Bluegrass News for November

The South State 48 is returning to Carlsbad in November.

South State 48 Coming to San Diego. Get ready for some fun at the California Bluegrass Association (CBA) South State 48 in Carlsbad over the weekend of November 8-11, 2024. The event is at the Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel (the one with the big windmill) on Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad.

This is a super fun event with lots to take in. The CBA started its Great 48 event (held every January) in Bakersfield more than a decade ago and then, in an effort to achieve more outreach to the San Diego area, CBA started the South State 48 a few years ago. It’s been active annually in November ever since, receiving great reviews. Attendance is free. Read all about it here: https://californiabluegrass.org/cbaevent/south-state-48/.

Dwight Worden. Photo by David Cupp.

Dwight Worden, Author of the Bluegrass Corner for decades Retires from Politics.
I have been writing the Bluegrass Corner for the Troubadour for many years. What you may not have known is that I was also serving in elected office for the past decade, including election to three terms on the Del Mar City Council and two terms as mayor. As of September 23, 2024 I stepped down from public office and am looking forward to spending more time with music.

Slow Jam Looking for a New Home

Janet Beazley teaching the slow jam in the early days. Photo by Dwight Worden.

One of the San Diego Bluegrass Society’s most successful programs has been its monthly “slow jam” held every third Monday of the month in San Diego. The program was started by music teacher Janet Beazley and is now carried on by Mary Jane Cupp. Janet started the program here in San Diego many years ago and when she moved to Northern California, Mary Jane stepped in to lead the onsite teaching. For the past many years the two have collaborated with Janet preparing materials remotely, with Mary Jane’s assistance, and with Mary Jane doing the on-site teaching.

Now, SDBS has received notice that the venue will no longer be available starting November 2024. Mary Jane has secured a temporary venue for the next two months, but SDBS is actively looking for a permanent new home. If you know a church, a homeowners association common room, community center or other location suitable to house 30-40 musicians for an hour and a half or two hours in the evening once a month, let Mary Jane know. You can reach her at: mjcupp@yahoo.com.