Grenna Bluegrass Festival Verified listing

Why was it just a bluegrass festival in Gränna? Well, in 1973 Värdshuset Hjorten in Gränna was for sale and the Bergströmarna - the brothers Janne and Pelle and the cousin Thomas - saw a golden opportunity. They moved from Eskilstuna and soon turned Hjorten into an institution and a gathering place for the entire Grännabygden. Bluegrass Band BMG from Gothenburg and well-known Grus in Dojjan played regularly on Hjorten and Bergströmarna lit a hundred percent on the bluegrass music. For the first time, mandolin, banjo and harmonica were purchased. To get continued inspiration and teaching tips, only similar bands were booked on Hjorten for several years. After eagerly practicing Staffans Stollar was eventually formed. During the late seventies most Swedish bluegrass bands played at Hjorten, including Country Grass from Eskilstuna, with Bosse Gustafsson at the forefront. He realized that there were many groups around Sweden that devoted themselves to playing bluegrass and oldtime music and started the magazine Bergsbladet as a contact forum for them. Together with Bergström, he also took the initiative for a music meeting in Gränna. The year was 1978 and the first festival was a fact. Over the years, Hjorten (which is no longer a host) and the festival have been hosted by many American greats: Hot Rize, Delia Bell & Bill Grant, Bob Paisley, Joe Val, Tony Trischka, Dan Crary, Del McCoury, Tompkins County Horseflies, Boston City Limits , Roger King, Steep Canyon Rangers, Green Grass Cloggers, Bluegrass Patriots, Whetstone Run with Lynn Morris and Chris Jones to name a few. During the first festivals, Lasse Lindberg from String Strike Pickers (Nyköping) was the host. The occupation was taken over in the middle of the eighties by Pelle Brandt, who since then has served as the festival's lead speech and conferences. In 1983, the bluegrass music spread to the entire Swedish people through two highly appreciated TV programs - Blue Grass in Gränna - produced by dedicated oldtimer Bo Lostad. It is a great honor for us "younger" to continue the festival.