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 seven different locations: Stadsschouwburg, Grand Theater, Huize Maas, Der-Aa Theater, Vera, Lutherse Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk. There you will be able to enjoy live performances by 18 acts.
Attention:
During the festival, the box office and information desk can be found at the Grote Markt. Here you can exchange your ticket for a wristband which will give you access to the various festival locations. The box office opens at 2 pm.
A corona check will also take place at the box office. PLEASE NOTE: for access to the festival you will need an international QR code (EU Digitaal Corona Certificaat) + a valid ID.
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.
Israel Nash
Over the years, Israel Nash’s sound developed into a stunning mix of americana, roots, rock, country and blues and – on somewhat later albums – a pinch of psychedelia. On his new album Topaz he adds a lot of soul. During TakeRoot Downtown, the Texan is on stage with a pedalsteel guitarist, but you can bet that his songs will also come to you.
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.
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.
Diana Jones
Diana Jones’ songs seem to have their origins in the Appalachian folk tradition. From dark murder ballads to country romance, Jones brings it all straight from the heart. In 2020 her internationally acclaimed album Song To A Refugee was released, on which Jones sings about the fate of the refugee. “Immense humanitarian problems and hopeless situations (…) wrapped in unparalleled song work.” (Writing in Music)
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.
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, Adrian Crowley, Holly Mcvey, Don Dilego, Dawn Brothers, Luka Bloom, Songwriter Circle with Tim Knol, Tangarine and Judy Blank
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).