South State 48 and Bluegrass Gatherings

The South State 48 Rocked Carlsbad with Outstanding Bluegrass on the Weekend of November 8-10, 2024

The South State 48 had something for everyone. Photo by David Cupp.

The California Bluegrass Association (CBA) (https://californiabluegrass.org/) sponsored another successful South State 48 event at the Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel in Carlsbad. There were workshops, concerts, vendors, and lots and lots of open jamming. There was even a jam session in the hot tub lead by the Honey Buckets—now that’s bluegrass fun! Thanks to SDBS, NCBFC, and the Thursday Night Pickers for helping make this event an outstanding success.

The Great 48 Coming January 2025. If you missed the South State 48, not to worry. The CBA’s Great 48 is coming up January 9-12 in Bakersfield. As with the South State 48, there will be concerts, workshops, vendors, and jamming. Read all about it here. https://californiabluegrass.org/cbaevent/great48/

Paul Belke, Mary Jane Cupp, and Richard Burkett lead a Duck Foot jam session. Photo by David Cupp.

Local Happenings. The San Diego Bluegrass Society (SDBS) (http://sandiegobluegrass.org/) is going strong with its first Monday of the month and fourth Sunday of the month jam sessions at Duck Foot Brewery. Please stop by. All levels of players are welcome. If you just want to listen, you are welcome as well, and the beer is great!

If you are in the North County, stop by the North San Diego County Bluegrass and Folk Club on the first Tuesday of every month for a jam session, pick up bands, and a Featured Band in concert. The event takes place at Round Table Pizza in Escondido at the corner of Washington and Ash. Read all about it and the other NCBFC’s activities here: https://northcountybluegrass.org/.

Need more? Stop by the Thursday Night Pickers every Thursday evening at the Round Table Pizza in Encinitas and enjoy their open jam session, and also pizza and salad for those who chip in. For details visit the Thursday Night Pickers here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442928989071481/

Bluegrass music is for everyone! Photo by David Cupp.

What to Look and Listen for in a Bluegrass Performance or Jam Session. If you are new to bluegrass music and interested in learning a bit about it, here is a primer. These tips will serve you well at any of the above-referenced sessions:

• The Instruments. The core instruments are all acoustic: guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and bass. The Dobro is also welcome. Electric bass and harmonica are acceptable, but not so much autoharps, dulcimers, horns, drums, and other electric instruments.
• The Singing. Bluegrass songs are typically sung in three-part harmony. The lyrics address home, mothers, tragedy, historical events, love gone right and wrong, and more. The songs tell stories about life and the folks who live it. No fancy fluff here!
• The Instrumentation. The instrumentation is a key element of the music. Listen for rhythm coming from the bass and guitar, and colorful leads and solos by the fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, and occasionally the bass.
• The Vibe. The vibe for players and listeners alike is open and friendly. Camaraderie is a key part of the bluegrass music scene. So, check your politics at the door, smile, and you will be welcomed.
• Joining a jam. If you play one of the bluegrass instruments and want to join an informal jam you will be welcome. Next month we will go over how to successfully join a jam session