A gig on Friday 20th February. The event starts at 19:45.
The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of bluegrass music. 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. This unique approach won them the title of “Best European Bluegrass Band 2018” at the prestigious La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France.
Rupert Hughes (guitar) and Evan Davies (mandolin), write songs steeped in personal experience whilst drawing from a wide pool of influences ranging from old-time to psychedelia. American-born fiddler Niles Krieger and jazz bassist Sam Quintana add fiery instrumental skills to the mix, launching the band’s arrangements into the stratosphere. Together, their sound is both boldly contemporary and soothingly familiar, taking time-honoured traditions to new places with a fresh perspective. Flock to the herd, you won’t be disappointed.
Opening the evening will be Green Tree. Vibrant improvisation, impressive musicianship, dynamic stage-work: Abbey and Rory bring energy to the stage like no other duo. With both members hailing from prominent UK bluegrass band Old Baby Mackerel, it’s no surprise the confidence and virtuosic music these two share with an audience. Abbey’s award-winning mandolin playing (Blue Lass) is punchy with tasteful melodic lines, moving between strong traditional licks and sparkly backing parts. Rory shreds through burning-hot licks on his guitar, adding tasteful groove through his rhythmic backing alongside well-crafted and technically-challenging solos.
Green Tree sets encompass a range of both traditional and more contemporary bluegrass songs, including the duo’s original material, featuring the members’ strong voices and love of tight harmonies, alongside varied stand-out instrumentals, giving a chance for each musician’s playing to shine. The end result is a performance built on two passionate musicians whose styles and playing work perfectly in harmony.
Since forming, Green Tree have spent their time writing originals to be released on their debut EP in November 2025, and performing both around their local areas of Bristol and Cornwall, but also on the main stage at 2025’s Bluegrass Omagh in Northern Ireland.
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 20 February 2026, are available online here and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in our Spring Season Ticket (see downendfolkandroots.com).
There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from Bristol’s Hop Union Brewery. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based The Great Cake Company as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.
For further information, please email [email protected] or find us on social media.
Terms & Conditions: All tickets are non-transferable. Please note that we operate a strict no-returns policy. Downend Folk & Roots is a "listening venue". Noisy patrons may be ejected from the premises. The organisers reserve the right to ask latecomers to wait for a suitable break in the performance before taking their seats. Our events are photographed and your image may be used online. If you would rather it was not, please speak to a team member when you arrive. By purchasing tickets, you agree to these terms and conditions.
Entry requirements: 14+
Rupert Hughes (guitar) and Evan Davies (mandolin), write songs steeped in personal experience whilst drawing from a wide pool of influences ranging from old-time to psychedelia. American-born fiddler Niles Krieger and jazz bassist Sam Quintana add fiery instrumental skills to the mix, launching the band’s arrangements into the stratosphere. Together, their sound is both boldly contemporary and soothingly familiar, taking time-honoured traditions to new places with a fresh perspective. Flock to the herd, you won’t be disappointed.
Opening the evening will be Green Tree. Vibrant improvisation, impressive musicianship, dynamic stage-work: Abbey and Rory bring energy to the stage like no other duo. With both members hailing from prominent UK bluegrass band Old Baby Mackerel, it’s no surprise the confidence and virtuosic music these two share with an audience. Abbey’s award-winning mandolin playing (Blue Lass) is punchy with tasteful melodic lines, moving between strong traditional licks and sparkly backing parts. Rory shreds through burning-hot licks on his guitar, adding tasteful groove through his rhythmic backing alongside well-crafted and technically-challenging solos.
Green Tree sets encompass a range of both traditional and more contemporary bluegrass songs, including the duo’s original material, featuring the members’ strong voices and love of tight harmonies, alongside varied stand-out instrumentals, giving a chance for each musician’s playing to shine. The end result is a performance built on two passionate musicians whose styles and playing work perfectly in harmony.
Since forming, Green Tree have spent their time writing originals to be released on their debut EP in November 2025, and performing both around their local areas of Bristol and Cornwall, but also on the main stage at 2025’s Bluegrass Omagh in Northern Ireland.
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 20 February 2026, are available online here and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in our Spring Season Ticket (see downendfolkandroots.com).
There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from Bristol’s Hop Union Brewery. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based The Great Cake Company as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.
For further information, please email [email protected] or find us on social media.
Terms & Conditions: All tickets are non-transferable. Please note that we operate a strict no-returns policy. Downend Folk & Roots is a "listening venue". Noisy patrons may be ejected from the premises. The organisers reserve the right to ask latecomers to wait for a suitable break in the performance before taking their seats. Our events are photographed and your image may be used online. If you would rather it was not, please speak to a team member when you arrive. By purchasing tickets, you agree to these terms and conditions.
Entry requirements: 14+
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