This multi venue celebration will doubtlessly bring a collective smile to the locals as well as visitors in the town of Boulder Creek (12 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 9) from the moment the picking starts. There's a welcome energy and joy that comes with the sound of good old fashion bluegrass.
Eric Burman, of Brookdale Bluegrass fame, bases his annual Spring festival at Scopazzi's Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Boulder Creek this year, bringing back serious musicians who have never failed to deliver. The main stage will host well known favorites who consistently delight crowds, including local talent Mike McKinley, a longtime band leader and performer whose mandolin playing is legendary. Mike will be heading his latest band "Quack Grass", and is the well deserved star of the festival, topping off Scopazzi's Saturday night.
Cactus Bob Cole and Prairie Flower, whose old time "Faux Renwah" band has played for many years throughout the state, are teaming with good friends Ken Cawley on dobro, and Joe Tomaselli on guitar, bringing us "Spur of the Moment". Prairie Flower, with her wonderful voice, famous painted upright bass, and incredible frailing banjo stylings make for constant high points wherever she performs. Cactus Bob's fiddle playing and well known stage antics are not to be missed. Saturday night, Scopazzi's.
For lovers of quick picking combined with terrific harmonies in the classic bluegrass tradition, the "Stoney Mountain Ramblers" are a sure bet. These guys are a staple at Eric's shows, and are the perfect choice to headline Friday night's main stage. New fave Aprylle Gilbert will open the show with her friend Ben Laney. This gal can sing. Followed by the "Hightone Sinners", Page Brownton's "Sidetrack", and Eric Burman's own "Common Cents Bluegrass Band", Friday night at Scopazzi's will be a treat for all.
Saturday the music will start early at Jenna Sue's and Rainbow's End, with jamming (ticketed participants) for the breakfast crowds. Jamming will also be featured at Los Amigos, Joe's Bar, and the Boulder Creek Brewery. (sign up at Scopazzi's) Joe's Bar will host the talented "49 Special" (playing as 49 Ltd. with a slightly revised band) for after hours on Saturday night at 11pm.
Saturday noon the main stage at Scopazzi's opens with "Dam Dave's Hot Dam Band", followed by Rick Barnes new "Research and Development" featuring well known bluegrass percussionist and singer High Hat Bill Hunter. Regina Bartlett will also perform, as will "Heathen Hill" and "Jean Butterfield and Friends".
For your listening pleasure we will also be presenting "Blue Shoes", whose terrific sets featuring ukelele, blues guitar, and virtuoso harmonica work have entertained audiences for many years at the Strawberry Music Festival and other prime events.
Lovers of old timey music will not want to miss Julio "Inglasses" Guerra, whose finger picking of traditional tunes is phenomenal. Julio is truly an acoustic master.
The Saturday lineup continues with the "West County Professional Tea Sippers", featuring autoharp and vocal stylings from Laura Lind with her much more than adequate band.
"Mountain Drive", showcasing the ripping banjo playing of Jered Chaney, stole the show at a recent Brookdale Bluegrass Festival, and will undoubtedly be a contender for this one also.
The weekend will be full of pickin' and grinnin' at six different locations, making it thus non-stop, high class entertainment, with surprise guests and feats of musical magic.
Rooms are available at the Merrybrook Lodge in town, and also the Brookdale Lodge, with rv hookups at the nearby Big Basin Redwoods state park.
Tickets may be bought online at BrookdaleBluegrass.com, with singles at $20, full passes $35 (early sales) or slightly higher at the door. Discount coupons good at local establishments will also be exclusive for festival attendees.
