Arts & Culture

Genealogy is becoming an easier field to navigate these days, with websites and organizations encouraging people to discover their family heritage.

That’s what Oakland’s Regina Mason did, but on her own. In the upcoming film Gina’s Journey, Mason chronicles her adventure in searching for her family history. Being an African American, that meant she would surely encounter slavery, which she did.

This Saturday at the special time of 5:00 - 8:00 pm, it's the Bluegrass Signal Fall Membership Drive Special! Great music from great thank-you gifts -- including Rounder's "Foggy Mountain Special: A Bluegrass Tribute to Earl Scruggs," the Kathy Kallick Band's "Time," and Foghorn Stringband's "Outshine the Sun" -- plus your great support at 1-800-525-9917 or "Donate Now" at kalw.org. Thanks in advance!

Bluegrass Signal host Peter Thompson welcomes Berkeley Old Time Music Convention Director Suzy Thompson (no relation) to talk about the annual event and play music from some of the participants, including Pharis & Jason Romero, Riley Baugus, Rafe & Clelia Stefanini, Trevor & Travis Stuart, Thomas Maupin & Daniel Rothwell, and the Stairwell Sisters.  Broadcast Saturday 9/1 at 6:30pm.  Listen anytime through 9/8 via KALW's Local Music Player.