EWOB festival in the Netherlands became an independent organization and one of the founders of the EBMA Festival Network (EFN). The mission of EBMA states working together to support bluegrass music and each other across national borders. EBMA also wants to promote and facilitate the sharing of Bluegrass enjoyment across borders (regional or national), support bands, fans, musicians, organizations, professionals and everything connected to Bluegrass. The organization is a non-profit, professionally run, dynamic and inclusive organisation. It aims to get more people in Europe interested and involved in bluegrass and enhance the image of bluegrass music. (source: www.ebma.org) These stated objectives are achieved by holding annual meetings, maintaining a website as the primary means of communication, and creating contacts between European bluegrass people (networks). Remarks of bluegrassmusic The bluegrass music is played with acoustic string instruments. The instruments that are used in line with the tradition are banjo, mandoline, guitar, violin, dobro en double bass. Besides these instruments the voice is a key element to make this kind of music. Bluegrass in the Netherlands In the Netherlands there is a relative small group approximately 2000 active and/or passive busy with bluegrass music. The EWOB festival in Voorthuizen has the function of being the most important public event in the country. In June of the year 2013 the 16th edition of the festival in a row took place. This festival sets an example for many local 'Picking Parties' organised through the year. In the past 16 years of EWOB Bluegrass festivals in the Netherlands the following countries through bands were represented:Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. In the past period of 18 European World of Bluegrass festivals about 300 Bluegrass Bands performed once or more than once. A list of names of Bluegrass Bands can be found HERE. Bluegrass international Bluegrass is originally from Northern America. Therefore the main language is English. Among others a few big names in the world of Bluegrass are Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, and Lester Flatt. In Europe there is a chain of Bluegrass festivals. An overview made by EBMA in 2011 can be found here. See also List of bluegrass music festivals List of European bluegrass festivals Sources EBMA European Bluegrass Music Association. External links Official website of