For Richard Brooks, the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival at
Bolado Park has its own unique feel because it is locally focused.
That’s if you consider local to encompass most of the Bay Area and
some visitors from throughout the state.
HOLLISTER
For Richard Brooks, the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival at Bolado Park has its own unique feel because it is locally focused. That’s if you consider local to encompass most of the Bay Area and some visitors from throughout the state.
“It’s not the international bands or the ones from back east – it’s low key,” said Brooks, a member of the Santa Clara Valley Fiddler’s Association. “People leave their egos at the door.”
The Northern California Bluegrass Association put on its 15th annual festival at the county fairgrounds Friday through Sunday. It again featured bands on a main stage and side stage from morning until night. There were 25 performers on the main stage – with the likes of such names as Bean Creek, Barefoot Nellies, Stoney Mountain Ramblers and the Yodeling Lady Lolita.
There also were bluegrass staples on the grounds such as scattered groups of music-playing campers. A big tradition for the Bolado Park event has been the many bands whose members come out and jam together throughout the weekend.
Ron Hibdon of Bakersfield came with his group the Dagnees and was strumming his guitar Friday afternoon in the camping area.
“We just come to every festival and jam with all the guys,” Hibdon said. “We know almost everybody here. There’s good camaraderie, a lot of friends and really good music.”
Hibdon stressed how the event is for people of all ages.
“It’s just a fun thing to do,” he said. “There’s family morals. You can bring your kids here. It’s just great music. It’s just people getting together and having a lot of fun.”
