Northern California Artistic Achievement Awards held in Grass Valley, the Music Capital of Northern California

Who's Behind All This?

The Grassies were founded by Andy Gonzales, Nevada County promoter extraordinaire, and Joel D Canfield, Placer County business consultant.

Both are musicians with the desire, ambition, and willingness to sacrifice necessary to give something back to the community and promote awareness of and appreciation for the astounding grass roots musical environment of northern California.

Andy Gonzales
Primary Evangelist

Joel D Canfield
Anamchara Eolais

Andy owns Tempo Music Magazine and the Nevada County Musician's Exchange. He has a strong background in promotions and plans to make the Grassies and associated annual Music Expo a way for the whole community to celebrate music.

Joel is writing a business-basics book called 'The Commonsense Entrepreneur', a self-analysis checklist for entrepreneurs. As a consultant The Commonsense Entrepreneur mentors service related small businesses in customer-centric thinking as a primary tool to reach your goals. He's happy to have an opportunity to use his business, musical, and people skills to further the causes of all three.

What's This All About?

Why is Nevada County 'The Music Capital of Northern California'?: Nevada County has a high concentration of musicians; musicians come here from other areas to write, perform, and record; one band recently flew in from France to record an album here; Christian artists seeking solitude to write songs relocate here
Why do we need another music award?: There is no formal music award in Nevada County. We felt there was a need to recognize the grass roots music scene.
Isn't the music industry of LA, Reno and Las Vegas enough?: We don't think so. This area has a spiritual drive to succeed in musical arts we feel is lacking to some degree in other areas.
What area is considered northern California?: The Grassies are named for Grass Valley and for grass roots, so while our center is Nevada County, feel free to interpret northern California any way you'd like when nominating or appreciating a performer or business
How are the Grassies chosen?: This year Andy chose the recipients. Beginning next year, a panel will choose the recipients from publicly submitted nominees. The panel, selected by the co-founders, will be people who focus on the recipient's contribution to music, from a musical perspective. It will not be a popularity contest.
Who can be nominated and win?: Individuals, groups, and businesses from all areas of music, production, instrumental expertise including voice, music sales, sound studios
Do I have to be present to win?: No
Will there be a Grassies compilation CD?: Yes
How can I be involved?: Just ask!
Can I sell advertising on the website?: Yes

Friends of the Grassies

Tempo: Tempo is the official magazine of the Grassies, created by Grassies co-founder Andy Gonzales
tunehenge: tunehenge is the booking company and musicommunity website of Grassies co-founder Joel D Canfield
Know Your Music: Know Your Music is Joel's musical weblog
FAWM: February Album Writing Month happens every year—this year nearly 900 songwriters committed themselves to writing 14 new songs during the 28 days of February. One hundred twenty-eight made the 14-song goal, and a total of 2,707 new songs were written.
Marilyn Gale: Local folk rock, Marilyn's music is included in the Grassies jukebox
Music in the Mountains: Music in the Mountains exists to enhance the quality of life in Nevada County by presenting outstanding performances of predominantly classical music and by offering exceptional educational opportunities for youth and adults in music appreciation, performance and composition
Nevada County Teaching Artists Directory: A comprehensive directory of Nevada County visual, performing and literary arts instructors.
Objects in the Mirror: Electric jazz crossing from smooth jazz to jazz-fusion, with emphasis on a song-list ranging between high energy production tunes and romantic ballads
Organic Flood: Homegrown Nevada County Touring Band An eclectic blend of funk, rock, bluesy hip hop, and a unique spice that fans are still trying to define, Organic Flood is pushing at the edge of music with fresh lyrics and a sound that reaches people at a profoundly deep level, igniting their personal empowerment. Live, the band is a high energy experience
Phillip Flathead: In a large glass bowl, mix Neil Young, Van Morrison, Tom Waits and Paul Simon. Toss in a hint of Woody Guthrie meets The Velvet Underground. Simmer 20 years ... Voila!!!... Phillip Flathead
Pyronauts: The Pyronauts play a blend of vintage and modern surf rock, with both family oriented and intense shows. Joel calls them "The tightest, snappiest, most professional young band I've ever heard"
R. Mills Band: 60s-70s rock'n'roll in the foothills, these guys play a lot of classic rock you won't hear other cover bands performing
Remley: Original classic rock from the foothills, Remley is featured in the Grassies ThinWhiteJukebox
Toni Cole: With a style and blend of melodic rock and blues influence, she's remembered for her acoustic rock ballads and strong and raspy voice wherever she performs
Synthetic Unlimited: Synthetic Unlimited provides volunteer services, independent artist networking, and technical consultations to individuals in the Nevada County area.
Movement Alliance: The Movement Alliance (TMA), a non-profit organization founded in 2002, is dedicated to promoting Modern Dance as an authentic American art form and artistically enriching our community with fresh and innovative work.
You: Why aren't you listed here? Follow the link above to submit your website or contact information for consideration as a Friend of the Grassies

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[ Grassies at Grassies dot com ] [ 916.390.2262 ] [ 286 Alta Vista Avenue Roseville CA 95678 ]