2015 FEATURED BANDS…

Bluegrass, Etc.

Bluegrass Etc. performs a hard hitting show of instrumental expertise, vocal precision and stage personality that never fails to entertain. The group is well known internationally and tours more than eighteen countries per year, performing more than 200 shows annually at festivals and in concert. Bluegrass Etc. consists of John Moore (mandolin, guitar, vocals), Dennis Caplinger (banjo, fiddle, vocals), and Steve Spurgin (bass, vocals). The band has its roots in bluegrass music, but has evolved over the years into a much more dynamic and eclectic acoustic band.

Joe Craven & The Sometimers

Impressively credentialed and with poetic license to operate heavy machinery, including upright doghouse bass, various guitars, Dobro, lap steel, mandolin, octave mandolin, fiddle, kick board, more cowbell and who knows what else, “Joe Craven and The Sometimers” featuring Bruce MacMillan and Jonathan Stoyanoff, adhere to a ‘no genre left behind’ policy of music making while leaping from a springboard of Americana. As a result, theirs is a celebration of a new framework for POP music, as in “Pursuit of Possibility” music. Give ’em a listen and you just might do a little dance while you’re at it! Click here to read more…

Don’t miss the special Mother’s Day showing… Joe Craven will perform with his daughter on Mother’s Day!

WE WERE ALSO PROUD TO PRESENT THESE ADDITIONAL AMAZING ACTS…

The Sonoran Dogs

Formed in 2011, The Sonoran Dogs have exploded upon the Arizona bluegrass scene. They play a collection of traditional bluegrass standards, new-grass, Americana, and original compositions. Every concert is different, as they often improvise the set to follow the mood of their audience. It makes for a fun and dynamic show.

The Hay Dudes

The Hay Dudes are Kenny Blackwell, Mike Mullins and Wally Barnick. Friends by musical association for over 30 years, they have crossed paths many times at festivals and casual gigs. Sometime around 2009 a few calls came in to Wally from folks wanting some “bluegrass” music for their backyard or other casual events. Naturally, Kenny and Mike would be contacted due to their friendship and proximity to Wally, and before long an impromptu set list began to emerge. Most importantly, it was fun to do, and coincidentally, to them at least, it sounded pretty good! Click here to read more…

Next Generation

Next Generation formed as the “Demo” band at San Diego Summergrass Festival 2010 to demonstrate the raffle instruments that were to be raffled by the festival. The band was very well received by the attendees of the festival. The professional bands performing at the festival were also very impressed with the remarkable talent of all the Next Generation members. Their tight harmonies, along with the clarity and timing of their instrumentals, made them sound like an established band that had been together much longer than the few days they performed at Summergrass. Since then, the group has performed at many premiere bluegrass festivals, and is in the process of releasing their first cd.

Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players

Snap Jackson & the Knock on Wood Players is an award winning acoustic quartet hailing from Stockton, California. These four gentlemen effortlessly blend Americana, Bluegrass, Soul, and Old Time Music to create a unique, fresh, and energetic sound. It is obvious from the moment this group takes the stage that they are ready to have a good time. They have been featured on the same bill with such notable acts as Alison Krauss, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Punch Brothers, Special Consensus, and more. These boys are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Steep Ravine

STEEP RAVINE’S soulful tunes and fiery instrumentals take roots and acoustic music in compelling new stylistic directions. Blending equal parts poetic lyricism and string-playing ingenuity, the San Francisco-based band has been racking up rave reviews for its debut album of original music, TRAMPIN? ON. Principal songwriter Simon Linsteadt (guitar, lead vocals) and Jan Purat (violin, vocals) began playing music together back in high school in Marin County, later moving on to study music at UC Santa Cruz and the California Jazz Conservatory. They fortuitously met bassist Alex Bice (bass, vocals) through jam sessions in Santa Cruz. Leading into 2015, the band has been hard at work with their new record, THE PEDESTRIAN.

The Brothers Barton

Paul and Loren Barton are The Brothers Barton, an American bluegrass band from Bakersfield, CA. Formally Richard Greene and The Brothers Barton, with Paul on mandolin, Loren on guitar, Paul Lee on fiddle and Evan Winsor on bass, this group, with their haunting vocals, amazing musical talent and killer songwriting continue to blaze their own trails in bluegrass and new acoustic music. Their reputation has spread far and wide. Punch Brothers fiddler, Gabe Witcher backed the brothers with his fiery fiddling skills on their first album entitled “ The Brothers Barton” which was released in 1998.They toured until 2005 as The Brothers Barton and Overdrive and subsequently won the National Bluegrass Playoffs At Huck Finn’s Jubilee. Click here to read more…

Bean Creek Bluegrass

The voice of Bean Creek is imbued with early country and mountain music, yet has a joyful and exuberant quality all its own. Their music is a soulful expression from a group of talented, experienced players who understand and love bluegrass music, and perform it with vigor and honesty.

Sidesaddle & CO

Sidesaddle & Co., based in San Jose California, has been captivating audiences with their unique acoustic sound since 1979 when the band was first established. The five members of the band come from an interesting variety of musical backgrounds, which come alive in their repertoire of primarily traditional Bluegrass music, seasoned with vintage Country, Irish, Cajun and Cowboy Western.

Amaya Rose & The Gold Rush

Born April 1st, 1999, in Templeton CA, this young musicianhas been said to have an old soul… With a combination of her musical talent and love for the classic greats like Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Dolly Parton, just to name a few, Amaya has created a beautiful, country sound that is all to her own. Amaya is also an award winning Texas Style Fiddle Player and as won and placed second in many competions throughout California. Along her fiddle, she can sing clever originals and the unforgettable hits with the grace and style of a pro. Last but not least she can add spark with her ear catching yodeling.

The Honeysuckle Possums

The Honeysuckle Possums are a high-energy, all-woman band, playing bluegrass, originals, and old-timey mountain music. They have been together for several years and recently released their debut album. Their music has taken them all over California and they continue to gain praise for their beautiful vocals, carefully crafted harmonies, and spirited style. Their performance at the Old Time Fiddlers Convention and the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival elicited rave reviews. Click here to read more…

Amber Cross

Amber’s melodies are more than complimented by thoughtful, interesting and honest lyrics, along with fine, understated musicianship that proves the old adage that “less is more”. The result is a set of superbly crafted, well-rounded, addictive songs that stay with you long after the last notes have ended, and make you hungry for more.

Wild Sage

Wild Sage is a wildly talented California based bluegrass band. Formed back in 1998, they have played Telluride and Strawberry Music festivals and all over California and Colorado. On fiddle, mandolin, guitar, & dobro, Eric Brittain is the bands talented multi-instrumentalist, who will often change instruments in the middle of a song. Chris Cairns is an equally talented multi-instrumentalist with lightening fast fingers on the banjo; he and Eric tear it up on stage. Larry Claxton, who was raised in a holler in Kentucky, is the backbone, bass player of the group, he keeps everyone out of trouble. Susan Marie Reeves is the rhythm guitar player and one of the lead singers along with the rest of the boys. Together, Wild Sage plays fast, hard-driving bluegrass with a twist while singing some good old 3-part harmonies.

Gerry Higbies “Kids on Stage”

Parkfield, CA