The Festival
Five international bands and one band representing Portugal will perform, on this 4th edition, two times in various spaces in the village of Trafaria, making it a musical village, which will so welcome this international community.
In addition, several side activities will take place, with the purpose of showing Bluegrass music and the village of Trafaria known to its visitors.
Book the date on your agenda and stay tuned to our website, newsletter or social media to find out more!
Program
Bands
phoebe & the banjo boys
Portugal/UK
Phoebe & The Banjo Boys are a quartet hailing from the mountains of Sertã, Portugal. Their passion is music from the Appalachian mountains of North America which they play on fiddle, banjo, guitar, double bass and foot percussion.
Expect foot thumping fiddle, duelling banjos, rockabilly bass lines and percussive dance.
table for two
Denmark/Belgium
Table for Two is the duo project of Signe Borch (The Tenderhearted) of Denmark and Thierry Schoysman (Rawhide and The Sons of Navarone) of Belgium where they put close harmony central on the menu.
What started in May 2016 as a marathon jam session of traditional bluegrass on guitar, banjo and two vocals, has evolved to a varied repertoire.
With ingredients from various styles and still served with two-part harmony singing, over the last couple of years the program has been completed with original compositions for two mandolins, in close harmony of course.
Piotr bulas & garage folks
Poland
Piotr Bułas & Garage Folks is a band that blends the authentic sound of American bluegrass with the energy and passion of Polish musical culture. After performing at Poland’s most renowned country and folk festivals, such as Mrągowo, Wolsztyn, and Lesko Country Festivals, and Nääsville Festival in Sweden, the band has also captivated audiences on smaller stages, earning praise for their energetic performances and flawless musicianship.
At the heart of the band is Piotr Bułas, a leading figure on the Polish bluegrass scene. Not only a skilled musician, but also a renowned luthier, Piotr’s workshop, Bułas Banjos, is known for producing high-quality banjos, mandolins, and guitars played by musicians across Europe and the USA.
Despite the current lineup playing together for just two and a half years, Piotr Bułas & Garage Folks have rapidly grown and developed, delivering memorable performances that combine traditional bluegrass tunes with original compositions.
With their infectious energy, tight vocal harmonies, and authentic bluegrass style, Piotr Bułas & Garage Folks create unforgettable live performances, bringing the roots of bluegrass to life for audiences everywhere.
the new west
Netherlands
New to Bluegrass, but certainly not new to music, are the members of the brand new Bluegrass band The New West. Traditional instruments like banjo and mandolin were mastered within a few months, causing the band to rapidly gain fame both inside and outside Rotterdam.
The band consists of intertwined friends who simultaneously studied at Rotterdam Conservatory and have been sharing the stage for over a decade. All can boast an extremely varied musical career, from which they each bring their experience to the stage. Individually, for example, they worked with Douwe Bob, Tim Knol, the Bluegrass Boogiemen, Corrie van Binsbergen and Frédérique Spigt; all well established Dutch performers.
Do you have to be American to perform this thoroughly American style of music authentically and with flair? Come hear the answer to that question for yourself. Fireworks with banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass, that’s what these men give.
THE REUBEN AGNEW BAND
Northen Ireland
The Reuben Agnew Band is a dynamic four-piece bluegrass group that blends traditional influences with their own distinctive style. Their fine-tuned musicianship and authentic sound bring a fresh take to the genre.
The band consists of Reuben Agnew (Guitar/Vocals), Benjamin Agnew (Bass/Vocals), Niall Murphy (Fiddle) and James Henry (Banjo). They’ve separately toured in Ireland, the UK, the USA, and Europe and have only recently been brought together to perform Reuben’s original music.
crying uncle bluegrass band
USA
Based in Northern California, USA and widely recognized as one of the most exciting young bands in acoustic music, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band plays a unique mix of bluegrass, Dawg (David Grisman music), jazz, and modern originals.
Brothers Miles and Teo Quale are joined by bassist Andrew Osborn and 2023 National Flat Pick Guitar Champion Ian Ly, all outstanding musicians of the vibrant California bluegrass scene.
Founded in 2016 as a Duo band, Miles and Teo formed the bluegrass band in 2017 and since then, they have continued to make waves in the world of bluegrass and acoustic music.
In 2024, the bluegrass band celebrated their debut at the Grand Ole Opry; and in 2023, they received the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Band of the Year award.
The band was also honored to perform for the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame’s induction of their hero, David Grisman.
Activities
JAM SESSIONS
Bluegrass music is accessible to everyone and all are invited to embrace the incredible lifestyle it represents. In addition to the band’s concerts, jams are a crucial role in a Bluegrass festival and can happen anywhere, anytime.
Bring your instrument and join the musicians. If you prefer, you can simply listen and enjoy the music. Jams are an iconic feature of a Bluegrass festival, and you certainly won’t want to miss this experience!
Contact us to join the WhatsApp group for the jams!
WORKSHOPS WITH THE MUSICIANS
The workshops offer a unique opportunity to deepen our knowledge of Bluegrass music and interact with some of the bands’ musicians.
At the Meeting Point – Casino Stage:
- September 14 at 10:30 AM – Mandolin Workshop with Pepita Emmerichs (Rain of Animals)
- September 14 at 11:30 AM – Banjo Workshop with Ed Lick (Level Best)
- September 14 at 12:30 PM – Guitar Workshop with Matteo Camera (Blue Weed)
- September 15 at 10:30 AM – Fiddle Workshop with Raphael Maillet (Lluís Gómez Bluegrass Quartet)
- September 15 at 11:30 AM – Dobro Workshop with Manu Bertrand (Boom Ditty)
- September 15 at 12:30 PM – Vocal Harmony Workshop with Level Best
Everyone is welcome to participate and the entry is free of charge. If you have an instrument, bring it along. No reservation is needed!
CLOGGING DANCE WORKSHOP
Learn the art of Clogging with an award-winning step dance performer.
Join us for this exciting Clogging Dance Workshop led by Phoebe Ophelia. This unique event begins with a live performance, followed by an interactive workshop with authentic live Appalachian music.
Clogging is a percussive folk dance known for its fast footwork while the torso remains nearly still. This impressive technique is infused with the spirit of Bluegrass music, offering a rich and engaging cultural experience.
Led by Phoebe Ophelia, the workshop features live music and includes demonstrations of Appalachian Flat Foot Dance, Lancashire Clog, and jazz tap dancing. Phoebe Ophelia is also a renowned contemporary dance theater artist with over 10 years of international touring experience.
Location: SRMT Stage
Date and Time: September 14, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Difficulty: Intermediate
GRANDPARENTS & GRANDKIDS SPACE
A space dedicated to ages 8 to 80 that promotes active aging and intergenerational interaction through arts and recreation.
Be YourSelf, in collaboration with the Santa Casa Misericórdia de Almada, returns this year to our festival with a mini “fun zone” featuring face painting, crafts, hair braids, inflatable playground, and bow and arrow, all in the delightful company of our local seniors. At the famous “Avós do Mar” stand (Grandparents of the Sea), some of Trafaria’s grandparents, who represent the territory, will showcase their talents and share their vibrant energy and crafts.
Fun for all ages is guaranteed!
Some activities may have a small fee.
Location: Largo da República (Church Square)
- On the 13th from 4pm to 12pm,
- On the 14th from 10am to 12pm
- On the 15th from 10am to 1pm
PLAY IN THE SQUARE
Come to play in the square and explore the Small Play Village of Trafaria. Enjoy a variety of games and activities for the whole family.
Location: Largo da República (Church Square)
Date and Time: September 15, from 3 PM to 6 PM
Participants: All ages are welcome.
Note: Children under 12 years old should be accompanied by an adult.
DEMONSTRATION TRAFARIA BLUEGRASS DECORATIONS
Sustainability always makes sense, but it’s even more meaningful when it’s part of a community festival project. The decorations of our streets and stages have all been crafted by volunteers who spent months creating garlands and little fish from discarded materials. Come and learn how it’s done.
Location: Largo da República (Church Square)
Date and Time: September 15, from 3 PM to 6 PM
TRAFARIA BLUEGRASS STORYTELLING
Blue Grass… Blue River…
This is a storytelling session (in Portuguese) featuring musical journeys that connect lines through time, blending words and Bluegrass music. Anabela Libânio will narrate, accompanied by the band Level Best that add special musical notes to this session! The audience and the entire community are key elements of this unique event.
Location: Near the Trafaria Prison
Date and Time: September 13 at 5:30 PM
Duration: 60 minutes
Participants: All ages
Session in Portuguese
And What If Everything Was Blue?
This is a storytelling session in Portuguese. There are threads that connect stories of musical journeys. Stories from other times that haven’t been lost to history. Stories of people, places, and now, objects—all in shades of blue! Anabela Libânio will weave tales across time, and we invite you to be a part of this special thread. Are you in?
The audience, including children and families, will be an integral part of this storytelling session, building a shared experience!
Location: Largo da República (Church Square)
Date: September 15, at 12:00 PM
Duration: 60 minutes
Participants: All ages
Session in Portuguese
PUPPET THEATER WITH AMIGA TININHA
Enjoy a puppet theater performance featuring guitar and other musical instruments, encouraging participation from children and everyone involved. Interactivity and fun are present from start to finish. Amiga Tininha is a multidisciplinary artist and street performer who creates comedic and thematic characters. During her interactions with the audience, she also incorporates large soap bubbles, balloon sculptures, and face painting. Amiga Tininha embodies spontaneity, creativity, empathy, and joy in all her activities.
Location: Largo do Poço Novo
Date and Time: September 14 at 10:00 AM
Duration: 60 minutes
Session in Portuguese
WALKING TOUR OF TRAFARIA
With Francisco Silva from the Almada Archaeology Center
Discover the village Where the Tagus River Meets the Sea!
The Almada Archaeology Center plays a crucial role in preserving and understanding the region’s rich historical heritage. The association is dedicated to studying and promoting local archaeology and history, revealing the fascinating untold stories of Trafaria. Led by Francisco Silva, this guided tour aims to make the history of Trafaria accessible to everyone. By joining our group, you’ll have the chance to meet local residents who share a love for culture and history.
Starting Point: Casino – Recreios Desportivos da Trafaria
Ending Point: Near the Trafaria Prison
Date and Time: September 13 at 6:00 PM
Duration: 60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Note: Guided Walking Tour in Portuguese with English Interpreter
WALKING TOUR AROUND TRAFARIA
With Francisco Silva from the Almada Archaeology Center
Discover the hidden beauty of Trafaria on a unique walk, perfect for the adventurous and nature lovers. Explore the woods, slopes, streams, forts, and artillery batteries of this stunning region. Uncover the best-kept secrets and marvel at the breathtaking views Trafaria has to offer. Don’t miss the chance to explore this hidden gem with Francisco Silva from the Almada Archaeology Center. Join this adventure and experience Trafaria like never before!
Starting and Ending Point: Casino – Recreios Desportivos da Trafaria
Date and Time: September 14 at 9:30 AM
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Guided Walking Tour in Portuguese with English Interpreter
PRESENTATION "SEAHORSES OF ALMADA" EXHIBITION
Join Sylvie Dias for a presentation about the “Seahorses of Almada” exhibition, a project organized by the Almada City Council and MARE – Center for Marine and Environmental Sciences – ISPA – University Institute, in collaboration with ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests) and the Lisbon Oceanarium. Sylvie Dias, a videographer and underwater photographer, will guide us through her exhibition featuring 14 large-format panels. The exhibition results from her work over the past four years with the local fishing community, capturing seahorses and marine biodiversity in Trafaria through her lens.
These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving seahorse populations, in harmony with the significant fishing tradition of Trafaria and the development of the riverside area.
Location: Riverside Front
Dates and Times: September 14 at 4:00 PM and September 15 at 10:00 AM
Session in portugues
SEAHORSE SCULPTURE | COMMUNITY BUILDING
As part of the Trafaria Bluegrass Festival, we will have the activity “Seahorse Sculpture | Community Building,” focused on Environmental Education in the Community. This event highlights the importance of involving the local community in education for sustainable development and ocean protection.
We invite all festival participants, as well as the local Trafaria community, to join us in creating a sculpture made from waste collected from our beaches. We have chosen the Seahorse as a symbol of delicacy, an indicator of the health of marine ecosystems. The presence of seahorses in the coastal waters of Trafaria reflects the region’s marine biodiversity. Unfortunately, seahorses are threatened by pollution and the destruction of their natural habitats. This activity aims to raise awareness about the need to protect marine environments and their surroundings.
This activity seeks to develop creativity, teamwork, and ocean literacy among participants. Brigada do Mar is a Portuguese NGDO dedicated to cleaning the coastline. Since 2008, it has collected tons of waste with the help of volunteers, focusing on educating about ocean health and marine environment preservation.
This sculpture is part of Brigada do Mar’s “OCEANIZAR – Educate for the Future of the Oceans” project and is supported by the Almada City Council and European projects BGreen and Zero Plastic 4 All, co-funded by the Erasmus+ program.
Join us to turn waste into art and learn more about the importance of protecting our oceans and its inhabitants, like seahorses!
Location: Riverside Front
Date and Time: September 14, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
WORKSHOP BODY, VOICE, AND IMPROVISATION
In this workshop led by Vocal Coach Joana Lisboa, we will release the tension from our bodies, warm up our voices, and explore the various layers of collective vocal improvisation. Join us to unleash your creativity and sing together! We will share who we are with the group and create immersive collective soundscapes. All levels of experience are welcome. Be part of this vocal improvisation collective!
Location: Poço Novo Square
Date: 14th at 4:00 PM
Limited to 20 participants
COMMUNITY PICNIC
Join us for a special picnic at Largo da República in Trafaria during the Bluegrass Festival! This event is a vibrant meeting point where people of all ages and from different parts of the world come together to celebrate community, culture and a love for music.
Largo da República, also known as the Church Square, is a characteristic place in Trafaria, full of charm and enchantment. Here, we invite everyone to bring their meal and enjoy a relaxed and joyful moment with friends and family.
The picnic will be a special moment in the Bluegrass Festival. Be a part of this community celebration and create unforgettable memories!
Location: Largo da República (Church Square)
Date: 15th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
VOZES DA TRAFARIA
The RDT Casino Choir Group performs at Trafaria Bluegrass in a small presentation about the culture and stories of Trafaria rehearsed by maestro Luís Baptista. After the concert on the Coreto Stage, watch this unmissable musical moment!
Activity canceled =(
Stages
Trafaria Stage will be the main stage of Trafaria Bluegrass – Festival by the River and where you’ll be able to see the main concerts of the six bands, on friday and saturday night.
Seeking to bring the audience closer to Bluegrass music, bringing the main concerts to the center of the village was a priority.
Largo da República is the main square of the village of Trafaria, where the Municipal Market, the Church, the Parish Council Library, various shops, restaurants and cafes are based.
Chairs will be available for rest if you feel too tired with so much music.
Outdoor stage | Pet friendly | Foods and drinks
After the 3 editions of Trafaria Bluegrass, we are delighted to welcome the partnership of the Trafaria Volunteer Firefighters and welcome, for the first time, the enigmatic Firefighters Stage – BVT, with a dance concert by the Portuguese-based band, Phoebe & the Banjo Boys.
Bring your tap shoes and come practice the traditional American clogging dance, to the sound of old-time music.
Indoor stage – Limity capacity
No pets allowed
No eating and drinking allowed
Bandstand Stage opens our Festival Saturday afternoon, for an outdoor concert, in one of the peaceful and most familiar squares in the village.
In the heart of the village you can watch with all confort an unforgettable concert of the French band Boom Ditty.
Outdoor stage | Pet friendly | Foods and drinks
The Church stage will have a concert with an unforgettable acoustic surroundings.
On Saturday, 7 pm, after mass, the Portuguese band Fado’N’Grass goes up to the high altar for a Gospel night with a bluegrass rythm.
The Church of St. Peter of Trafaria is the main church of the village of Trafaria, located in the main square.
Indoor stage – Limity capacity
No pets allowed
No eating and drinking allowed
The Poço Novo stage is a small and familiar square of the village of Trafaria.
The last day of the festival will begin with a concert by the duo Rain of Animals. A cozy concert in a cozy space.
Once there was a fountain that made this place a space of conviviality, we want you to know another pearl of the village of Trafaria.
Outdoor stage – Limity capacity
Pet friendly
Foods anda drinks
Casino Stage, a wonderful hall with unforgettable acoustics.
During Sunday afternoon, you can retire to this space, where you will get to know, on the last stage of the festival, the Italian band Blue Weed.
Recreios Desportivos da Trafaria, RDT Casino, is a local collective with 82 years of history, based in a building from 1906. All its architecture is emblematic of the time, built to be a pleasure and cultural house with its hall for holidayers between the 40s and 60s. Big names have walked on this stage and we will continue to make history!
Indoor stage – Limity capacity
No pets allowed
No eating and drinking allowed
Trafaria's Map
