Strings For Dreams Raffle To Benefit The IBMA Foundation — Tickets On Sale Now

The annual raffle that supports the IBMA Foundation is on now and will run through May 12, 2023. Now is the time to get your tickets and support bluegrass music!

The main prize is a vintage 1967 Martin D-35 Guitar with hardshell case, strap, stand, and other accessories valued at $5,000.

The other totally unique prize is a pair of handmade (in your size) cowboy boots from master boot maker Lisa Sorrell. The boots will feature the art of the Louvin Brothers’ iconic “Satan Is Real” album cover and are valued at priceless!

Raffle Information, Prizes, & Tickets

The IBMA Foundation is affiliated with the International Bluegrass Music Association. The Northern California Bluegrass Society is a longtime organizational member of the IBMA and NCBS past president Michael Hall is a member of the Foundation’s board of directors.

Louvin’ Brothers boots!

Discount Tickets For Members & Non-Members For The Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival Are Now Available

The Northern California Bluegrass Society welcomes all new, renewing, and returning members as we get ready for festival season! You can join or renew your NCBS Membership on this website or by mail! Your support of bluegrass music in our area is much appreciated.

NCBS Members receive a deep discount on Advance Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival Tickets. Non-Members receive a discount. Tickets are now available on this website.

GOF Tickets — Non-Members

NCBS Membership Information

GOF Tickets — Members

David Stafford, KKUP Folk & Bluegrass Programmer, Dies Of Heart Attack

David Stafford, best known as the longtime host of the Friday Folk Off program on KKUP Radio-Cupertino, died following a heart attack on March 21, 2023. He was 72 years old.

Stafford was a key player in making the community broadcaster the leading folk (including bluegrass) radio station in the Bay Area and Monterey Bay Areas. He joined the station’s volunteer staff as an engineer in 1990, went on-air in 1992, and did his last show a few weeks before his death.

Although best known for hosting his weekly Friday afternoon folk show, he began his tenure with a classical music show and was also doing a jazz program on the station in 2023.

He served on both the KKUP Board Of Directors and the Program Committee (which he helped initiate), was Station Manager for several years, and was the station’s Studio Engineer for over a decade. He was a hard-working volunteer and fundraiser for the non-profit station.

The popular Friday Folk Off featured both recorded and live in-studio performances by folk and bluegrass musicians. Dave supported music events throughout the South Bay & Santa Cruz areas.

David Stafford

Susanville Bluegrass Festival Cancelled For 2023, Under New Ownership But Same Management

The Susanville Bluegrass Festival, previously announced for June 23-25, 2023, has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict at the Lassen County Fairgrounds in Susanville. A citywide motorcycle ride-in will occupy the fairgrounds. Organizers plan for the festival to return in 2024 at a new location, which will be announced at a later date.

The 12-year-old event was started by Gene Bach (at the recommendation of the Lassen County Fair Board by then president, Dan Douglas) and then subsequently owned by its landlord, the Lassen County Fair, and headed by Douglas. Now, Dan & Cheryl Douglas will continue to organize the festival with the new owner, the newly-formed Susanville Bluegrass Music Alliance.

 

Brookdale Bluegrass Festival Survives Power Outage & Road Closures For A Successful Weekend

This weekend’s NCBS-welcomed Brookdale Bluegrass & Roots Music Festival was a successful gathering of bands & fans at the Brookdale Lodge in the storm-damaged San Lorenzo Valley. The early-week rains and wind severely damaged Highway 9 and left the area with no grid power on the weekend of the festival.

The event went on with limited generator power, and no lights or hot water for guests in the Lodge’s rooms. Bluegrass musicians and fans had a good time anyway. Outside performances enjoyed beautiful sunny and cool days while evening shows were held inside by candlelight.

The festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains was presented by Brookdale Bluegrass & The Brookdale Lodge.

NCBS Members Receive A Deep Discount On Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival Tickets

The Northern California Bluegrass Society welcomes all new, renewing, and returning members as we get ready for festival season! You can join or renew your NCBS Membership on this website or by mail! Your support of bluegrass music in our area is much appreciated.

NCBS Members receive a deep discount on Advance Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival Tickets.

NCBS Membership Information

Upcoming Events Of Interest To Northern California Bluegrass Music Fans

Upcoming Events Of Interest To Northern California Bluegrass Fans 

MARCH

24-26 – Brookdale Bluegrass & Roots Festival, Brookdale Lodge, Brookdale. (NCBS welcomed)

APRIL

13-16 – Walker Creek Music Camp, Walker Creek Ranch, Petaluma. (NCBS welcomed)

18-23 – CBA Spring Campout, Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Lodi.

21-23 — California State Old Time Fiddle Association Open Fiddle & Picking Contest, Lodi Grape Festival Fairgrounds, Lodi.

21-23 – Berkeley Bluegrass Festival, Freight & Salvage, Berkeley. (NCBS welcomed)

27-30 – Merlefest, Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, NC.

28-30 – Two Day Town Campout, Lake Del Valle, Livermore.

MAY

11-14 – Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, Parkfield.

25-28 – Delfest, Allegany County Fairgrounds, Cumberland, MD.

25-29 – Strawberry Music Festival, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley.

27-29 – Pick & Gather Festival, Riverdance Farm, Livingston. (NCBS welcomed)

JUNE

10-11 – La Honda Fair, La Honda Gardens, La Honda.

15-18 – CBA Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley.

23-25 – Susanville Bluegrass Festival, Lassen County Fairgrounds, Susanville. (NCBS welcomed) (CANCELLED, will return in 2024)

JUNE-JULY

June 28-July 2 – Gene Bach’s Twin Bridges Bluegrass Festival, Madison County Fairgrounds, Twin Bridges, MT.

June 28-July 2 – High Sierra Music Festival, Various Venues, Quincy.

JULY

8 — NCBS Presents The NCBS Volunteer & Member Gathering, Loch Lomond Park, Felton.

28-30 – Rockygrass, Planet Bluegrass Ranch, Lyons, CO. (Sold Out)

AUGUST

10-13 — NCBS Presents The 29th Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, San Benito County Historical Park, Tres Pinos.

18-20 – Summergrass San Diego, Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista.

24-27 – Bowers Bluegrass Festival, Bowers Mansion Regional Park, New Washoe City, NV.

SEPTEMBER

1-3 – Plumas Homegrown Americana Festival, Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds, Quincy. (NCBS welcomed)

26-30 – IBMA World Of Bluegrass, Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC. (NCBS welcomed)