“I’m not sure if it gets much better, either in terms of music from the North-East or terms of bluegrass, than The Often Herd” - Mark Walsh, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

Bluegrass band The Often Herd transcends the traditional boundaries of the genre, winning them the “Best European Bluegrass Band 2018” at the prestigious La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France.

Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England.

Rupert Hughes (guitar) and Evan Davies (mandolin), write songs steeped in personal experience whilst drawing from a wide pool of influences ranging from old-time to psychedelia. American-born fiddler Niles Krieger and jazz bassist Sam Quintana add fiery instrumental skills to the mix, launching the band’s arrangements into the stratosphere. Together, their sound is both boldly contemporary and soothingly familiar, taking time-honoured traditions to new places with a fresh perspective.

The band have an impressive number of festivals booked this Summer (including The Long Road, Broadstairs Music Week, Ely Folk Festival and Priddy Folk Festival) and have previously showcased at IBMA Bluegrass Ramble and Americana Music Week, Hackney. They released their debut album ‘Where The Big Lamp Shines’ in June 2022, recorded with producer Tom Moore (Slow Worm Records, Moore, Moss, Rutter).

The Often Herd will be supported by Pete Bolton, who performs earthy, honest and, above all, engaging Americana. Playing banjo and guitar, his set includes ballads and blues from Appalachia and the Southern States as well as more contemporary songs from the likes of Steve Earle and John Hiatt. He has toured extensively both as a solo artist and for many years with his family band, The Whiskey Dogs.