TakeRoot Downtown
The 23rd edition of TakeRoot, the annual festival of American roots music, will take place on November 6. This time TakeRoot is heading downtown, performing in five different locations, transforming the city centre of Groningen into the European Capital of Americana.
Spread out over six different venues – the Stadsschouwburg, Grand Theater, Huize Maas, Der-Aa Theater, Vera and the Lutherse Kerk – you will be able to enjoy live performances by about fifteen acts. TakeRoot Downtown is also looking into other ways to make Groningen your first European port of call for American roots music.
At the same time, this downtown edition will stay true to its roots, offering a musical journey through North America, home of blues, country, folk, rock, and more. If there is one thing that the festival has shown over and over again in its past 22 years it is this: roots music is as alive as ever!
Line-up 2021
Courtney Marie Andrews.
Ever since her breakthrough album Honest Life (2016), Courtney Marie Andrews is being ranked among the greats of country and roots music, evoking comparisons with country legends like Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton. And to think that Andrews will only turn 31 this year (the day after her performance at TakeRoot, to be exact). In her latest record, Old Flowers (2020), Andrews mourns the end of a nine-year relationship. The end result is one of the most touching and bewitching break-up albums of the past few years.
Garrett T. Capps & Loss Rippers
Country phenomenon Garrett T. Capps is probably one of the most highly anticipated headliners this edition, arriving hot on the heels of his latest release, the masterful I Love San Antone. For his visit at TakeRoot Downtown Capps will be accompanied by countrified rock ‘n’ roll band Los Rippers. Be prepared for a fiesta of traditional country, raw rock ‘n’ roll and futuristic space Americana.
The Colorist Orchestra & Howe Gelb
The Colorist Orchestra has become known for its reimagining (or: ‘recoloring’) of other people’s works. For their latest venture, Not On the Map (due for release October 1), the band joined forces with legendary singer-songwriter Howe Gelb, founder of trail-blazing alt-country band Giant Sand. The approach was supposed to be the same as before: remoulding parts of Gelb’s imposing oeuvre into a new musical form. But trying to contain Gelb’s boundless creativity into a pre-ordained format proved impossible. Instead, Not On The Map is filled to the brim with fresh material.
Black Lips
The Atlanta based Black Lips has been known for its grungy sounds and unpredictable and volatile live concerts. But a decidedly different wind is blowing through their latest album, Sing in a World That’s Falling Apart. From rolling country tunes, old-school Americana, off-kilter rockabilly, thumping honky-tonk to even a whiff of Bob Dylan: all can be found in their ninth studio outing.
Malford Milligan & The Southern Aces
Reviewers often liken Malford Milligan to soul icons such as Otis Redding, Al Green and Solomon Burke. Just listen to his voice, and you will understand why! Milligan, born in 1959, grew up as a black albino in segregated Texas. Milligan has never talked openly about racial issues or his painful childhood experiences. Up until now, with the release of his latest album, I Was A Witness.
Heather Valley
In 2019, Canadian singer-songwriter Heather Valley wowed critics and listeners alike with her debut album Desert Message, hailed as one of the most beautiful country folk records of the year. Her eight songs – often dreamlike, sometimes grim – tell the tale of a star-crossed love.
David Keenan
With his strong debut album, A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery, Irish singer-songwriter David Keenan immediately made his mark. With the soul of a poet he gently molds his stories into songs, in the tradition of songwriting greats such as Van Morrisson, Tim Buckley and David Gray.
Native Harrow
Two-piece folk-rock band Native Harrow effortlessly interweaves British folk with a sunny Westcoast vibe. With a pinch of Fairport Convention, a dash of Carole King, a touch of Joni Mitchell and a smidgen of James Taylor. Listen to their 2020 album Closeness and be transported back to another time.
The Ghost of Paul Revere
Blue grass, folk, alt country, indie pop, harmonized singing, breezy banjos, soulful brass and bluesy harmonicas: all come together in the 2020 album Good At Losing Everything by Portland’s folk trio The Ghost Of Paul Revere.
Natalie Bergman
You might know Natalie Bergman from Wild Belle, a musical duo consisting of herself and her brother, Elliot. Last May she debuted her first solo album, Mercy, through Third Man Records, the record label founded by Jack White. Bergman offers traditional gospel, coated with soul, pop and psychedelic rock.
And…
Jesse Malin, Tim Knol & Blue Grass Boogiemen, Songwriter Circle with Tim Knol, Tangarine and Judy Blank
There is more to come. So keep an eye on www.takeroot.nl and our social media accounts for updates and more information.
Tickets are already for sale (and will be exchanged for a wristband on the day of the festival).
