Having lived in both Northern and Southern California, I am well aware of the enormous length of this state, and, really, how we are split into basically two main north and south geographical areas. That said, when festivals roll around, many of us are faced with a long, arduous drive if we live in Northern California and decide to make the big trek to a festival in the Southern end of the state. And just the opposite is true. Many Southern California folks must decide whether or not to travel a couple of days to attend festivals up north like CBA’s Father’s Day Festival in Grass Valley. Some folks happily make those long drives, but some don’t, preferring to stay closer to home and attend festivals in their “neck of the woods.”
The newest festival in Southern California is the Route 66 Bluegrass Festival happening Father’s Day weekend. This festival is the brainchild of Eric Nordbeck and Lorrie Sanders, both Southwest Bluegrass Association movers and shakers. Their idea for having this festival is to provide the bluegrass festival experience to those in Southern California who, for various reasons, are not making the long, long drive north. In past years, the Huck Finn Jubilee was held on Father’s Day weekend in the High Desert area of Victorville, and in the last three years it has been in other Southern California locations. But this year, Huck Finn has broken that tradition, and will happen the week before the Father’s Day weekend on June 11, 12 & 13th. That move left Southern Californians festival-less on Father’s Day weekend. A void that needed to be filled, right?
According to Nordbeck, SWBA’s current president, their Route 66 fest will be held at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds back in Victorville. “Lorrie and I have been talking about hosting our own festival for years and have decided this is the year to take a leap of faith and put together a serious plan to bring bluegrass back to the High Desert. For me, it’s time to think about what I want to do when I retire from my teaching career and I think Lorrie’s even older than I am, so the timing seems to make sense.” And let’s make it clear that this is not a SWBA festival, but a private endeavor by Nordbeck and Sanders who just happen to be part of the SWBA hierarchy.
At the Victorville fairgrounds, there will be ample dry camping spaces and over 100 full hook-up sites available, too. The venue also provides a beautiful stage, lots of jamming areas, vendors, security and all the “extras” that will give this event a comfortable and consistent home for this festival. Nordbeck explains that, “Lorrie and I promise to put together a family friendly festival featuring many of our own West Cost bands and activities that promote the best of a traditional bluegrass festival.” They will be needing volunteers and will treat them well. They are looking forward to those interested in helping out and also the support from the Southern California bluegrass community for their new adventure.
Bands heading their lineup include Eric Uglum & Bud Bierhaus & the Vintage Martins (great show here – saw them at Lake Havasu and wowsers!), Silverado, Get Down Boys, Grasslands, Burning Heart, MojaviSoul, This Just In, Windy Ridge, Back Porch Bluegrass, Sweet Tidings, and the SWBA Bluegrass Kids. Other items to mention include a songwriter’s showcase, covered audience area, workshops, craft & food vendors, and kid’s activities. Looks like they have it covered in the “fun for all ages” category.
So, it should be a great time, and as their slogan states, “Come and Pick on Route 66.” This festival will bring bluegrass back to the High Desert area. Feel free to call or email Eric with questions, etc. You can contact him at 760-218-8752 or email at route66bluegrass@gmail.com. Welcome, Route 66 to the West Coast bluegrass festival circuit! And good luck!
