Schedule

OLD TIME BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL LINEUP FOR 2008

Alhambra Valley Band – Staying power counts. The Alhambra Valley Band has been bringing fine Bluegrass and original music to California and Nevada since 1986. Known for their award winning original material and vocal harmony arrangements this Northern California based ensemble of roots musicians is spreading the gospel according to Bluegrass to an ever growing base of fans and converts. www.alhambravalleyband.com

Mountain Laurel Bluegrass Band – Mountain Laurel Bluegrass Band is an exciting five-person group based in The Grass Valley Nevada City area. They are a distinctive and engaging blend of contemporary and traditional bluegrass classics. The group has performed in many California Bluegrass Festivals and has released two C.D.’s. The first in 1999 “It’s About Time” and secondly “Trouble in Mind” in 2003. www.mountainlaurel.us

Sidesaddle – 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. Their popularity is extended further by including Gospel, Folk, Novelty and Comedy. Billboard Magazine has called their music "superbly melodic." Critics have hailed their performances as "sophisticated and highly entertaining" and their harmonies "impeccable." www.sidesaddleandco.com

The Mighty Crows – The Mighty Crows is a Bay Area bluegrass band with a traditional style and repertoire reminiscent of the seminal bluegrass acts of the ‘40s and ’50s. The band is built around the powerful trio singing of Chris Smith (guitar), J eff Zieba (banjo), and Mark Wardenburg (fiddle). Band front man Ken Torke plays mandolin and keeps things moving as they gather around a single mic. www.mightycrows.com

Bound to Ride - Local favorites scheduled to perform for the third year at the Old Time Bluegrass Festival. This is the group that everyone talks about when they leave the festival. The harmonies and strength of their musical talents shine, and the fact that they come from Lake County, makes us even more proud and excited to have them back. www.boundtoridebluegrass.com

The Mighty Chiplings –Chip Dunbar was an extraordinary musician from Sonoma County playing with groups such as the Eclecti-Cats, HiJinks and Terra Nova—and was also known in separate but overlapping circles as an inspiring teacher. When he passed away suddenly, a group of his youthful students formed an ensemble to celebrate Dunbar’s life and musical legacy. This is a wonderful and talented group of young people from Sonoma County who would in no doubt make their teacher proud.

LOCAL FAVORITES

Elem Native American Dancers – this group will be opening the festival with beautifully performed Native American dances and also displaying Native American craftwork in the Living History area of the Anderson Marsh Festival.

Clearlake Clickers – High Steppin fancy footwork describes this group of dancers from Lake County. They are dedicated to furthering clog dancing in the area and will be providing a workshop opportunity at the festival.

Konocti Fiddlers – Lake County residents are familiar with the fiddle skills of Andy Skelton. She is a fine teacher and performer who has played with the Lake County Symphony, various stage productions and past Blackberry Festivals. She will be joined by some of her students and friends as the KNOCTI FIDDLERS to perform at the festival.

Laura and Darin Smith – An accomplished, award-winning fiddler and violinist, Laura Smith teaches and performs Oldtime, Celtic, Classical and Contest styles with her brother Darin Smith, bringing creativity to her music while staying firmly rooted in acoustic tradition. A versatile musician, Laura is equally comfortable playing fiddle for contra dances or first violin in the Ukiah and Lake County Symphonies. Darin Smith is a fourteen year old musician whose playing is notable not only for his mature technical level but also for his exuberant and expressive style. Darin's instruments include cello, fiddle and tenor guitar.

Don Coffin – is a multi-instrumentalist who has offered his talents to help organize the Anderson Marsh Bluegrass Festival. Don is a teacher, performer and events organizer from Clearlake. He will be joining Jim Williams in a duo performance and also will lead the AMIA LIVE WIRE CHOIR who will open for Sunday’s Gospel Music Session. www.hotfrittatas.com

Public Nuisance – This local Bluegrass band featuring traditional music, good harmonies and all have a genuine love for bluegrass music. Band is located in Lakeport, California.

AMIA LIVE WIRE CHOIR – is Local festival organizers express their love for music in traditional sounds and harmonies. The group is made up of Don Coffin, Tom Nixon, Bill McDougal, Anna McAtee, Dan Harris and Dave Hooper….all Lake County residents.

Workshop Schedule