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We are pleased to report that Frank Solivan, Sr. has returned to his home near Tracy while still recovering from a January 16 ranch driving accident during a flood. He has been resting at the home of a friend since being released from the hospital. He will now continue his recovery back at the ranch.

A (literal) “celebration of his life” will be held at the CBA Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival at Grass Valley in June. More details will be announced soon.

Frank Solivan Sr Recovering After Flood Rescue Near Tracy (January 17, 2023)

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 Solivan of Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen fame. He was also a longtime volunteer at the Strawberry Music Festival 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.

Happy Martin Luther King Day from your friends in the Northern California Bluegrass Society!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends in the Northern California Bluegrass Society!

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends in The Northern California Bluegrass Society!

Former Northern California Bluegrass Society member Molly Tuttle, now of Nashville, has been nominated for the Best Bluegrass Album Award for her album Crooked Tree in the Grammys and is the first bluegrass artist to be nominated for Best New Artist across all categories.

The Northern California Bluegrass Society welcomes Laurie Lewis & Men Of Note for a performance at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park on Saturday, November 12.

The eclectic Laurie Lewis & Men of Note includes Sam Reider (accordion), Mark Schatz (bass), and Brandon Godman (fiddle), with the iconic Laurie Lewis on guitar. The show will take place in the intimate Weill Hall Loft at the Green Music Center, beginning at 7:30pm.

Sonoma State has become a steady supporter of bluegrass and alt-bluegrass music in the North Bay, an area that needs more live bluegrass music. The state-of-the-art Green Music complex offers a variety of excellent indoor and outdoor venues for live music.

Information & Tickets

Frequent bluegrass venue Michael’s On Main is closed due to a fire that occurred in a kitchen area early on Thursday morning, September 1, 2022.

The Soquel establishment, which includes some outdoor seating and performance space, was a mainstay for live music during part of the Covid 19 pandemic, when many venues were shut down. The mostly acoustic music offerings range from rock to bluegrass.

Owner Michael Harrison is a regular attendee at the NCBS Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival. A one evening version of the Brookdale Bluegrass Festival was held at MOM several years ago.

The restaurant suffered some fire damage, but mostly smoke and water damage, and will reopen, although no timetable has been set.

Here is the First Stage Schedule for the August 11-14, 2022 Northern California Bluegrass Society Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival:

FRIDAY, August 12

Your support of bluegrass music in our area is much appreciated at this critical time — and our volunteers have big plans! 2022 will be a great year to be a member.

Now is the time to renew your membership in your local bluegrass music club! The Northern California Bluegrass Society welcomes all new, renewing, and returning members. It only takes a moment to join or renew on this website or by mail.

NCBS Membership Information