March 2017 has been a very busy month for the California Bluegrass Association and many items of significance have occurred. We heard directly from more members than ever before via our Message Board and email, our membership numbers significantly increased with new members joining and old members renewing, the 5th Annual Youth Academy sold out within the first month of registration, the SF area CBA member group has takeen off like a rocket with new ideas for community outreach and ways to contribute to the CBA Youth Program, a few of our youngest members swept the winners circle of two fiddle contests and Director and Lifetime Member Mark Hogan has retired from producing two impportant events.
Mark Hogan founded and produced the Sonoma County Bluegrass & Folk Festival in Sebastopol for 17 years. This small one- day event produced in partnership
with the Sonoma County Folk Society has been a “must attend” for a regional audience. First held in the Analy High School Auditorium and then moved to the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, these events have featured a pleasing mix of music not usually presented at CBA events. This year’s event was no exception and the gate was good, the weather perfect and the acts were first rate. Appearing on March 11th were: The Good OL’ Persons Reunion, Greenhouse, Rita Hosking, Jim Hurst, True Life Troubadours, Evie Ladin with Keith Terry & Erik Pearson. If the event is to continue with CBA participation someone new must step up to coordinate it with the Sonoma County Folk Society. So far there have been no takers. It would be a shame for this event to wither and it is a budgeted revenue producing event for the CBA.
Mark has also been extremely active with the California State Old
Time Fiddle Association District 10. This was Mark’s last year cocoordinating the 41st Annual Clover- dale Fiddle event. Mark introduced a bluegrass stage a few years ago which increased attendance and the numbers of people jamming. The Cloverdale event this last Saturday was held in perfect weather and Blithedale Canyon, Debbie McClatchy, Antioch Strolling Strings, Kevin Russell & His So Called Friends and Gilchrist, Nygaard & Reischman played.
Mark has been a CBA member for four decades. He has served the CBA as a super volunteer, Board member, Area Activities VP, producer, radio show host and performer. Mark is known by his many, many friends for his enthusiasm, his hard work on behalf of the CBA, stories (mostly true I think) and practical jokes. He has reached out to form partnerships with other organizations and has lived the CBA mission (to preserve, promote and support the music). I met Mark during the “Where are the California Bands” era of the CBA and he has been a friend of mine ever since. I wish he and Colleen Hogan (our CBA Secretary and co-producer of projects) a long and healthy retirement. Mark deserves our gratitude for providing us with so much for so many years. I do worry who can fill Mark’s footprints in our musical world.
As of this date (April 1) there are still spots in the CBA Mu- sic Camp. Co-Producers Peter Langston and Janet Peterson are worth their weight in gold for the work they put into the camps they produce. Janet and Peter have consistently provided the biggest bang for your buck: outstanding instructors and staff, an innovative schedule of events and lots of fun for all. The catered food is terrific for every kind of diet and taste. Janet and Peter promise perfect weather for this camp. CBA member Maggie Sokolik is taking over the role of Camp Coordinator from Geoff Sargent in June.
Ticket sales for our premier event, the 42nd Annual CBA Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, are selling briskly. Full Hook Up spots have been sold out for weeks. Electric Only Spots are selling fast. Our next cut-off date for Advanced Ticket is May 31st. Consider purchasing a membership and donating to the CBA Youth Program when you purchase your tickets. See you in June!
