Author: Michael Hall

Amazon Ends Donation Program — Last Day For Purchases To Benefit NCBS Is February 20

Amazon is ending AmazonSmile, a donation program for non-profits, on February 20, 2023. The company donated a small portion of customer purchases to the non-profit organization selected by the customer.

The Northern California Bluegrass Society has received a modest amount of contributions over the years from this program. Interested Amazon customers may continue to designate the Society as a recipient through the end date of the program by using the AmazonSmile information in the left column of this website.

Thanks to the company and to NCBS members and others for their past support. NCBS appreciates your financial contributions and will continue to receive donations online and by mail.

 

NCBS Is Now Collecting Scholarship Funds For The Walker Creek Music Camp

TheĀ Northern California Bluegrass SocietyĀ is now collecting donations for theĀ NCBS Walker Creek Music Camp Scholarship Fund.Ā NCBS/SCBSĀ is aĀ Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) Organization.

The NCBS Walker Creek Scholarship Fund CommitteeĀ awards scholarships twice each year to assist deserving students. The next round of scholarships will benefit attendees at theĀ April 13-16, 2023Ā spring session.

Send donations to:Ā Northern California Bluegrass Society/Santa Cruz Bluegrass Society,Ā PO Box 390846,Ā Mountain View, CA 94039-0846. Donations may be tax-advantaged.

Ingrid NoyesĀ runs theĀ Walker Creek Music CampĀ each spring and fall at theĀ Walker Creek Ranch, Petaluma. Camp registration opens on January 30.

Walker Creek Music Camp

Frank Solivan Sr Recovering After Flood Rescue Near Tracy

Bluegrass banjo player Frank Solivan, Sr. is recovering after being rescued downstream from a small truck he was driving, which was submerged in floodwaters at Lonetree Ranch near Tracy where he lives. The incident occurred in the early morning hours on Monday, January 16. Frank was returning from taking a friend to the airport and was caught in the rising waters on his way home.

He was rescued through the efforts of his neighbor and ranch owner Rhona Cheatwood and the local emergency rescue service. He was taken to San Joaquin General Hospital in French Camp. His friend Sharon Nichols Elliott and his niece Tamzen Smith Millen have been with him at the hospital.

Frank is best known for creating Kids On Bluegrass at the CBA Father’s Day Festival in Grass Valley and for launching the bluegrass career of his son Frank SolivanĀ of Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen fame. He was also a longtime volunteer at the Strawberry Music FestivalĀ and started the kids programs at the NCBS Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival and at the Plymouth Bluegrass Festival.

Frank is still hurting, but feeling better as of late Tuesday and hopes to leave the hospital in a few days. A full recovery is expected.

Frank Solivan Sr.

 

 

 

 

Bluegrass Venue Pie Ranch Has Suffered Storm Damage

The venerable bluegrass music and dance venue The Pie Ranch in Pescadero sustained significant wind and flood damage in the recent storms. The barn and farm hosted monthly dances with live bluegrass music and was also the location for the filming of the new AJ Lee & Blue Summit music video. The venue is named for the pie-slice shape of the ranch’s land off Highway One, which is also operated as an organic farm and farmstand.

Damages are estimated to be $100,000 and Donations to help with recovery are now accepted.