Team FBTO love a bit of top-class bluegrass on a summer’s afternoon and are always looking for something fresh and exciting for our Acorn Stage, so we’re delighted to announce The Often Herd for our 2023 festival!

Winners of “Best European Bluegrass Band 2018” at the prestigious La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France, The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of bluegrass music.

The band’s driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay perfectly complement a vibrant, transatlantic sound that is uniquely influenced by the natural and industrial landscapes of their North England roots.

The Often Herd comprises Rupert Hughes (guitar) and Evan Davies (mandolin) who write songs steeped in personal experience whilst drawing from a wide pool of influences ranging from old-time to psychedelia, and American-born fiddler Niles Krieger and jazz bassist Sam Quintana who add fiery instrumental skills to the mix, launching the band’s arrangements into the stratosphere.

This fresh and contemporary twist on the time-honoured traditions of bluegrass make The Often Herd a must-see set at Folk by the Oak 2023!