THE OFTEN HERD + GREEN TREE
FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2026
It’s bluegrass night in South Gloucestershire this month as a highly-rated four-piece headline the Downend Folk & Roots concert.
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’s music 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 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 in harmony.
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 20th February 2026, are available online via downendfolkandroots.com or from Downend Cards & Gifts (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.
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; there is a 50p discount for those that do. Sweet treats at the bar are courtesy of Radstock-based The Great Cake Company. The whole concert will be live-streamed in partnership with Live to your Living Room, so if you miss out on in-person tickets, you have the option of watching from your sofa!
For further information, please email info@downendfolkandroots.com or find them on social media.