COARSEGOLD – Nearly 200 people turned out for the Coarsegold Historic Museum and Music in the Meadow, an annual benefit held the first Monday of June with music, art, food and friends.
The winner of the 50/50 raffle was awarded half of the more than $500 collected, and the silent auction was a big success. Most importantly, everybody seemed to have a really good time.Featured were two bands, including Grassfire bluegrass band and the Morgan Canyon Band, who alternated with each other throughout the day to produce music that was toe-tapping, sing-along great.
The Grassfire bluegrass band consists of about a dozen friends living in and around California’s Central Valley who have been playing and singing together in various combinations for about 20 years.
Between them, they play everything from from traditional bluegrass, to classic country and rock-n-roll.
Also taking the stage was the Morgan Canyon Band. The group formed about 10 years ago when two classic rock musicians got together with two bluegrass players. They developed their own style they call Urban Bluegrass.
Artist Marla Moody set up her paints, brushes and canvas on the porch where she could hear the music and get a good look at everybody coming and going, although her eyes were mostly trained on her work.
Inside, Marla’s husband artist Albert Moody was poised with a gallery full of beautiful art, some he had created, and some he was representing on behalf of others.
With an advisory to “bring your own chair,” people did so in droves, sitting together in lively groups, talking and laughing while listening to the music.
The Museum was open for visitors, and docents were available for tours. Outside a trio of blacksmiths were demonstrating the old techniques, including volunteers Billy Bob Flayer, Bernie Young and Larry Wright.
Music in the Meadow is a family event where children were able to run around, dance to the music and get a feel for the history inherent in the Coarsegold area.
Food booths were available and volunteers were grillin’ all day, making ribs, burgers and sandwiches. There was also chili, corn and coleslaw, and plenty of beverages. Beer seemed to be popular, as they ran out by the end of the day.
All in all it was a great day for music and a solid fundraiser for the Coarsegold Historic Museum and Society, with at least 188 paid visitors and a lucrative showing for the raffle and silent auction.
