Friday Night Program
At the Marriott Ballroom
Included with the All Access Wristband, or $15 at the door
Band Scramble
A Great 48 tradition returns again this year. Put your name in the bucket corresponding to your instrument and you’ll be assigned to other players. Practice for a bit and perform your songs to open the Friday night program.
Annie Staninec Curated Concert
Fiddle virtuoso Annie Staninec brings her effervescence and enthusiasm to create a not-to-be missed concert. Details will be forthcoming. It never dissappoints!
Forest Thurman & Breakline
Formed in 2025 under the Arizona sun, Forest Thurman & Breakline have rapidly emerged as one of the Southwest’s most compelling new bluegrass bands. Led by guitarist, vocalist, and 2025 Arizona State Flatpicking Champion, Forest Thurman, the group blends traditional bluegrass with a hard‑driving, high‑energy edge, appealing to classic and modern audiences alike. Learn more
Square Dance
New this year! We’re bringing all that barn dance/square dance fun to the Great 48. Join us in the ballroom on Friday night for a gender-neutral, no need to bring a dance partner, no experience necessary and square dance to a live band. Be inspired by our live old time band, curated by Geff Crawford, while Masha Crawford teaches and calls the steps. Easy peasy and so much fun!
Saturday Night Concert TBA
Every year, we partner with local promoter Rick Kreiser to bring a renowned Bluegrass act to Bakersfield at a local venue. It’s a great time to take a break from jamming and learn from watching the best. To Be Announced as soon as confirmed.
Check this page often – we will update as program details are confirmed.
The Friday Night Program
2026 Band Scramble. Photo by David K. Cupp
The Band Scramble
Put your name in the bucket that corresponds to your instrument. You will be randomly assigned to other musicians and given a few hours to prepare a song. Performances will be judged by a panel and there will be a small cash prize for the winning performance!
Annie Staninec and John Kael. Photo by David K. Cupp
Annie Staninec Curated Concert
Annie Staninec never dissapoints. We can’t wait to see what she comes up with this year. She often includes fellow workshop instructors for a banger of a performance!
Forest Thurman & Breakline
Led by guitarist, vocalist, and Arizona State Flatpicking Champion Forest Thurman, the five‑piece group blends traditional bluegrass with a hard‑driving modern edge.
NEW this year!
Friday Night Square Dance with a Live String Band
Rest assured, this is nothing like your 5th Grade PE class. No experience required. Our caller will explain a few moves and then you get to try them out. These are gender neutral so no need to find a partner before you join the fun!