UPDATE FROM CBA ON THE GREAT 48 JAM
Our volunteer team at the California Bluegrass Association hopes you’re having a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break and are looking forward to the New Year.
CBA’s first event for 2022 is, of course, the traditional Great 48 Jam at the Bakersfield Marriott, January 6 through 9. We understand that with the latest COVID situation — especially the Omicron variant — there are concerns and questions about this gathering.
GREAT 48 is a “Go” — Some folks have asked if CBA was going to cancel the event. The CBA Board met a few days ago to discuss this tough decision. Ultimately, we realized that even if we officially cancelled the Great 48, many people would likely still choose to show up at the Marriott to play music, but without any of the special arrangements that CBA has been carefully planning. We decided that instead of cancelling, we’d focus on making the event as safe as we are able.
FRIDAY CONCERT CANCELLED – We’ve decided it’s best to pull the plug on the Friday night concert (January 7) that was to feature AJ Lee & Blue Summit, and the Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band. This will allow us to use the hotel’s ballroom area for other socially-distanced activities. If you’ve already purchased Concert tickets, you will be receiving a refund within the next few days.
VACCINES (OR NEGATIVE TEST RESULTS) REQUIRED – as previously announced, all Great 48 attendees will be required to show their proof of vaccination, or negative results of a COVID test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
PRE-REGISTER YOUR CREDENTIALS: CBA is working with CrowdPass to save time and trouble – you can upload your vaccine card, state-issued vaccine credentials or negative test results in advance. Just go to this Online Health Screening web page
OUTDOOR JAMMING OPTIONS – CBA is working with the Marriott to provide options for jamming outdoors at several locations on the property — weather permitting. We’ll be providing comfy chairs and patio heaters to make this option a pleasant alternative to indoor jams.
SOCIAL DISTANCING – We’re moving our workshops from the 9th floor suites to the ballroom area, which will be divided into separate, large (1,800 square foot) rooms, allowing for appropriate social distancing. These large areas will also be available for jamming.
HOTEL SAFETY PROVISIONS — We’ve confirmed with the Marriott that they have enhanced their protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Marriott management has informed us that they are using MERV-13 grade air filters for the HVAC system in the entire hotel (same air filter grade as used in hospitals). They have also enhanced public space cleaning, including electro-static spraying, and staff will be wearing face coverings.
MASKS – California regulations currently state that everyone is required to wear masks in Indoor public spaces (such as a hotel lobby).
# # #
We trust that these provisions, along with prudent measures taken by all attendees, will make this a fun and safe event. Don’t hesitate to contact the CBA Board with any questions: Board@CaliforniaBluegrass.net.
Best wishes for the Holidays — from all of us at the California Bluegrass Association