The Often Herd Named 2025 IBMA International Band Performance Grant Recipient
NASHVILLE, TENN. (June 5, 2025) – The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) is proud to announce the 2025 recipient of the IBMA International Band Performance Grant – The Often Herd from Northern England.
Formed on the Isle of Mull in 2014, The Often Herd—Rupert Hughes (guitar), Evan Davies (mandolin), Niles Krieger (fiddle), and Sam Quintana (bass)—has built a loyal following across the UK and Europe. 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.
Their distinct style won them the title of “Best European Bluegrass Band” at the 2018 La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France, and in 2021, they performed as Official Showcase Artists during IBMA World of Bluegrass®. Their debut album, Where the Big Lamp Shines (2022), was met with critical acclaim and cemented their status as a standout act on the UK roots and festival circuit.
“The Often Herd have established themselves as a stand-out band in the vibrant European Bluegrass scene, with a growing fan base across the continent,” said Christopher Howard-Williams, IBMA Board Member and Founder of Bluegrass in La Roche. “I am delighted that they are receiving this grant, and I’m excited to see the reception they get from American Bluegrass fans.”
The IBMA International Band Performance Grant is awarded annually to one outstanding non-U.S. band seeking to grow their presence in the American market. As the 2025 recipient, The Often Herd will travel to the United States to perform at IBMA World of Bluegrass® from September 16-20, 2025. They will also embark on a U.S. summer tour in 2026, bringing their boundary-pushing sound to new audiences and representing the evolving landscape of international bluegrass.
For more information about The Often Herd, visit https://www.theoftenherd.com. Information and applications for the 2026 IBMA International Band Performance Grant will be available at https://ibma.org/international-participant-information-resources/ this fall. Learn more about the International Bluegrass Music Association at ibma.org and worldofbluegrass.org.
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About the IBMA:
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide. The organization hosts IBMA World of Bluegrass®, an annual event featuring a business conference, showcases, awards show, and street festival highlighting the best in bluegrass talent. The event supports the IBMA and the IBMA Trust Fund. Other special IBMA initiatives include the IBMA International Band Performance Grant, IBMA Leadership Bluegrass, and IBMA Kids on Bluegrass. Learn more at ibma.org and worldofbluegrass.org.
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Press/General Info: Elizabeth Dewey, IBMA
[email protected], 615-673-4811
