moving to CA

[mojobone]

In San Jose ... to start with at least.

"Do you know the way to San Jose?"

(Young ones may not get the yoke)

Anybody remembers that, probably also remembers when you could, "...put a hundred down and buy a car...".

[mazz]

That song was written when San Jose was mostly orchards, before it became the capitol of Silicon Valley and became "a great big freeway" just like LA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqWt49o7R-k

[moomy]

Welcome to the long state. I'm in Sacramento, rest of my team is in Hollywood. I used to live in San Diego, and a daughter was in SF so I'm used to driving the length and width of it too. There's a very active Grammy org in SF. Also West Coast Songwriters is a fun group that is active in the San Jose area.

[coachdebra]

I also recommend checking out the West Coast Songwriters. They have monthly songwriting contests all around the Bay Area and the winners get to perform in the concert at their yearly conference in Los Gatos Hills. You may have heard of a past winner - Sarah Bareilles, I'm pretty sure she got signed as a result. They often sponsor workshops with Steve Seskin and Stephen Memel.
Please say hello to Ian and everybody - I miss the Bay Area sooooooo much

You may also want to check out Durango Songwriter's conference when they come to Santa Barbara. There used to be gatherings at BASS up in Marin, but I think they've closed.

If you're into the acoustic scene, the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley does open mikes and gatherings.

Meetup.com is huge in the Bay Area and you can find gatherings for almost anything on it.

If you're interested in meeting film makers, there are a few discussion lists hosted on yahoo groups for indie film groups in the Bay Area. And there are several film festivals every year.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Welcome to the Bay Area! Don't forget to set aside time to be a tourist! There is SO much to see and do!

Warm regards,
Debra