Bangkok is a lot of things. A fiddle-and-banjo capital? Not really. And yet, for one weekend at the end of November, Phrom Phong is going to sound like it’s been hijacked by Appalachian cowboys and Irish pub regulars.
From November 28-30, Public House Bangkok hosts round two of Bluegrass Underground Bangkok – a three day festival of fiddles, mandolins and people trying to remember if they know how to play ‘Whiskey Before Breakfast’. The first edition earlier this year packed out with more than two hundred people, so clearly Bangkok has a secret soft spot for acoustic roots music. This time, it’s bigger, louder and pulling in acts from across Asia, alongside the usual homegrown crew who never miss a jam.
If you’re wondering what ‘old-time’ actually means, don’t stress. It’s folk, it’s trad, it’s bluegrass, it’s… complicated. Ask five musicians and you’ll get six different answers. The safest bet is to just show up, clap along or grab an instrument and wing it. Nobody’s taking attendance.
The fun here isn’t only the music on stage. There’s also the market zone, where you can browse handmade instruments and crafts between sets. Bulbul Guitars – a Bangkok family workshop turning out guitars that look like they belong in Nashville – will be there, which means you can technically come for a pint and leave with a guitar. Stranger things have happened.
And while Bangkok isn’t exactly known for live bluegrass, the charm is in seeing this little pocket of music nerds take over a city corner. Strangers strike up tunes they’ve never played together before, visitors swap tricks with locals, and suddenly you’re part of a band you didn’t know existed 10 minutes ago. It’s chaotic in the best way, like a pub session transplanted into a hotel.
Programme:
- Friday, November 28 – The Welcome Jam (7pm-10pm)
An intimate jam session bringing together local players and visiting musicians from abroad, with canapés and free-flow drinks included. A casual start to meet people and set the tone for the weekend. - Saturday, November 29 – The Gathering (1pm-10pm)
The main festival day with a full schedule of music featuring Thai and international acts, including an unmissable international headliner in the spirit of last year’s standout performances. Between sets, enjoy the market zone with local instruments, crafts and refreshments available for purchase. - Sunday, November 30 – Brunch and Banjos (11am-3pm)
A relaxed half-day festival featuring a lineup of musicians with acoustic sets paired with a full brunch (one alcoholic drink, two coffees, one juice and one main dish included).
The event runs from November 28-30 at Public House Bangkok – the tickets are already moving on Ticketmelon, and given the crowd at the last edition, hesitation is not advised. Check the remaining tickets right here.