larger view

Bluegrass News
 
Hello folks,
Summer is racing right on by and I hope everyone has had a good one. There are some really exciting things happening in the next couple of months that are sure to wet your bluegrass appetite and I for one am looking forward to each of them.
 
Jam Report: Both The Rusty's Jam and the Dagney's jam are getting a steady turnout.  The Rusty's Jam is averaging around 14 pickers and the Dagney's Jam around 8.  Thanks to Rusty's and Dagney's our hosts for the jams, as well as  the pickers and the folks that show up to listen to the music. Also thanks for spending some dollars on pizza and coffee.  Both  establishments have mentioned to me that they are noticing the sales at the cash register.  A special thanks to Jeff Russinsky for helping out and getting the Dagney's Jam off the ground.
 
Music Zone: I met with the owner of the Music Zone the other day and he mentioned that he had an idea that might work out well for the local jam scene and would I stop by and discuss it with him.  Apparently he still has the space that the old store was in and is going to convert it into a jam/small concert space with a stage similar to what they have at McCabes and Boulevard Music.  This could really be a cool thing for the local musicians and would provide us with a central gathering place to jam as well as a small intimate venue to hear and perform some music.  This is something totally new to Bakersfield and I think it will be fantastic!  Give Rob a call and let him know what you think of his idea. 661-321-3357
 
Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out ......IN BAKERSFIELD.  That's right folks. We have secured the band and the venue.  You might be saying who is Roger Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out?  Well read on. As the saying goes, “The proof is in the pudding,” and there is no greater proof of the band’s status as one of the world’s top bluegrass groups than its seven  IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) awards for ‘Vocal Group of the Year’ and Russell Moore’s two IBMA ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ trophies. All in all, IIIrd Tyme Out has garnered over 50 industry awards, the last two being ‘Bluegrass Band of the Year’ and ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ (Russell Moore), both from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) Here is your chance to see seven time IBMA group of the year and two time IBMA male vocalist Russell Moore up close and personal. The concert will be held on September 11th. at 7:00 at River Valley Community Church, 5131 Office Park Dr. Bakersfield, Ca.  Ticket prices will be $15.00 in advance $18.00 at the door.  Tickets are bieng printed as we speak and we should have them available early next week.  Tickets will be available at the Music Zone 2808 Chester Ave. 661-321-3357 or you can contact Kelvin or Craig.
 
If you listen to any of the satellite radio stations you have heard this band.  They are great!  the success of this concert and more in the future depends on us putting butts in the seats so call your friends, buy some tickets, and spread the word.   Our good friends over at the Music Zone have offered to help sponser the event by helping us cover our ticket, flyer, and some advertising cost.  Once again bring a friend or two with you and lets make this a success.  You can call Kelvin Gregory 661-392-7973 or Craig Wilson 661-589-8249 for more info.
 
The 48 Hour Bakersfield Bluegrass Jam: Things are firming up for the 2009 jam.  If you made it to last years jam I am sure you had a good time and if you did not here is your chance to pick till your fingers burn.  Last year we had approx. 60 pickers from all over the state of california attend.  This year by rescheduling the jam to not conflict with The Blythe Festival and the NAMM Show we are expecting significantly more.  It looks like we will be changing venues and holding the event at the DoubleTree on rosedale.  We will have a block of rooms reserved for out of towner's as well as guy's like me that just can't seem to leave even though I only live a short distance from the jam.....We will also have conference rooms that will be available for jamming, the use of the Lounge for the band scramble, and possibly a kick off thursday night concert featuring a traveling california band.
 
Whew that is a slew things and activities to report.................I would say that the bluegrass scene is alive and well in Kern County....thanks in advance for helping us make these events a success.
 
Upcoming Events:

8/22/08 thru 8/24/08 (Fri.- Sun.) – SUMMERGRASS FESTIVAL, VISTA, at the 40-acre Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., the San Diego Bluegrass Society and North County Bluegrass & Folk Club present their annual Summergrass Festival. A dozen terrific bands will appear on stage, to include nationally acclaimed groups like The Infamous Stringdusters, Don Rigsby & Midnight Call, Bluegrass Etc.,Chris Stuart & Backcountry, Sawmill Road, and Burnett Family Bluegrass. For tickets and more info, call (858) 679-4854, or see www.summergrass.net.
 
9/6/08 (Sat)PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS 8:00 p.m.
S.Y. Valley Grange Hall 2374 Alamo Pintado Avenue Los Olivos CA Tickets, at $12.00, available on-line at: http://www.bluegrasswest.co... and at the Book Loft in Solvang, CA.Tickets will go on-sale on August 19th. The Very Lonesome Boys includes bassist Tom Lee, veteran of the Cache Valley Drifters and The Bluegrass Cardinals,   Mike Nadolson, head of Tricopolis Records in Orange County  plays Martin flat-top guitar.  The banjo duties are ably handled by record producer David West of Play Ball Productions (CMH Records recording artist), known also for his song writing and producing skills. Tommy Marton is our fine fiddler.  Band leader, singer, and mandolinist Peter Feldmann was awarded the 2008 "Music Legend Award" by the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Association. The Very Lonesome Boys' vibrant new CD, "Home On The Grange" will be on sale at the show (and at the Book Loft in Solvang).
 
09/11-- Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out 7:00 p.m. River Valley Community Church, 5131 Office Park Dr. Bakersfield, Ca. Ticket price $15.00 advanced $18.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Music Zone 2808 Chester Ave. 661-321-3357 .For more information call Kelvin Gregory 661-392-7973 or Craig Wilson 661-589-8249.
 
9/13/08 (Sat) (On Sale 8/31) Cliff Wagner and the Old #7-$15 Boulevard Music Their sizzling sound that utilizes bluegrass, blues, and honky tonk combined with modern lyrics preserves the "High Lonesome Sound" of traditional music. Combine that with great harmony singing and exciting instrumentals done with electrifying fiddle, banjo, mando, guitar & bass and you have The Old #7. Wagner and band were recently one of the favorites on the TV show America's Favorite Band. Bring autograph pen and $15 for CD
 
9/26 - 9/28-- HOBBS GROVE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL The California Bluegrass Association is sponsoring this festival held just of the road in Sanger. The Del Williams Bluegrass Band is headlining along with The Kathy Kallick Band, Eric Uglam and Sons's, The Grasskickers, Dalton Mountain Gang and many more local bands. This festival will be practically right in our own backyards. Here is a link to the website for additional information http://www.krblue.net/index... (cut and paste into your browser)
 
01/2009: The 48 hour Bakersield Bluegrass Jam:

Wild River Ramblers(Julio Boysenberry on Banjo, John Sharpe on Fiddle, Tony Irvine on Bass, Roger Siminoff on Mandolin and Alan Aleksander (me) on Guitar) the 1st Sunday of the month, from 2 PM to whenever.   Santa Maria Brewing Co http://www.santamariabrew.c... Cut and Paste Link into Browser (owner:  Dan Hilker) 112 Cuyama Lane  (1/2 block W of the 101) Nipomo, CA, 805 349 2090
LOCAL JAMS INFO
SANTA BARBARA-- 2nd Sunday Bluegrass Jam, Noon until 5 PM at Kiwanis Meadow in Tucker's Grove Park, at the intersection of Turnpike Road and Foothill Road. -- For more info, e-mail Alan Aleksander at Constatty@aol.com.
LOMPOC -- 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM at Southside Coffee Co., 105 So. "H" St. -- for more info call Bill at (805) 736-8241
SAN LUIS OBISPO -- 3rd Sunday, 5:30 - 8:30 PM at. SLO Down Pub, 1200 East Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande. For more info, e-mail Roger: rsiminoff@aol.com
VENTURA -- every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6 PM until 9:30 PM. At Zoeys located at 451 E. Main St. in Ventura, California. For more info email Gene Rubin at generubinaudio@earthlink.net
BAKERSFIELD-- first Sunday of each month. Rusty's Pizza 5430 Olice Drive (in the vons center) 6:00 - 9:00. Come on down and bring a couple of songs. Contact Kelvin Gregory  661-392-7973 home or 428-7044 cell.
BAKERSFIELD—every Saturday. Dagney's Coffee Shop. The jam will start at 2:00 p.m. and run to 5:00 or so. Come on down for some coffee, stir in some music, and you get a good time. For more info on the Saturday Jam contact Jeff Russinsky @ -661-364-1553 or 324-7504
Agoura Hills ---3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm in Agoura Hills at Gateway Church. The address is 29646 Agoura Rd. 91301.
Fresno/Squaw Valley -- Pot Luck/Jam the last Saturday if each month at the Bear Mt. Library. Call Henry Zuniga 559-338-0026 for info.
Paso Robles from 6 to 8 PM on the second Wednesday of every month. All levels -- from beginners to professionals -- are welcome. Come to Café Vio, 1111 Riverside Ave. (located beneath Cool Hand Luke's,20in the Granary Bldg. at 12th St.). For more info call Lin Mercer (805) 458-6316; or Café Vio (805) 237-2722