In heaven, they’re not exactly rolling out the red carpet for the devil, but when it comes to The Devil Makes Three and the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, it’s a match made in heaven. early fans caught this powerhouse trio on Pijnackerplein in 2016, and now, with a fresh album under their belt and a fanbase that’s only grown stronger, it’s high time for a grand reunion.

Hailing from Santa Cruz, The Devil Makes Three stands with one foot in traditional folk and the other in a more progressive jam movement there. They fuse these two worlds into a unique sound: raw, punk-infused folk that Rotterdam-Noord just can’t get enough of.

Their latest album, Spirits, dives into deeply personal themes of loss while boldly addressing political issues—a nod to the true spirit of folk music, inspired by icons like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan.

Musically, they’re rooted in American traditions like country, blues, folk and gospel, but their fiery, fresh twist transforms it into something entirely their own. This is folk with grit, blues with passion, and punk with soul—a perfect storm of storytelling and energy.

Een prachtig samenkomen zal het tijdens hun show op het Noordplein ook zijn: hartverwarmend en verbindend, maar ook rauw, energiek en met een niet aflatende drive die je zal doen dansen tot de vonken ervan afvliegen.

On stage at Noordplein, they’ll bring it all: heartwarming and connecting, but also raw, energetic and with a relentless drive that will make you dance until sparks fly.

They're back, the greatest front porch blues band in the world! The jolly country blues trio from the American state of Indiana has proven to be an absolute crowd favorite in Rotterdam many times before. Just leave it to Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band to make a crowd collectively swing their thing. Their latest album is aptly called “Dance Songs for Hard Times”. Which of course can also be applied to better times; after all, that's what you come to the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival for.

Frontman and guitarist Peyton is widely credited among string-adepts for his exceptional fingerpicking technique. He plays catchy, Chuck Berry-like licks with his index, ring and middle fingers, while using his thumb to deliver a steady bass line. This is the basis of the super-swinging swampy blend of delta blues and country that characterizes Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. And although member-wise, it's not exactly a Big Damn Band, Peyton's wife Breezy on washboard and Max Senteney on drums do indeed crank out a damn big sound and groove that easily gets the whole Noordplein moving.

Chicken Wire Empire is one of those new bluegrass bands you simply have to see and hear. Their albums will keep you hanging on every note, but when you see them live, you’ll be two-stepping your way to the front of the stage in no time.

Their quirky name is a nod to a scene from The Blues Brothers, but this five-piece from Wisconsin brings more than humor—they know their classics. Their EP Verry Garcia is a loving tribute to folk and bluegrass legend Jerry Garcia.

Speaking of classics, a nineties anthem like “Disarm” by guitar rock band The Smashing Pumpkins proves to be an insane crowdpleaser even in bluegrass performance after being adapted by Chicken Wire Empire.

Simply put, despite their band name, this troupe explicitly looks beyond the fence. The band members master their instruments to perfection and fabricate with both traditionals and their own originals an exciting fusion of traditional roots styles and innovative cross-genre elements. This mix, performed live, is even more exciting and irresistible. Don't miss out!