by Christine | Sep 11, 2015 | Welcome Column
I just saw a wonderful documentary on Netflix about the history of Arhoolie Records and it’s interesting founder, a fellow named Chris Strachwitz. Chris is a German immigrant who was smitten by the beauty and primitive majesty of all forms of American roots...
by Christine | Jul 1, 2012 | Welcome Column
It’s Friday night and I sat down at my desk and thought that I might actually get a jump on my Sunday column. After pouring a bit of my customary pre-writing bourbon, I began to stare at the computer screen. I’d planned out my bit of monthly prose while watching the...
by Christine | Mar 11, 2017 | Welcome Column
(Editor’s Note–Yesterday when we ran Cliff Compton’s Welcome, I inadvertently left off the introductory paragraph. To remedy that situation, we’ll run it again tomorrow in its entirety. RC)(Here’s one of my favorites that...
by Christine | Jan 11, 2020 | Welcome Column
OK, it’s Saturday, the 2nd Saturday of 2020. I predict that everyone in the world will have 20/20 vision for one year. And I predict that anybody who is anybody in the world of bluegrass is and will be at the CBA’s “Great 48” in Bakersfield,...
by Christine | May 13, 2017 | Welcome Column
Twenty-three years ago when the band (Sonoma Mountain Band) started, we performed at small venues, just as it should be, because you need to, “Pay you dues!” The audiences were small in number, but they listened, really listened to the songs. The words,...
by Christine | Dec 14, 2019 | Welcome Column
December. Winter. Burrrrr! “California dreaming on such a winter’s day.” Yuk! Who needs it? It’s cold, it’s damp, it’s rainy, it’s snowy (depending on where you are). And it’s a pain that a pill can’t reach....
by Christine | Jun 11, 2016 | Welcome Column
It is 1976. I’m driving a yellow, 1972 VW “Bug.” I am not alone. Inside the small cabin of this German import on four wheels is my wife, my ten month old son and his fold-up crib, a large heavy green canvas tent that could have come from WWII, a...
by Christine | Sep 10, 2016 | Welcome Column
As most of you know, the next CBA Campout will be held October 17-23, at the Lodi Fairgrounds. Okay, I’ll admit it, last year was the first time I attended a CBA Campout at Lodi. While there, the thought occurred to me that the “Campouts” should...
by Christine | Apr 8, 2017 | Welcome Column
Never thought it would happen. Didn’t enter my mind, even the unconscious, IMHO. But what do I know? I’m no neurologist, heck, I’m barely even human. The thing about it is, you never know what you’re getting into when you sign-up for this...
by Christine | Nov 12, 2016 | Welcome Column
Admittedly my knowledge is limited. Limited to three. Limited to three kitchens that are all things bluegrass.First there is, “JD’s Bluegrass Kitchen.” Yes, there is that fine JD Rhyne’s cookbook, jam-packed full of recipes for,...
