16th Annual festival runs Aug. 7-9
The Northern California Bluegrass Society will be holding its
16th Annual Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival at Bolado Park
the weekend of Aug. 7. More than 25 Bluegrass Musicians will be
performing and various activities will be held throughout the
weekend.
16th Annual festival runs Aug. 7-9
The Northern California Bluegrass Society will be holding its 16th Annual Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival at Bolado Park the weekend of Aug. 7. More than 25 Bluegrass Musicians will be performing and various activities will be held throughout the weekend.
“The Bluegrass movement itself is a wonderful experience,” said Roger Siminoff, Emcee for the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival. “It’s more of a cultural happening than a concert – a cultural movement in your backyard.”
Besides going for the musical experience, the event will include various activities for children, raffles, an open mic stage, arts and crafts and jamming.
Some of the children’s activities include arts and crafts. However, children who know how to play Bluegrass instruments have the opportunity to form groups were they will be given an instructor to help organize them into a band. They will then have the opportunity to perform live on a stage on Sunday.
The three-day festival offers camping out and that is encouraged in order to fully experience this musical happening.
Camping sites at the event are plentiful and many of the spots are in shady areas below trees. Limited RV hookups will be offered as well at the cost of $20 per night. Camping will have a fee of $10 per person.
Camping will add to one’s experience at the festival because though the organized performances end at 10 p.m. (except Sunday, which will end at 5 p.m.,) jamming will continue the entire night.
“Some people get together and keep playing until 4 a.m.,” said Michael Hall, a spokesman for the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival.
According to Paul Clarke, of Harmon’s Peak, it isn’t just the listening experience of these informal jam sessions, but the opportunity for musicians to meet other musicians and create music.
“My band mates and I are looking most forward to playing with other musicians in the camps,” Clarke said. “It’s what we’re most enthusiastic about – besides performing live on stage itself.”
The festival will offer three different food vendors. The first is a full line vendor that will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods throughout the day. The second is a pizza vendor, and the third is a hot beverage vendor. Festival goers also have the option of bringing their own food supplies because cooking and barbecuing is acceptable, and is even encouraged.
“We’re just going to have a lot of fun,” Hall said. “Everyone’s welcome to come out and just enjoy Bluegrass.”
Some of the performers include Jimmy Chickenpants, 49 Special, Dark Hollow, Houston Jones, Wintons and many more.
Ticket pricing
Ticket pricing for the event are as followed: Friday/Sunday one-day passes are $29 for Seniors, $16 for Youth (ages 13-17), and $32 for Adults. Saturday one-day passes are $39 for Seniors, $21 for Youth, and $42 for Adults. Two-day passes are $58 for Seniors, $32 for Youth, and $64 for Adults; cost of camping on Friday and Saturday is included in two-and-three-day passes. Three day passes are $71 for Seniors, $40 for Youth, and $80 for Adults. Children 12 and under may enter for free. Gates open at 8 a.m. all days. For more information visit, www.NCBS.us or call 408-241-5920.