An Evening With the Often Herd at Cafe No9 (the Second of Two Back to Back Shows)

Bluegrass band The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of the genre.

Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England.Since the release of their acclaimed debut album Where the Big Lamp Shines in 2022, theyve graced the stages of major UK festivals including Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk, Moseley Folk, Folk By The Oak, The Long Road, and many more, with international appearances from Portugal to the USA.Their latest single, Cool Summer Rain (May 2025), showcases an evolution in their sound blending their trademark bluegrass precision with lush West Coast harmonies, folk-pop hooks, and the addition of drums and keyboards.

Penned by guitarist Rupert Hughes and inspired by their journey to La Roche, the track has been described as Billy Strings meets Crosby, Stills and Nash with a healthy dose of Lindisfarne.

It's a heartfelt nod to the Tyneside roots scene where the band cut their teeth.2025 saw them return to France for La Roche Bluegrass Festival's 20th Anniversary, and to the US for IBMA in Chattanooga, Tennessee as recipients of the International Band Performance Grant.

Theyre returning to the US for a 12 dates tour this June & July, including appearances at Grey Fox Bluegrass, Romp Bluegrass and Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, before taking their north east bluegrass to Scandinavia in November!The band's sound is influenced by a range of styles, from bluegrass and folk to pop melodies and psychedelia, and the result is fresh, musically layered and absorbing Americana UKA winning combination of virtuosity, enthusiasm, willingness to push boundaries and above all, great songs and playing.

Maverick MagazineTraditional, inventive, tight and sharp for those who think they dont like bluegrass this could be the point they change their minds.

Tom Franks, FolkWordsA study in virtuosity from a supremely talented group of musicians.

Claire Dupree, NARCPlease note this ticket price DOES include a BYOB fee should you wish to bring alcohol to the venue.All additional purchases of non alcoholic drinks and home baked sweet treats from the cafe counter are always very much appreciated.