Strummin' and-a motorin' in the foothills
The blues return to Yuba County this weekend at the annual Blues and Bikes in the Foothills event, featuring five bands and fundraising to help residents affected by last summer's fires in Butte County.
In its fourth year, the blues festival sponsored by the Foothill Lions Club in Loma Rica is especially meant to reach out across the country and aid in disasters, said Debbie Burlingame, Foothill Lions president and event coordinator.
"When you look at the disasters we are very, very fortunate to not have too many major disasters here in Northern California," she said talking about the festival's possible recipients. "But we did this year."
The Concow fire in Butte County in 2008 destroyed 206 primary homes and burned 60,000 acres of timberland and watershed, Burlingame said.
Aid will be through the Yankee Hill Fire Safe Council.
"There's still a lot of need in the community," said Brenda Rightmyer, council manager. The Concow area still has a homeless population, a lot of debris from the efforts to suppress the fire and plans for affordable housing, she added.
In the past, the event raised $12,000 in its first two years for victims of Hurricane Katrina and, in its third year, $11,000 to aid Greensburg, Kansas, a city wiped out by a tornado in May 2007.
Opening act Pinkie Rideau and Blind Resistance starts the festival which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdayat 5667 Fruitland Road in Loma Rica. Acts include Joey Fender and the 55s, the Jeff Watson Band, Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers and headliner the Volker Strifler Band.
Admission is $20 general; $10 for ages 6 to 12 years; and free for children 5 years and under.
Those attending are invited to bring low-back lawn chairs or blankets to sit on but are asked to not bring ice chests or dogs.
The festival includes a barbecue served by the Air Force Reserves from Beale Air Force Base, vendors, Canine Companions for Independence and a bake sale sponsored by the Alpha Leo Club, a group made up of local youth ages 12 to 18.
The second annual Poker Run precedes the festival, with registration from 8 to 10 a.m. at Nicolaus Tavern in Nicolaus. Cost for the run is $25 for the rider and $15 for the passenger and includes entrance to the festival.
Burlingame, festival coordinator since its first year, said she plans to continue the fundraising as long as there are disasters and as long as she is able.
"It's a fun day, lots of great blues music and all of the money is donated to a great cause," she said.
KNOW AND GO
• What: Blues and Bikes in the Foothills
• When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
• Where: Foothill Lions Club, 5667 Fruitland Road, Loma Rica
• Admission: $20 at gate; $10 ages 6 to 12 years; free for 5 years and under
• Information: 740-3297 or www.foothillblues.com
• What: Annual Poker Run
• Registration: 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday
• Where: Nicolaus Tavern, 979 Nicolaus Ave., Nicolaus
• Cost: $25 for rider; $15 for passenger
• Call: 218-4523
Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Leticia Gutierrez at 749-4722 or at lgutierrez@appealdemocrat.com
