Most bluegrass fans with even a passing knowledge of California bluegrass know about the California Bluegrass Association (CBA) Father’s Day Festival, and maybe some have gotten wind of the winter weekend hotel getaway in Bakersfield known as the Great 48
AJ is nine-time winner of the Northern California Bluegrass Society Female Vocalist of the Year. She’s the mandolinist and leader of the band Blue Summit, described on their website as, “A genre-fluid bluegrass band and remarkable group of young musicians
I recently got wind of a new project with Jeff Scroggins, leader and banjo player from Jeff Scroggins and Colorado (JSCO). Jeff is assembling a new band with a host of youngish California bluegrass talent including Scott Gates and members
The last couple of weeks Northern California has been treated to some much-needed relief from the atmospheric rivers that dumped on the west coast. Jerry Wicentowski & the Wiseman Institute, made up of Jerry plus Bay Area stalwarts Jody Stecher,
Ryan Breen is co-founder and holds down the banjo, vocals, and songwriting chair for the San Francisco bluegrass band Windy Hill. They are the backbone of the Bay area bluegrass world, and in 2018 released their fourth album Live from
Victor Skidanenko is a Bay Area fan favorite performer and teacher of banjo, mandolin, and guitar. He currently plays banjo in the Central Valley Boys and the Thundering Heard, and guitar and mandolin in the True Life Troubadours. Tell us about
If you follow bluegrass at all then you are no doubt aware there is an amazing amount of young talent coming out of California. The California Bluegrass Association (CBA) Youth Programs spearheaded by CBA President Darby Brandli are a huge
Kate Brislin is a San Francisco based guitarist and extraordinary singer with a rich bluegrass and old-time history. She has performed and recorded with Hazel Dickens, Mike Seeger, Alice Gerrard, Chris Brashear, and Katy Moffatt, to name a few. She’s
I received a note from Bay Area singer and instrumentalist Jody Stecher about a stellar band he helped Jerry Wicentowski put together for a Northern California tour in March. I spoke with Jody who is quite excited about the tour,
Jeremy Darrow is a frequent bluegrass blogger, IBMA board member, and bass player for the roots pop band Front Country. Originally from North Carolina, Jeremy now resides in Nashville and though he is not California based, he qualifies as next