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.

The Brothers Comatose are bringing their feel-good vibes from sunny California straight to Noordplein! Finally, one might say, because this band is among the top of the current bluegrass generation and has a huge international following, yet they have never performed in the Netherlands—until now.

Since 2008, this five-piece, led by founding brothers Ben and Alex Morrison, has been carving its own path through the rich landscape of American roots music, brimming with energy and joy. While rooted in bluegrass, they frequently venture into folk, country, and Americana, creating a multidimensional sound featuring mesmerizing harmonies, virtuosic string work, and irresistibly danceable rhythms. And with San Francisco as their home base, that distinct, wonderful West Coast vibe is naturally woven into their music. In 2024, multi-instrumentalist Addie Levy joined the lineup, bringing her outstanding mandolin skills and equally stunning vocals. Her addition has deepened the band's already rich sound, with her voice seamlessly blending with the Morrison brothers’ and her instrumental prowess injecting fresh energy, further solidifying the band’s unique style.

Renowned for their electrifying live performances, The Brothers Comatose effortlessly combine top-tier musicianship with maximum entertainment. No wonder they are almost constantly on tour, playing at the biggest roots festivals across the U.S. Now, for the first time ever, they are making their way to the Netherlands—a major highlight for Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival! No matter the weather in early July, one thing is certain: with The Brothers Comatose, the sun will shine!

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.

Every now and then, an artist emerges who stands out in every way, instantly winning the hearts of music lovers. Arkansas native Nick Shoulders went viral during the pandemic with a Western AF video of his song Rather Low. The recording is simple—perhaps that’s what makes it so compelling: a mustached, mullet-haired, and tattooed Shoulders sits in the hallway of an old wooden building in New Orleans, playing his acoustic guitar, yodeling, and whistling. But for many new fans, that moment was enough to reveal his exceptional talent.

Growing up in the Ozark Mountains, surrounded by whistling birds and saturated with Southern gospel music, a young Shoulders took to drumming in punk and metal bands while designing gig posters for Arkansas’ heavy music scene. After personal struggles and a growing obsession with the musical traditions of his home, he packed up his camper and headed to New Orleans to busk on the streets. That’s where the foundation was laid for the unconventional, versatile, and one-of-a-kind singer-songwriter and musician he is today—now back in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Through his own label, Gar Hole Records, Shoulders releases albums featuring a broad spectrum of early country styles. His vocal technique echoes generations of his Ozark ancestors, and though his songs are rooted in century-old genres, his lyrics are undeniably modern. He doesn’t shy away from tackling political, social, and environmental issues, yet his music is also filled with sharp wit and infectious rhythms. This is masterful musicianship delivered with a punk attitude and total commitment. Shoulders stands at the forefront of today’s outlaw country movement, and his solo set in Rotterdam is bound to be a festival favorite.

It's hard to believe when you see and hear him play, but Jake Vaadeland was born in the current century. Barely 20 years old, the Canadian sounds and looks like artists who could have been his great-grandparents. Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs; the greats of the earth who have long since gone to heaven, but set the tone in the middle of last century for the rockabilly and bluegrass that Vaadeland anno 2025 takes his inspiration from and does something fantastic with.

Jake Vaadeland grew up in the Canadian town of Big River in the province of Saskatchewan. Something must have been in the water there, or maybe this is where Johnny Cash took the name of one of his biggest rockabilly hits, because it was there that Vaadeland taught himself to play guitar and banjo and write his first songs. As a teenager he debuted with the 2021 album “Retro Man,” and on it his exceptional qualities can be heard for the first time. 100% retro, absolutely, but so incredibly well done; the songwriting, the instrumental performance and that voice of his!

Couple that with the meticulously groomed appearance - in the style of his inspirations - and the equally authentic and energetic stage presence of Vaadeland and his regular bandmates, and you can be sure of a great show bursting with spectacle. The past, but especially the future, are in good, golden hands with Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys. You don't want to miss this.

On Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival's Sunday, Brennen Leigh & Joshua Hedley will bring the spirit and sound of Broadway’s real honky tonk bars to Noordplein. This is the real deal—don’t miss it!

“Brennen Leigh plays guitar like a motherfucker.” Blunt? Perhaps. But when the words come from the late, great Guy Clark, they carry serious weight. Born in North Dakota, raised in Minnesota, and now based in Nashville, Brennen Leigh was lucky enough to count the legendary singer-songwriter among her friends. And indeed, her flatpicking guitar technique is unparalleled, as is her mandolin playing. Add in her phenomenal voice and razor-sharp songwriting, and you have an artist whose songs have been recorded by the likes of Rodney Crowell, Charley Crockett, and Lee Ann Womack. But she saves the best material for herself—just listen to Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet, her beer-and-tears-soaked tribute to vintage hard country, packed with songs that could have topped the charts fifty years ago. Honky tonk, classic country, bluegrass, western swing—Leigh revitalizes traditional roots music with exceptional musicianship, timeless melodies, expressive vocals, and sharp storytelling.

As if a solo performance from Leigh wasn’t exciting enough, she’s doubling the fun by bringing her Nashville comrade Joshua Hedley to Rotterdam. If Leigh is a master of vintage country, Hedley is her male counterpart. A gifted guitarist and fiddle player with a twangy, golden voice, he possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of 1950s and ‘60s honky tonk and classic country. His debut album title, Mr. Jukebox, says it all—Hedley knows the work of legends like George Jones, Ray Price, and Glen Campbell inside out, but he’s also crafting new classics of his own.

Together, Brennen Leigh & Joshua Hedley will bring the spirit and sound of Broadway’s real honky tonk bars to Noordplein. This is the real deal—don’t miss it!

It’s no secret that Tim Knol has a deep love for bluegrass and country music, and we got a delightful taste of that in Rotterdam with his incredible show alongside the Blue Grass Boogiemen at the 2019 edition. This performance followed the release of Happy Hour, his first collaborative album with the country’s best bluegrass band from that same year. The album earned rave reviews, the group couldn’t escape national radio and TV, and they toured extensively across clubs, theaters, and festivals. It was one fantastic journey, and now it’s set to continue with the aptly titled second album Ride Again, released earlier this year.

Ride Again features songs written by guitarist/vocalist Tim Knol and mandolin/fiddle player Arnold Lasseur, ranging from upbeat bluegrass to intimate ballads, with detours into cajun and rockabilly. In addition to their own original work, the band also includes a selection of classic bluegrass and country hits in their repertoire. The path they traveled in 2019 with Happy Hour is being revisited this year with Ride Again, bringing even more of the joy and energy to their performance. Hop on for a fantastic ride through the musical landscapes of bluegrass, country, and beyond with Tim Knol & Blue Grass Boogiemen at Noordplein!

Jake Blount is the present, past and future of folk music. A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist with a beautiful voice, he follows a completely unique path within folk. Blount rewrites the history of the genre and adds his own chapter to it.

Jake Blount is a banjo and fiddle player from Providence, Rhode Island, whose masterful performances on both acoustic instruments have earned him widespread acclaim and numerous awards. In addition to his exceptional instrumental skills, Blount possesses an extraordinary depth of knowledge about American music history, with a particular focus on the folk music traditions of Americans. Blount is a passionate advocate for recognizing the vital contributions of the African American community to the country’s musical heritage. In his work, he blends traditional songs and fragments—unearthed from centuries-old, forgotten collections and sound archives of his ancestors—into his own compositions, incorporating modern musical styles and techniques. While his beloved banjo and fiddle remain central to his music, Blount also incorporates electric guitar, synthesizers, looping stations, and other digital tools into his repertoire.

Blount's debut album Spider Tales (2020) was promptly awarded five stars by The Guardian and hailed as an instant classic. His subsequent albums, The New Faith (2022) and Symbiont (2024)—both released on the renowned Smithsonian Folkways label—were also met with overwhelming acclaim. His Afrofuturistic approach to folklore is unparalleled and downright revolutionary, yet it feels familiar due to the traditional elements Blount weaves into his work. The result is a sense of wonder and transcendence for the listener, transforming into something magical and ecstatic when performed live. This charismatic performer’s show, accompanied by his spectacularly talented bandmates, will mark his very first appearance in the Netherlands and promises to be something truly special.

Pert Near Sandstone has been a fixture in contemporary bluegrass for more than two decades, but there is absolutely no question of a status quo. Every tour and every album; the band never stops evolving. Of course it was about time to invite the American foursome back again after their dazzling 2018 show.

The band members of Pert Near Sandstone have known each other since their childhood in Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota. Quite literally a lifetime of shared history - no wonder these guys blend so amazingly well. With their lineage, they add a firm Midwest flavor to the Appalachian music, the southeastern mountain range that is the cradle of bluegrass. Swinging oldtime with a contemporary twist, brought with an infectious enthusiasm with which they set every audience ablaze. However, their range is endless, as all four songwriters bring great variety. Vocally and instrumentally, they individually possess all the abilities to bring the songs of their own creation to life.

On their eighth album, “Waiting Days” (2023), they relentlessly continue to broaden and refine their modern string band sound. Lyrically, they use it to address the concerns and tensions of today's society, but they are as happy singing about vintage bluegrass themes as trains and life on the road. A well-balanced record that leaves plenty of room for any emotion, mighty fine melodies, wonderful musical interplay and boundless energy. In short, everything you need for an unforgettable show.

They are considered the absolute top of the young roots music scene: Canadian Allison de Groot, with her ingenious and refined clawhammer banjo playing, and American fiddle powerhouse Tatiana Hargreaves. When they join forces, they create something that transcends the earthly.

De Groot and Hargreaves have known each other since their early teens, when they attended folk and bluegrass camps. There, they each developed their own craft while laying the foundation for their extraordinary musical collaboration. A decade of intensive study and fine-tuning their dynamic led to the release of their adventurous and original album Hurricane Clarice in 2022. This record reflects themes such as history, current events, family, and literature, woven into music that is both traditional and forward-thinking. Hurricane Clarice is a magnum opus of profound beauty, with an almost meditative quality that makes it impossible to stop listening.

One journalist aptly described the duo as “one living, breathing organism.” Their seamless, captivating interaction between banjo and fiddle takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey. By now, their list of awards is too long to recount. But with this remarkable duo, it’s not about the accolades – it’s about winning your heart. This Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves performance will leave you speechless and breathless. Just let yourself be swept away.

Due to massive success and by popular demand, Argentine Angry Zeta will return to the festival in 2025. Despite that - or rather: because - this party folk punk band rocked the joint with its blazing spirits last year.

Carrying the instruments of a bluegrass band and the attitude of a punk band, the Argentine ensemble has been hitting stages and festivals around the world for nearly a decade. They started out on the streets of Buenos Aires and like a tornado they only grow in strength. The set list features their own work as well as traditional folk songs, their performance ever so dynamic and intense.

Angry Zeta is a pack of colorful characters with immense musicality, born to be on stage. Sometimes, they'll give you goosebumps all over, and other times, a smile from ear to ear. A highly energetic acoustic sextet that, once again, will fan the flames like a whirlwind and rock the place to smithereens. The only weather alarm we do need: brace yourself for Angry Zeta!

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!

Sure, we proudly embrace our Acoustic Dance Event (ADE) tagline, both in spirit and execution. But every now and then, it’s equally thrilling to let loose and throw an EMO—an Electric Mosh Event. So, Daddy Long Legs, take it away!

The men of Daddy Long Legs are experts in both building and tearing things down—whether it's a party or a venue. They proved this in Rotterdam before, at the Scumbash festival, where things got wild and explosive, led by the manic frontman and harmonica player Brian Hurd. But don’t be fooled—Hurd and his equally possessed blues comrades, Murat Aktürk on electric guitar, drummer Josh Styles, and the newly added David Klein on piano, are as musically skilled as they are raw and unrelenting. Their vintage country blues, played in a supercharged and electrified style, transforms into an unstoppable punk-rock-n-roll-rhythm-and-blues machine. And beyond the energy, their songs are just as powerful as they are catchy.

Daddy Long Legs has released two albums—Evil Eye On You and Blood From A Stone—on Norton Records, the label founded by Billy Miller and Miriam Linna, drummer of the legendary garage-punk band The Cramps. Need more proof? Check out last year’s 7” single with End Times Boogie on the A-side and Harmonica Razor on the B-side, and get your ankles and knees taped up—because their next Rotterdam gig is going to be a wild one!

Flatt & Scruggs, The Monroe Brothers, Skaggs & Rice, The Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe & Doc Watson, Norman Blake & Tony Rice - just a few of the legendary duos that have shaped the course of bluegrass history. Dutch singer-songwriters and bluegrass-style acoustic guitar virtuosos Maurice van Hoek & Bertolf pay tribute to these icons with a special show dedicated to their musical legacy.

In the early days of bluegrass, even before the genre had a name, two musicians and their instruments were enough to make a ‘band’. Even as bluegrass evolved and full bands became more common, the duo format remained beloved. Whether siblings, spouses, or simply musical soulmates, the tradition of the bluegrass duo runs deep, and Maurice & Bertolf honor some of their favorites with heartfelt renditions of timeless classics.

Blending these tributes with their own original material - both are acclaimed songwriters in their own right - they promise a dynamic and captivating set. Expect fiery guitar work, flawless harmonies, and high energy in a spectacular show, filled with nothing but top-tier songs, where two passionate musicians push and elevate each other on stage.

A true force of nature and a multi-talent to match: Addie Levy is one to watch. It’s no coincidence that she was recruited in 2023 by The Brothers Comatose, with whom she’s also performing at the festival this weekend, handling both vocal and mandolin duties. But her self-titled debut album, released last year, is so strong that it would’ve been a missed opportunity not to give Addie her own spotlight in the lineup.

Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, she was immersed in the music rooted in her own backyard from an early age. At just ten years old, she became part of the Appalachian music scene, learning the traditional styles from old-school bluegrass and old-time masters. She fell in love with the music, its rich history, and the warm, tight-knit community that came with it. Today, Addie Levy is a dazzling multi-instrumentalist and born entertainer. With deep respect for tradition and a fresh perspective, she has carved out her own sound that blends both classic and progressive elements.

Back home in the US, this rising talent from the bluegrass hills is racing toward the top. Constantly on the move, she’s writing, recording, and performing wherever the music and her mandolin take her. And now, luckily for us, that journey brings her to Rotterdam, marking her European debut!

You’ll have not one, but two chances to witness her electrifying playing, powerful voice, and infectious stage presence - both as Sister Comatose and solo as Addie Levy. Don’t miss them!

More than any other genre, folk and country are always evolving. Texas transgender Creekbed Carter Hogan is a great example of how progressive and innovative this music can be, without being completely disconnected from its origins.

Creekbed Carter Hogan is a queer folk and country artist from Minneapolis, with stunning songs about growing up as a trans person in an environment where religion plays a major role. In doing so, Hogan often tugs at the heartstrings, but just as often tickles the funny bone. Influences of legendary folk and country artists such as Nick Drake, John Prine and Karen Dalton are evident, but in keeping with their non-binary status, Hogan cannot be categorized unequivocally. Hogan has their own sound as well as their own story that transcends all confines.

With the album “Creekbed Carter,” released in 2024 on the label Gar Hole Records of alt.country hero Nick Shoulders, Hogan has shaped the queer folk and country landscape in a distinct way. Powerful and confident, with lyrics about overcoming personal struggles, but also giving room for tenderness, sadness, hope and humor.  Hogan is also a fantastic fingerpicker and consistently appears on stage in classy attire. Never before has Creekbed Carter Hogan performed in The Netherlands, so reason enough to look forward to this performance!

‘The future of cajun music’ - Acadiana Profile Magazine

For the very first time, Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs are coming to the Netherlands, exclusively for Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival! Yes, you read that right: their only performance in The Low Lands will take place at Noordplein. Get ready to savor the finest flavors Cajun music has to offer!

Hailing from the swamps of Cypress Island, Louisiana, Jourdan Thibodeaux is one of the few young talents who still speaks Cajun French - a living reminder of the region's French colonial history.

But it’s not just the language he keeps alive. Thibodeaux is a torchbearer for the musical soul of Cajun culture - a vibrant mix of French folk traditions blended with European and African immigrant influences.

With his rich, soulful voice, extraordinary fiddle skills and heartfelt songwriting, Thibodeaux crafts music that moves seamlessly from irresistible two-steps to deeply moving ballads. Always true to the authentic Cajun style, yet undeniably stamped with his own distinctive flair.

He’s joined by four of Acadiana’s finest musicians: Cedric Watson (accordion, fiddle), Alan Lafleur (bass), Joel Savoy (guitar), and Adam Cormier (drums) - a group known collectively as Les Rôdailleurs. Together, they kick things up a notch, seasoning the music to perfection.

With two outstanding albums under their belt and a track record of performances at top venues and festivals across the US and Canada, Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs are making waves. And now, they're crossing the Atlantic exclusively for Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, bringing their swampy Mississippi vibes straight to the Rotte at Noordplein. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

When you enter Yes Ma'am as a search term into YouTube, you will find a huge list of great and much-viewed videos recorded in the public spaces of historic downtown New Orleans. For years, Matthew Bracken has been making music under his alter ego - solo or with others - on the streets of his hometown. He holds a legendary status as street-corner royalty, and his value to the folk-punk scene - locally, regionally and worldwide - cannot be underestimated.

Yes Ma'am unites nearly a century of old blues, jazz and bluegrass from the era of The Great Depression with the rawness and raucousness of early punk rock. With Matthew Bracken as the only constant factor, Yes Ma'am is a rotating collective that includes the best musicians from the folk-punk scene. In this context, it's quite telling that the album “How Many People How Many Dogs,” released in 2024, features contributions from members of genre-renowned acts such as Bridge City Sinners, Black Death All Stars and Holy Locust.

A word to the wise is enough, but be sure to spin that incredible record yourself to get ready for their show on our very own Jackson Square: the Noordplein. The exact lineup in which Yes Ma’am will take the stage remains a surprise, but rest assured—it’s going to be an all-star ensemble. And don’t forget to brush up on your dance moves, because standing still won’t be an option. Get ready to join the line for a spot on the dance floor!

The French-Moroccan band Bab L’ Bluz is sparking a musical revolution in North African blues. In a genre once dominated exclusively by men, the African-Moroccan frontwoman of the band - singer, musician and passionate performer Yousra Mansour - sets the tone with undeniable conviction. Bab L’ Bluz is a driving force behind the vibrant Moroccan youth movement nayda, where a new wave of artists and musicians draws inspiration from local heritage. In the rhythmic, poetic Moroccan-Arabic dialect darija, they sing about freedom, identity, and change.

Their 2020 debut album, aptly titled Nayda!, immediately showcased what Bab L’ Bluz is all about: a captivating fusion of old and new. The band plays traditional North African instruments in entirely innovative ways. The awicha and guembri, both forms of lute, are tuned differently to serve as guitar and bass, creating irresistibly hypnotic riffs. The qraqeb, a castanet-like percussion instrument, plays a key role in the compelling grooves the band delivers. Together, they create a psychedelic and soulful foundation, the perfect backdrop for Mansour’s powerful and mesmerizing voice as she recites her socially engaged lyrics.

Their new album, Swaken (2024), is a tribute to the Maghreb and pulses with energy. Over eleven tracks, you’ll be swept into a rhythmic trance where psychedelic blues, funk, and rock blend with enchanting sounds rooted in North African tribes such as Gnawa, Amazigh, Hassani, and Houara. It’s a musical journey through time and culture, from the roots to the future. Don’t miss out as Bab L’ Bluz heads to Rotterdam - be part of the revolution!

Did someone say party? It's only part of the band name and what the band stands for, but it's obvious that Pixie and The Partygrass Boys can throw some serious parties. With the exuberant energy they bring to every show, they are touring the entire U.S., and now they are in Europe for the first time.

As employees of ski resorts, working for board and lodging in the snowy mountains, they began their musical career playing at house parties in Salt Lake City's Cottonwood Canyons. “Ski and Party,” is the title of one of their songs. Having fun and wearing goofy outfits is something the five-piece from Utah still enjoy doing, but with their skill and expertise built up over a decade, they also write amazingly catchy songs and their mastery of their instruments is phenomenal.

In 2023, they released the cover album “The Chicken Coop,” in tribute to the artists who influenced them. With songs by the likes of Talking Heads, Rolling Stones, A-ha and George Michael, it should be clear that Pixie & The Partygrass Boys are stretching the boundaries of the bluegrass genre considerably. On their latest, self-titled 2024 album of their own work, the traditional sound of the Appalachian Mountains and the heady of the Mountain West snap together like two plates of earth in an earthquake, from which a beautiful new bluegrass mountain landscape has emerged. Live, they take their audience musically to that place, to share a piece of the magic they have found and mined on the mountain tops and canyons of their home.

After several joint tours across Europe and the US over the past three years, Radim Zenkl & Ondra Kozák, two extraordinarily skilled musicians with decades of experience between them, are finally making their way to the Netherlands, with a much-anticipated stop in Rotterdam.

Radim Zenkl’s story is the stuff of legend. As a 13-year-old in then-Czechoslovakia, he began learning the mandolin using albums that had been smuggled into the country under communist rule. Four years later, committed to making music his life’s work, he fled the country at 17 - just three months before the fall of communism - and settled in San Francisco to pursue his dream. The rest is an impressive and inspiring history: performances across the globe, collaborations and recordings with icons like Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, and Béla Fleck, and teaching hundreds, if not thousands, of aspiring musicians at camps and workshops. In 1992, he won the U.S. National Mandolin Championship, and even developed his own “Zenkl style,” a technique that makes one mandolin sound like two. Oh, and did we mention he also plays flute, didgeridoo, and sings beautifully? This master musician is not to be missed - and he’s bringing along another musical powerhouse from his homeland.

Ondra Kozák is considered one of Europe’s best flatpickers, having earned multiple awards for his guitar work. But that’s just one side of him: he’s also a talented fiddler, dobro player, bassist, singer, and highly sought-after music educator. Like Zenkl, he’s collaborated with many artists, both live and in the studio, and is deeply involved in teaching - producing his own instructional materials, offering online workshops, and hosting podcasts for musicians.

In Rotterdam, Zenkl & Kozák will present a world-class performance featuring their own original bluegrass compositions - released under the fitting album title Eastern Grass on David Grisman’s Acoustic Disc label - as well as traditional tunes in unique, finely crafted arrangements.

Putting in the hours - that’s how the greats crack the code. It’s a tried-and-true path, but one that demands total dedication and serious talent. Dom Glynn has both in spades. In his early twenties, this singing, guitar-slinging Brit was already living for and off music, playing endless sets of songs by his American heroes in music cafés in and around London. He’s since mastered the canon of classic country music and has been inspired to write his own future standards. Now, armed with those songs and his band His Sunday Best, he’s crossing the North Sea for a show on the Noordplein.

Now 27, Glynn already has several releases under his belt, and a new album is set to drop just before his trip to Rotterdam. His songwriting echoes the spirit of legends like Bob Dylan and Hank Williams Sr., while his guitar work recalls the elegant fingerpicking of Mississippi John Hurt and Doc Watson. Years of constant performing have shaped him into a seasoned and compelling live act. And since 2023, he’s had an outstanding band to back him up: fiddle wizard Dr. Duncan Menzies (Copper Viper), infectious drummer Carmen Ruiz Vicente, and tight-as-a-drum bassist and harmony vocalist Jack Trouble.

Dom Glynn & His Sunday Best bring a sound and vibe that get people drinking, dancing, and simply having a great time. They've already proven it at major UK festivals like Maverick, Ramblin’ Roots Revue, and Black Deer. And now, it’s Rotterdam’s turn to join the party – not on Sunday, but on Friday ;-)

Am y tro cyntaf eleni bydd band o Gymru yn chwarae yn ein gŵyl! What we’re trying to say: for the first time ever, a band from Wales will be playing at our festival this year! Exciting, right? And the fact that this quartet also sings in Welsh makes it even more special - not to mention their superb instrumental skills. These seasoned musicians from Cardiff really know their craft!

Though still young, Darren Eedens, Sion Russell Jones, David Grubb, and Clem Saynor are already seasoned performers, playing both traditional tunes and original songs in English and Welsh. Their latest album, released earlier this year, is titled Blŵgras - which in itself is a perfect summary of their sound: rooted in bluegrass, enriched with unmistakable Welsh elements. It's a refreshing transatlantic fusion of North American and Celtic musical heritage, brought together in a vibrant and original way.

Stages and festivals across the UK, Europe, Canada, and the US have already been treated to their rich harmonies, flawless instrumental command, and exhilarating performances. Taff Rapids is rapidly becoming a powerhouse in the bluegrass scene and beyond, and they’re more than ready to win over the Rotterdam crowd with their unique brand of Welsh bluegrass.

Bonus tip: don’t miss their special a cappella set on the festival’s closing day, early Sunday on the central grounds. Set that alarm!

It’s a joy to see the winner of last year’s Talent Contest taking such giant steps forward! We’re happy to bask in the glow, but the real credit goes to the fiddle player at the heart of it all: Noah Hassler-Forest, whose path to a shining bluegrass career was already beginning to unfold at a very young age.

At just five years old, Noah heard bluegrass for the first time and, despite his age, instantly knew: this is what I want to do. He began with violin and piano lessons and quickly found himself performing with youth orchestras. After earning a master’s degree at the Utrecht Conservatory, he moved to Barcelona to study jazz violin. He has since won several jazz competitions and developed a deep passion for the genre - but at the core of his musical soul lies bluegrass.

After his victory in Rotterdam in 2024, Hassler-Forest formed the aptly named Blue Forest Pickers: a phenomenal group featuring Noah on fiddle, Tjebbe Zeeman on guitar, Kylie Kay Anderson on mandolin, Nathalie Schaap on upright bass, and Joshua Herwig on the unusually bluegrass-ish cello. Together, they bring a fresh and boundary-pushing approach to the genre. With instrumental virtuosity and powerful vocal harmonies, they blend traditional roots with influences from jazz and world music. They shift effortlessly between driving rhythms and lyrical melodies, offering up a mix of bold original compositions and reverent takes on bluegrass classics.

Come see this exciting new quintet bursting with talent, and prepare to be swept away by stirring tunes, fiery improvisations, and infectious energy that will speak to both bluegrass purists and adventurous listeners alike.

As the infamous and glamorous gangster duo Bonnie & Clyde, from 1930s America, Norah Spades and Jitterbug James from Hamilton, Ontario roam together to surprise and touch people. However, the Canadian twosome do this not with bullets and guns to violently rob them, but with musical instruments as weapons to lovingly overwhelm them with. As they say themselves, The Vaudevillian will spit, scream and stomp their way into your hearts.

With a washboard, banjo, resonator guitar, spoons and a full trunk of other musical artillery, the charming tandem indeed often hit straight to the heart, but they also aim for the hips. The 1930s jug band ragtime blues of Spades and James is very much beckoning to dance to, though the lady and gentleman are a joy to watch in terms of wardrobe and décor as well. Terrific music and fantastic variety from overseas from pre-war times.

In noisy music pubs, at house parties or even on the street, as well as at major festivals and in classy theaters; everywhere, the stylish couple knows how to catch the eyes and get the feet off the floor. So iron your slacks, crease your dress, polish your shoes and do the lindy hop with The Vaudevillian! Oh - they are also giving a workshop on “playing spoons” at Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival. Perfect for your dinner party!

The New West - it’s a name that makes perfect sense for now. This fresh bluegrass band hails from the western part of the Netherlands, more specifically Rotterdam, and indeed, they’re a brand-new addition to the scene. But don’t let that fool you: the musicians behind this project are anything but newcomers.

The New West is made up of five tightly-knit friends with impeccable chemistry. They studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory at the same time and have been sharing stages for over a decade. Each brings a diverse musical background to the table, with past collaborations including names like Douwe Bob, Tim Knol, Fréderique Spigt and the Blue Grass Boogiemen. Not all of them came into the project with bluegrass experience, but with Tijmen Veelenturf - winner of the 2024 Mountain City Fiddlers Convention in the U.S. - on board, they had a powerhouse fiddle player to lead the charge. The rest of the band quickly proved themselves to be so musically versatile that they mastered the traditional bluegrass instrumentation within a matter of months. Once they hit the rehearsal room, the instrumental puzzle clicked instantly. Polishing the vocal harmonies sealed the deal.

It’s no surprise that The New West rapidly made a name for themselves, both in and outside of Rotterdam. Their live debut took place at Theater Walhalla in March of this year, and shows in the Netherlands, Finland and Portugal are already lined up. Come July, they’ll be bringing their bluegrass fire straight to Noordplein!

The fact that fans of heavy guitars and acoustic strings get along just fine, is proven once again by this special collaboration between Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival and Baroeg. Known as the city’s stronghold for heavy music, Baroeg is currently in a transitional phase, with its former location demolished and a new one still under construction. In the meantime, fellow venues and festivals across Rotterdam are hosting artists under the Baroeg on Tour banner. As part of this initiative, the Renegade Bandits are making their way onto the 2025 Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival lineup.

Renegade Bandits are four rowdy outlaws from South Holland who’ve cooked up a fierce brew of dark outlaw country, spiked with a shot of obscure rockabilly blues and served with a healthy dose of punk attitude. With backgrounds in punk, psychobilly, and black metal bands, it’s safe to say you shouldn’t expect your average country sound. This is full-throttle, no-holds-barred, pedal-to-the-metal Americana. A raspy howler on vocals, twangy guitars, a thundering upright bass, and an untamed beast on the drums - that’s Renegade Bandits. Leave your helmet on, this is going to be a wild ride.