Bands interested in showcasing at the EWOB festival can apply between now and November 20. A total of 42 showcase spots are available and though bands are not paid for these appearances, some travel expenses are offered to European bands. Event producers and music press from all over Europe are typically on hand for these shows.

The festival also hosts a European Bluegrass Band Awards competition, with winners chosen on two separate tracks. The primary award is chosen by the other musicians in attendance, and a second trophy is awarded by the fans, an Audience Popularity Award. The winner of the European Bluegrass Band Award each year is offered the opportunity to perform at the following year’s IBMA convention in Nashville.

Application details can be found on the European Bluegrass Music Association web site, where you can also find sponsor, vendor and volunteer information.

Thanks Jan!

            

            

            

            

The winner of the first award will be invited to perform at next year’s (2010) IBMA World of Bluegrass in Nashville, TN.

Here are this year’s winners.

#1 European Bluegrass Band 2009:
1. Downtown Ramblers, Sweden
2. G-Runs ‘n Roses, Czech Republic
3. Kreni, Czech Republic

Audience Popularity Award 2009
1. Blackjack, CZ
2. Bluegrass Stuff, Italy
3. Sunny Side, Czech Republic

One of the first fruits of this conference has been announced, the work of the ‘booking issues’ group. They have created a notice board, posted on the EBMA web site, where bands planning a tour in Europe can announce their tour dates in a central place for promoters and venues to view them.

John Sheldon, secretary of the Scottish Bluegrass Association, has written an open letter to any artists who might be interested in this service:

Planning a European tour?  Do you have a European festival booking and are you looking for some more follow on gigs? Do you have a gig offer in Europe and are you looking to build up a tour?

If you are acting as your own agent and organizing your own tour you can put your dates forward to me with a request for enquiries to be routed  to your e-mail/telephone number etc. This will be placed on the On Line Notice Board. This can be accessed from a button on the EBMA site, and more links are being established with bluegrass promoters, European Music Festivals and European National Bluegrass Associations.

What I am looking for is a fairly concise notice about your tour with links to your own site. You can put this notice forward to me as your own representation, or if you have an agent/manager I’m happy to accept information from your representative.

Information can be submitted to Sheldon by email.

Other members of the booking issues group who worked on this project include Christopher Howard-Williams, organizer of the
European Bluegrass Festival at La Roche-sur-Foron, Chris Keenan, organizer of the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival at Longford, Ireland, Dagfinn Pedersen, organizer of the Ris??r Bluegrass Festival in Norway, and Rienk Janssen, International IBMA Board member, EBMA board member, and coordinator of events throughout Europe during European World of Bluegrass.

As a direct result of the success of IBMA’s International Summit at World of Bluegrass 2008, a group of those who had attended decided to organize a similar event in Europe, with the following objectives:

• To provide an opportunity for a wide audience of up to forty participants to meet face to face, bond, and get to know each other;
• To highlight issues affecting the promotion of bluegrass music in Europe;
• To explore issues facing different countries and different cultures; and
• To encourage closer cooperation and more effective communication.

The organising group included British Bluegrass Music Association chair John Wirtz, Scottish Bluegrass Association secretary John Sheldon, IBMA International Board representative Rienk Janssen, and IBMA International Committee chair Richard Hawkins.

B?ºhl/Baden, in southern Germany, was chosen as the location. B?ºhl city council gives generous support every year to the B?ºhl International Bluegrass Festival, and through the invaluable help of Walter Fuchs, the festival organizer, the city placed first-rate facilities, free of charge, at the disposal of the Summit. Further support was received from IBMA, making it possible to bring in Fred Bartenstein as a professional facilitator.

Despite unexpected emergencies including severe weather across Europe, twenty-eight people from thirteen countries, ranging from Russia to Ireland, came at their own expense to take active part in the Summit, which the mayor of B?ºhl opened with an address of welcome. In two days of intense discussion (7‚Äì8 February 2009), participants identified issues of chief concern:

• The involvement of young people in bluegrass;
• The development of effective contacts through internet-based networking, a booking network, and an annual trade conference;
• Fund-raising, lobbying, and marketing on a continental scale;
• The use and significance of the term ‘European World of Bluegrass’;
• The organization of regions without effective local bluegrass associations; and
• The value of coordinating pan-European bluegrass efforts within a single organization.

Volunteer working groups were set up under conveners for further study of the first four of these issues. At 4.00 p.m. on Sunday 8 February, proceedings ended with the listing of consequential tasks, including the completion of comprehensive minutes.

As had happened at the Nashville Summit, contacts outside the formal proceedings were equally important in fostering a spirit of friendship and common purpose ‚Äì aided by the excellent food, drink, and ambiance of B?ºhl. There was full agreement that the European Summit had been successful in laying foundations for further constructive cooperation.

An account of the Summit by Walter Fuchs (in German) can be read here, and reports in the local German press can be read here.

Applications must be received by November 20th for consideration.

The festival is scheduled to take place May 21-23, 2009 in Voorthuizen, Netherlands. Organized by the European Bluegrass Music Association, promoters, agents, DJs, music press, fans and bands from across Europe will attend, making this an ideal showcase opportunity for any band looking to perform in Europe. American bands are welcome to apply, and take advantage of this opportunity.

European bands will compete in the European Bluegrass Band Awards. The voting takes place on site at the event. The showcasing musicians vote to award the best European band of the year, making this a truly peer award process. A separate set of Audience Popularity Awards are given in 5 categories, bringing the award total to 6. I’m told the festival attendees really enjoy participating in the process of award giving.

The #1 European Bluegrass Band is sent to IBMA the following October (the 2009 winner will come to IBMA in 2010). Since EWOB occurs in May, and IBMA in October, it seems odd that the winning band would have have to wait 17 months before making the trip to IBMA, but Liz Meyer explains.

The delay is necessary to allow time to process all visas etc. which can be slow in some countries, and also because FanFest is booked before EWOB takes place & we always hope our band will get a FanFest spot. I think this has only happened once in 11 years!!! IBMA tends to put the #1 EBB onstage at the Awards show, presenting an award, which is REALLY a pity. Hard to fathom having them do what they do least well, talk in English – though some have perfect English, it is a stretch for others. Makes far more sense to have them playing and showing what European bluegrass bands do, and what they do best!

2009 marks the 12th European World of Bluegrass Festival held in Voorthuizen, the Netherlands.

If your band is interested in applying, visit this page for more information concerning the application process and materials.

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.

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!

     

     

     

 

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.

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.

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.

Information in PDF form is available for bands interested in showcasing, potential sponsors and exhibitors, and for anyone who simply has an interest in attending the event next spring.

Find all the info on the EBMA site.

EBMA has announced the numbers for this year, and they have reason to celebrate. A total of 18 festivals were listed during May (up from 16 in ‘05), and ticket sales at the EWOB were up by 25% over last year’s festival. They also report that the Spring Festival at Willisau, Switzerland saw sales up by 30%, and that new events were added this year in Bratislava, Slovak Republic and Switzerland.

The trade show during EWOB sold out all available exhibit space, with a number of US companies making the trip across the ocean to display their wares along with their European counterparts. The EBMA also made note of the number of artists who travelled from the US/Canada to showcase for the Europeans.

North American artists performing at the EWOB Festival included Randy Waller & the Country Gentlemen, Greasy Beans, the Hunger Mountain Boys, and the Abrams Brothers. Bill Keith, living legend of bluegrass banjo, was again present. American artists performing in EWOB events elsewhere in Europe included Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, Randy Kohrs & Band, Neil Rosenberg & Terri Thomson, the Gordons, David Grier (with the UK’s Hootenanny Three), the Moonlighters, Mike Bella & the Blue Boys, Prickly Pair, and Tim & Mollie O”Brien.

As we mentioned when it was first announced, Mideando String Quintet from Italy was named as the #1 European Band for 2006, as chosen by their peers. Last year’s winner, Carmel Sheerin and the Ravens (from Ireland) will represent the EBMA this fall at the IBMA convention in Nashville.

We found a link that lists and describes these many events, and which we presume is updated as information changes. You can always visit the main EWOB site for details.

We have just heard from Pete de Moor who pointed us to audio samples on the EBMA web site. You’ll see a link for the sound clips in the text links along the right edge of the page. 25 bands from all over Europe and the United States were featured on this live recording.

Strictly Country Records is now poised to release an audio CD produced by Liz Meyer, featuring live tracks from 25 EWOB showcase performers, hailing from 8 different European nations and the US. The material is said to range from traditional and contemporary bluegrass to pop music covers, and includes original material from six showcase bands.

No details yet online on the Strictly Country Records or EBMA web sites, but you can reach Strictly Country in The Netherlands at +31-297-347-101, or by email.