Jan Purat is a Berkeley-based fiddler, composer, and arranger who has played in many popular Bay Area bands before rising to the top as fiddler in the hugely popular, national touring AJ Lee & Blue Summit. His marvelous tone and temperament
Author: Dave Berry
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California Report: mandolinist Alan Bond
Alan Bond is a fixture in the Bay Area and California bluegrass scene. He mostly plays instruments in the mandolin family, but is no stranger to the guitar, fiddle, uke, and other instruments. An avid instrument collector who has played
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California Report: Violinist/Fiddler Alisa Rose
These days, it's not uncommon for fiddlers to have both a classical and bluegrass background, but perhaps nobody does it better than San Francisco-based Alisa Rose. Undoubtedly, that is due to the fact she has been playing both styles (at a
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California Report: CBA Bluegrass Breakdown’s new directions
CBA Bluegrass Breakdown editor/graphic designer, Jason and Gina Dilg Long-time readers of the California Bluegrass Association member's monthly newsletter, the Bluegrass Breakdown, noticed big changes during the pandemic including a smaller footprint with fewer columns with a professional-looking glossy print finish,
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California Report: Guitarist Jim Nunally
Jim Nunally is a California-based musician's musician, not so widely known despite having played extensively with many great California artists, including both the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience and John Reischman and the Jaybirds. He's a sought-after producer, and nowadays spends most
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California Report: CBA SoCal Regional Director Donna Hargis
Donna Hargis organizes many Southern California bluegrass events and is the MVP of the Southern California Bluegrass Association scene. A recent convert to the bluegrass fold, Donna exudes enthusiasm and energy that inspires both young and old to play, learn
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California Report: CBA SoCal Regional Director Donna Hargis
Donna Hargis organizes many Southern California bluegrass events and is the MVP of the Southern California Bluegrass Association scene. A recent convert to the bluegrass fold, Donna exudes enthusiasm and energy that inspires both young and old to play, learn
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California Report: Jason Keiser on his New Acoustic Collective
San Jose–based Jason Keiser is yet another in the suddenly burgeoning field of young players who easily crosses boundaries from jazz and bluegrass. He studied at East Tennessee State University with guitarist Wyatt Rice. Jason's primary instrument is the guitar,
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California Report: Kenny Feinstein of Water Tower Band
"Bluegrass and folk alchemy with psychedelic and punk influences" is how the Los Angeles-based Water Tower Band is described on their web site. Led by co-founder Kenny Feinstein, the band has endless energy emitting old-time sounds in a modern musical
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California Report: Suzy Thompson on the Berkeley old time scene and convention
Suzy Thompson of Berkeley, CA has seemingly always been an integral part of the Bay Area acoustic music scene. She's played with her music partner Eric Thompson and a long line of folks, such as the Todalo Shakers, Thompsonia, the