The Northern California Bluegrass Society is a longtime organizational member of the International Bluegrass Music Association. NCBS members are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the work of this important worldwide advocate for bluegrass music.

Nominations (Due JUNE 30, 2011) are currently being accepted from IBMA members (including NCBS Members) for the following awards, to be presented during World of Bluegrass Week, Sept. 26 – Oct. 2, in Nashville, Tennessee:

• Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year
• Print Media Person of the Year
• Best Graphic Design
• Best Liner Notes
• Bluegrass Event of the Year

The eligibility period for special awards is April 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011. Broadcasting and print media accomplishments during this time frame should be considered by those writing letters of nomination. Bluegrass events nominated need to have taken place during this time frame, and writers/designers nominated for the Liner Notes and Graphic Design awards should have their work included on CDs released for the first time commercially during the eligibility period.

Nominations for the five awards will be evaluated by special awards committees appointed by the IBMA board chairman. For more info, contact (Nancy Cardwell) nancyc (at) ibma (dot) org by e-mail or at 615-256-3222. Nominating letters, packets and sample recorded radio shows must be received no later than June 30, 2011.  Mail to: Special Awards, c/o IBMA, 2 Music Circle South, Ste. 100, Nashville, TN  37203.  Letters of nomination may also be emailed to Nancy Cardwell.

The usual Facebook fun, calendar convenience, information, and commentary is available on the Northern California Bluegrass Facebook  Page. If you “Like” us, we will like you!

URL: <www.facebook.com/the.ncbs>

There are two big bluegrass concerts this weekend on the Peninsula:

The Second Annual PTA Palooza on Friday, May 13 at 7:00pm is a benefit concert for the Juana Briones School PTA with Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands (Berkeley), The Tuttles With A. J. Lee (Palo Alto), and Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players (Stockton).  Spangenberg Theatre (Gunn High School), Palo Alto. Informal food will be available before the show. (NCBS-sponsored.)

Redwood Bluegrass Associates will present The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience (Petaluma) on Saturday, May 14 at 8:00pm.  First Presbyterian Church, Mountain View. A pre-concert open jam begins at 5:00pm and dessert will be served at the show. (NCBS-sponsored.)

Also this weekend:

Help local bluegrass radio: KALW Radio (91.7FM, San Francisco) is conducting a “quiet” membership drive that does not interrupt programming. Those joining or renewing will receive the usual premiums. To be rewarded in a bluegrass sort of way, call in or pledge online during Peter Thompson’s Bluegrass Signal show, 6:30-8:00pm on Saturday, May 14. Details.

Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players

Bay Island Ramblers

Eclectic public radio stations — the kind that have regular bluegrass shows — are under tremendous financial pressure these days. This is a good time to tune in and listen — and a good time to tangibly support these fragile enterprises. On April 23, 2011, two such stations offer a special opportunity to get involved:

SATURDAY, April 23

Windy Hill

3:00-8:00pm – KALW, San Francisco, 91.7FM (North & Mid-Bay) and online. KALW On-Air Folk Festival: The afternoon performers include Kathy Larisch & Carol McComb, Real Vocal String Quartet (with Alisa Rose on violin), and more. Evening performers (beginning at 6:30pm) are two Bay Area bluegrass bands, the Bay Island Ramblers from Alameda, and Kitchen Help from Redwood City.

Real Vocal String Quartet

6:00pm-2:00am — KCSS, Turlock, 91.9FM (Mid-Central Valley) and online. KCSS One Night Bandstand: The 3-stage eclectic concert will include bluegrass bands Windy Hill from Portola Valley and Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players from Stockton, plus many other roots, folk, rock, pop, (and other) bands. FREE (donations and station memberships will be accepted). Grizzly Rock Cafe, 4905 North Golden State Blvd., Turlock. The NCBS Information Booth will be there and two new or renewing KCSS members will take home tickets to the August 12-14 NCBS Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival.

Kitchen Help

The FREE Northern California Bluegrass Society National Bluegrass Stolen & Missing Instrument Page, linked off the left column on this website, is:

- FREE.

- Instantaneous.

- Should be checked by all used instrument purchasers prior to buying.

Immediate SELF-POSTING by victims of theft will curtail resale opportunities for thieves. Updated details can be added at any time. Please post to report when the instrument is recovered.