*** NEW *** - River City News Story from September 13, 2006: Coastal Blue Story

Coastal Blue is the first youth bluegrass band of the North Florida Bluegrass Association. In the original band, the youngsters ranged in age from 8 to 15. Their current ages (2007) are 13 and 16. They all play stringed instruments - all acoustic except for the electric bass occasionally.

In the summer of 2005, NFBA put out a call for young people who would like to play in a bluegrass band to meet with two NFBA Board Members. In August 2005 the first “serious” practices began with 6 young musicians. Since that inaugural beginning, this group of youngsters has learned how to work together as a tightly knit unit - and have become a band. Within three months they were playing for Special Events, Concerts, Parades, the NFBA EXPO, & more.

There is a team of adults instructing, guiding and coaching the Band with their music, and with the scheduling, administrative duties and recruitments. The Band members’ families complete the team providing their support with whatever is needed.

Coastal Blue, the band's name, was chosen by the band members; and their adopted slogan is “Tomorrow’s Bluegrass”. They participate in deciding where and when they will perform; and they all know that school comes first and band performances must be scheduled around school work and related events as well as family commitments.

Coastal Blue plays Bluegrass, Gospel, and even a Celtic Instrumental tune now and then. In addition to their instrumentals, they have been earnestly working on vocals with impressive results. They are ready and eager to perform.

It must be noted that without the complete cooperation of the NFBA Board of Directors, parents, family and dedicated friends, the success of Coastal Blue would be severely reduced. They are the transportation, home support and ultimate encouragement for these talented young musicians.

The NFBA realizes that the future of Bluegrass Music is dependent upon the Youth of today becoming involved. Young Musicians are welcome and encouraged to join the group. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take their music “to the next level”.

Inexperienced musicians that are interested in being a prospective Band member are encouraged to first join the newer Youth Band (“Some Day”) which meets at the San Jose Baptist Church on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. This is where they will receive in depth training to play in a Band environment before moving on to the Senior Youth Band. Read more about “Some Day” at: Some Day
Cable Spence at 904-287-3274 / email banjo72@bellsouth.net
Jane Royal 904-781-0373 / email jbroyal@bellsouth.net