Applications are now being accepted for bands wishing to perform at the 2009 European World Of Bluegrass.

The festival runs from May 21-23, 2009 in Voorthuizen, Netherlands and is a rough equivalent to the IBMA Fan Fest held at the conclusion of their annual convention in Nashville. EWOB is seen as the big wrap up of the European Bluegrass Music Association’s month-long celebration of May as Bluegrass Music Month throughout Europe.

To be considered for ‘09, applications (including 4 audio CDs, band bios and a band photo) must be received by November 20, 2008.

Application details and forms can be found on the EWOB web site.

Jan de Mooy from The Netherlands sent along a number of terrific photos he took during the European World of Bluegrass festival in Voorthuizen earlier this month.

He captured images of of 12 different bands on stage, from 9 different European countries.

Here are the photos, tagged with his comments. Thanks Jan!

     

     

     

 

Singer/songwriter Liz Meyer wrote in to let us know how the EWOB festival went this past weekend.

She tells us the weather was great in Voorthuizen and the music was even better. For three days this small Dutch town was teaming with bluegrass musicians from all over the world. 41 bands from 15 different countries, including three US bands, participated in the festivities.

These three days, May 1-3, were the culmination of a month of bluegrass celebrations that took place as part of the European World of Bluegrass. It also served as the kickoff for bluegrass month in Europe. During the month of May there are 195 European festivals and events where fans will be able to take in some good bluegrass on the old continent.

One of the most exciting parts of the EWOB festival is the European Bluegrass Band competition.

Winners are chosen each year by the musicians performing at the festival. The first place winner each year is invited to perform at the IBMA World of Bluegrass the following year. Here are this year’s winners.

1. European Bluegrass Band 2008: ACOUSTICURE (Hungary)
2. European Bluegrass Band 2008: PETR BRANDEJS BAND (Czech Republic)
3. European Bluegrass Band 2008: 4-WHEEL DRIVE (The Netherlands)

The #1 European Bluegrass Band 2008, Acousticure, is the first bluegrass band from Hungary to appear at this colorful international gathering, performing at the past 2 European World of Bluegrass Festivals. An energetic 4-piece group of impressive multi-instrumentalists, Acousticure keeps the sound crew hopping with frequent instrument changes. Their young spokesman, mandolin-fiddler-guitarist Zsolt Pinter, has spent enough time in the USA to speak English like a native, and has a remarkable command of bluegrass-country vocals. Acousticure’s musical vision playfully fuses bluegrass influences from old-time to newgrass, often incorporating their native Hungarian folk music. (An example of the latter, Kis Kece Lanyom, can be heard on the European World of Bluegrass 2007 CD from Strictly Country Records.) The US bluegrass scene will get a chance to experience Acousticure onstage in Nashville at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass convention in October 2009, where they will perform as the #1 European Bluegrass Band.

ACOUSTICURE:
Zsolt Pinter: fiddle, guitar, mandolin, vocal
Geza Kremnitzky - mandolin, banjo, vocal
Peter Gyergyadesz - bass, vocal
Andras Toth - guitar, banjo, dobro, mandolin, vocal

The professional band awards aren’t the only awards given during EWOB though. Each year the festival audience selects their favorite groups from among the showcase performances. Call it a Fan’s Choice Awards if you will. This year’s winners are:

1. Audience Popularity Award, EWOB 2008: BLUEGRASS CWRKOT (Czech Republic)
2. Audience Popularity Award, EWOB 2008: BLACKJACK (Czech Republic)
3. Audience Popularity Award, EWOB 2008: SUNNY SIDE (Czech Republic)

I find it very exciting to see and hear all this great bluegrass music being created outside the boundaries of the US.

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.

The European World of Bluegrass (EWOB) Festival is currently seeking submissions from bands that would like to showcase at the 2008 event. The event will take place in Voorthuizen, Netherlands on May 1-3, 2008.

Showcase opportunities are open to bands from Europe, the United States, or anywhere else. You can download a pdf application by visiting www.ewob.eu. Click on the US flag in the lower left for an english version of the page, then select “Contact” from the menu and “Bands” from the submenu. EWOB askes that you fill out the pdf and send it in with your CD, and band photos, to the address provided. They also ask that you fill out the online form so they know to expect your application package.

2008 will be the 11th EWOB. The deadline for application is November 20, 2007, so you’d better hurry.

Much like the IBMA, many European promoters attend the EWOB looking for bands to hire for the coming season. This is a unique opportunity for US bands to play for these promoters, meet them, and book some dates in Europe.

The three days of EWOB are the climax of a month of festivals and concerts held in the Netherlands every May (bluegrass month). During these three days, over 40 bands, including 4-5 from the USA and Canada, will perform. The festival is accompanied by a trade show featuring luthiers, music shops, event promoters, press, radio DJs, and more.

The musicians who play at EWOB choose their favorite European band to send to Nashville the following year to perform at IBMA. This year’s winner is G2. Be sure you read this recent post by John about G2.