Activities
During the three day festival you can find games that include building river rafts, climbing a greased pole, searching for nickels in a haystack and tossing horseshoes. All are free to enter, and ribbons are given to winners.
Mark Twain “In Person” was a rare treat indeed. Mark Twain returns to the Jubilee and offers an encounter with America’s greatest author and humorist through considerable talents of Mike Randall. After 2000 performances, Randall is compared by some to be “…as good, if not better than Holbrook”. Randall’s re-creation of Twain begins Friday evening June 15th, at 9:00 PM.
SANDII CASTLEBERRY
She is a singer songwriter, guitarist and vocal entertainer from Southern California . Sandii performs at bluegrass, and folk festivals, and is a roster artist for the Orange County Performing Art’s Center, participating in its “Arts Connect” school outreach program. She returns to the Jubilee for spoons and harmonica making and playing workshops.
Performs: Saturday & Sunday
More info: CLICK HERE
BON FAMILY CLOGGERS
The origins of clog dancing are demonstrated along with modern day high-energy steps by Brian Bon and his talented Southern California exhibition team.
Performs: Sunday
More info: CLICK HERE
DEERING’S JAMMING SCHOOL FOR BANJO PLAYERS
FREE for beginning and intermediate players, and taught by Andy Rau, the school gives banjo players the tools to start pickin’ with other musicians. The goal – to be able to jump in and play whatever song that’s thrown at you in a jam session. You can register at the Village Shelter in the Mountain Man village.
Beginners: Friday and Saturday 10am – 12 noon
Intermediate: Friday and Saturday 2pm – 4pm
Combined Jam: Sunday – 12 noon
More info: CLICK HERE
DEERING’S BANJO CHAMPIONSHIP
This contest is open to all 5 string banjo players. Twelve pickers have the opportunity to compete for $1,000 cash for 1st place, $300 for 2nd and $200 for 3rd. Hosted by the National Bluegrass Playoffs, Southwest Bluegrass Association and Deering Banjo, the event takes place on Main Stage.
Register : Saturday -11am
Contest: Saturday-12 noon
Entry Form: CLICK HERE
WERNICK METHOD JAM CLASS
Calling all pickers arriving Wednesday and Thursday before the festival! Class is open to all acoustic bluegrass instruments, including banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro and bass. The event is presented by the Southwest Bluegrass Association and taught by Randy Torno. Pre-registration is recommended since all jammers will receive a valuable packet of information from Pete Wernick. You can also register at the SWBA stage on day of class.
Wednesday: 3pm – 6pm
Thursday: 1pm – 4pm
More info: CLICK HERE
There’s a Friday night barn dance in the mountain man village, a Huck Finn look-a-like contest on Saturday, and the Tom Sawyer Fence Painting Championship Sunday afternoon.
A crafts village offers items that are hand- made and uniquely American, and there are barbecue ribs, ice cream and corn on the cob in the Vittles village.
A Route 66 Car Show offers pre-1982 show car entries one free admission with one paid when arriving Saturday and Sunday. The California State Arm Wrestling Championships and the Deering Banjo Championships both are held at noon on Saturday and offer t-shirts, trophies, titles, and cash as prizes.
Music continues into the evening, and all night picking parties are held in special campgrounds on the park. Named 2001 Bluegrass Event of the Year by the International bluegrass Music Association the Jubilee also provides many informal “chat sessions”, music workshops and band showcases that bring both artist and fan together.
Hot air balloons rise early each morning to give a bird’s eye view of Pelican Lake and campgrounds in Mojave Narrows. The regional park offers fishing, horseback riding and water splash area.
