The blue, blue grass of home

I have to admit that I never listened to a note of bluegrass until I slipped the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack into my CD player and caught the bluegrass bug. Now it won’t go away. Judging from the soundtrack’s success, I know I’m not alone in my instant conversion. And, judging from the impressive lineup at the Strictly Bluegrass … Sort Of Festival, held Sept. 1 at Sugar Bowl in Norden, Calif., demand for roots music is high, even in highbrow Lake Tahoe. The festival will feature The Blasters in their original lineup with Phil and Dave Alvin (pictured), as well as The Moran Family String Band, All Wrecked up, Keystone Station, Red Wine and Blue Highway. Proceeds will benefit Sugar Bowl Academy, a college preparatory school for competitive skiers. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the show and $10 for children ages 15 and under. Call (530) 426-9000 or visit www.strictlybluegrass.com.