–On May 10-13, 2018 the picturesque hamlet of Parkfield, CA will transform into bluegrass heaven when the Bluegrass Music Society of the Central Coast (BMSCC) proudly presents the 20th Annual Parkfield Bluegrass Festival.
Known as the “Earthquake Capital of the World,” Parkfield springs to life every Mother’s Day Weekend with the best Bluegrass, Old Time, Traditional and Gospel music anywhere. Music fans take over this small country village once a year for four days of concerts, workshops, children’s activities, camping and around-the-clock music jams! Attendees are welcome to come for the weekend with their RVs or tents. Single day admissions are also available and the Festival is a great day-trip outing from almost anywhere in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo or Monterey Counties.
Headlining Parkfield 2018 are IBMA Award winning Lonely Heartstring Band, IBMA Bass Player of the Year Missy Raines & The New Hip, audacious Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, high-energy Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, also from Colorado FY5, seasoned veterans the Sonoran Dogs and popular Southern California band Phil Salazar & The Kinfolk.
The Lonely Heartstring Band is a classic Bluegrass quintet – always far greater than the sum of its parts. They embody an understanding and reverence for the past that informs a push into the future. Combining soulful instrumental virtuosity with soaring three-part harmonies, their growing repertoire of original songs and compositions showcases not only their considerable talents, but a dedication to meaningful roots-conscious music.
Missy Raines & The New Hip. With a smoky and seductive alto, 7 time IBMA Bass Player of the Year, Missy Raines, heads up this ensemble. The territory The New Hip covers is broad and the compass is set by Missy. Her bluegrass roots are deep and long-reaching with touring and recording stints with 1st generation legends. Missy Raines is one of the most respected and popular figures in the bluegrass community.
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters packs a punch with old-time tradition steeped in possibility. Bruce Molsky (Berkelee College of Music Visiting Scolar), Alison de Groot (The Goodbye Girls) and Stash Wyslouch (Deadly Gentlemen) take an audacious approach to traditional music. They create a new avenue of expression using mountain music as the jumping-off point while not being constrained by hard core traditionalism.
Jeff Scroggins & Colorado is an IBMA Award winning high-energy five-piece bluegrass band out of Colorado. They return to Parkfield to deliver their powerful, high mountain “bluegrass explosion” featuring world-class banjo and mandolin playing, incredible vocals with solid and energetic rhythm.
Also from Colorado, FY5, features thoughtful arrangements, strong singing and musicianship. The band strives to connect to listeners with stories of common struggles and big ideas. While their sound evokes timelessness, it is decidedly contemporary with well-traveled 21st century sensibility that informs their songwriting.
The Sonoran Dogs return to Parkfield as seasoned veterans who come together to enjoy bluegrass, friendship and outstanding musicianship. They play with expertise, often improvising and showcasing original songs, traditional and contemporary music as well as an eclectic mix of Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, Celtic and Newgrass.
One of the most popular bluegrass bands in Southern California, Phil Salazar & The Kinfolk, mix traditional and original music with bluegrass, rock, blues, country, jazz, Irish and pop. Together for 33 years they bring flawless skills to the stage and a camaraderie that makes for very easy listening.
Rounding out the lineup are Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players, Bean Creek, AJ Lee with Blue Summit, The Honeysuckle Possums, Amber Cross, Echo Mountain and the Goat Hill Girls.
This festival has something for everyone and all activities are free to ticket holders. There are Café Shows for the late nighters, a Barn Dance featuring Echo Mountain and dance caller Robin Fischer on Friday Night. An extensive menu of free workshops will provide instrumental, vocal and dance instruction. Back by popular demand walking tours of the San Andreas Fault lead by a geologist. Tantalizing food vendors and the Parkfield Café plus merchandise vendors and a raffle make for a festival you won’t want to miss.
Kids up to 16 years of age are welcome in the free Kids Bluegrass Program. Under the direction of Gerry Higbie, the Honeysuckle Possums and Joy Williams kids will receive instruction in Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Bass, Dobro, Singing and Flat Foot Dancing. Loaner instruments are available. Students will perform on the Main Stage on Sunday. On Saturday kids can create a Mothers Day gift at the free crafts class. Check here for further Kids & Teens program information https://parkfieldbluegrass.org/kids-corner/
Camping is included in all multiple day tickets and Parkfield offers rolling hills, lofty oaks and open pasture for as far as city eyes can see. Acres of flat, grassy, tree-shaded “boondocks” campsites are available for tents or RVs. A limited number of electrical hook-ups can be reserved with early ticket purchases. The Cowboy Shower Trailer features private stalls with hot water and horseshoes to hold your towel and gear.
Tickets and full details available at www.parkfieldbluegrass.org/ Early Bird Tickets available through April 8. Call (805) 994-0929 with questions. Check out the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival on Facebook or on the BMSCC website www.bmscc.org.
