This area was originally named Grizzly Bear Valley by explorer Jedediah Smith, who traveled up the Stanislaus River drainage on his journey across the Sierra Nevada in 1827 following the route of today’s Highway 4, which was designated a National Scenic Byway in October 2005.

In 1850, the route was traced by Major John Ebbett’s, who led a company of miners across this route. The Major’s death in 1854 resulted in the naming of the pass in his honor. A toll road, known locally as the Big Trees Road, operated from 1866 to 1911, while today, the highway is one of Alpine County’s state scenic highways.

Development of the Bear Valley Village and nearby ski area began in the early 1960′s. Located on the site of Blood’s Toll Station, homesteaded by Harvey Blood a hundred years earlier, development began with the purchase of 480 acres in 1952 by the Orvis family, prominent San Joaquin Valley ranchers.

In 1955, 20 acres on the north side of the valley were subdivided, marking the beginning of today’s Bear Valley community.

The Bear Valley Mountain Resort, originally named Mt. Reba, opened in December 1967, while the construction of homes, condominiums and commercial facilities began about the same time. Nearby Lake Alpine, a manmade reservoir, offers a rustic lodge, cabins, restaurant and store, as well as a large concentration of camping facilities.

Today, Bear Valley is a recreational paradise, offering a multitude of summer and winter sports, and is close to foothill golf courses and the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The community is also home to the oldest cultural event in Alpine County, the Bear Valley Music Festival, held every August.

Click the following links to find campgrounds in the

Bear Valley Area | Kirkwood Area | Markleeville Area

Three dozen campgrounds, plus thousands of acres of dispersed camping, makes Alpine County a favorite with campers. A range of facilities are available, from primitive sites along a rushing stream, to lakeside campgrounds with swimming, fishing and boating.

Developed facilities are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Alpine County and California State Parks, as well as by private owners.

With elevations ranging from 5000 to 8000 feet, campgrounds are clustered around Lake Alpine on the west, and at Caples Lake, Hope Valley and Markleeville on the east.

Undeveloped, or dispersed, sites are found in a variety of locations around Alpine County. Popular spots include Centerville Flats, Wolf Creek Meadows, Pacific Valley and a variety of locations in Hope, Faith & Charity Valleys.

“Richard Glazier has Gershwin in his soul.” Michael Feinstein

• Performed multi-media programs in every U. S. state, at the United Nations, the Smithsonian Institute, and Carnegie Hall
• Inspired two national television specials
• Received Ira Gershwin’s blessing plus Alumni Achievement Award from the Cleveland Institute of Music for contributions to the American Popular Song
• Won several major international piano competitions including the Pro Musicis International Award, National Federation of Music Clubs’ Grand Prize, selected as a Steinway Artist

Glazier’s passion for the rich cultural heritage of early 20th-century America led him to create special programs celebrating the era—the music, the composers, the performers, old-time Broadway shows and movie musicals. In these concerts, Glazier plays the piano and weaves in commentary on the history behind the songs, telling fascinating inside stories about the composers, the shows, the films and the stars, sharing funny anecdotes and showing rare vintage images and film clips.

He has performed these multi-media programs in every state of the union, at the United Nations, the Smithsonian Institute, and Carnegie Hall. Glazier’s concerts have inspired two national television specials: “From Gershwin to Garland – A Musical Journey With Richard Glazier”, which was broadcast on PBS stations throughout the country in 2010, and “From Ragtime to Reel Time – Richard Glazier in Concert”, which began airing on PBS stations in March 2012.

Every artist has an epiphany. For classically-trained, award-winning pianist Glazier, it happened at age nine, when he saw the film “Girl Crazy” with a score by George & Ira Gershwin. So excited was he by the music he heard, Glazier was prompted to write a fan letter to famed lyricist Ira Gershwin.

Fueled by Ira Gershwin’s encouragement and interest, Glazier dedicated himself —to the Gershwin repertoire and the American Popular Songbook, eventually becoming one of the genre’s leading authorities.

Trained in the classics, Glazier earned Bachelor and Master degrees in Piano Performance from Indiana University School of Music, Bloomington, where he studied with famed pianist and teacher, Menaham Pressler, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

In addition to Ira Gershwin’s blessings, Glazier has received the Alumni Achievement Award from the Cleveland Institute of Music for his contributions to the American Popular Song. He also won several major international piano competitions including the Pro Musicis International Award and the National Federation of Music Clubs’ Grand Prize. He also has the distinction of being selected as a Steinway Artist.

Glazier has won multiple awards for his television shows, including four Telly Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment, Documentary and Cultural Programming.

Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy one of the best live acts in the business!!

9 time Grammy Award Winning Kings of Texas

Yes, Asleep at the Wheel makes great music when paired with superstars. The band roped in a who’s who of country all-stars for its two Grammy-winning Bob Wills tribute albums in the ’90s, and its latest release, Willie & the Wheel, is a long-overdue collaboration with that Willie. But make no mistake: When it comes right down to it, the Wheel as a collective unit plays second fiddle to no one. For nearly four decades, leader Ray Benson and his ultra-talented ensemble have distinguished themselves as not only the greatest western swing band on earth since the heyday of Wills and the Texas Playboys, but also as an honest-to-goodness institution of Texas music. Way back in the ’70s, AATW had the honor of opening the first ever season of TV’s Austin City Limits, and it’s also the only act to have played every Austin City Limits Music Festival to date. The band’s name may be a joke (Benson is as known for his sense of humor as for his mellifluous voice and imposing stature), but there’s no fooling around when it comes to the serious musicianship on display as the Wheel careens all over the highways and byways of American music.

“We’re a dance band. That’s what we’re about. And that’s plenty.” — Ray Benson

From Dance Halls to Concert Halls

“A Swinging Symphony”– Fort Worth Star Telegram

On the Records

“Everything this act has ever released is simply spectacular.”-Billboard Magazine

“He has been called a trailblazer for his vision, which matches classic and 20th Century pieces with contemporary pieces by local composers—all with an intention of building community through music.” –New York Times

About New Music Director and Conductor Michael Morgan
In addition to his role with Bear Valley Music Festival, Michael Morgan is Music Director of the Oakland East Bay Symphony and the Sacramento Philharmonic.  He also serves as Artistic Director of the Oakland Youth Orchestra, Artistic Director of Festival Opera in Walnut Creek, and Artistic Advisor to Sacramento Opera.  In addition, he teaches the graduate conducting course at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.  As Stage Director he has led productions of the Bernstein Mass at the Oakland East Bay Symphony and stagings of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Gounod’s Faust at Festival Opera.  As a chamber musician (piano) he has appeared on the Chamber Music Alive series in Sacramento, and occasionally in the Bay
Area.

An innovator in programming, Morgan was honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) as a recipient of the 2005 Concert Music Award.  ASCAP further honored the Oakland East Bay Symphony in 2006 with its Award for Adventurous Programming.  He has also been honored by the San Francisco Chapter of The Recording Academy with the 2005 Governor’s
Award for Community Service.  Further, the San Francisco Foundation honored him with one of its Community Leadership Awards.

As an advocate for the Arts, Morgan makes many appearances in the nation’s schools each year, particularly in the East Bay, and is highly regarded as a champion of arts education.  He serves on
the Board of the Purple Silk Music Education Foundation, as well as the International House at the University of California at Berkeley.

Fourteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition: May 24-June 9, 2013

They are coming from around the world–30 of the finest pianists who have been chosen to compete in the 2013 Cliburn Competition. From different cultures with many languages and diverse experiences, these brilliant virtuosos will arrive in Fort Worth with one paramount commonaliity: the dream to take the world stage.

Their talents will inspire you. Their performances will ignite your imagination. Their joy will be infectious as you watch dreams become reality–truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“…spot-on ensemble playing and a beautifully blended sound.” –San Francisco Chronicle

• Performed in Europe, Canada and the U.S.- individually in 17 countries and 4 continents
• Featured artists in residence at Old First Concerts in San Francisco
• Critical acclaim
• Appearances with Artist Series Concerts in Sarasota, Florida, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and George Cleve, performances as fellows at the Shouse Institute at the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, residency at the Bear Valley Music Festival under the direction of Michael Morgan

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Praised for “…spot-on ensemble playing and a beautifully blended sound…” (San Francisco Classical Voice), the Delphi Trio burst onto the classical music scene in 2010 and has since become known for its intensity and communicative power. The Trio has performed in Europe, Canada, throughout California, and in the Midwest; members of the trio have individually performed in 17 countries on 4 continents.

The Delphi Trio has completed artistic residencies at the Dakota Sky International Piano Festival, the Banff Centre for the Arts, and is currently featured as artists-in-residence at Old First Concerts in San Francisco where they have juxtaposed classic repertoire and commissioned works written for Delphi.

Highlights of the 2012-13 season include appearances with Artist Series Concerts in Sarasota, Florida, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and George Cleve, performances throughout Michigan as fellows at the Shouse Institute at the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, and a residency at the Bear Valley Music Festival under the direction of Michael Morgan.

Delphi’s repertoire ranges from early trios of Haydn to works written yesterday with no specialization other than to play great music which speaks to them. The Trio’s approach to the standard repertoire has been described by Henk Guittart as “Integrity and sincerity combined with amazing musical depth and joy. I was deeply touched by their stunning performances of music by Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Ravel.” They believe strongly in the importance of building on the traditional trio repertoire, and have commissioned and given acclaimed world premiere performances of Sahba Aminikia’s Deltangi-ha as well as Max Stoffregen’s Coyote Plan.

The Trio’s Liana Bérubé, Michelle Kwon, and Jeffrey LaDeur are graduates of the University of Toronto, Stanford University and the Eastman School of Music respectively, and formed the Trio while studying in the prestigious Chamber Music Program at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They count among their mentors Henk Guittart, Bonnie Hampton, members of the St. Lawrence Quartet, and Stephen Prutsman, and have worked with Menahem Pressler, Pedja Muzijevich, and Pamela Frank.

“Taylor is the most amazing talent I’ve ever come across. Remember him.” –Dave Brubeck

• On the cover of both JAZZIZ and Keyboard Magazine
• Making the Downbeat Critic’s Poll for two years in a row
• Featured in his own BET Television special
• Nominated for two GRAMMY awards for Best Instrumental Composition and Best Instrumental Jazz Solo
• Album on of the top 15 most-played jazz albums on the radio
• The top 5 in National Radio Airplay-received many 4-star reviews from publications such as Billboard Magazine, All Music Guide, and DownBeat
• Made his mark in the classical field

Taylor Eigsti has been recognized world-wide for his innovative, intense improvisation, and his unique electrifying rhythmic touch. His concerts have also included the integration of electronic effects with acoustic grand piano, to rave reviews at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Montreal Jazz Festival.

23 year old Eigsti, released one of the most talked about jazz records to come out last year, Titled “Lucky to Be Me” (Concord), it resulted in Eigsti featured on the cover of both JAZZIZ and Keyboard Magazine, making the Downbeat Critic’s Poll for two years in a row, was featured in his own BET Television special, and was nominated for two GRAMMY awards for Best Instrumental Compostion and Best Instrumental Jazz Solo..

A Menlo Park, CA native and former child prodigy, Eigstgi has had the opportunity to record and/or perform with such luminaries as Dave Brubeck, Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, James Moody, Ernestine Anderson, Frederica Von Stade, Patti Austin, Red Holloway, among many others.

Eigsti’s sixth album, “LET IT COME TO YOU” on Concord Records features Eigsti’s working band of Eric Harland on drums, Reuben Rogers on bass, Julian Lage on guitar, and features special guests such as Joshua Redman, Edmar Castaneda, Dayna Stephens, and Ben Wendel. This album is a follow-up to Eigsti’s “Lucky to Be Me”, also on Concord Records (which features Christian McBride, Lewis Nash, Billy Kilson, and James Genus, among others), which garnered much acclaim since its March 2006 release, including peaking at 7 on the National Jazz Radio Airplay charts, after being on the chart for 23 weeks, ending the year in the top 15 most-played jazz albums on the radio. Eigsti was also featured in many of the “Top 10 best CDs of 2006″ lists compiled by JazzWeek. Eigsti’s previous album was “Resonance”, a 2003 release (John Shifflett on bass and Jason Lewis on drums).

In addition to climbing to the top 5 in National Radio Airplay for several weeks, it received many 4-star reviews from publications such as Billboard Magazine, All Music Guide, and DownBeat, which stated: “Eigsti is a jazz-piano whirlwind with a light touch, a fluid sense of improvisation and a gift for wrapping his creative flights in solid melodies”. The review went on to laud the depth of his talent and the titanic possibilities of his career and predicted that this may be the sound of a future giant awakening.

Acclaimed for his wizardly technique, open attitude, and mature, intuitive style, Eigsti shared the stage with Diane Schuur and also opened for Diana Krall and Al Jarreau. When he was 13, he sat in with Dave Brubeck, who commented, “Taylor is the most amazing talent I’ve come across. Remember him.” During his high school years in northern California, Eigsti worked with such respected jazz artists as Bobby Hutcherson, Red Holloway, and Kevin Mahogany. He also made his mark in the classical field, performing with singers Frederica von Stade and Sylvia McNair, as well as with numerous symphonies. Other artists that Eigsti has worked with include Lee Konitz, Steve Nelson, Patti Austin, Johnny Frigo, Keter Betts, Peter Bernstein, Alan Broadbent, Anton Schwartz, Terrell Stafford, Kitty Margolis, Madeline Eastman, and many more musicians in various settings.

Eigsti has been the featured guest on a studio taping of Marian McPartlands NPR program Piano Jazz and was the featured performer on a live recording with her at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival. He can also be seen in several BET concert specials that have aired, filmed at Lincoln Center and in the British West Indies. He is managed by acclaimed jazz manager Mary Ann Topper, most notable for making stars of Diana Krall, Jane Monheit, and Joshua Redman, among others. Musicians that Eigsti frequently uses in his group include Julian Lage, (Eigsti’s most frequent collaborator), Eric Harland, Reuben Rogers, Harish Raghavan, Ben Williams, Aaron McLendon, Kendrick Scott, Larry Koonse, and many others. Eigsti says, “I like to play with many people, and it’s hard to just have one set group when there are so many amazing musicians to learn from constantly. I like always being challenged by the musicians that I play with, and all of the people I am lucky enough to play with inspire me to never stop trying to develop and grow as a musician and human being.”

• A strong advocate for children’s music education- continues to design and perform enchanting educational concerts throughout the U. S.
• Performed her one-woman family show with the Lincoln Symphony, the Oakland Symphony, Berkeley Symphony and the Napa Youth Symphony
• Conductor/music director of the Amarillo Youth Orchestra
• Chosen to be one of the fellows at the exclusive American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival

Dawn Harms leads an active musical life as a violinist, violist, chamber musician, and conductor. A member of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and associate concertmaster of the New Century Chamber Orchestra, Dawn also performs as co-concertmaster with the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Dawn was chosen to be one of the fellows at the exclusive American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival, where she worked with some of the top conductors of the world. She is the co-founder and music director of the Music at Kirkwood chamber music festival, and currently serves on the music faculty at Stanford University.

In addition to her participation as a 2008 fellowship artist at the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen, recent guest conducting engagements include appearances with Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, the Livermore-Amador Symphony, and Symphony Parnassus.

Dawn’s recent solo appearances include Symphony Parnassus in Herbst Theatre in San Francisco, Master Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra, the Folsom Symphony, the Paradise Symphony, the Flagler Symphony in West Palm Beach, Florida, and the Stanford Symphony Orchestra. Dawn was featured in a concert at the Guggenheim Museum premiering works by Jake Heggie and Gordon Getty, where she collaborated with Frederica von Stade, Zheng Cao, Eugenia Zukerman, and Matt Haimowitz. The highlight of this appearance included a once-in-a-lifetime ride in the “Jetty” — Gordon Getty’s private jet.

Dawn has released two solo CD’s, — “The Black Swan” for violin and harp, and her latest CD, “The Hot Canary.” She has also collaborated with her cousin Tom Waits on his recordings “Alice” and “Blood Money.”

For ten years Dawn was first violinist with the Harrington String Quartet, winners of the Grand Prize at the prestigious Fischoff and Evian International chamber music competitions. She played first violin for five summers with the Santa Fe Opera.

• The Delphi Trio–Performed in Europe, Canada and the U.S.- individually in 17 countries and 4 continents
• Featured artists in residence at Old First Concerts in San Francisco
• Critical acclaim
• Appearances with Artist Series Concerts in Sarasota, Florida, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and George Cleve, performances as fellows at the Shouse Institute at the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, residency at the Bear Valley Music Festival under the direction of Michael Morgan

——————————-

Praised for “…spot-on ensemble playing and a beautifully blended sound…” (San Francisco Classical Voice), the Delphi Trio burst onto the classical music scene in 2010 and has since become known for its intensity and communicative power. The Trio has performed in Europe, Canada, throughout California, and in the Midwest; members of the trio have individually performed in 17 countries on 4 continents.

The Delphi Trio has completed artistic residencies at the Dakota Sky International Piano Festival, the Banff Centre for the Arts, and is currently featured as artists-in-residence at Old First Concerts in San Francisco where they have juxtaposed classic repertoire and commissioned works written for Delphi.

Highlights of the 2012-13 season include appearances with Artist Series Concerts in Sarasota, Florida, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and George Cleve, performances throughout Michigan as fellows at the Shouse Institute at the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, and a residency at the Bear Valley Music Festival under the direction of Michael Morgan.

Delphi’s repertoire ranges from early trios of Haydn to works written yesterday with no specialization other than to play great music which speaks to them. The Trio’s approach to the standard repertoire has been described by Henk Guittart as “Integrity and sincerity combined with amazing musical depth and joy. I was deeply touched by their stunning performances of music by Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Ravel.” They believe strongly in the importance of building on the traditional trio repertoire, and have commissioned and given acclaimed world premiere performances of Sahba Aminikia’s Deltangi-ha as well as Max Stoffregen’s Coyote Plan.

The Trio’s Liana Bérubé, Michelle Kwon, and Jeffrey LaDeur are graduates of the University of Toronto, Stanford University and the Eastman School of Music respectively, and formed the Trio while studying in the prestigious Chamber Music Program at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They count among their mentors Henk Guittart, Bonnie Hampton, members of the St. Lawrence Quartet, and Stephen Prutsman, and have worked with Menahem Pressler, Pedja Muzijevich, and Pamela Frank.