Bands and Entertainment
If you haven’t heard the name Ettore Buzzini yet, you probably will soon. Or perhaps you were one of the lucky ones who got to see his showcase at Great 48 in January? If so, you don’t need convincing and can just skip right down to the ticket link.
At just 18 years old, Ettore has already established himself as one of the brightest young talents in bluegrass. Winner of the prestigious Earl Scruggs Banjo Competition, he’s an accomplished songwriter, festival performer, and recording artist whose playing combines incredible precision with creativity and soul. He’s currently working on his third full-length album, an impressive milestone for someone just beginning his career.
Along the way, he’s recorded with bluegrass legends including Danny Paisley, Michael Cleveland, Christopher Henry, and Mark Schatz, and was recently selected by the legendary Del McCoury Band for their 2026 Young Guns Tour. It’s easy to see why. Ettore’s music is deeply rooted in tradition while bringing a fresh voice that’s helping shape the future of bluegrass.
For this special California Bluegrass Association “South State 48 showcase”, Ettore is traveling all the way from North Carolina to join Southern California favorites Faultliner for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of music. Their combined musicianship, energy, and love of the music will make this a performance you won’t want to miss.
This showcase will not happen in the Foodhall. This performance can be enjoyed in an intimate listening-room setting. Every seat is close. Every note is heard. You’ll want to hear it.
Come discover one of bluegrass’s brightest rising stars while enjoying one of Southern California’s finest bands. We can’t wait to share this evening with you.
Welcome to the Third Annual South State 48 Band Contest:
The California Bluegrass Association is pleased to announce the Third Annual South State 48 Band Contest! Calling all pickers, rosin up your fiddle bow, sharpen up your G-Runs, dust off your metronome, rehearse those 3-part harmonies and enter the band contest! The contest will take place on Friday, November 6th from 7-9pm at the Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel in Carlsbad, CA. The winner of the band contest will receive $300 prize money and an opportunity to open for Ettore Buzzini on Saturday, November 7th! The winning band will also receive a mention in the Bluegrass Breakdown and CBA social media.
Bands must consist of 3-6 members and all ages are welcome to register. Depending on the quantity of entries, bands will be expected to perform 3-6 songs during the competition. Bands are expected to perform on the commonly accepted bluegrass instruments of banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass and resophonic guitar. Bands are required to perform at least one instrumental and one vocal song. Bands will be provided with a small PA system that includes one condenser microphone. Bands will be judged by a panel of musicians.
Band Contest Registration is open from September 1st – October 16th. To register for the contest please read all the rules and submit an application here
REGISTER
Complete List of Rules:
The Basics:
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The band contest will take place on Friday, November 6th from 7-9 p.m. at the Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel in Carlsbad, CA.
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The winner of the contest will receive $300 and perform a 45-minute set of music on the evening of Saturday, November 7th.
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The deadline to apply is 11:59pm PT on Friday, October 16th.
The Details:
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Entry in the South State 48 Band Contest is on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to 8 contestant bands.
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Registration will close at 11:59pm PT on Friday, October 16th OR when we receive eight applications, whichever comes first.
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The winner of the contest from the previous year is not allowed to enter in the contest.
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All bands must consist of 3-6 members.
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All ages are welcome to enter the contest.
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The band should perform in either a bluegrass, old time or newgrass/Americana style
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Bands are expected to perform on the commonly accepted acoustic bluegrass instruments of banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass and resophonic guitar.
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Electrified instruments, drum sets, and amplifiers will not be allowed. If needed, standup bass may use a small amplifier.
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Bands are required to perform at least one instrumental and one vocal song.
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Bands entering the contest may have no common members.
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Depending upon the quantity of bands that enter the contest, each band will have between 15 – 20 minutes to perform. This includes setup and soundcheck!
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Bands will be provided with a small PA system that includes a condenser microphone.
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The contestant order will be randomly assigned prior to the start of the competition.
The Judging:
Material Selection
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Difficulty – A simple tune played well will score higher than a difficult tune played poorly
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Taste
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Authenticity – Selection qualifies as bluegrass, old-time or newgrass/Americana
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Originality
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Total Points in Material Selection = 25
Instrumental Musicianship – 25 points
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Timing and Rhythm – Beginnings, endings and transitions
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Intonation – Instruments are in tune including the banjo
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Solos – Expressivity, able to convey the intention of the tune
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Overall Instrumental Blend – Volume and dynamics are well balanced
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Total Points in Material Selection = 25
Vocal Performance – 25 points
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Intonation – Vocals are in tune and balanced
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Clarity and Diction – Lyrics can be easily understood
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Overall Quality – Harmony parts and dynamics are balanced, and harmony parts are in good taste
Stage Presence – 25 points
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Audience Engagement
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Confidence on Stage
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Entertainment Value
TOTAL POINTS – 100