Established in April 2023 in Saddleback Valley, California, the Cobblestone Ramblers emerged from the vibrant bluegrass jam circles of Orange County. This five-member bluegrass ensemble features Eddie Hill on guitar and lead vocals, Mike Weiss on upright bass, Ed Meier on mandolin, Julia Scholtes on fiddle and vocals, and John Fitzgerald on banjo and vocals. Despite their relatively short time together, the band has dedicated significant effort to mastering their instruments and enhancing their stage presence.
They have secured a monthly residency at a local historic blacksmith shop converted into a restaurant, providing a welcoming venue to develop their performance skills. In a spirit of community engagement, the Cobblestone Ramblers host a beginner-friendly pre-show jam outside the restaurant, inviting attendees to join before enjoying their main performance indoors.
Over the past year, they have had the privilege of participating in numerous notable events, including the Norco Horse Week Festival, the CBA-sponsored Long Beach Bluegrass Festival, the Hanger Stage at the Orange County Fair, the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach, and the 51st Annual Orange International Street Fair in downtown Orange, California. The band takes pride in crafting original songs while also honoring lesser-known bluegrass classics.
Therefore, whether you are an old friend, a new acquaintance, or someone yet to discover their music, attending a Cobblestone Ramblers show promises to be a rewarding experience.