A BLUEGRASS band from Newcastle is coming to Wirral as part of their summer tour.

The Often Herd consisting of Rupert Hughes (guitar), Evan Davies (mandolin), Niles Krieger (fiddler), and jazz bassist Sam Quintana write songs steeped in personal experience whilst drawing from a wide pool of influences ranging from old-time mountain music to folk-rock and psychedelia.

Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies, and deft instrumental interplay, their transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England.

This unique approach won them the title of “Best European Bluegrass Band 2018” at the prestigious La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France and a virtual showcase slot at 2021’s International Bluegrass Music Association conference.

While on their UK tour, the band will be performing their newest song, Casablanca, which will be the second single from the group.

The track is from their forthcoming debut album, Where the Big Lamp Shines which is set for release on June 3, 2022.

From the May 1, The Often Herd will be embarking on a UK-wide tour, details of which can be found at www.theoftenherd.com/

The band will perform at West Kirby Arts Centre The Old Unitarian Church, 29 Brookfield Gardens, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 4EL, Doors 7pm, Concert- 7.30 pm £10 Contact- 07484-537562 hello@wirralartscentre.org.uk