EUROPEAN ACTS PLAYING THE MAIN STAGE

La Roche Bluegrass Festival has its roots in European Bluegrass music and we continue to have a predominately European line up. 
Bluegrass music grew out of European music in the Appalachian mountain region of the USA and as it comes back across the Atlantic in modern times, European musician re-infuse it with their own musical culture: gipsy jazz, Irish, polkas, Russian and Slav folk ... These European folk music strands can be heard in many of the bands who play the festival.

entrance to all concerts is free
Click on photos to enlarge
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The Allen Family Band (GBR)
​Saturday, 4:30 pm
Regular visitors to the festival and on the main stage for only the second time! Bluegrass, old time and swing music in the real traditional family band combo. Their great love for the music shines through their songs, so come share some of that love with them! website
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Boom Ditty (FRA) 1st time in La Roche - Thursday, 11 pm
Formed in 2012, the band has played over 200 shows around France and Europe with their original mix of Folk and Bluegrass. Their new album will not be out in time for the festival but a 4-song EP from the album will be available. They are preparing a major European tour for 2020. website
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Hot Rock Pilgrims (GBR)
​Sunday 8 pm
Born out of the UK's cult bluegrass scene in 2014, the band has quickly become one of the most sought after bluegrass acts in the country. With powerful vocal harmonies from co-lead singers, slick playing and solid rhythm, they charmed the audience at the Lunchtime Sessions last year and are invited back to the main stage this year a the Committee’s choice. website
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Long Gone Smiles Band (SWE) Friday, 5:30 pm
6-piece band performing songs in the powerful style of the Golden Era of Country Music 1927-1957. Many original bluegrass, country and cajun songs from the period, as well as some original material, inspired by the music of greats such as Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams. website
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Mules and Men (IRL) 1st time in La Roche - Saturday, 11:45 pm
Irish 4-piece band, based out of Dublin, bound together by a shared love of folk and bluegrass. The classic sounds are reinterpreted into a unique and contemporary style, drawing on a range of influences and using three part harmonies, blazing string playing & inspired original material. website
New Dangerfield (FRA) 1st time in La Roche - Sunday, 6:30 pm
A new project for ex Quartier Français musicians taking on the Beatles repertoire in a Bluegrass-Newgrass style. A fun show with old favourites and some less covered songs from the Fab Four, arranged, sung and played with plenty of Bluegrass talent. website
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The Yokel (FRA)
Sunday, 10:30 pm
After killing it last year they are back to close out the festival on Sunday evening with their energetic blend of folk, bluegrass and pop, from somewhere between the East Atlantic Coast and the Deep American South, – the whole served with a spicey French sauce. We loved them and you should stick around to see this young, exciting band playing bluegrass with a trumpet and a wild desire to party! website