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Professional songwriter, teacher, producer and performer

Darren Eedens is a full-time songwriter, performer, producer, and teacher whose love for bluegrass and Americana has taken him across the world. Originally from Canada, he now calls Cardiff, Wales home, but his music has resonated far beyond, leading him to stages across North America, Europe, Scandinavia, and South Korea. From playing SXSW and Folk Alliance International to performing at the biggest bluegrass festivals in Europe and the IBMA, where he was also part of the IBMA Leadership Program 2025, Darren has built a career on relentless touring, heartfelt songwriting, and pushing the boundaries of tradition.

First picking up the banjo as a teenager—thanks to his grandmother—he taught himself by ear, inspired by the genre’s greats. Today, he shares that passion not only on stage but also as a dedicated teacher, working with students worldwide and leading banjo workshops at festivals.

Darren tours extensively with Taff Rapids, the Cardiff-based pioneers of Blŵgras, as well as with his solo band Slim Pickin’s and his banjo-fiddle duo Grubb & Eedens. He is also the host of Cardiff’s only monthly bluegrass show, keeping the genre thriving in Wales.

With a deep respect for tradition and a drive to innovate, Darren Eedens continues to bridge past and present, bringing bluegrass to new audiences one show at a time.

Notable Festivals Include


IBMA World of Bluegrass (US)

SXSW (US)

Cambridge Folk Festival (UK)

Zandari Fest (South Korea)

Black Deer Festival (UK)

North by North East (Canada)

Vikedal Roots Festival (Norway)

Northern Winter Beat (Denmark)

Focus Wales (UK)

Hillside Festival (Canada)

Canadian Music Week (Canada)

Folk Alliance International (US)

Folk Alliance Ontario (Canada)

Muddy Roots Europe (Belgium)
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Darren Eedens is proudly endorsed by Deering Banjos, The Loar Guitars

Lessons, talks, workshops

Banjo/Guitar

I have taught private lessons for 15 years, given talks about the banjo, and given playing workshops at festivals.

I can cater lessons to your needs to get you to the level of picking you desire.

Get in touch with the style and instrument you are interested in, or if you have a group session in mind.

I currently have students in the UK, and N. America, thanks to the power of the internet! Or, if you are local to Cardiff, I can provide lessons in my music room.