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With Bill Evans, John Reischman, Jim Nunally, Chad Manning, Sharon Gilchrist & Mike WitcherThe California Bluegrass Reunion is an annual celebration of the rich bluegrass tradition in California, featuring an extraordinary lineup of musicians who have made significant contributions to the genre. This year's event brings together some of the finest talents in bluegrass, including Bill Evans, John Reischman, Jim Nunally, Chad Manning, Sharon Gilchrist, and Mike Witcher. Known for their deep ties to the California music scene and their exceptional musical skills, these artists promise an evening filled with masterful performances, showcasing the diversity and depth of bluegrass music. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, the California Bluegrass Reunion offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant sounds and stories of bluegrass in an intimate setting.
Virginia native Bill Evans has been involved with bluegrass music and the world of the banjo as a player, teacher, composer, writer and historian. He occupies a unique niche in the banjo world: celebrated worldwide for his traditional as well as progressive bluegrass banjo styles as well as his innovative original compositions, he also enjoys a reputation as an outstanding instructor as well as being an expert player of 19th century minstrel and classic banjo styles. Bill currently performs with flatpick guitar legend Dan Crary and tours with his solo show The Banjo in America. In over twenty-seven years as a California-based performer, he has performed with David Grisman, Peter Rowan, Jody Stecher, Eric & Suzy Thompson, David Bromberg, Tony Trischka & Alan Munde, among many others. For more, visit billevansbanjo.com.
Grammy Award-winning musician John Reischman has been a foundational mandolinist, composer, bandleader, and musical educator in bluegrass and North American roots and folk music since emerging from the vibrant “new acoustic” music scene of the Bay Area in the 1980s. A founding member of the groundbreaking Tony Rice Unit, Reischman’s mastery of bluegrass, old-time, swing, and multiple Latin American musical styles, coupled with an Old Masters sense of tone, taste and musicality, has brought him a global reputation as one of the finest mandolinists of his era. John was a founding member of the California band The Good Ol’ Persons and he has led John Reischman & The Jaybirds for over twenty years. For more, visit johnreischman.com.
San Francisco Bay Area native Jim Nunally is a musician, composer, record producer and teacher – all in addition to being one of the finest guitar players in the world. His third-generation traditional music roots began in Arkansas with this guitar-playing grandfather who taught Jim’s father who in turn taught Jim. This pedigree contributes to his unmistakably traditional sound. For the last several years, Jim has co-led the Nell & Jim Band with Nell Robinson, performing a unique mix of original Americana sounds based around their outstanding duet singing and Jim’s arranging. Jim has performed with the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, John Reischman & The Jaybirds, and Keith Little as well as leading the path-breaking California band Due West. For more info, visit jimnunally.com.
Chad Manning is a Bay Area bluegrass, old-time, and swing fiddler who has performed with the David Grisman Sextet and the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience. For many years, he was also a member of Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands. He has performed and toured with many bluegrass greats such as J.D. Crowe, Curly Seckler, Alan Munde, and Tony Trischka, to name a few. Chad also finds great joy in teaching and working with all levels of fiddle students. He and his wife, Catherine, run Manning Music, a bluegrass/old-time/traditional music school in Berkeley, California where currently 250 students take lessons. Chad is also an instructor at Peghead Nation where he currently offers three courses and he currently plays guitar in the band Birches Bend, which features his son Jasper on mandolin. Learn more at chadmanning.com.
Sharon Gilchrist has long made her home in the American acoustic music scene. You may have seen her playing mandolin or upright bass, singing a traditional ballad, or performing an original piece on a concert or festival stage anywhere in North America.. She has performed with the Peter Rowan and Tony Rice Quartet, Scott Nygaard and John Reischman, Darol Anger, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, Scott Law and the Bluegrass Dimension and others. She earned a degree in Mandolin Performance from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and has taught mandolin for 15 years both privately and online at Peghead Nation and at some of the nation's finest music camps. Sharon currently resides in Nashville, TN after living for almost a decade in California. Learn more on Instagram.
Mike Witcher is a distinguished resonator guitarist known for his soulful playing and versatility across multiple genres. With a career that spans bluegrass, folk, and Americana, Mike has performed with some of the finest musicians in the industry. His technical prowess and emotive style make him a sought-after performer and educator. This year, Mike joins the California Bluegrass Reunion, bringing his unique sound and heartfelt performances to the Freight & Salvage stage. Learn more at www.mikewitcher.com
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St,Berkeley, California, United States
Tickets
