Back in the early 70’s there was something in the air in the music industry. Well, besides that. Multi-band shows were evolving away from several bands crammed into a 3 hour schedule in a ballroom or dance hall. In particular, the acoustic music scene was embracing longer sets and extended solos, no doubt influenced by rock guitar greats. It was also true the younger generation was more interested in spending time camping and enjoying nature than in more organized activities. That became the crucible for the modern folk and bluegrass festival. Newport and Monterey, of course, started before that, but Telluride, Kerrville, Walnut Valley, and many other venerable festivals had their beginnings in the early 70’s. As did the Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley, CA, put on by the California Bluegrass Association.
This year will mark the 49th gathering of acoustic music aficionados in the foothills east of Sacramento. It has evolved into a 4 day affair as far as official stages are concerned, but a big chunk of the attendees will be there for a full week. Like its brethren around the country, it’s as much a clan reunion as it is a musical event, with restaurant quality food coming from some campsites and all-night music jams happening at others. These are family affairs where it’s not uncommon to see three generations sharing space in an RV. And while big names draw the day-trippers to the main stage (this year’s show features Alison Brown, Sister Sadie, and Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen among others), there’s as much excitement for the up-and-comers in the afternoon on the small stage or at a sometimes-official after-hours show. The same can be said of support for younger players just starting their life of music.
In the case of the Father’s Day festival, they invite California-based, non-fulltime and non-professional bluegrass, old-time, and gospel bands to apply for one of the California Showcase slots. It’s a chance for a group that would have played a small stage to be featured in the main venue. Salty Sally, Caltucky, and Solid Gold Stranger, three of this year’s feature bands, all noted the chance to play on the main stage figures heavily into their plans to grow their profile and audience. There’s also the chance to jam with like-minded musicians, both professional and amateur, and get exposure to different instrumental styles. An example of where that can lead comes from Molly Tuttle and A.J. Lee, who first played together at a Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival in 2004.
The California Bluegrass Association also puts a heavy emphasis on the younger attendees, with a 4-day Youth Academy workshop, and the always-popular Kids On Bluegrass event. Several members of Salty Sally, undoubtedly one of the more youthful bands in this year’s lineup, have participated in those programs in the past and plan to show up and pitch in to this year’s activities.
At the end of the day, what you get out of the Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival and its kin is related to what you put into it. If all you have is an afternoon, by all means take a picnic and a blanket and go enjoy a few hours of music under a lazy summer sun. Or you can follow the lead of Caltucky’s Kyle Kunert and go for the entire week, volunteer to work the festival, and treat the whole thing like a family reunion. Whether you’re under the pines in Grass Valley, CA, nestled amongst the oaks in Dale, TX, or reclining on the windswept fields of Winfield, KS, these regional acoustic music festivals are a fantastic way to catch up with friends old and new. And they feature about 18 hours of live music a day as an added benefit.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.