Arts & Entertainment
Roseville's Mosquito Jam A Bluegrass Hit
Sunday concert in the park full of family fun, food and dancing.
Sunday afternoon at the Frank Rog Amphitheater the sounds of the south filled Roseville during the seventh annual Mosquito Bluegrass Jam.
Organized by Debbie Cash of Roseville's Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by local business Café Zia, the event attracted hundreds of residents relaxing in Central Park for a few hours of music and dancing.
The event was part of Roseville Parks and Recreation’s Concert in the Park series.
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“The weather is perfect today. If it were 110 degrees, I’d be joking that in six months it’d be 120 degrees cooler!” joshed emcee Phil Nusbaum
The diversity at the park was noticeable. From college students and young families with children who rather climb on the playground equipment to senior residents enjoying a quiet evening in the shade, a sampling of Roseville attended the event.
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“I live across the street, but come over for two or three of the bands,” said resident John Foster, a quiet man who seemed to have a deep love for both his family and the community. “I spend half the year in Ft. Myers Florida, and I love the bluegrass music down there.”
Children danced vigorously on the hillside as families ate their dinners and watched the Wild Goose Chase Cloggers dance to the sounds of their house band Hawks and Eagles. The group, made up of less than a dozen men and women spend 45 minutes showcasing their skill in the traditional southern dancing.
The evening was endorsed by the Harriet Alexander Nature Center, and as a fundraiser, it held the first annual Hot Pepper JAM-boree. Residents were welcome to sample five jams and vote on their favorite for $1.
“It worked out really well!” said volunteer Nancy Robins. “We always hope for better, but it met expectations.”
Café Zia, the sponsor, was on hand with a full menu of food and treats for residents. Zia herself was there serving burgers to residents with a wide smile and good humor. The Café was prepared for 600 to 800 residents.
“We got here at 10 a.m. to set up and start cooking,” said co-owner Rob Delmont.
By the time Sawtooth, a traditional bluegrass band, took the stage, most people had settled in for an evening of relaxing.
