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jamfan
Feb-02-2010, 4:35pm
I live in Santa Clara, CA and took up the mandolin last summer. I am in the learning stages (I know about 21 chords, some picking exercises) and want to progress faster than I am now. Are there groups nearby where people get together and learn from each other?

EdSherry
Feb-02-2010, 4:55pm
The Santa Clara Valley Fiddler's Association has a monthly get-together at Hoover Middle School. Details here:

http://www.scvfa.org/

The Northern California Bluegrass Society (formerly the Santa Cruz Bluegrass Society) also has various events:

http://www.scbs.org/

Also, get in touch with Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto. They can put you in touch with the local scene.

SincereCorgi
Feb-03-2010, 12:31am
There's a low-key bluegrass session at the Coleman Still barbecue restaurant near the San Jose airport, too, first and third Wednesday of the month. It's still in the fledgling stage, although the one I went to was well-attended.

Doug Hoople
Feb-03-2010, 1:21am
Is it too early in the year to mention the Mandolin Symposium in Santa Cruz in late June?

Most people come away from that week with their heads filled with ideas and a year's worth of lessons to practice.

Not quite the same as a regular get-together, but it is local and it will lift your playing.