Pickers from all over Europe, as well as a few from here in the states, will be gathering the Dutch village of Voorthuizen next month for the 11th annual European World of Bluegrass Festival. The festival takes place May 1-3, 2008.

42 band from 12 different countries will be performing at this year’s festival. In addition to the performances, there will be a trade show, workshops, a children’s program, and lots of jamming.

The EWOB won the the award for Best Event of the Year at the 2003 IBMA Awards Show. And this year looks set to uphold the tradition of a world class event.

The conclusion of the Saturday night concert will be the awarding of the European Band of the Year 2008. The award is giving based on voting by all the performing musicians at the festival. The winning band will have the opportunity to perform as guests at the annual IBMA World of Bluegrass event, the following year.

Last year’s wining band, G2, will be performing this year (2008) at IBMA.

If you’re in Europe, or inclined to visit this summer, make sure you find your way to Voorthuizen during the first week in May.