Success of the first 'travelling bluegrass festival' in Europe

Finale of a Bluegrass Jamboree! show

You can read today on the original Bluegrass Blog a full account of the success of the first Bluegrass Jamboree!. Subtitled 'Festival of Bluegrass and Americana Music 2009', it was the first package tour of bluegrass and related music to go on the road in central Europe, playing fourteen shows in German cities and one in Basle, Switzerland, in sixteen days (5-20 December). Taking part were the Steep Canyon Rangers (USA), Beverly Smith & Carl Jones (USA), and the Toy Hearts (UK) - all of whom have played at the Omagh festival.

Rainer Zellner of the Music Contact agency arranged the tour and acted as MC throughout. Rainer, a bluegrasser himself (in the above photo he and his mandolin are left of centre), has a well-earned reputation as promoter of a wide variety of music throughout Germany and adjacent countries. To reach more than just bluegrass enthusiasts, he chose prestige locations and enlisted strong media support. The results fully justified his decisions, and Europe can look forward to more annual Jamborees. More details - and a video of a finale, including a mandolin break by Rainer - can be seen on the Bluegrass Blog.