At Blue Heart, Heartland and Down By The River Festival, you'll hear the best contemporary roots music, both international and local, in one weekend all over the Netherlands. Blues, Americana, bluegrass and country prevail, of course, in all kinds of cross-pollination. For those who live in the area, the choice is easy, but the adventurous spirit will of course head across the country on an old-fashioned road trip to one of the three festivals (or just to all three!).
from? David Eugene Edwards, Hackensaw Boys and Lorraine Ruth Ward will be at all three sites, with Bertolf, Blueway and Mooney also traveling to Alkmaar and Hengelo in Niumi. The animated brothers Jana, Mila, Woody and Paul will light up your Sundays in Venlo.
Why go to Alkmaar (April 12)? This very cheerful fortified city has hospitality deep in its roots, and Podium Victorie will be showing how it's done on Friday 12 April, with the third episode of the Blue Heart Festival. And because the ancient root game creates a healthy appetite, it fires up the barbecue in Alkmaar (meat, fish or plants, you can order online in advance). More information.
Why go to Hengelo (April 13)? SupershipDo you know this expression? It means something like: dealing with each other in a fairly friendly manner. This is the most natural thing in the world for the people of Twente, while roots music has been connecting people from all walks of life for decades. So Pop Temple Metropool is the perfect place to indulge in a day of musical solidarity during Heartland. More information.
Why go to Venlo (April 14)? Banta ri“, as the ancient Greeks said. In other words, everything is flowing, everything is in motion. And of course they know all about that on the banks of the River Maas. Grenswerk has been presenting Down By The River since 2015 (fact: the Hackensaw Boys also played in that 1st Edition) and adds a slew of young talents to established names, such as Neomi, the Dutch singer-songwriter with whom she has released two EPs. before And after Recording millions of streams, as well as supporting the legendary Don McLean. “Bedroom songs that make time stop,” according to OOR. More information.
The cost of it? The Blue Heart Festival costs €37.50, the Heartland betmetropooll Festival costs €38, and Down By The River offers the full package for €35.
