Sylvan Sounds: Bloomfield Bluegrass Band

  • Event Recap
A group of five musicians is performing on an outdoor stage surrounded by greenery. The band includes a violinist, banjo player, mandolin player, upright bass player, and guitarist. The musicians are playing acoustic instruments and appear focused on their performance, creating a rustic, harmonious atmosphere in a natural, woodland setting. The violinist is seated, while the others stand, contributing to a vibrant live music experience in the heart of nature.

The Bloomfield Bluegrass Band performs for the Sylvan Sounds concert at the Redwood Forest Theater in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve on August 2, 2024. Photo by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.

This past weekend, the historic Redwood Forest Theater came alive with the sounds of bluegrass as the Bloomfield Bluegrass Band took the stage. This return to live music in the redwoods was not just a concert—it was a celebration of community, tradition, and the power of nature to bring people together. The Bloomfield Bluegrass Band featured original songs and harmonies that resonated deeply with the audience. The band themselves remarked that this was one of the most memorable performances of their career, a sentiment echoed by those in attendance.

The Sylvan Sounds, a free concert series, solidifies the park’s role as a key venue for cultural events in Western Sonoma County. Survey participants shared their thoughts, with many describing the evening as “beautiful and aesthetically pleasing,” and expressing that it was both “fun and enjoyable.”

A group of people seated on wooden benches in an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by tall redwood trees. The stage, located at the front, features a small band playing instruments. The setting is tranquil, with the audience attentively listening in the midst of a lush forest. A small dog is sitting near the front row, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Attendees gather for the Sylvan Sounds concert featuring the Bloomfield Bluegrass Band at the Redwood Forest Theater in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve on August 2, 2024. Photo by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.

Two adults, one wearing an orange sleeveless top and the other in a gray T-shirt and cap, are holding hands with two young children. One is dressed in a pink dress with wings, and the other in a striped shirt and beige shorts. All holding hands in a circle, standing on a dirt path, with a backdrop of large, rustic stones. The group appears to be engaged in a playful activity, creating a scene of warmth and togetherness.

A family dancing to live music at the Sylvan Sounds concert featuring the Bloomfield Bluegrass Band at the Redwood Forest Theater in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve on August 2, 2024. Photo by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.

Attendees noted that the event brought people together and made them feel more connected to the park, reinforcing the importance of these cultural gatherings in natural settings.

Moreover, many survey respondents voiced a desire to see more performances in the park, suggesting an interest in a wider variety of events such as music, dance, theater, storytelling, poetry, and arts workshops or classes. The arts, as one participant noted, enhanced their experience of the park by “educating me, inspiring me, making me wonder and reflect.”
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