Strawberry Festival returns, even bigger! The fall festival is quite a blow out, with enough jamming to satisfy even the total fanatic.

Whereas the spring Strawberry is smaller and not so hot weathered, this event is great for sun lovers and those who like non stop action.

You’ll see more jams, parties, and general musical mayhem than ever at the fall Strawberry, and be sure to come by Sid’s Camp Stop Jamming for the live Hog Ranch Radio broadcast (usually Saturday night after the main stage).This is the big blow out, don’t miss it!

Well, the time has finally arrived when Jamming 101 hasgrown from a lil’ puppy to a large rock n roll hound dawg, ready to take on the world..or, at least Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and San Diego!

Yep, thaz right, we’re goin in the road, a full week of workshops with nothing but the asphalt underneath us and the wind in our teeth…SUMMERGRASS TOUR 2010…

After getting asked back to teach at the Summergrass Bluegrass Festival in San Diego, we decided that driving 10 hours from Chico to So Cal for just one show was just too much, so we picked out fave towns and booked workshops along the way. We even included a little pickin party about half way,in the lovely hamlet of Cayucos at the famous Dave-O’s Red Barn (yes, you’re invited! Call (805) 995-2965 for details..)

We’re asking all humanoids in these towns to help spread the word, post it all over Facebook and Myspace, and you can also download a poster here (scroll down till you see “Summergrass Tour” posters)

Here are the tour dates: (Remember, you HAVE to call AHEAD to reserve your spot, space is VERY limited!)

►Tuesday August 17 in Santa Cruz

 314 Goss Ave   5:30 – 7:30pm

Registration: 831-234-5511 ($25)

►PARTY! Wednesday August 18 at the Red Barnin Cayucos

1155 Cayucos Creek Rd  6pm on…bring yer instruments and beer!

Info/directions: (805)995-2965  (FREE!)

►Thursday August 19 in Santa Barbara

@ Jensen Music (2905De La Vina st, #F)   5:00 – 7:00pm 

Registration: (805)563-3200 ($25)

►Fri-Sun August 20-22 in Vista(San Diego area)

@ the SummerGrassBluegrass Festival

Friday: 6pm, Sat/Sun10am

Info line: 858 679-4854 (FREE to festival goers)

So tune up yer banjer and whistle up yer dawg, and let’smake these jams be off the hook! Call Sid on his road cell if you have anyquestions…530-566-2142. See ya on the road!

The birthplace of Jamming 101, the California WorldFest holds a very special place in our hearts for us, and we urge you to experience this very local and magical gathering.

For four days, the Grass Valley Fairgrounds becomes a world bazaar of sounds, tastes and sights, and you will leave exhausted and enriched.

Sid also hosts a camp (thanks Dan!) on Thursday night, called “Camp Stop Jamming”, which welcomes all early festival campers with a lively late-night sing-a-long, to which all are welcome. Shoot us an email as it gets closer, or just show up.

This is truly the crown jewel festival  of Northern California, come be part of the experience!

(pickin at Sid\'s \"Camp Stop Jamming\")

Truly Magical, this must-see event is held on the legendary Black Oak Ranch near Laytonville, California. The same site as the Earthdance festival and Wavy Gravy’s Camp WinaRainbow, you will be enchanted by the majestic black oaks and the beautiful river offering refreshing swimming and relaxing.

Like a smaller and more organic Strawberry Festival, the Kate Wolf Memorial Festival is not to be missed, and the Jamming 101 classes take place in a carpeted Revival Tent complete with hay bales and hippies. This is a great plave to bring the family and create experiences to be remembered for a lifetime!

For you true jamming fanatics, this it the BIG ONE! Not just a weekend festival, but an entire week of instruction from some of the best names in bluegrass (Murphy Henry, Bill Evans, John Reischman, Jack Tuttle, to name just a few...) and yours truly, Sid Lewis and Jamming 101! Sid\'s first appearance last year brought down the house, gaining him dozens of fan letters demanding him back!

Sid will be leading five workshops in the beatiful Grass Valley Fairgrounds from Sunday June 13 till Wednesday June 16. This will be one of the more intensive courses by Jamming 101, teaching you everything from how to tune up to taking blazing solo\'s. Students are advised to get a copy of the Jamming 101 coursebook on our products page to prepare.

Keep in mind that the following weekend is the famous Fathers Day Bluegrass Festival in the same spot, so plan to stay for all the pickin fun!

The CBA Camp starts Sunday afternoon (June 14th) with the introductory classes, and continues that evening with dinner, staff introductions, questions and answers, a mini-concert, and LOTS of jamming! Then Monday through Wednesday will various group classes including vocal harmonies, clogging, band rhythm, music theory, songwriting, and more. In other words, non-stop pickin action, with Sid Lewis there for the whole 4 days to assist all your jamming needs.

The most legendary festival in California, this amazing event happens twice a year, for Memorial Day (this one) and then again in the fall for Labor Day. Imagine yourself in the middle of Yosemite National Forrest, surrounded by tall pines, bears, rivers, and, endless music!

Jamming 101 holds three fun classes on the beautiful Birch Lake, Friday thru Sunday mornings. The spring Strawberry is less crowded, at less hot during the day. It does get cold at night, so bring those hand warmers and brandy!

This year, Sid will be debuting his new assistant instructor Maureen Park and her crew, so the classes promise to be funner than ever. Call now to get your ticket, because they sell out every year, months ahead...

The CBA Fall Camp was such a huge success that guess what: they’re having one in the spring! Yes, that’s right, for all you bluegrass nuts out there, your dreams have come true with the 1^st ever CBA Winter Camp at the beautiful Walker Creek Ranch outside Petaluma, CA. (1700 Marshall-Petaluma Road, Petaluma, CA 94952)

From Feb 15 till 18^th some of the best players  instructors in all of bluegrass will be featured, including such legends as: Bill Evans, Jim Nunally, Roland White, John Reischman, Dix Bruce, Jack Tuttle, Megan Lynch, and yours truly, Sid Lewis heading up the Jamming program.

Needless to say we are honored to be among such luminaries, and look forward to providing the same high energy and fun filled Jamming 101 classes as always. We have a place for everyone in our groups, from rank beginner (with or without an instrument!), to grizzled veteran (you’ll get to take blazing solo’s). We provide all you music, and you learn all the must-have standards, as well as all the tips and tricks you need to start songs, take leads, play the endings, and much more.

This promises to be the must-do musical event of the summer, with amazing musicians, beautiful countryside, and great weather. We anticipate this selling out as the other camps have done, so enroll soon to reserve a spot!

See y’all there….

“…Sid Lewis to bring his Nationally recognized Jamming 101 workshop back to  Chico on Saturday, December 12, 11am till 1pm. Currently taught every year at the Strawberry Music Festival and recently featured on NPRs Weekend America, Sid Lewis and his Jamming 101 class has been a huge success all across California. Designed for all levels, Jamming 101 is an inspiring class in the art of playing together. Designed to demystify and make enjoyable for all the often confusing world of Folk and Bluegrass jamming, Sid’s unique five level system has won accolades everywhere he teaches.

Participants will learn important skills such as JAM SURVIVAL and FITTING IN (for beginners), LEAD and ACCOMPANIMENT playing, DIFFERENT MUSICAL STYLES (folk, bluegrass, blues, Celtic), jam session etiquette, and much more!

Class will be held at the new offices of Acoustic College at 932 West 8th Avenue, in the front .Students are asked to pre-register for the class here online because seating is limited! Class is 2 hours long, and cost is $35 per student. Call (530) 894-2526 for more directions/info.

What people are saying about Jamming 101...

\"The answer to my musical prayers!\" - Catherine Girardeau, NPR Weekend America 

\"A sure success. I recommend Jamming 101 to all!\" - Kathy Lord, Activities Coordinator, Strawberry Music festival

\"A wonderful experience! - Dan Dewayne, Promoter of the California World Music Festival

If there’s one new trip you plan this summer, this has to be it! Imagine this: All of your favorite artists playing in the pines of the Sierra Nevada foothills, and, a white water rafting trip on the American River with live music at lunch! The only double event of its kind in California, the American River Music Festival features a full day of rafting with trained professionals on Friday, then solid music and jamming days for the rest of the weekend in the beautiful campgrounds of the Coloma-Lotus valley.

And, the return of Jamming 101! Sid\'s fun sing-a-longs and Jams at all three campgrounds were such a hit that they are back again, for more nonstop pickin FUN!

Last year featured a stellar line up including Joe Craven and Sam Bevan, Blame Sally, Keith Greeninger with Dayan Kai, David Jacobs-Strain Trio, and much more…

Please stay posted for this year’s bill, we\'ll let you know as soon as we do.

Classes are held in three beautiful locations: The Earthtrek Campground (Where Camp Stop Jamming is located), the American River Resort, and Camp Lotus. Each of these classes has its own unique charm, so be sure to plan to visit each one!

Our first class will be Saturday morning - 9:30am - 10:30am, at Earthtrek campground. Later that day we will hold an evening class at the American River Resort at 7pm. Then Sunday morning we will travel to the gorgeous Camp Lotus for our final jam at 9:30am.

Unlike all of our other events, Jamming 101 classes at American River Music Festival offer the chance to see all of the great campgrounds, so plan to go on “Jamming 101 tour” with us and come to each fun jam!

Ticket purchasing options for the music and rafting will begin May 1st at www.americanrivermusicfestival.org or call (530)622-6044.

Part of the CBA\'s fall camp-out, this workshop will be led by Sid\'s senior instructor Moe Park, and feature all the fun and easy songs familiar to Jamming 101 participants.

This class is part of the week long campout (from August 25th thru 29th) and for more information on this event contact Pat Calhoun.

Attendees must reserve space ahead of time by calling Lisa at 916-777-5511, or visit

www.lighthouseresortandmarina.com

Come on down for a great vacation in sunny San Diego, for Jamming 101’s first time at the Summergrass Bluegrass Festival.  Taking place at the fascinating 40-acre outdoor Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in San Diego\'s North County, this will be a great time for all the family.

Sid will be giving two classes, on Friday and Saturday, and welcomes his Northern California following down to mingle with the San Diegans!

As all the Jamming 101 workshops are, this will be a fun and easy jam for all ages, instruments, and ability levels.

Directions:

From the north, on I- 5:  Exit I-5 onto CA-76 East.  At approx. 7 miles, turn Right onto N. Santa Fe Ave.  At 2.2 miles, turn right to enter AGSEM, on Museum Way (at the signal).   

From the north, on I-15:  Exit I-15 onto CA-76 West toward Oceanside.  At approx. 10-1/2 miles, turn Left onto N. Santa Fe Ave.  At 2.2 miles, turn right to enter AGSEM, on Museum Way (at the signal).

From the south, on I-5:  Exit I-5 onto CA-78 East.  Exit at Melrose Dr. and turn Left.  Go to dead end & turn Right on N. Santa Fe Ave.  At 1 mile, turn Right to enter AGSEM, on Museum Way (at signal).

From the south, on I-15:  Exit I-15 onto CA-78 West.  Exit CA-78 onto Escondido Ave. in Vista and turn Right.  Turn Left onto S. Santa Fe Ave. (3rd stoplight).  Go about 4 miles; turn Left at Museum Way (at signal) to enter AGSEM.

In continuing the Jamming 101 quest to take jamming to everywhere from the teeming city’s to the remote forests, we will now be bringing our class to the scenic mountain town of Truckee, California.

So, if you\'re somewhat a local, this is your chance to check out this amazingly fun “sing-a-long meets jam session” that everyone can enjoy. This is the same program we bring annually to major music festivals, and now we’re going to be right in your neighborhood!

If you\'re not (like me!), then plan a fun get-away for the family, and enjoy snowcapped mountains and many outdoor activities (Among many of the local attractions are skiing at Boreal and soaking in hot mineral water at the Sierra Hot Springs)

The Jamming 101 \"playshop\" is slated for Saturday May 2nd, at 11am, at the Inner Rhythms Dance Studio.  

These classes fill up very quickly, so you will want to sign up soon  if you are interested. Cost is $40 per student, which includes all the music for the program.

(yes, you can do it right here with your credit card)

Bluegrass on Broadway brings bluegrass music to downtown Redwood City. In addition to live performances, it also includes a bluegrass film festival, author symposium, and the Northern California Bluegrass Awards. Admission is free to all!

This year will also feature the debut of Sid Lewis and his ever popular Jamming 101 workshop, free as well to festival goers. Open to all from rank beginner to grizzled veteran, Jamming 101 is part sing-a-long, part music class, and mostly just a good old time!

You will also get to see FREE performances by such area legends as Roger Siminoff, The Tuttle Family, Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys, Dan Crary, and more!

Check out the complete schedule here...and we\'ll see y\'all there!

Jamming 101 welcomes it’s first new instructor with a “training class” here at Sid’s home. The public is welcome to attend the free workshop, but seating is very limited and must be reserved by signing up here, or by calling (530) 894-2526.

Recently certified instructor Maureen Park, and her assistances Marc Ringuette and Peter Hewitt, will be presenting Sid’s unique “guided jam” program teaching the basics of playing music together. The class is designed to be enjoyable for all ability levels, all musical instruments, and all ages.

This workshop is part of the training process for Maureen, and Jamming 101 wants to provide her with a great audience, so if you have any interest in becoming a better jammer, reserve your space soon.

There is no fee for this particular workshop, but donations will be accepted.

See ya here…

Jamming 101 comes to Ashland, Oregon!

At the last Kate Wolf Festival we met some wonderful folks from Ashland, Oregon, who asked us if we ever planned to bring Jamming 101 to their town. I said “I, um, well, no it’s not on our calendar yet…”

Well, thanks to the wonderful energy of Ashland dance teacher Roz Schrodt, and her Ashland tribe,  we will be bringing Jamming 101 to their town, on Saturday October 18^th!The classes will be held at the beautiful Oak Street Dance Studio at 1287 Oak St.
Ashland, Oregon (see www.oakstreetdance.com), located where Oak Street meets Bear Creek Bridge, 1 mile from downtown Ashland.

There will be two hour-long workshops back to back, with an intermission to meet new jam-pals! We have a wonderful curriculum planned for the day, with something for the total beginner as well as the more adept players. We will cover (among other):

• The tricks of effective jam leading, with all the charts and materials you will need
• Free handout booklets of all the common jam songs, including fiddle tunes and bluegrass standards
• Q & A, storytelling and musical comedy
• Fun sing-a-longs and chances for everyone to solo

“Sid Lewis will change your musical world” says Kate Wolf Fest director Rick Ahern, and we will! You will leave these fun classes inspired and ready for a new musical life!

Registration fee for these classes is $40 (for both classes). Payment for class can be ahead of time, or at time of class. Discounts: seniors and youth (under 18) receive a discounted fee of $35.

Class size is extremely limited so sign up soon, either here online or mailing a check to Jamming 101, PO Box 4481, Chico, CA 95927. 

Sign ups and and payments can also be made to Roz Schrodt, by calling (541) 482-6821

Jamming 101 is celebrating the addition of its newest instructor with a workshop in our State Capital!

Recently certified an the Jamming 101 system under founder Sid Lewis, instructor Maureen Park and assistants Marc Ringuette and Peter Hewitt will be presenting the popular “workshop meets sing-a-long meets guided jam” that is now taught at all the major California music festivals.

Don’t miss this fun outdoor class in scenic Ashton Park, Sacramento. Everything will be provided, down to the chairs, instructional materials and even refreshments.

All are welcome, from the most timid beginner to the seasoned veteran (Jamming 101 offers spotlight moments for more advanced players to take the lead), and all instruments are encouraged (we mean it, any instrument al all! We’ve had steel drums and bagpipes jamming together before!)

Expect a great sing-a-long, along with easy music charts for all the popular folk and bluegrass songs, as well as tips and tricks for successfully entering a jam session, as well as starting your own.

This will fill up fast, so reserve your seat soon!

Class is $30 per person, preregistered. You can sign up online here with your credit card, or mail checks to:

Jamming 101

9027 Generations Drive

Elk Grove, CA 95758-1232

You can also pay at the day of the event, but we can\'t guarantee you a space, and there will be a $5 surcharge.

See y’all there!

Go back to college, only this time have FUN! Thats right, Jamming 101 is now going into colleges and bringing hillbilly music the educated folk...plus, its a great excuse to enjoy the scenic Chico State campus and town.

This class is limited, so go sign up now at (530)898-6105, or click on the web link here...and click on the \"Spring Schedule.\"

The 2nd workshop in the \"Pickin In Paradise\" tour, this class will also be held at a private residence near Honolulu on 555 Anolani Street (see directions below).

Class will be on Saturday, February 9th at 11am.

We highly recommend you come along with our \"Jamming 101 convoy\" from Feb 2 till Feb 10th, and spend the week laying in the sun, snorkeling, and jamming at both classes! This is also very limited, so early sign ups are highly reccomended...see y\'all all on the beach!

Don’t miss this opportunity for a dream vacation combined with fun workshops on the Hawaiian Islands! Imagine a week of jamming, snorkeling and relaxing on the beaches of Oahu and Maui…For the first time ever, Jamming 101 is introducing the workshops to the islands...Maui and Oahu!

Sign up here for the Jamming 101 workshop on Maui, Wednesday February 6th, 6pm. The class will be held at the residence of Steve Slater at 264 Palima Place, Kihei, Maui. Space is very limited so sign up soon, and get the discounted rate (before Jan 15)

Check back for the exact directions and lodging options, and feel free to contact us regarding being part of the Jamming 101 convoy over there.... See you in Paradise!

The 2nd Annual Bluegrass In Paradise is a true small-town festival with great bluegrass and family atmosphere. Line up is still being firmed up, but at this time the Anderson Family Band annd The Greencards are on the bill!

Also featured will be Frank Sullivans popular Kids On Bluegrass program, as well Sid Lewis\'s Bluegrass Review. Located in the scenic downtown Paradise Park (corner of Pearson Road and Black Olive), this is a great chance to spend the day in a rustic mountain town and enjoy great music and workshops!

More info to be posted soon, please check back...

The 2nd of two workshops (see previous listing) in Hawaii, this one is three days later on Oahu. This will also be held at a private residence (location TBA), and we highly reccomend you plan to head over with us for the whole week (Feb 2 till 10) and enjoy snorkeling, laying on the beach, and jamming at both workshops! 

Sign up here for the Jamming 101 workshop on Oahu, Saturday February 9th, 11am. The class will be held at a private residence, location TBA. Space is very limited so sign up soon, and get the discounted rate (before Jan 15)

Check back for the exact directions and lodging options, and feel free to contact us regarding being part of the Jamming 101 convoy over there.... See you in Paradise!

Sid Lewis to bring his Nationally recognized Jamming 101 workshop back to  Chico on Saturday, December 12, 11am till 1pm. Currently taught every year at the Strawberry Music Festival and recently featured on NPRs Weekend America, Sid Lewis and his Jamming 101 class has been a huge success all across California. Designed for all levels, Jamming 101 is an inspiring class in the art of playing together. Designed to demystify and make enjoyable for all the often confusing world of Folk and Bluegrass jamming, Sids unique five level system has won accolades everywhere he teaches.Participants will learn important skills such as JAM SURVIVAL and FITTING IN (for beginners), LEAD and ACCOMPANIMENT playing, DIFFERENT MUSICAL STYLES (folk, bluegrass, blues, Celtic), jam session etiquette, and much more!

Class will be held at the new offices of Acoustic College at 932 West 8th Avenue, in the front .Students are asked to to pre-register for the class here online because seating is limited! Class is 2 hours long, and cost is $35 per student.Call (530) 894-2526 for more directions/info.

What people are saying about Jamming 101...

\"The answer to my musical prayers!\" - Catherine Girardeau, NPR Weekend America 

\"A sure success. I recommend Jamming 101 to all!\" - Kathy Lord, Activities Coordinator, Strawberry Music festival

\"A wonderful experience! - Dan Dewayne, Promoter of the California World Music Festival