The Often Herd at Reeth Memorial Hall – A Warm Night of Bluegrass Brilliance
Reeth Memorial Hall was bursting at the seams this evening as The Often Herd took to the stage, delivering an outstanding performance to a full house. The summer heat didn’t deter the crowd — if anything, it added to the atmosphere. With every seat filled and the room buzzing with anticipation, it was clear we were in for a special night.
From the first note, the band had the audience hooked. Their mix of driving rhythms, tight harmonies and intricate musicianship created a sound that was both energetic and full of soul. The warmth of the evening seemed to amplify the connection between performers and audience — there was a shared energy in the room, a feeling of being fully present in the music.
I had the pleasure of photographing the event and capturing the band in full flow — from intense close-ups of the musicians lost in their playing, to wide shots of the full band lit against the hall’s blue curtains. Each member brought something unique to the performance: the raw emotion in the vocals, the dexterity on mandolin and fiddle, the heartbeat of the bass. There was something magnetic about the way they interacted, both with each other and with the audience.
The Often Herd’s ability to blend American bluegrass roots with a contemporary edge makes them one of the most exciting acoustic acts on the UK circuit right now. Tonight’s setlist spanned original songs and dynamic arrangements, all delivered with heartfelt passion and serious skill.
