The Great 48 Jam
January 14-17, 2027 (MLK Weekend)
Members-only reservations open at
noon on September 1.
Here’s how to participate:
GET YOUR ALL ACCESS PASS
Purchase an “all access pass.” The cost for the full event is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. This will entitle you to attend workshops, hosted jams, the band scramble, concerts, and new this year, a square dance! Workshops and Hosted Jams page.
This small fee will allow the CBA to continue producing this very popular event. The pass is available on-line, and on-site at the event. Don’t forget to check in and collect your wristband when you arrive in Bakersfield.
Offered again this year! For $60, the acclaimed Wernick Method Jam Class (same 3-hour class offered three times to accommodate your schedule and provide personal coaching).
*Wernick Method Sessions are not included in the All Access Pass
MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION
CBA Members and Members of participating Bluegrass Associations may reserve as of NOON, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
Reservations open to the general public on September 15. Rooms sell out quickly, so do not delay.
To reserve at the CBA group rate, call Michelle Sanchez – 661-565-9320. You can leave a message and she will call you back. Be sure to let her know if you want a quiet or jamming floor. Tip: If you are okay with any type of room (King or 2 Queens), let Michelle know. Sometimes there are rooms available on a jamming floor, but not a specific type of requested room.
Not sure of your membership status? Email: membership@californiabluegrass.net.
All aboard the Bakersfield Bluegrass Express!
Honor the grand tradition of Bluegrass train songs by riding Amtrak from the Bay Area to Bakersfield! The biggest group of pickers leaves on Thursday afternoon and returns Sunday. Share a train car with other Bluegrass fans singing and picking all the way to the legendary Great 48-Hour Jam at the Bakersfield Marriott (right next door to the train station). The train departs Oakland, picking up Bluegrass pickers at all stops along the way. Arrive rested and ready to pick, not like when you drive and you get there so tired you can barely drag yourself into the lobby. We will confirm and postinformation about specific train numbers on this page. Questions? Email: great48train@californiabluegrass.net !
Wernick Method Jam Class
Offered again this year! For $60, the acclaimed Wernick Method Jam Class (same 3-hour class offered three times to accommodate your schedule and provide personal coaching).
*Wernick Method Sessions are not included in the All Access Pass