“The CBA has been a thrill ride for me… I’m grateful to the CBA for the help raising my kids, taking me seriously in a leadership position, and turning the Grass Valley nights into magic.” (Mark Varner, Facebook, April 19, 2021)
I’ve recently been recruited to help write the CBA’s application for an IBMA award–the Event of the Year–the Jam-a-Thon, which happened earlier this year and benefited the CBA’s Youth Programs. It was an amazing event that raised a lot of money for the Youth Programs, ensuring that future generations of bluegrass musicians will be out there, carrying on the best traditions.
In writing this application, I’m also reminded, as Mark Varner’s quote indicates above (thanks, Mark, for letting me include it), of all the things that the CBA does for people, myself included. In the Before Times, of course, we got together for Grass Valley and campouts and the Great 48. While those things haven’t been possible, so much more has been possible.
In all the online events, what becomes evident is the adaptability of the CBA in keeping activities going for members during these crazy times—activities that have, in my humble opinion, expanded our view of what is possible, even as we go forward and back to “normal”.
The Jam-a-Thon was just one example of an event that could not be replicated easily in real life. There were bands from 13 countries, playing sets around the clock from Japan, Ireland, Spain, South Korea, and many more. It brought together people not just from across the US but across the globe, listening together, chatting together, and enjoying what the CBA has managed for its membership and their friends.
As the state of California cautiously starts to reopen, there is still a wealth of activities coming up, virtually speaking, to engage and involve musicians and wannabe musicians alike until we can see each other again with everyone safe.
CBA Music Camp Online
Mark your calendars for June 12. There will be a very affordable online version of the Music Camp, which is usually held in-person at Grass Valley. There will be workshops with Alison Brown, Alice Gerrard, John Reischman, Jack Tuttle, Sharon Gilchrist, Jim Nunally, and Tony Trischka. You can sign up for just one, or get a day pass and learn something new and challenging (cbamusiccamp.com/CBAonline.php).
As always, Camp could use some volunteers, so if you know how to Zoom and could help out, write the Camp Directors, Tina Webster and Peter Langston at info@cbamusiccamp.org.
Another Round of Turn Your Radio OnLine
Last year’s Turn Your Radio OnLine, which included auctions and raffles and lots of music, will be repeated this year as well. This year, it will be a series of monthly webcasts, starting tomorrow, April 24, 2021. In tomorrow’s broadcast, you can hear Dom Flemons, Dale Ann Bradley, the Get Down Boys, and Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band, all for exactly zero dollars and zero cents. Of course, you’re encouraged to donate, or put in a bid on one of the fabulous auction items. You can find more information at californiabluegrass.org/tyro-cba/home/. And, if you want to see more information about all these amazing musicians, and interact with other CBA fans, visit the CBA’s Facebook page (facebook.com/californiabluegrass). You can also see a great video by Tristan Scroggins with his new tune “Turn Your Radio OnLine,” written just for us (facebook.com/californiabluegrass/videos/936180280530575 ).
Youth Academy
I can’t spill the beans or let the cat out of the bag, or whatever you want to call it, but the people behind the CBA Youth education programs are cooking up some special programs and activities to keep kids engaged and playing music. Kimber Ludiker and Darby Brandli are veritable fonts of ideas of how to keep kids learning. Watch this space.
Returning to Mark Varner’s quotation, I’d also like to thank the CBA for helping maintain a sense of continuity and possibility during the pandemic. I’m grateful for volunteers that keep things going, bands that play from their backyards and living rooms, music teachers who continue to teach online, and audiences that keep supporting all the efforts to make quarantines and the physical distances bearable.
There’s magic online, too. See you tomorrow.
