The San Diego Bluegrass Society sponsors a wide variety of bluegrass music events, including regular Tuesday events with open mics and jam sessions for San Diegans and visitors who desire to play bluegrass in a group setting, with a featured band on the 4th Tuesday. SDBS also sponsors bluegrass concerts by nationally recognized bands touring through our region, along with workshops and other educational activities.

Check out our Events+Calendar page for details. Better yet, sign up for our email list and we'll keep you informed of special events. Best of all, join the SDBS for our monthly e-newsletter, special member discounts, and more, You'll enjoy becoming part of our family-friendly community, and knowing that your support keeps bluegrass music alive and well in San Diego.

April 22, 2014 (4th Tuesday); 8 pm at the Boll Weevil 9330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. SDBS presents Old town road as Featured Band

SDBS welcomes back Old Town Road. Old Town Road is a dynamic five piece Bluegrass Band based in North County San Diego. They perform traditional, contemporary and original bluegrass music featuring the five string banjo, fiddle and dobro backed up by guitar and bass. The band consists of five multi-talented musicians with Steve Dame on five string banjo, Steve Toth on dobro, David Collins on fiddle, Given Harrison on guitar and Conrad Norton on bass.

Steve Dame performs banjo duties with the group and is also great when he picks up the fiddle. Steve Toth on the dobro has also written several Internationally acclaimed Instruction Books for the dobro. He also plays the five string banjo, pedal steel guitar and guitar. Given Harrison, playing rhythm guitar, is also a great bass player and he and David Collins, playing fiddle, have been performing bluegrass music together since 1981. Rounding out the band is Conrad Norton who keeps the boys in line with his solid bass playing and he is also proficient on the five string banjo.

Steve Toth has recently completed a unique Historical Book which includes a CD on prewar Dobros titled "DOBRO ROOTS - A Photo Tour Of Prewar Wood Body Dobros". The Foreword for the book was written by Jerry Douglas, the "master" of the dobro and member of Alison Krauss and Union Station. It is published and distributed worldwide by Centerstream/Hal Leonard Publishing Co. and has already received excellent reviews from many noted folks in the music business including George Gruhn, Nashville musical instrument expert and dealer and Paul Beard, dobro expert and excellent resophonic guitar builder.

Old Town Road has appeared at the Summergrass Bluegrass Festival, the Temecula Bluegrass Festival, the Wayne Rice Show on KSON Radio, Via Verde Estates Concert Series, El Cajon Concert on the Green Series, and various other concerts and shows in the San Diego area. The band prides itself in being a well rehearsed group that takes care in developing interesting arrangements that include multiple part vocal harmonies.

They always put on a thrilling and fun filled performance. Don't miss this exciting bluegrass group!

Schedule: Open mic and Pick-up bands 6:30-8; FPMPS 8-9 pm

Location: Boll Weevil Restaurant, 9330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92123.

Admiussion: Free; donations suggested

Summergrass: August 15-17, 2014. Southern California's Premier Bluegrass Festival

With our sister organization in San Diego, The North San Diego County Bluegrass and Folk Club, we co-produce Summergrass, a premier 3-day bluegrass festival held each August. Summergrass was a blast this year! We had a great turnout, great bands, and tons of jamming!

Watch the Summergrass website for updates on next year's event.

Perennial favorites Bluegrass Etc. at Summergrass 2013. (Photo courtesy of Dennis Andersen)

Free Music Outreach with Emma's Gut Bucket Band

SDBS has an active music outreach program with Emma’s Gut Bucket Band, bringing bluegrass music and instruction to public and private schools, senior centers, assisted living facilities, homeless centers and the like at no cost. We also offer a lending library of instructional materials, plus an instrument lending Library, to our members. An instrument donation program is also available. Send us an email for info: info@sandiegobluegrass.org.

Bluegrass Day at the Fair 2014: Saturday July 5 11 am to 6 pm.

Bluegrass day at the Fair 2014 will feature a kids performance, a fiddling demonstration, a band scramble, and 5 great bands in concert! Band Scramble registration will open soon--check back here for details. The event will be on the beautiful Paddock Stage.

Chris Clarke and Plow on stage Bluegrass Day at the Fair 2013

Looking for a bluegrass band for your event? Let us know, and we'll assist you in locating a band that meets the particular needs of your party or event. Contact: info@sandiegobluegrass.org.