by Christine | May 28, 2019 | Welcome Column
Recently, Jeanie and I played a few shows with Ray Bierl accompanying us on fiddle. Ray is a fun guy to play with and is very versatile, which is great for us because we play a mix bluegrass, old-time, honky tonk, and Western swing. Though he has the chops of someone...
by Christine | Nov 28, 2011 | Welcome Column
Recently, Jeanie and I played a few shows with Ray Bierl accompanying us on fiddle. Ray is a fun guy to play with and is very versatile, which is great for us because we play a mix bluegrass, old-time, honky tonk, and Western swing. Though he has the chops of someone...
by Christine | Jul 10, 2008 | Welcome Column
Practice makes….what? This is the “high season” for Bluegrass bands. There are festivals somewhere nearly every weekend, and the great weather means many other venues will feature live music in the warm night air, enticing patrons to sip cool drinks...
by Christine | Aug 13, 2014 | Welcome Column
Growing up, I remember that there were always a few dads in the neighborhood who were really good with their hands. Of course, it seems that ALL the dads in the ‘hood could build a fence if needed, and probably a doghouse, or maybe a bird house. But there were some...
by Christine | Mar 26, 2012 | Welcome Column
Bluegrass music fans in California are starting to feel that itch. We’re past the chilliest days of winter and it’s time to start thinking about going through the camping gear and preparing for the summer festival season. There’s the inflatable mattress that needs...
by Christine | Jun 9, 2010 | Welcome Column
With the huge 35th Anniversary Father’s Day Festival coming up, it’s a good time to make sure you’re properly prepared for the around-the-clock jamming. Trust me, folks – it sound easier than it is. But don’t worry, some simple preparations will ensure you’ll be at...
by Christine | Jan 18, 2017 | Welcome Column
There are some musicians (and you know who you are) for whom improvisation is as natural an act as breathing. You’re in a jam, and the solo comes around to you and you’re off and running, effortless, coherently. Your solo has a beginning, a middle and an end –...
by Christine | Aug 1, 2010 | Welcome Column
August President’s Message Correction to July’s Message: I plugged the Golden Old Time Campout last month as occurring in July and it is actually this month, in August, at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville. We definitely invite the “informal members” of...
by Christine | Mar 7, 2011 | Welcome Column
I have been working on my pet project, that of expanding our Youth Program. I have been helping create a larger and more exciting recreational Activities Program at Father’s Day which is more accessible and serves a larger age group. For years we have had a wonderful...
by Christine | Oct 12, 2009 | Welcome Column
Mark Hogan is on another roll! I sent an email to someone a few days ago saying I am most proud of the quality and quantity of the volunteers we have in the California Bluegrass Association. The email took place after I had yet another conversation with one of my...
