The CBA as an organization needs a constant infusion on new members and contributors to remain vital. Let’s revisit what the California Bluegrass Association is, and what it does.
“Oh yeah”, some folks might say. “They’re the ones that put on that big festival in Grass Valley.” In fact, when I was the CBA Board of Directors, and we did random phone poll of members whose membership had lapsed, over and over, I heard folks say they let their membership lapse because they no longer attend the Father’s Day Festival.
The CBA’s charter says the CBA exists “To promote, encourage, foster and cultivate the preservation, appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, support and performance of bluegrass, old-time, gospel and traditional instrumental and vocal music of the United States.” See https://www.cbaweb.org/About/ArticlesOfInc for the whole articles of incorporation.
One of the reasons people gave me for no longer attending the Father’s Day Festival was, they were getting too old. That’s a valid reason, obviously. And if money is tight in your sunset years, membership in the CBA may be a cost you can no longer justify.
But if you CAN afford that $25-$35 annual fee, please consider keeping your membership even if distance, age or infirmity no longer permits you to attend our events. The reason is, our job isn’t done – not by a long shot. We still need your help.
Like a lot of bluegrass associations around the country, our membership is aging. But that doesn’t mean the organization only appeals to seniors – we have lots of young people at our events, and a number of programs to help young people understand bluegrass music and begin a lifetime enjoyment of it. We are hopeful these young people will grow up and continue their love of bluegrass and begin contributing to the CBA to help keep things going, so THEIR kids can do the same.
It is time to realize that membership is the CBA is not just away to save money on your Father’s Day Festival ticket. It’s an important part of ALL the things the CBA does to achieve its stated goals in the article of incorporation.
If your membership has lapsed, please renew it (see https://www.cbaweb.org/About/Join). The next time you’re at a jam, ask around the circle and see how many of the pickers are current members – take a moment and explain what the CBA does for bluegrass, and encourage to join, to contribute. If you’re going to the Great 48 in Bakersfield direct them to the membership table and close the deal. Without support, the CBA won’t be able to continue to effectively evangelize the joys of this music to the young pickers of today and the pickers that are yet to come. Do you have any doubts as to the worthiness of this endeavor?
