7'th Annual Brookdale Bluegrass Festival, at the World Famous Haunted Lodge The Brookdale Bluegrass Festival returns December 1'st & 2'nd, bringing back favorites such as Chojo Jacques/Houston Jones, Jimmy Chickenpants, Harmony Grits, Mossy Creek, Faux Renwah, Belle Monroe & her Brewglass Boys, and many MORE fine acts... and YES, the Brookdale Lodge has long had a name for itsself on the tour maps, and is a regular feature on various programs proclaiming the supernatural. Come join us on the first weekend in December, and you will most surely hear the song that tells about the resident ghost "Sarah", out on "Highway Nine"... and keep your eyes peeled. Sponsored by Eric Burman, Northern California Bluegrass Society, Faultline Audio, and the Brookdale Lodge, this show has long been a favorite for the musicians. There will be a "jam room" open to all, and open jams in the entry hall are featured after 7:00pm. An intimate setting, with fireplace and friends, this presents a fine time to be had by players and fans. Last year brought together three fine fiddlers, Joe Craven, Chojo Jacques, and Cactus Bob Cole, for a spirited session. This is a wonderful chance to meet the always friendly bluegrass musicians. Ticket info can be found online at brookdalebluegrass.com, as well as band links and the lineup. Be sure to see the new website, loaded with fun facts and features. You can order tickets by email brookdalebluegrass@hotmail.com with prices low at $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, and $55 for a two day pair. There are rooms available at the lodge, through brookdalelodge.com, or phone them 831-338-6433. Take Highway Nine north out of Santa Cruz (about ten miles). This venue has a small stage with no bad seats, full bar, and the famous Brook Room, for fine dining, which has a stream running through it. Sunday brunch is served. There is also a coffee shop, gift store, and market. Sunday, we proudly present, as far as we know, the world's only Underwater Banjo Contest, open to all, viewed through glass, next to the stage. Defending Champ Prairie Flower vs a gang of pickers. See it to believe it. Yes the rumors are true. (just ask). Come one come all to the seventh annual Brookdale Bluegrass Festival. -Mike Hofer _________________________________________________________________________ WARNING! Bluegrass Music Played Here WARNING! ...That's what you'll see if you go to the "downloads" page at brookdalebluegrass.com... This website has been set up to give people an idea of the fun that we have at this festval. With tongue in cheek, the "warning" reminds the true fans of how unique and misunderstood the bluegrass world appears to be to most outsiders, which is exactly why the new version of the website has been filled with fun things for people to see and do, and to make them feel welcomed. Besides the usual band bios and links, you will get a feel of real bluegrass music, and of the impromptu participation that the musicians are known for, along with interactive pages that are designed to make the visitor feel as if they are a part of the family. The "Fun with Eric Burman" part of the site gives newcomers an opportunity to aquaint themselves with the organizer of not only the Brookdale Bluegrass Festival, but also the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, (GOF), and recently the Roaring Camp Bluegrass Festival. Eric plays and writes songs, and will be performing at the show, with the Brookdale Bluegrass Band. Links to past events are filled with candid photos of people actually having fun, which is what we guarantee will happen for anyone who decides to give us a try. The Brookdale Lodge takes on new life as longtime friends team up with newfound ones, and music is heard from most of the rooms throughout the weekend, with most doors open to fans who stroll the grounds: The musicians prefer an audience, and are quite friendly... Try it, you'll like it... ...So back to the downloads page: Here you will find traditional music from Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, etc, along with originals from Eric and Dam Dave, and an amazingly beautiful version of "Whiskey 'fore Breakfast" featuring Joe Walsh (!). There is a slideshow of pics of past performers, such as The Sibling Brothers, Hightone Sinners, Lunatic Fringe, The Earle Brothers, NormalFlora, and more... The links page will direct you to bluegrass societies, mp3 sites, lyrics, help pages, art, and fun stuff associated with bluegrass music. The tickets page has PayPal, and you can save $5 on a pair of 2 day passes if you purchase them online before the show. Kids 16 & under are free. Do stop by the new brookdalebluegrass.com for a peek into the wonderful world of bluegrass, and for a taste of the fun you can expect at the upcoming Brookdale Bluegrass Festival, to be held on the first weekend of December, 2006. (That's the 1'st & 2'nd) Sunday is free, with our famous Underwater Banjo Contest, and a Band Scramble hosted by Banjo Barb.... -Mike Hofer also see Brookdale Bluegrass News San Lorenzo Valley Rag and Eric News