WINTER STRINGS: Sam Grassie (SCO) + Dylan Fowler (WLS) + Haroun Iqbal

Together with our colleagues from Muziekclub ’t Ey, Merodefestival, and Muziekpublique, we are bringing three virtuous acoustic guitarists together on one stage. In addition to their own individual sets, they will also perform several songs together. Highly recommended for fans of top-tier fretwork!

Born in Scotland and based in London, fingerstyle guitarist and songwriter Sam Grassie moves effortlessly between traditional and contemporary folk. He is steadily building a reputation in the indie scene as both a compelling guitarist and a strong songwriter. His virtuosity on the acoustic guitar is indebted to players like Bert Jansch and co. His most recent release on Broadside Hacks clearly demonstrates what Grassie stands for: an intriguing fusion of Celtic trad and desert blues, in the vein of artists like Bert Jansch, Jackson C. Frank, Ali Farka Touré, Khruangbin, and Nick Drake.

Dylan Fowler has been an internationally acclaimed guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger for over thirty years. He feels equally at home in Celtic music as he does in European jazz, Balkan, and Scandinavian music, and has also delved deeply into the traditional music of Wales. In his musical landscapes—almost like paintings in sound—hypnotic stillness and exuberant rhythms alternate. Fowler weaves British folk, world music, and contemporary jazz together in a natural and organic way, ensuring every moment is permeated with enchanting beauty, soul, adventure, and a hint of spirituality.

Haroun Iqbal is a musician and composer with a deep passion for music, broad interests, and a great diversity that enriches his work. His musical journey spans diverse genres, from jazz and classical compositions to West African classical music and ragas. The adventure began for him at the conservatories of Ghent, Antwerp, and Tilburg, where he threw himself heart and soul into jazz guitar and composition under the guidance of leading mentors. This path proved successful, as Klara selected him for their Twintigers, an initiative where they give a boost to promising musicians between the ages of 20 and 29 every year. Ten emerging, yet-to-break-through musicians are put in the spotlight.