festival 2019
july 31 - August 4

festival 2019

access to all concerts is free

Festival 2019 was a huge success. Reports and photos to come soon. 
Meanwhile check out our facebook page for pictures and testimonials from visitors and see the festival page of Emmanuel Marin our official photographer.
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The last piece of the puzzle is in as we are thrilled to add the great Della Mae to our programme for 2019.
This completes an amazing festival line up along with our other headliners that include Boston based Mile Twelve (also teaching at the 3-day camp before the festival), North Carolina bands Tellico and Lover's Leap, with Billy Cardine of Rapidgrass, (also teaching at the camp), AJ Lee & Blue Summit from the Bay Area of San Francisco and the great country star Whitney Rose, at La Roche Bluegrass Festival for our Sunday evening "close but not quite bluegrass" slot! 
From Europe we have the talented British multi instrumentist Ben Somers with this String Band, and last year's contest winners The Often Herd.
For more on these bands and the 21 other European bands from 11 countries
​click on the buttons below

Zylia pop up studio at La Roche Bluegrass Festival 

Zylia, the innovative Polish company will present its 360° one-mic recording and automixing system for bands at La Roche Bluegrass Festival in the luthier's hall. A  pop up studio will also be on site for bands try it out.
​Book a recording time here.

festival auction

The original design for this year's festival poster will be up for auction again this year. The proceeds will be split between the artist (Bernard Huck) and the festival.
Deering Banjos have once again given the festival a Goodtime Banjo in the festival colours. This unique banjo will be up for auction. The proceeds will go to local association in La Roche sur Foron.
Deering Banjos Home

festival security

In line with measures taken throughout Europe on safety in public places, all people coming onto the site will be submitted to a search of their belongings by our security staff.
We thank you for your cooperation and your understanding.

news

european band contest winners 2019

The winner of the band contest was Czech band Professional Deformation. They are invited to play at Rapidgrass Festival in Colorado and to headline La Roche Bluegrass Festival in 2020.
New Aliquot, also from Czech Republic, came second with Slovak band Blueland in third place.
​Winning bands also receive cash prizes from La Roche Bluegrass Festival and from European Bluegrass Music Association.
LOOK BACK AT 2018
 Enjoy last year's festival again with these slideshows by official photographer Emmanuel Marin and other great photographers who were there. 
Pictures of the shows and also of vistors and volunteers enjoying all aspects of the festival.
See videos with sound taken straight from the sound board featuring Molly Tuttle, Frank Solivan, Rapidgrass.
IBMA DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMMENT AWARD FOR CHRISTOPHER HOWARD-WILLIAMS
Picture
Christopher with Alison Brown
La Roche Bluegrass Festival is proud that Nashville Based IBMA gave its second highest award (after Hall of Fame) to La Roche Bluegrass Festival founder and chairman Christopher Howard-Williams at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards Ceremony in Raleigh, North Carolina on September 27, 2018.
The award was presented by Compass Records founder and CEO Alison Brown, herself an IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award recipient, IBMA Banjo Player of the year and 2-time Grammy winner.
See article in Bluegrass Unlimited on Christopher Howard-Williams 

free concert

Jeff Scroggins & Colorado
Friday May 24th
Auditorium Sainte Marie College
Having blown everyone away at the 2017 festival, we are delighted to have them back for a one off concert in La Roche.
​Truely one of the great Bluegrass  bands currently touring. You cannot miss this!
Entrance is free, as always, and we ask for contributions on the way out if you enjoy it.
Concert in two parts starts at 8:30 pm.
Doors open at 7:30 for sandwinches and refreshments (also available during interval).