• Great Bands, Sublime Setting, Fun Folks Everywhere

If you're new to the area, or to BMSCC's e-mailer, maybe you don't know. But with a line-up that features two Virginia powerhouses -- James King and Jr. Sisk's bands -- as well as talented favorites from around California, this Parkfield Bluegrass Festival is one you don't want to miss. For ticket info, bands schedule, directions, volunteer opportunities, and other festival info, see our website: www.parkfieldbluegrass.com, or call (805) 725-3060 or (805) 720-2427.

Readers who've never been to a bluegrass festival owe it themselves to visit Parkfield next weekend. Just as live performances typically overshadow mere recordings, so do outdoor festivals far surpass indoor concerts.

In Parkfield -- a hamlet of two dozen residents secluded in a picturesque valley nowhere near a freeway, airport or railroad -- one finds the ideal venue for celebrating that incomparable high lonesome sound. There are round-the-clock spontaneous jams that often equal the stage performances. And there are workshops and programs for all, young and old.

This year's kids activities have been expanded to accommodate scores of youngsters whose numbers at Parkfield grow yearly. Note that FREE admission applies to kids and teens alike. There's no charge, either, for the kids' camp program. Kids are encouraged to bring their own bluegrass instruments (or they can use available pizza boxes). Advance info on the kids program can be found at www.parkfieldbluegrass.com. Parents are asked to submit name, age and instrument of each child interested in this program. For future program publicity, the program coordinator will seek parental permission for use of children's first names and photo.

Venue amenities include dozens of acres of flat, grassy, shaded campsites, some of which have electrical hook-ups. Hot showers are available. And we'll have some terrific food and drink vendors.

Best of all, the Parkfield fest always features some of the finest folks found anywhere. All love bluegrass music, and lots of them play and sing it with rare verve. The word's already out -- our advance ticket sales are up 50% from the festival's previous high. So don't be left out. Be part of the enchanting Parkfield experience! See you there.

• Calling One or Two Good Volunteers

The Parkfield Festival's volunteer roster has room for a couple of folks who are willing to help at the gate, especially with campsite location assistance during peak hours on Friday afternoon and evening. If you're interested, drop us a line or give us a call (see phone/mail/email info on the "Join" page).

• For a summary of upcoming bluegrass events click on Central Coast Bluegrass Music Calendar, below.