Check it out:  http://www.americanafest.org

See the line-up!  Find out about all the events---dances, workshops, concerts!

 

   March is the last month to get your

 Prices for the Weekend Passes will increase on April 1.

 If you just want to attend one or two of the individual events (there are 6 separate events included in the Weekend Pass), you'll be able to purchase individual event tickets

starting April 15---but they'll be $20 apiece ($30 for the Saturday night concert). 
So $70 (the Early Bird price) for all six events is a GREAT DEAL! 
Better yet is the Early Bird Couple price---only $110 for 2 people!
775-348-4692  americanafest2009@sbcglobal.net

-   -   -   -   -  
Looking for a roommate, carpool-mate or airport shuttle for the Americana
Festival?  Let us know, and we'll get you hooked up!
Just send your requests to americanafest2009@sbcglobal.net
Or call 775-348-4692.

-   -   -   -   -  

We are saddened by the news of the passing of Gary Elder, great bass player and regular attendee to the Slow Jams and the Maytan jams.  We have many wonderful memories of Gary, his ready laugh and kind words of encouragement.  He was always eager to learn new tunes and provide a steady, solid bass for us.  Gary was a member of the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association and attended many bluegrass events in northern Nevada.  His wife, Sheary said he really enjoyed the people he met and the jams he was able to attend.  Our deepest sympathies are extended Sheary and their children. 

Sierra Acoustic Music has made a contribution in Gary's memory to the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association (http://www.nnba.org)

 

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March, 2009 Calendar

Thursdays and Sundays, Jams up at the Lake (Tahoe, that is).  There is a lively community of musicians who host jams at both the north and south ends of the lake.  Contact Bev at  bpalfreyman@att.net

 
Sunday, March 1, 3-5pm  Bluegrass Guitar Class Practice Session.  We'll review all the tunes we've covered over the last few months.  Call 348-4692 or email cgray56@sbcglobal.net if you're interested in joining us.    
 
Sunday, March 8, 4pm  Bluegrass Jam at The Studio on 4th Street, downtown Reno (at the corner of 4th and Valley).  All pickers (and listeners) welcome.  Thank you, Mike and Kristen for allowing us to jam in your nice establishment!  More info: 786-6460

 

Thursday, March 12,  7:30pm  GONZALO BERGERA QUARTET At the Studio on 4th Street  (southwest corner of 4th and Valley streets, downtown Reno).

Check out this incredible acoustic gypsy jazz group! -- www.gonzolobergera.com  and 
 www.myspace.com/gonzalobergara

There will be a gypsy jam after the show, too, for local players!!
Tickets $10  Call 786-6460

Friday, March 13, 7pm  Celtic Session at The Studio On Fourth Street (southwest corner of 4th and Valley streets, downtown Reno).  All players (and listeners) welcome.  Singers and dancers are welcome, too.  Come and learn more about this unique form of traditional music and dance!  For more info, email Peter at:  petergrant55@gmail.com
 
Saturday, March 14, 7:30-10:30pm Contra Dance Plumas Park Gym, 475 Monroe St., just off Plumas, 6 blocks south of California St.  Contra Dance with live fiddle tunes played by "Bandemonium" Caller: Robin Steen.  The dance fee is $10.00. Sponsored by the Sierra Contra Dance Society. If you've never danced this style of "line" or "group" dance, come at 7:00 for a quick lesson.  Wear sneakers! It's a blast! 
More info at 775-240-6117.
 
Saturday, March 14, 2pm. Bluegrass Jam in Susanville. All players welcome!
Call or email Rick Shoen for details and directions:  twothphry@earthlink.net 

or 530-257-1068.
 
Thursday, March 19, 8:30pm Harvey Reid in concert.  Great Basin Brewing Company, Victorian Square, Sparks  Harvey is a "master" of many acoustic instruments, a gifted songwriter and amazing performer.  You don't have to go to Merlefest or the Telluride Bluegrass Festival to catch him this year---he's coming to Reno! 

Harvey's website:  http://www.harveyreid.com/harveyreid.html  

Cover charge $20 in advance, $25 at the door.  Call 355-7711
 
Friday, March 20, 7pm  Bluegrass Guitar Class.  This class is open to beginner-intermediate guitar players.  We cover rhythm techniques and soloing using a flatpick.  Only pre-requisite is that you know the chords G, C and D and have your own guitar!  If you've attended before, great!  But if you've never attended, that's OK, too.  Each lesson is "self contained".  The March lesson will be a special session focusing totally on interchangeable licks and runs that you can stick into bluegrass tunes and/or use to invent breaks "on the fly".  The lesson cost is $15 (just pay when you get here) and you get printed materials (tablature, lyrics, chord charts) and a CD with recordings to practice at home.  Call or email if interested, or just show up!  cgray56@sbcglobal.net or 348-4692.  
 
Friday, March 20, 8pm Dwight Yoakum in concert at the Silver Legacy Grande Exposition Hall.  What a treat to have this superstar come to Reno!  Tickets start at $55.
Local number: 329-4777 or http://www.silverlegacyreno.com
 
Thursday March 26, 8pm  Ponderosa www.myspace.com/ponderosanevada will be competing in the "Talent Show for Charity" at the Studio on 4th Street (southwest corner of 4th and Valley streets, downtown Reno).  Come out and support community service organizations!  Free show (although donations to charities encouraged).  Call 786-6460
 
Friday, March 27, 7-9pm, Celtic American Tune Session Comma Coffee House, 312 S Carson St.Carson City (just across from the Legislature). Focus will be on the repertoire of "traditional" Celtic/American fiddle tunes. Open to players of acoustic melody instruments such as fiddle, mandolin, hammer dulcimer, tenor banjo, lead guitar, penny whistle, Irish flute, etc. More info: cdadbayer@aol.com  

Saturday, March  28, 2pm. Bluegrass Jam in Susanville.