist: she plays guitar, mandolin and resulting riffs flow like water down- show. Mark’s “friends” are legion in the banjo with a bright, old-timey feel and her hill. “Cliff Dweller’s Slide” features bass world of acoustic music. Guitarist Jim instrumental “Tammany Hall” brings to bass player Victor Krauss in counterpoint Hurst’s lead guitar flows through many of mind the ole sod of Ireland with fiddle, to Casey’s fiddle with Jamey providing the songs and his vocals are featured in accordion, bass and mandolin intermixing the rhythm. These song recipes aren’t for several. is an award win- in a sprightly dance. Laura Quigley plays home cookin’, but for a night out on the ning bassist and Casey Driessen’s fiddle bass and her expressive voice gently flows town or a taste to be savored, pull up a swirls and swings the dance rhythms that through the group’s rendition of Paul seat! the feet cannot deny. “Stay All Night” has Simon’s “Kathy’s Song.” Chris Kokesh is some refrains from other old songs, but an award-winning fiddler and her fine Jim Van Cleve: No Apologies the quartet puts the high burner on and the bowing adds tender caresses to her origi- Rural Rhythm Records song really rocks. “Calgary” is another nal song about a family’s treasured wed- Box 660040 hard-driving instrumental with flourishes ding dress, “Box of Lace.” Dana Abel, the Arcadia, CA 91066 from Tim O’Brien on mandolin and Jerry aforementioned accordion player, is also a c.2006 Douglas on dobro. “Cajun Stomp” has fine singer and her harmonies with Chris www.ruralrhythm.com delightful rhythms and interplay between and Laura give the vocals an ethereal qual- the banjo and fiddle that are echoed by the ity that demands repeated listening. Songs: Nature of the Beast, Let The Big guitar followed by the bass solo. Mark Dog Eat, Fall Creek Falls, Way It Always was inspired to write “The Falling Waters Casey Driessen: 3D Seems To Go, Devil’s Courthouse, of Arden” while watching the sprinkler on Highlands, We Can’t Be Darlings his lawn and the song has a bagpipe-drone PO Box 55300 Anymore, Grey Afternoon, Wheel Hoss, played against the melodic banjo melody. Durham, NC 27717 Scars, Train 45. Another gorgeous melody is “Eileen’s c.2006 Waltz” written for his wife and played www.sugarhillrecords.com Jim Van Cleve is the superb fiddler with with Stuart Duncan on fiddle and Bela the group . Jim pro- Fleck on mandolin. The title cut has Songs: Sally in the Garden, Gaptooth, The claimed, “I wanted to make an album that Mark’s dancing feet and hambone Confusion Before Dreams, Sugarfoot would reflect everything that I’ve become rhythms combined with some exciting Rag/Freedom Jazz Dance, Jerusalem as a musician,” and the album expands the fiddle and banjo that segues into some Ridge, 2:00am 4:27, Snowflake horizons of sound and genre. The opening free form guitar, banjo and fiddle that is Reel/Done Gone/Cheyenne, Cliff cut, “Nature of the Beast,” features some extraordinarily fluid and original. This Dweller’s Slide, Footsteps So Near, Lady continued on page 6... Possum Pages 5 CD Reviews by Brenda Hough ....CD Reviews from page 5 Where You Belong” are two love songs Tony Holt and the Wildwood gutsy driving guitar from Clay Jones, that the pair makes so believable. There Valley Boys: Daylight’s Burnin’ resophonic flourishes from , are songs of the old home place, “1923,” ’s banjo and on and a classic train song, “Adirondack PO Box 7405 mandolin. The song pulses, throbs and Rail” with Ronnie and Bill Ayasse provid- Charlottesville, VA 22906 hits the thin air of the upper atmosphere. ing the energetic fiddling that pulls out c.2006 “Let the Big Dog Eat” is a classic train train whistles and chugging locomotives. www.rebelrecords.com song with taking the Ronnie’s fiddling also is featured in the vocal chores and the instruments punching instrumental, “Gurdlin’ The Cane,” where Song list: Daylight’s Burnin’, Silver out the rumble of the rails. “Way It Always he is joined by Michael Cleveland on Ghost, North of the Carolinas, I Ain’t Seems to Go” is a romp of a country song mandolin, Pete Kelly on banjo, Andy Leavin’, Sweet Maggie Belle, I’ll Cry with the singer complaining, “if you set a Falco on guitar and Ernie Sykes on bass. Like A Baby, What Happened to Ann, steak upon a plate, I’ll wind up eating Marjorie’s “Lead Me Lord” is a show Boilermaker, Cousin Russell, When The crow.” “Highlands” has Clay Jones and stopper – a gospel song tinged with the Warden Turns the Key, Feeling Blue, Old Bryan Sutton playing intertwining guitar melancholy mood of “House of the Rising Granddad. parts with Rob, Jim and Ron cruising Sun.” along. The gang continues the high-speed Tony Holt and the Wildwood Valley Boys intense sound with a spectacular “Wheel The Boys From Indiana: have consistently plowed the fields of tra- Hoss” with Jim taking all the Kenny Baker Good Time Blues ditional bluegrass and this fifth album licks. Barry Abernathy and Steve Gulley Rebel Records shows how well they have refined their sing the classic “Train 45” while the PO Box 7405 craft and sound. Tony’s strong rhythm gui- instrumentalists play so hard and fast that Charlottesville, VA 22906 tar work is blended with Evan McGregor’s records must be broken! Inspring instru- c.2006 fiddle, Brian Leaver’s melodic banjo and mental album and Jim’s “Way It Always www.rebelrecords.com Matt Despain’s dobro which adds a har- Seems to Go” is destined to be a vocal mony echo to Tony’s lead vocals. The high classic! Song list: Good Time Blues, Headin’ quality instrumentation is highlighted in South, Is Burning, How Will I Brian Leaver’s “Boilermaker” with its Marjorie Kelting & Ronnie Explain About You, These Memories of pulsating banjo and fervent fiddle. Feinberg: Adirondack Rail Mine, My Night to Howl, Lady of the Bluegrass runs long and full in the Holt www.millerscrossingbluegrass.com Lake, Feeling Blue, The Sad Wind Sighs, family. Tony’s Dad, Aubrey Holt was part c.2006 The Girl in the Black Velvet Band, Play of the Boys From Indiana, one of the first Hank’s Song Once Again, My Red River major bands from the Midwest. Aubrey Song list: Mamma’s Cry, Back Home Home, You Can Mark It Down, Little wrote many of the songs on the album and Where You Belong, Duke, Adirondack Community Church. joins in the harmony trios with Tony and Rail, Heartbroke Lonesome and Blue, Evan. The trio vocals have all classic 1923, Loose Talk, Between Fire and The Boys From Indiana were one of the sound perfected and Tony’s lead vocals Water, Gurdlin’ The Cane, Darling This Is top Midwest bands in the 1970s and their have the warmth and depth that is reminis- Goodbye, The Water’s Edge, Weathered family harmony trios featured brothers cent of Charlie Waller. Gray Stone, Lonesome On’ry and Mean, Aubrey and Jerry Holt and their uncle Lead Me Lord. Harley Gabbard. Aubrey’s original songs “Silver Ghost” has Tony’s lead vocal con- are well represented on this CD and artists trasting with a mournful dobro as he Marjorie Kelting and Ronnie Feinberg are including Blue Highway and Alison Kraus retells the story of a mysterious ghost part of the Miller’s Crossing Bluegrass have also featured his songs. Aubrey has train. “What Happened To Ann” is a clas- Band based in Long Island, New York. great skill with turning out catchy lyrics sic love song to a love lost in the past. Their urban base doesn’t prevent them and tunes and his “Good Time Blues” and “North of the Carolinas” and “Sweet from getting a fresh, back-to-the-roots “Feeling Blue” capture that feeling Maggie Belle” are two of Aubrey’s songs bluegrass sound from their original tunes. bad/feeling good ambivalence. His that strike the bluegrass targets of home The album is blessed with a strong vocals, “Atlanta Is Burning” is the band’s best and family. With strong vocals, instru- a stirring instrumental mix of fiddle, banjo known song, and “My Night to Howl” is a mentation and heartfelt songs, this band and mandolin, and a set of songs written “wine, women and song” night on the has all the elements of success. mostly by Marjorie and Ron that sound as town song with fast-paced dobro work by old as the hills with wisdom and feeling Harley, punchy banjo and mandolin by Burnin’ Up The Strings: woven into each note. Marjorie has one of Noah Crase and Frank Godbey and fast 25 Traditional Classics Vol. 1 those special voices that can shift from a fiddling by Paul Mullins. “Lady of the Rural Rhythm Records soft ballad to a high-powered edge with a Lake” is a Paul Mullins original instru- Box 660040 depth of feeling that defines heartfelt. mental that has everyone playing in high Arcadia, CA 91066 Ernie Skyes’ warm baritone blends seam- gear. Sad to say there was only one CD c.2006 lessly with her lead vocals and their twin produced in 1992, and this new release www.ruralrhythm.com harmonies brings to mind some of the contains the best songs of their 23 year great duet singers of the past. “Heartbreak, career. Here’s classic bluegrass at its best. Lonesome and Blue” and “Back Home continued on page 7... 6 Possum Pages CD Reviews by Brenda Hough

....CD Reviews from page 6 Bluegrass Cardinals play the melodious These 25 instrumentals feature some of This latest “hits” compilation from CMH gospel number, Angels Rock Me to Sleep. the best musicians that ever played blue- has 20 tunes that belong in every bluegrass Jimmy Martin sings his classic Honey You grass. There is fine flatpicked guitar, fiery lover’s collection. and fiddles Don’t Know My Mind and fiddle, pulsating banjo and punctuating pump out the notes and the high lonesome plays Roanoke with the . mandolin. is well represented vocals that define bluegrass are abundant. There’s plenty of top instrumentals with and his banjo is featured on “Natural The classic “Rocky Top” from the Lee Highway Blues and Feudin’ Banjos Bridges Blues” with Red Smiley and then leads off the album, fol- being the best known. Rose Lee and Joe again on “Dill Pickle Rag” with Bill lowed by Don Reno and Arthur Smith Maphis are two lesser known singers that Harrell. Hylo Brown plays banjo on playing a banjo-flavored “Over the sing Bill Monroe’s Molly and Tenbrooks “Banjo on the Mountain” and “Fireball Rainbow.” joins the and Uncle Pen. For new fans, this is a Mail.” Mac Martin and his Dixie Travelers Osbornes in “Midnight Flyer” and good collection of often heard “old and play “Wheel Hoss” at full speed. The late “Shackles and Chains.” and jam classic” tunes. fiddler, , plays on Nashville Grass play “Jed Clampett,” “Snowflake Breakdown,” “Fast “Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” and Pickin’ and Singin’: Travelin’,” and “Flop Eared Mule.” “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Jim and The Ultimate Bluegrass Curly fox was a Grand Old Opry star and Jesse do the popular “Rider in the Rain” Collection his fiddle leads the way on “Chinese and John Prine’s “Paradise.” The “Orange CMH Records Breakdown” and “Mississippi Sawyer.” Blossom Special” roars by with the PO Box 39439 Other festival jam favorites featured on Osbornes, and Eddie Adcock, Sam Bush Los Angeles, CA 90039 the album are “Golden Slippers,” “John and Vassar Clements propel the “Black c.2006 Hardy,” “Ragtime Annie,” and Mountain Rag.” If you’ve worn out old www.cmhrecords.com “Wildwood Flower.” records with these classic songs, this is an ideal replacement. With 64 songs in one collection, it’s easy Hallelujah: A Bluegrass Gospel to find several songs that will be new or Celebration 36 Bluegrass Hits old favorites. “Georgia Mules and CMH Records CMH Records Country Boys” is the Osborne’s opening PO Box 39439 PO Box 39439 cut with a nostalgic look at the old times Los Angeles, CA 90039 Los Angeles, CA 90039 of mules that are “fading fast away.” The c.2006 c.2006 Osbornes are also featured on six other www.cmhrecords.com www.cmhrecords.com songs and other popular groups include Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass, Song list: Shine Hallelujah Shine, Song list: Bringing In The Georgia Mail, , Carl Story, , Heaven’s Bluegrass Band, Are You Uncle Pen, Foggy Mountain Special, , The Bluegrass Cardinals, Washed in the Blood of the Lamb, Sunny Side of the Mountain, Are You Mac Wiseman, Don Reno, and Grandpa Carpenter of Wood, Angels Rock Me To Missing Me?, Shackles and Chains, Jones. Sleep, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Angels Rock Me To Sleep, Nine Pound Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Than the Lord Hammer, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Some of the high-flying instrumentals for Everything, I’m Using My Bible for a Wabash Cannonball, Balld of Jed include ’ Orange Blossom Roadmap, White Dove, There’s Gonna Be Clampett, In The Pines, Feudin’ Banjos, Special and Lester Flatt’s Dixie Flyer. A Singing, Angel Band. Somebody Touched Me, House of the There are plenty of fiddle tunes, dobro Rising Sun, Sittin’ On top of the World, solos from Josh Graves and the sparkling CMH has compiled a collection of gospel Rank Strangers, Rocky Top, Will the tones of the banjo are heard throughout. favorites and listeners will recognize the Circle Be Unbroken, Lee Highway Blues, While CMH has medium and large size Osborne Brothers’ “White Dove” and Mac Whitehouse Blues, Roll in My Sweet collections of tunes, this giant size is for Wiseman’s “I’m Using My Bible For A Baby’s Arms, Dark Hollow, Limehouse bluegrass fans wanting the ultimate col- Roadmap.” The soaring vocals and com- Blues, Molly and Tenbrooks, Honey You lection for a long road trip, this will keep pelling harmonies of the Bluegrass Don’t Know My Mind, Border Rise, you gliding down the highway. Cardinals are well represented in “Shine Angel Band, Eight More Miles to Hallelujah Shine,” “Carpenter of Wood,” Lousiville, Wheel Hoss, White Dove, and “Angels Rock Me To Sleep.” Other With Body and Soul, Roanoke, Big Rock artists featured on the CD are Jim and Candy Mountain, I Saw The Light, I’ll Fly Jesse McReynolds, and the Nashville Away. T A I L E N D Grass. CMH has another blockbuster collection Hey, Bubba, Totally Bluegrass here with 36 representing some of the thanks for CMH Records classic songs and bands of the early blue- hanging out PO Box 39439 grass era. Mac Wiseman’s powerful voice Los Angeles, CA 90039 is heard on In The Pines, Shackles and with us! c.2006 Chains, and Dark Hollow. Bill Monroe www.cmhrecords.com sings With Bodty and Soul and the Possum Pages 7