Unwind, unplug, and kick back in the “Earthquake Capital of the World” on Mother’s Day weekend May 8-11.
The Bluegrass Music Society of the Central Coast presents the 25th annual Parkfield Bluegrass Festival in the picturesque hamlet of Parkfield. Bluegrass music fans take over this small country village once a year for four days of concerts, workshops, children’s activities, camping and around-the-clock music jams.
Parkfield’s clean air, warm nights, and idyllic setting mesh effortlessly with bluegrass, the true American music. Every Mother’s Day weekend this quiet town’s population leaps from a mere 18 to more than 1,000 bluegrass pickers, pluckers, and fun-loving fans.
Live bands play toe-tapping bluegrass, old-time, and traditional music all day on a cozy stage, and at night fans enjoy late night sets in the Parkfield Cafe and barn dances in the Community Center.
The festival features 14 groups including many nationally known bands: Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, Bushwick Mountain Boys, Showman & Coole, The Price Sisters, Mountain Highway, Evie Ladin Band, Water Tower, Blue Birds on a Wire, Solid Gold Stranger, Whole Hog and Red Dog Ash. Returning this year are the longtime favorites The Honeysuckle Possums, SLO County Stumblers and Amber Cross.
Walking tours of the San Andreas Fault led by geologist Julian Lozos also are available, as well as instrumental, vocal, dance and festival history workshops for young and old.
Activities for youngsters abound, including a craft creation class, a bedtime singalong, and the popular kids’ bluegrass program with Joy Louise at the helm. Kids up to age 16 are welcome—beginners or experienced pickers. Loaner instruments will be available and instruction will be provided for fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, banjo and singing. Students can show off their newfound talents on stage on Sunday.