Grass Valley Bluegrass Festival

[Michael Lewis]

Just a note to anyone still sitting on the fence about attending the big CBA Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley. #Aside from the great line up on stage and jamming in the camp ground, there will be the Luthiers Pavilion where nearly 20 instrument makers will be exhibiting their work, and some will be offering on site repair work. #As far as mandolins are concerned the makers will be Cliff Sargent and Dan Bernstein "Sierra" mandolins, David Dart, Tex Dasher, Ron Cole, Randy Allen, Zeke Griffin, Coal Canyon School, and my self. #There will also be guitars, reso guitars, banjos, and fiddles offered. #I will put on a "Mandolin carving" workshop (Fri. Lunch break), where I carve a top plate of an F model. #On Saturday at lunch break I will do an "Instrument Set Up" workshop #where we discuss what makes instruments work properly to get the best performance out of them.

[Brian Aldridge]

Thanks Michael for letting us all know, but most of all for your contribution to this event. As much as I enjoyed performing there last year, and the majestic beauty of the area, I had to pry myself away from the Luthier's Pavilion each time I had to go away. I won't be there this year, but I hope you are there again in 2005 when I will be.

[boatman]

I am travelling from Virginia to be at the Fathers Day Grass Valley event, and hope to see you, Mr Lewis, and the balance of the festivities. I've gotten so sedentary in these middle years that the trip is almost a challenge; how times change. I look forward to putting a face to the name of "Lewis Mandolins". Regards

[Michael Lewis]

Brian, will you be attending IBMA this year? #If you are I'll see you there, if not then in Grass Valley for the 30th annual CBA festival in June 2005.

Boatman, I look forward to meeting you. #You will enjoy the festival, especially if you like to jam. #Like Brian said, it is a beautiful setting, and right close to town.

[Brian Aldridge]

It looks as if I will be able to be at IBMA this year. We are booked again this year at the "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" event in San Fransisco, but fortunatly this year the dates do not conflict.

[Daniel Nestlerode]

I'll be attending Friday through Sunday afternoon (coming up from Modesto), and I'm happy to hear that some folks will be doing on-site repairs. My mando's bridge is tipping forward a bit and needs to be refitted. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Michael, do you know who will be offering these services?

Best
Daniel

[Mark in Nevada City]

This one's right in my backyard so I never miss it (I guess that makes us neighbors Michael!) Look forward to meeting some of you and doing some picking!

cheers, mmm

[zeke]

I'll echo all the sentiments expressed here and then some. This fest is always a hoot and a half, the pickings great, the sleep almost non-existant, and the folks who attend are wonderful. Come on by just to pick and say howdy. Play a swing tune, do a dawg trick, or just rip up an ol grass standard; the jams around the Luthier's zone are usually pretty darn good. A good time will be had by all.......

[Michael Lewis]

Daniel, both Arnie Gamble and my self will be available for mandolin repairs, and there may be others. I have tried to encourage the luthiers to do repairs but most don't want to work out where God and everybody can see em.

[Bluegrass Boy]

I was at the CBA music camp last year but I had to go home Thursday morning (you'd think my daughter's school would check for important dates before scheduling their graduation ceremony). This year I'll be at the music camp and the festival. I'll be sure to stop by the luthier's pavilion. I did some set up work on my mando and it would be nice to have somebody who knows what they're doing check my work.