The American Songster – there are countless artists who would love to claim this title, but there’s only one who genuinely deserves it: Dom Flemons. Originally from Phoenix and now living in Chicago, Flemons earned his nickname by immortalising 100 years of music history as reflected in American folksongs, like a modern-day Alan Lomax. Unlike the legendary chronicler, however, Flemons not only records this music, but brings it back to life by taking it out of the museum and publishing and performing it. His work has been honoured with a Grammy Award and two Emmy Award nominations. And if you think this is impressive, which of course it is, then brace yourself: Flemons is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, actor, slam poet, music scholar, historian and record collector. He is known as an expert player of many instruments including the banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills (the ‘Afro-American panflute’), fife and rhythm bones. He’s also the host of Nashville radio station WSM’s The American Songster Radio Show, and he has a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Northern Arizona University. We’re very honoured to welcome this highly accomplished performer, musical storyteller and educational entertainer to our very own Noordplein.

Pure bluegrass, as traditional as its founding fathers and simply incredible, that's The Kody Norris Show. Nothing suprising there, as the namegiver of the band shares his birthday with bluegrass banjo legend Earl Scruggs. The Kody Norris Show, completed by Kody's other half Mary Rachel Nalley on fiddle, banjo player Josiah Tyree and Charlie Lowman on bass, is a tribute to the musical tradition of Bill Monroe, the showmanship of Jimmy Martin, the legendary performances at The Grand Ole Opry and a dash of Vaudeville theater. Of course, high level musicianship - together with some solos - is the focus, but humor and beautiful, colorful stage outfits also are a part of the total package of entertainment that is The Kody Norris Show. Their performances are impressive, entertaining and downright spectacular, on all fronts. This gig will be epic, because this will be the first time The Kody Norris Show will perform on this continent. Bluegrass history will soon be written here, and obviously you'll want to be there!

When an American band releases an album titled "Live From Kyrgyzstan," one thing is sure: this is one groundbreaking band. The foursome is mounting the stage some 200 times a year and has already toured more than 25 different countries. Yes, including Kyrgyzstan. The group's need to go off the beaten path is also reflected musically. The Henhouse Prowlers are known for their exceptional traditional bluegrass, in which they incorporate musical aspects from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. They ooze class, quality, resourcefulness and virtuosity. The main mission of the Chicago-based quartet is to teach people something and to inspire them, using the universal language called music. For good reason, they call themselves Bluegrass Ambassadors, and it's under that name that they build bridges between different cultures with educational programs, workshops and, of course, their music. The charming band has built up a solid reputation in their nearly twenty years of existence with their elegant songwriting, catchy melodies and instrumental virtuosity, embedded in uptempo drives and mid-tempo grooves and their exhilarating performance. Rotterdam is definitely preparing for another visit from these extraordinary bluegrass globetrotters.

'Everybody loves bluegrass, many just don't realize it yet.' A text on the T-shirts Bertolf sold to fans during his recent tour of the Netherlands. The Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival shares a mission with Bertolf: to give bluegrass in the Netherlands a stage and exposure to a wide audience. Of course, when our programmer learned that Bertolf had made a bluegrass record, he jumped at the chance. So in 2023 the Noordplein was the first place where the Overijssel string virtuoso performed 'Bluefinger' live. Meanwhile, there has been a lot of attention for the record. VPRO program Het Uur Van De Wolf made a documentary about it and followed him on the foot with cameras rolling when Bertolf recorded the album in Nashville with the help of living dobro legend Jerry Douglas and other big names from the top of the bluegrass scene. He has done dozens of shows at pop venues, theaters and festivals across the country since the release of 'Bluefinger' in September 2023. And because the record first came to life at the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, Bertolf is now coming to the Noordplein again. Not only that, with Douwe Bob, Tangarine, Rob Dekay, Stephanie Struijk and Maurice van Hoek he is bringing some befriended guest musicians. Exactly which ones will remain a secret for now, but it will be a huge party in any case. Because nothing is better than to thoroughly enjoy bluegrass with your friends, whether you are on stage or in front of it!

If you witnessed the Lonesome Ace Stringband performing at the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival in 2022, then get ready to welcome another fantastic Canadian bluegrass group this year: The Slocan Ramblers. Like the Lonesome Ace Stringband, they succeed in bringing together equal measures of tradition, innovation, virtuosity and flair in their work, both in songwriting and performing. Their most recent album ‘Up The Hill And Through The Fog’ shows the full breadth and diversity of influences on their music, as well as the fact that they haven’t lost sight of their roots – the gritty bluegrass scene flourishing in Toronto’s concert halls and pubs. While it’s a great disc, it’s onstage where the energy and dynamism in their work all really comes alive. Last year they were named Ensemble of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. They might just clinch it again with their apperance in Rotterdam.

Multimedia storyteller Annie Bartholomew from Alaska conveys an enormous awareness of cultural history that makes her a very special performer. As a guitarist, singer and clawhammer banjo player, she aims to present folk music as a continually evolving tradition. Her songs deal with universal themes such as survival, resilience and revelry, inspired by life during the age of massive mining in her home state.  She combines historical source material with old-time and mountain music traditions to honor the brave women who risked their lives and reputations in the far north of North America during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late nineteenth century. She recorded this on her debut album ‘Sisters of White Chapel’ in 2023, which received critical acclaim from media worldwide. Now it’s bringing her to Europe – for the first time, and at the request of the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival – accompanied by her band The Sitka Roses, with Nichole Campanale on fiddle, Kat Moore on bass and Taylor Vidic on guitar. Come see and hear these four talented women, and let yourself be transported back to an Alaska saloon over a hundred years ago.

By his own admission, when Tray Wellington first heard the banjo as a teenager, he was immediately addicted. We wouldn't dare to trivialize addiction treatment, but this kind of addiction is a great one! Wellington's reputation has since been cemented as one of the best banjoists in the international bluegrass scene. Even before studying at the East Tennessee State University's highly acclaimed Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country program, he had already made his name as a banjoist with the band Cane Mill Road. ln 2022, he released his debut album under his own name, aptly titled 'Black Banjo,' allowing Wellington, as a banjoist of color, to bring his instrument the historic revaluation it deserves. Apart from that, 'Black Banjo' is above all else an incomparable album. The progressive bluegrass with jazz and blues influences that Wellington delivers on this album is truly exquisite. The Wall Street Journal described Wellington as the bluegrass virtuoso to follow who transcends the boundaries of subgenres. We are very proud to welcome such a fabulous artist to Rotterdam. 

The Dirty Grass Players are progressive, traditional, experimental, imaginative and – it goes without saying – dirty. Their astonishing playing gives their steady sound a relaxed yet elegant and adventurous twist that would both totally confuse Bill Monroe, the godfather of bluegrass, and put a smile on his face for the rest of eternity. The band members met during jam sessions in and around Baltimore, where the core members of the band are from. Their reputation as one of the most exciting new bands playing bluegrass has grown rapidly, and now it precedes them. They operate where traditional bluegrass, the backbone of their sound, meets newgrass, giving their music an innovative and progressive approach. Their latest album ‘Shiny Side Up’ (2023), produced by Coldy Kilby of The Travelin' McCourys, continues the evolution of bluegrass, in playing and songwriting. For the first time since their founding, the group is bringing their driving, revolutionary sound to our continent. Come and let yourself be carried away by The Dirty Grass Players’ hot jams and catchy songs.

Whether he wanted to record an album with Dan Auerbach. Nat Myers couldn't believe it when he stumbled upon that question in his mailbox. And yet it wasn't long before he actually sat down with the producer, label owner of Easy Eye Sound and member of The Black Keys in Nashville. Auerbach is living in a 1920s house there, which proved the ideal backdrop for capturing Myers' pre-war folk blues. His father's love of '30s and '40s blues was what started Myers on his musical path. Before that, he was mostly interested in classical poetry by Shakespeare and Homer. That combination was what Auerbach drew to Myers, the gifted blues poet. Together they recorded 10 songs that were released in 2023 under the name "Yellow Peril". The title is a reference to a racist term for Asian Americans and to how they are sometimes perceived as a threat to America. Given that Myers is an American with Korean roots, this is a key theme on the album. For example, in the title track, he sings, "We all just want to have a little fun before we die/Ain't no difference between you and I." An uplifting message we wholeheartedly endorse and are eager to hear echo across the Noordplein, backed by his tight fingerpicking. 

Delaney Davidson is one of a kind. An eccentric character who loves dark country, folk and blues. With his stylish, edgy appearance, he seems to have walked right out of the era of vaudeville theaters, and that period is definitely a source of inspiration for his work. And yet, this prolific singer-songwriter, musician, producer and visual artist is totally up-to-date. Davidson has been releasing records with Voodoo Rhythm Records since 2003, and that surely paints the right picture, as his offbeat roots sound perfectly matches label boss Reverend Beatman's wonderful cabinet of curiosities. It's where he belongs, among the countless raw rock 'n' roll, country, blues, garage, folk and psychobilly gems. When we see him on stage, Delaney Davidson, who was also part of gothic jazz/blues band The Dead Brothers for some time, stirs up a multitude of emotions; he can move you, sometimes he tests the limits, but his typical humor also brings ease. And at the same time, the New Zealand all-rounder impresses his audiences with ease in his one man band performances. We're honored that he is willing to embark on the long journey to Rotterdam again.

Seth Mulder & Midnight Run is traditional bluegrass at its best. And that’s no surprise, if you look at where they’re from: the group operates from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the epicentre of bluegrass. Their aim is to preserve the heritage of traditional bluegrass for the future, but with a fresh approach and more flexibility in interpretation, incorporating elements from country, folk and other roots music in their repertoire. This has resulted in some superb recordings, but for Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, on stage is where the magic really happens. Their shows are entertaining and full of energy as well as high-level music making, with fine vocal harmonies and instrumental playing, interspersed with banjo, mandolin and fiddle solos. Their set lists are a mix of their own original songs and lost ‘traditionals’. With each and every performance they aim to connect with their audience so that everyone goes home with a memory that will last forever. Seth Mulder & Midnight Run are the real deal. One thing’s certain, the future of bluegrass is in good hands with these guys!

The fact that Riley Baugus is a native Appalachian shows in everything this banjo authority does. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he discovered traditional Appalachian music on weekends spent with his grandparents in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When he was 11, he picked up the banjo himself; older musicians taught him playing and storytelling in the regional tradition. It's a style one might call old-time, from a time before bluegrass was invented. The result is an enormously pure, lived-in and distinctive sound, as can be heard on his albums. By now he has transcended every level and is in demand by artists such as Robert Plant and Alison Krauss and Willie Nelson. But he doesn't just play banjo, Baugus has since also mastered the fiddle and guitar and has greatly evolved vocally. A Riley Baugus show guarantees clawhammer banjo playing with plenty of drive, soulful fiddle parts, powerfully sung ballads and authentic stories. You won't get any closer to the original; indeed, Baugus ís the original.

Just put on "What A Nice Life" from Damn Tall Buildings' most recent album and you'll be humming along right away. Ru tu dudutu dudu. Holy crap, what a wonderfully upbeat tune! Although this record is not all unicorns and rainbows , keeping on the sunny side of life is certainly the attitude of this trio. Completely in line with that last recommendation; The Boston Globe calls Damn Tall Buildings "The Carter Family for the millenial generation". Now that's a great compliment. Boomers are also more than welcome, by the way, as are all other age groups. These three former buskers - the Brooklyn public space was their rehearsal room and stage in one - thrive on interacting with passersby. Using a banjo, fiddle, guitar, double bass and harmony vocals, the three engage their audience in conversation. Whilst this lineup fits the definition of bluegrass perfectly, the band will just as easily use their instruments for old-time, blues or folk. The result are some wonderful, catchy songs, with a broad scope and always delivered with that wonderful lightheartedness that makes the sun shine permanently.

We're still grinning broadly as we think back on infamous show with De Likt at the 2017 Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival. Without a doubt, the dedicated visitors to our festival already know the Leadbeaters. But even without the swagger of this hip hop ensemble, the sound boxes of these acousticians hold plenty of bravado to shake things up. Their old-time, blues, bluegrass, folk, and gospel sounds a little punky, but that's because they are truly way too rock 'n' roll for a folky vibe. Even the most left-footed person will be swinging in no time. This trio from Amsterdam has been making sure to cause some chaotic parties, from Lowlands to the local neighborhood bars. Meanwhile, other countries are also pleasantly aware of their antics. In October 2023, the band toured the U.S., playing seven shows in the Southern states. From Tennessee to Mississippi and Florida, ending via New Orleans at the Blackpot Festival in Lafayette, Louisiana. And sure enough, our favorite Amsterdam natives were hugely popular there as well. In their own words, they bring a musical aubade to the hopeless, the deadbeat, the paupers, the troublemakers and the outcasts. All great and good, but because we don't like to leave anyone out, we say: the Leadbeaters are here for everyone. And so we are there for the Leadbeaters.

It seems highly unlikely, but in case you find cranky visitors walking around during Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, send them to the Golden Shoals show. Amy Alvey and Mark Kilianski are guaranteed to lift their mood. The vibe at their shows is best described as somewhere between a delightful homecoming and an adventurous roadtrip. Given the fact that they lived out of their RV for years, that makes perfect sense. The duo - now rooted in Nashville - found each other through their love of American folk music.  Over the years, their sound has been broadened to embrace a wider range of influences, creating a fresh and distinctive feel. The duo is well-versed in traditionals, while their own songs are often compared to the work of country and bluegrass icon Gillian Welch. Lively, energetic songs backed by their excellent instrument mastery. On most of their songs, we hear their guitar and fiddle, but sometimes they'll grab a banjo, or play with two guitars. Their sophisticated skills acquired at the conservatory form a fantastic tandem with the guts, drive and soul they put into their songs and performance.  

You don't have to be from Kentucky or Nashville to understand, feel and play bluegrass. So says the legendary Chris Hillman of The Byrds, among others, about the Blue Grass Boogiemen. If any Dutch bluegrass band exists that is highly regarded even in the genre's country of origin, it is the Blue Grass Boogiemen from Utrecht. With a track record of more than 30 years, a massive list of gigs and an encyclopaedic repertoire, the Blue Grass Boogiemen are the personification of the genre in the Netherlands. To paraphrase Hillman, who took the band on tour as a backing band some years ago, one last time, "the Boogiemen swing and they swing hard and fast." We obviously knew that in Rotterdam already, which is exactly why we love seeing them return every time. Let's not forget their really special yearly colloboration with other artists. Tim Knol and Douwe Bob have had this honor before. And what an honor it is, to play with these local legends. We will announce the lucky one later this year.

For a short while, the Noordplein will turn into one big, cozy living room. That is the kind of atmosphere that Sem Jansen & Leif de Leeuw summon with their new show - based on their well-titled album 'From A Living Room'. These two string miracles have been playing together in the Leif de Leeuw Band for years and flawlessly understand each other; in terms of guitar playing, vocals and performance. This is completely reflected in the acoustic duo setting that they are now performing in. They knit the songs together chatting with a lot of anecdotes and every now and then they play a country classic on the gramophone to illustrate their inspiration. Obviously, they know how to perform. The pair has been touched by blues, southern rock and jam band music, but also share a great passion for folk music, country and Americana. Earlier this year, they translated that passion into the album 'From A Living Room', which features a mix of their own songs and a sampling of the duo's favorite Americana and country songs. And that's the foundation for the live shows. The stage will be turned into a living room for the festival, including a gramophone, with Sem's dog as special guest and ultimate extra. So enjoy a delightful hour of their originals, vintage instruments, beautiful old country classics and entertaining background stories. 

Mary Lee is a singer, guitarist and the namesake of the Mary Lee Family Band. She's also known as "the Brazilian Loretta Lynn". Together with her husband Mauro Montezuma (drums/washboard), she is the heart of this family band. Although they have Brazilian roots, their music has little to do with Latin music; in fact, they prefer to call themselves Brazilian honky-tonk pioneers. It's not surprising that the comparison to the legendary Loretta "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl" Lynn comes to mind. But after moving to Berlin in 2019 and with two albums already released, they expand their sound. While in Europe, they meet Irish fiddle player Sorcha Thompson, who joins the band and sprinkles the music with Irish folk influences. Then Mary Lees son Patrick Saldanha joins the band as bassist, adding a splash of punk to the sound. And with Daren Stieglitz on mandolin as their most recent addition, the lineup takes on even more bluegrass character. The fully fledged repertoire and high energy now have the band touring Europe from their new home base. Their unwaverinig commitment makes their live shows passionate, dynamic and entertaining, with Mary Lee as eye-catcher, supported by the compact combo Sorcha, Mauro, Patrick and Daren, who make sure the pace is maintained. Talking about a pleasant reunion, this colorful company will be a delight!

Brass 'n' grass is a cool find, and pretty striking too! Still, Carry Nation and the Speakeasy do themselves a disservice with this self-invented genre description. With guitar, mandolin, trumpet, trombone and double bass, the group's lineup is definitely a fusion of a brassband and a bluegrass band. But that's without hearing the thunderous drums and whiskey-marinated smoky vocals. It adds even more pulse, drive and raw energy to the band. Blending bluegrass, ska, punk and Dixieland, the American quintet has developed a fearless vessel that has taken them around the world for years. And whether they play in a stuffy basement or at a summer outdoor festival, it always end in a roaring party. The fans already know, the newcomers will experience it.  

The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter is a project by Canadian singer-songwriter Li'l Andy and is a theatrical reproduction of a medicine show and vaudeville act from America's Old West of around 1900. For this very special project, Andy puts himself in the shoes of the fictional character Hezekiah Procter, an artist who in the 1920s was as talented as he was troubled as Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers or Robert Johnson. Through vocal harmonies, fiddle, banjo and sousaphone, he delivers a dazzling demonstration of virtuosity. Having this much creativity, imagination, musical ability and sense of songwriting can only result in something incredibly extraordinary. As we witnessed at the last year’s edition of the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, Li'l Andy is one of Canada's most celebrated old-time and folk musicians. Specifically for this project, he has mobilized his fellow countrymen and multi-instrumentalists Sheesham and Lotus & Son. 

Bringing a fierce blast of South American temperament, Angry Zeta & The Hillbullys will test the tree roots on North Square. With the instruments of a bluegrass band, but the attitude of a punk band, the Argentine band has toured venues and festivals for seven years. It's like a tornado that only grows in strength - it started in the streets of Buenos Aires but has since crossed the vast blue waters three times. Their set list features their own work as well as traditional folk songs that they deliver with plenty of energy and emotion. They can send goosebumps up your spine and back, but also put a huge smile on your face. A highly energetic acoustic sextet that will fuel the fire like a whirlwind or even blow the place down. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Last year, the Norwegian band Strengeplukk demonstrated that mountain music also perfectly resonates in the Scandinavian mountains. This year, New Valley String Band brings us a taste of the Swedish interpretation of bluegrass, oldtime and other original music from the American mountains. They describe their sound as Nordic Old Time. Equipped with guitar, banjo, fiddle and vocals, they aim not to copy the traditional string band sound from the Appalachians, but to fuse it with their own, Scandinavian musical heritage. Such a dynamic style, from super fast fiddle tunes to more subtle songs. Songs that evoke the atmosphere of a vast mountain landscape, reflect on love and relationships or generate the energy of a crowded dance floor where people dance and party. Last year, the trio toured Europe for the first time, with shows in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and the Czech Republic. The Netherlands have never had the pleasure of hosting them; no better place to introduce the New Valley String Band in this country than at the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival. 

Delicate harmonies and uplifting melodies that transport you to the rural landscape of North America; that's what the band A Murder In Mississippi does best. But they do it from Ghent. This Belgian band knows very well how to achieve such an authentic American sound. All the members of this six-piece group, 3 men and 3 women, have their own particular musical background. Their versatile sound is a blend of original country, folk and blues, contemporary Americana and Irish traditionals. The cohesion in the band is almost palpable, and they lay down a wonderful feel-good vibe. A Murder In Mississippi is the musical equivalent of Belgian beer culture: the very best double, triple, blonde and white beer on tap. Let's have a taste!

Them Peckin' Boys emerge from Rotterdam's own Bluegrass breeding ground. Having won the RBF talent competition last year, they are now ready for a spot in regular programming. This four-man bluegrass, folk and country ensemble from Haarlem understands what we are looking for: excellent mastery of instruments, catchy songs, enthusiastic performance and a unique brand. In a bluegrass line-up with bonus banjo, they bring a varied show and with influences from garage and hard rock from the sixties and seventies, they are quite distinctive. They release new work on an ongoing basis, with a logic all their own: this year they will release their third album titled ‘Lucky Number 5’ and album number four is on the way. Luckily, we don't have to run the band's Wikipedia page, which has yet to be set up. All we can do is holler: come and see!