CBA News Article

Candidate Statement--Montie Elston

Hello, I am Montie Elston and I am running for re-election to the Board of Directors of the California Bluegrass Association.

I’ve said it before and I say it now: we need people to get involved and stay involved. The CBA needs you, your ideas, your time, your involvement. The many events that take place do not spontaneously happen. It is people, volunteer type people that make them happen. People like you. Volunteer. This is the heart of an organization like the CBA. Almost very job that needs done, has to be done by a volunteer.

Talk to the directors; let them know what you are thinking. Directors can not read minds, but they do listen to what members tell them. Each director is your representative; let them know what you want. Make suggestions (but know that we are going to ask you to help put that suggestion to work; see previous paragraph). Vote. Vote for me, vote for someone else, but vote. You are responsible for the success of the CBA. However you vote or don’t vote, is how the CBA will be run.
Help preserve our musical heritage, become a mentor. Encourage someone to continue playing bluegrass or old-time music. Help someone learn a new song. Take a person new to this music and help them find places to play and people to play with. Pass along the things you learned the hard way and make it easier for someone else.

Through all the old and new I would strive to ensure that the CBA maintains the financial integrity and stability it has reached over the years; and work to continue providing timely communications with all our members through the Bluegrass Breakdown and any other method that gets the message out (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). This communication helps people stay connected.
For me, bluegrass music speaks of life, living, and the heart. I believe it is not only part of our heritage, but is also part of what we are today. It is good for the individual, the family, the musician, the listener, the heart. We need to do our best to preserve and promote it while we also enjoy it.

It is because of the wonderful people that I have met and the many more that I have only seen from a distance you get to see a lot of folks at festivals that you never meet that I am running for the board of directors. I will work hard to serve your best interests and the interests of bluegrass music.

Thank you.

Posted By: Rick Cornish