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“Preserving and Perpetuating Old Time Fiddle Music”

May-June 2018

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Presidents MessageGreetings,

I hope you are all ready for summer and the many musicalevents available for your enjoyment. The bluegrass folkscertainly take advantage of the weather and hold manyfestivals and campouts. You should check them out! Youcan certainly get your “fiddle fix” and enjoy the camaraderiethat happens when people get together to share their love ofmusic.

We just returned from the Nevada State Old Time FiddleContest held in Eureka NV. That’s about four hours east ofFallon on Highway 50. It was a LONG drive, but so totallyworth it. They hold the event in a restored opera house thatis really something. Do yourself a favor and Google it thenplan on attending next year. Perhaps half of the contestantswere from California, with Nicki Carlisle bringing home theSenior Senior Championship. Senior Moments did a twinfiddle demo. If you look closely at the picture, you may noticethat Tex is not playing his own bass (because we accidentallyleft it at home) and he isn’t wearing a red shirt like the rest ofthe band. He said because he was the newest member of theband, he “wasn’t ripe yet” and so that’s why his shirt is orange.

There is a brand new fiddle contest coming up in conjunctionwith the Dunsmuir Railroad Days. They’re dipping their toesin the contest water by having just two divisions—youth andadult—and the contest will be held outside beginning at 4:00PM on Saturday, June 9. Come on up the Sacramento Rivercanyon and get out of the valley heat!

The CSOTFA Board will be holding its semi-annual meetingin August. Please take the time to talk with your Director andshare your ideas for making the CSOTFA even stronger thanit is.

Sharon

This is Senior Moments on stage at the Nevada StateFiddle Contest last weekend.

The Alldrin Family will be one of the bands performing atthe 78th Annual Happy Valley Strawberry Festival, AndersonCA. May 26-27. See related story and other bands underDistrict 6 on page 5.

DISTRICT MEETING LOCATIONS, DATES, AND TIMES:

District 1 4th Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m.: Feather River Senior Center 1335 Meyer St. Oroville

District 3 2nd Saturday 2:00-5:00 p.m. 21100 Lonely Lane, Tehachapi Ca

District 4 1st Sunday 1:00-4:00 p.m.: Orange Thorpe Pk. Activity Bldg., 1414 Brookhurst, Fullerton CA

District 5 2nd Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m.: Orangevale Grange, 5807 Walnut Ave. Orangevale CA

District 6

District 7 2nd Sunday: Terrace Estates Clubhouse, 1815 Sweetwater Road, Spring Valley, CA

3rd Sunday: Village Park Rec Club #2, 2099 Mountain Vista Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024

4th Sunday: Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA

District 8 2nd & 4th Sunday 1:30-4:00 p.m.: Oak View Community Center, 18 Valley Rd. Oak View CA

District 9 4th Sunday 1:30-5:00 p.m.: United Methodist Church, 19806 Wisteria St., Castro Valley CA

District 10 4th Sun.+ traveling jam: Redwood Café, Cotati call Mark Hogan 707-829-8012 or Katy Bridges 415-331-9661

President: Sharon Barrett- texshar@pacbell.net

V. Pres. : Kathy Kampschmidt - kdkampy@sbcglobal.net

Secretary: Mary Rose Preston - maryrose@wavecable.com

Treasurer: Robert Curtis - rocurtis@gatewayacceptance.com

Membership: Charley Oveland - croveland@sbcglobal.net

Editor: Cathy Agnew - themimi@roadrunner.com

California State Old Time Fiddlers’ AssociationP.O. Box 1703 Oroville, CA 95965

State Officers State DirectorsDistrict 1: Teri Rockwell - tbrockwell456@gmail.com

District 3: Gayel Pitchford -- captgayel@cybersurfers.net

District 4: Pat Nelson -- rpnelson@pacbell.net

District 5: Lyle Dixson - Lyle@DATEQ.NET

District 6: Tex Ash -- texshar@pacbell.net

District 7: Chuck Murtomaki - chmurt@cox.net

District 8: Charletta Erb – charlettaerb@gmail.com

District 9: Bob Palasek - r03palasek@sbcglobal.net

District 10: Mark Hogan- hogiemoon@comcast.net

1st Sunday of each month 1:00-4:00 St. James Lutheran Church, 2500 Shasta View Blvd. Redding, CA3rd Sunday of each month 1:00-4:00 Palo Cedro Community Hall, 22037 Old Forty-Four Drive, PaloCedro, CA Open Jam 1:00, Concert 2:00 and Open Mic 3:00. web site: www.northstatefiddlers.com

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Byron Berline (born July 6, 1944) is an American fiddle player. He is widely recognized asone of the world's premier fiddle players, known for his ability to play almost any style withinthe vast American tradition—from old-time to ragtime, bluegrass, Cajun, country, rock, andbeyond.

Berline was born in Caldwell, Kansas, started playing the fiddle at age five and quicklydeveloped a talent for it. In 1965, he recorded the album Pickin' and Fiddlin' with the Dillards.The same year, he met Bill Monroe at the Newport Folk Festival and was offered a job with

performances from Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Vince Gill, and Mason Williams. In 1995, the album was nominated for a GrammyAward in the Best Bluegrass Album category, and "Sally Goodin" from the album was nominated in the category Best Country &Western Instrumental Performance. Berline currently owns and operates the Double Stop Fiddle Shop in Guthrie, where Hickman worksas luthier. They, along with Jim Fish, Richard Sharp, Greg Burgess, and Steve Short, make up The Byron Berline Band. The bandtravels around the country and to Europe regularly, but continues to perform two concerts a month in Guthrie, entertaining residents oftheir home town.

In his career, Berline has recorded with many of the best known musicians of modern times, including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan,Elton John, The Byrds, Earl Scruggs, Dillard & Clark, Willie Nelson, Guthrie Thomas, Bill Monroe, The Flying Burrito Brothers, DocWatson, John Denver, Gene Clark, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, The Band, Vince Gill, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Tammy Wynette,Alabama, Don Francisco, Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Dillards, Mason Williams, Stephen Stills, Bill Wyman, Manhattan Transfer,Joe Diffie, The Doobie Brothers, Lucinda Williams, Francois Vola, Mickey Gilley, and Andy Statman, .His music has also appearedin many television and film soundtracks, including Star Trek, Blue Collar, Basic Instinct, Blaze, Back to the Future Part III.

In April 1995, Berline moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma to open a fiddle shop called "Double Stop".From the jam sessions on the upper floor, "The Byron Berline Band" was formed. Two yearslater he founded the annual Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival." The annual event isamong the most acclaimed bluegrass festivals in the United States. Throughout the festival'sexistence, Berline has brought an array of legendary bluegrass musicians to Guthrie, includingEarl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, John Hartford, and many others. The OIBF has featuredperformances by famous international bluegrass artists including the Czech band Druhá Tráva,the Swiss band the Kruger Brothers, and The Japanese Bluegrass Band.

Berline recorded several solo albums, most notably Fiddle and a Song, which featured guest

the Bluegrass Boys but he turned it down in order to finish his education. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1967 witha teaching degree in Physical Education, and joined the Bluegrass Boys shortly after.

Byron Berline first met Bill Monroe in 1965 and was offered a job then. It wasn't until 1967 that he actually joined the band, though,replacing Richard Greene in March and leaving to go into the Army in September. He recorded three instrumentals with the Blue GrassBoys, including "Gold Rush" which he co wrote with Monroe, and which has become a jam session standard.

In September 1967, he was drafted by the U.S. Army. After his discharge, two years later, he joined Dillard & Clark on the albumThrough the Morning, Through the Night. In 1969, he moved to Southern California. Berline won the National Oldtime Fiddle ContestChampionship in 1965[1] in Weiser, Idaho. He went on to win the title twice more, in 1967 & 1970.

While in California, he joined The Flying Burrito Brothers in 1971, recording two albums, Last of the Red Hot Burritos (Live), andSix Days On the Road: Live in Amsterdam. After the Burritos' breakup, Berline briefly worked with Stephen Stills' band Manassas(which also included several other Burritos' alumni), contributing to several songs on their debut album. He formed the Country Gazetteearly in 1972, together with Alan Munde, Kenny Werz, and Roger Bush.

Berline joined forces with guitarist Dan Crary, banjo player John Hickman a and others to form Byron Berline and Sundance. Theirself-titled debut album was released on MCA Records in 1976. A young Vince Gill later joined the band on mandolin. The album Liveat McCabes released in 1978.

In 1987, Berline appeared briefly playing a violin in the first-season episode "Where No One Has Gone Before" of Star Trek: The NextGeneration. Berline collaborated with banjo player John Hickman and guitarist Dan Crary to form the band Berline, Crary, and Hickman;with the addition of Steve Spurgin and John Moore, later, that band became known as California. California was named the InternationalBluegrass Music Association Instrumental Group of the Year in 1992, 1993, and 1994.

Byron Berline, Premier Fiddler

I’m sure most of you recognize Byron Berline as a Headliner at the Western Open but Ithought you might like to know a little about him.

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District Reports

District 1Mary Rose Preston

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On Saturday, May 5, the Fiddle Workshop groupperformed at the Bidwell launch area on Lake Oroville,for Bidwell Bar Days. It was a relaxing comfortablesunny day as we meandered our way across themassive old-time wooden-constructed bridge to thesmall wooded hillside island in Lake Oroville. Wepassed demonstrations of gold panning, old-timecrafting, and 1800's living and survival skills on ourway to the shaded performance stage. Our fearlessleader, Jimi Beeler, took charge and we played our Set2 times.

Kathy Kampschmidt joined us this year with one ofher students and a great-grandchild on fiddles. Scottand Pat were there with mandolins and Rayburn withhis guitar. Anne and a new member, Anna, were there,plus Connie, Carol and a few more. We really enjoyedthe event and are looking forward to the next one.

Ongoing ....

Fiddle Workshops on the 1st and 3rd Mondayevenings. The workshop is open to acousticinstruments with players of all skill levels. It providesa great opportunity to improve your skills and enjoymaking music with others. We now have four playlistsand are busy practicing the tunes, most of them newto the group.

Mandolin and banjo lessons available before theWorkshops by prior arrangement. Check the website:www.csotfad1.weebly.com.

Monthly Fiddle Jams District 1 fiddle jams are on thefourth Sundays at 2:00, and are enjoyed by ourmembers and visitors. For a real treat, come early andenjoy some country/western/ “okie” music with guitarand singing. Bring a potluck dish and join the fun.

District 3Gayel Pitchford

Dist 3 would like to invite you to make plans to come and supportour 42nd Annual Fiddlin’ Down the Tracks Fiddle Contest on Sept.21-22, 2018 . We don't have really big prize money, as our District,and our town, are so small, but here is what the top prizes are ineach division; we give prize money to the top five in each: OpenFiddle Division--$175; Accompanist--$150; Senior-Senior,Senior, Junior, Cello/Bass, and Open Picking are each $100;Junior-Juniors are $40; Small Fry--$20; Junior Picking, Juniorand Open Novelty, and Twin Fiddle are each $40. We promiseto run a tighter ship as far as being on time.

We have lots of fun and some really great restaurants in town.So come and join us!!

District 4 District 4 is looking forward to our annual BBQ onJune 3. We will enjoy BBQ food , fellowship andmusic! Pictures will be taken and posted next issue.We welcome new member Peggy Calvert. Weappreciate your enthusiasm!

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District 6Becky Huskey

District 6 continues to have Jams the 1st Sunday in Reddingand the 3rd Sunday in Palo Cedro each month. Localmembers enjoy an open jam at 1:00, a concert @ 2:00 andopen mic @ 3:00. We also hold our monthly board meetingthe 1st Sunday @ 4:00. It's amazing to see and hear howmany talented members we have in this wonderfulorganization.

Many members, in many different bands, continue to playthroughout the community for senior homes and events ona regular basis.

Our District is providing music once again for 2 days at the78th Annual Happy Valley Strawberry Festival. This willbe a fun time for all.

Saturday, May 26th – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

9:00 The Alldrin Family; Nine members strong, the Alldrinfamily plays a toe-tapping mix of old-time fiddle, celtic,folk, gospel and traditional dance music. They enjoybreathing new life into old tunes with arrangements featuringpiano, violin, cello, guitar, mandolin, viola, percussion,penny whistle, vocal harmonies and more. The Alldrins loveto share the gift of music with audiences of all ages.

10:45 Loosely Strung; Loosely Strung has performedthroughout local counties for many social and communityevents for a few decades. They also enjoy playing regularlyat local senior homes. Their sets include old time fiddletunes, bluegrass, country and folk classics, and more. Itfeatures Rich Reynolds on guitar, Pat Scott on fiddle, andBecky Huskey on mando-guitar, accordion and pennywhistle. Their beautiful 3 part vocal harmonies highlighttheir performances.

12:30 Blackberry Blossom Farm; These 3 Skillman Sistersand their father, love to play the bluegrass standard for whichtheir farm was named. Sisters; Madison on fiddle, Mariahon guitar, Macy Jae on Mandolin and Dad on bass sharebluegrass, gospel and hymns adding beautiful 3 partharmonies. Their first CD "Mama's Apron Strings" will bereleased in July 2018.

2:00 Birdfeeder; This is one band you just don’t want tomiss. They have been performing all around Redding latelyand have developed a fan base that covers all ages. The bandconsists of Jordan McLaughlin (Song writer/composer,acoustic guitar, vocals.) Daniel V. Lindberg (Songwriter/composer, upright bass, mandolin, vocals.) and Tylerde la Peña (Composer, electric guitar, bass guitar.)

Their sound has an alternative/indie folk feel to it. Mostof their songs are original although they do perform somecover songs also. Their set list is diverse and coversartists from Bob Dylan, Oscar Isaac and MarcusMumford, to the Beatles, The Script and Adele.

Sunday, May 27th – 9:00 – 3:00

9:00 The Mountain Messengers; This band plays avariety of Americana Music including Bluegrass, Gospel,and some contemporary songs that always leave theiraudience begging for more. The members include; JadeJohnson, vocals & guitar, Gerry Goldman, banjo, LloydRaeg, guitar, mandolin and vocals, Don Palmer,resonator guitar and banjo, Mark Nesby, mandolin,George Fredson, guitar and vocals.

11:00 The Down Home String Band; A talented 5-6 pieceacoustic band from Northern California. Their upbeatperformances include everything from Old Time Fiddleand Bluegrass, to Old Favorites, Western Swing, andCeltic. They have performed throughout the North Stateat both small and large venues. Their members includeNicki Carlisle (California State Fiddle Champion, onfiddle mandolin, and vocals), Lee Brushett (guitar,mandolin, vocals) Don Nichols (tenor guitar, vocals),Lloyd Raeg (guitar, vocals), and George Fredson (guitar,vocals) 1:00 Birdfeeder performs again.

The Down Home String Band

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District 7Greg Gross

Blackberry Blossom Farm;

Birdfeeder

The Mountain Messenger

Loosely Strung

District 7 has been sending a regular contingent to theLemon Grove Seniors luncheon on the third Friday of eachmonth. In April our fiddlers included Carol McCollum,Dan Touchstone and Willie Randel, backed by GeorgeRinner on guitar and Gregory Gross on bass.

At the May luncheon our players were, left-to-right in thephotograph: Willie Randel (fiddle), Gregory Gross (guitar),Carol McCollum (fiddle)Dave Avery (bass) and GeorgeRinner (guitar). I am pleased to note that Dave is gettingstronger since recent health challenges and the passing ofhis wife a few months ago.

San Diego County offers this seniors' luncheon as part ofits Live Well program, and is offered across the county.We play at this one from 11:00AM until the meal wagonarrives, about noon. Several of our listeners just can't resistthe urge to get up and dance.

Coming up on June 10th is the San Diego County Fair(AKA the Del Mar Fair), with its regular Bluegrass Dayfeature arranged by the North County Bluegrass & FolkClub and the San Diego Bluegrass Society. District 7 hasagain accepted the invitation to play to guests at large on astage just off the fairway. We expect a strong contingentagain, including fiddlers Carol McCollum, DanTouchstone, Willie Randel and Tom Dillon, with guitarbacking by Chuck Murtomaki and George Rinner, andGregory Gross on the bass.

Respectfully submitted, -Gregory Gross

Musicians playing at Spring Valley Recreation Center

District 10Mark Hogan

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Our group continues to flourish and providesa full range of activities, includingworkshops.Our recent workshop was led bySteve Linsky on How to Play Lead Guitar forBeginners. It was well attended and part twowill be held in June.

We are saddened to report the passing of twolong time members, John Foster and MelvinWhite, both of whom will be missed for theirmusic, personalities and contributions toDistrict 8.

Charletta Erb arranged for our group to haveits own jam stage at the recent Topanga Banjo& Fiddle Festival. A first for our District!Welook forward to a summer of music with ourrobust and active group!

District 8Sus Corez

May-June 2018