Name: Taff Rapids + Damn Tall Buildings
Start: 2026-05-16T19:00:00+01:00
Location: The Vault Arts Centre, DG8 6BT Newton Stewart, United Kingdom

Part of the 5th annual SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival, we welcome the outstanding Taff Rapids (Wales/Cymru) and Damn Tall Buildings (Brooklyn, NYC) on Saturday 16th May 2026 for an unforgettable concert in the Festival Marquee.
Taff Rapids (Wales/Cymru), Cardiff’s bluegrass sensation, is taking the international stage by storm with a unique blend of original bluegrass compositions and their own take on traditional American and Welsh tunes. Comprised of seasoned musicians Darren Eedens, Sion Russell Jones, David Grubb, and Clem Saynor, the band infuses their music with Welsh-language elements, bringing a fresh perspective to the bluegrass genre that resonates worldwide.
In 2023, Taff Rapids was invited to perform at the IBMA World of Bluegrass Showcase in Raleigh, NC, USA, marking a significant milestone for the band as they represented Welsh bluegrass on an international stage. This achievement was followed by a successful Canadian tour, reflecting their growing global demand and solidifying their reputation as an exciting new force in bluegrass. Their captivating live performances, rich harmonies, and instrumental mastery continue to attract audiences across the UK and Europe.
The band has also gained regular radio play on BBC Radio, including live performances on BBC Radio Cymru and features on BBC S4C television, helping to spread their unique "Blŵgras" sound to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for the band with the highly anticipated release of their debut album on March 1st, Blŵgras. This album, a celebration of Welsh bluegrass, will feature entirely original works, showcasing the band’s songwriting talent and distinctive sound. Alongside the album launch, Taff Rapids has an extensive live schedule, including a return tour to Canada, as well as planned tours and festival appearances across the UK and Europe. They will also perform at Folk Alliance International in Montreal, further establishing themselves in the global folk and bluegrass community.
With their original "Blŵgras" sound, relentless drive, and increasing international demand, Taff Rapids is set to make an even bigger impact in the bluegrass world, introducing Welsh bluegrass to audiences across the globe and establishing themselves as a leading force in the genre.
Damn Tall Buildings (Brooklyn, NYC) are a folk-bluegrass band celebrated for their soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals.
Fueled by the musical prowess of Max Capistran, Sasha Dubyk, and Avery Ballotta, this seasoned Brooklyn-based trio, with 11 years of dedicated touring and recording experience, weaves heartfelt lyrics into a tapestry of masterful fiddle, guitar, banjo, and bass playing.
Embodying a blend of Americana roots and contemporary finesse, Damn Tall Buildings' musical journey transcends borders.
From intimate local venues to global stages, their magnetic sound captivates audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners worldwide.
"Bluegrass at heart, but pulling from a wide range of influences including swing, ragtime, jazz, and even a hint of contemporary perspective in the songwriting, they offer virtually unmatched energy and enthusiasm, underpinned by intelligent songs that don’t skimp on the infectiousness...” - Saving Country Music
“Damn Tall Buildings establishes their unique musical blend that defies both comparison and categorisation.” - No Depression