SCBFF 2026

Letter from Mary Kussmaul, CBA Regional Director (Sonoma, Napa & Lake Counties)

This year’s show is going to be another banger — in addition to a stellar lineup of bands, there will be tons of picking, not one but two workshops (a vocal harmony workshop with Michaela Mae and Ryan Harlin and also a Mexican folk music workshop), and a community square dance to cap off the night.

Right after Laurie Lewis and Nina Gerber’s headline set, we’ll quickly clear out the chairs for the dancing, with Evie Ladin calling and KC Heil leading a rocking old-time dance band. This is going to be a fun day! Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your tickets because last year they SOLD OUT. Buy your tickets here. (Don’t forget to snag your CBA member discount!)

I’m looking at the stage lineup here and it is really remarkable. We’ve got:

• California bluegrass and folk legends Laurie Lewis and Nina Gerber headlining

• National touring bluegrass band Monroe Crossing out of Minnesota (hang in there Minnesota)

• Deep sounds from Mexico, Central America and the world with Pulso de Barro (they’ll play on stage and also do a workshop in the annex)

• Nashville hotshots Five Mile Mountain Road (including CA’s own Josh Gooding)

• California favorites: the Evie Ladin Band and Jesse Appelman’s West Coast String Band

• The youth performers of Manning Music out of the East Bay

Your ticket to the festival includes all of these activities–bands, workshops, dancing, and of course picking on the lawn until your fingers hurt.

Happy Picking!

Mary