Over the past 5 weeks well over 100 official music sessions, concerts and festivals have taken place in some 10 European nations as part of the 12th European World of Bluegrass [EWOB] month. Musicians, promoters, festival organisers and presenters are to be congratulated for their dedication to the further exposure of bluegrass music throughout the entire European continent. The climax of this unique programme of events was the 12th European World of Bluegrass Festival & Trade Show held at ‘t Trefpunt, Voorthuizen in the Netherlands from May 21st to 23rd.
Over 3 days and nights 40 separate bands totalling some 200 musicians from 12 European nations and the United States graced the stage and entertained record numbers of festival followers. The wonderful sunshine also created the perfect conditions for the dozens of pickin’ and singing sessions which all added to a very special and unique atmosphere. The ever popular instrument workshops, fun-filled children’s programme, well attended Appalachian clog dance workshop and high quality trade show ensured there was something for people of all ages and interests to enjoy.
During all this activity the European Bluegrass Music Association still managed to hold its Annual General Meeting for its membership, held an Open Meeting for friends old and new, as well as a National Representatives Meeting at which the Association elected its current board of officers, updated members on a number of initiatives in which the organisation is involved, strived to attract new members and take every opportunity to assist the local festival organising committee and strengthen their working relationship.
It was a proud moment for festival chairperson Ronald Groot as he took to the stage late on Saturday night to present the all important awards of Audience Popularity and No1 European Bluegrass Band of the Year for 09-10 to BLACKJACK and THE DOWNTOWN RAMBLERS respectively. The winning bands truly deserved the accolade and recognition from fellow musicians and entire festival audience alike. The fact that all the musicians in the winning bands were all under the age of 30 ensures that the future of European Bluegrass music is in safe and talented hands for many years to come.
The attention to detail and the weeks and months of preparation which went into the creation of the Voorthuizen programme certainly paid off over the weekend. This festival just gets better and better and is a credit to the organising committee, its dedicated sound engineer and entire “family” of over 60 volunteers who never tired of meeting the needs and expectations of musicians, trade exhibitors and festival audience throughout the delivery of the entire programme. They should all take great pride in the fruits of their labour and a well deserved rest [not too long please] before getting back down to work in preparation for another unique bluegrass family gathering’ in May 2010! We all look forward to being there!
Congratulations to everyone associated with EWOB 2009!
Richard Hurst, Chairperson,
on behalf of the European Bluegrass Music Association