Honza Macák, European bluegrass pioneer

(photo: Jan Lžičař)

Jan 'Honza' Macák of the Czech Republic died today (12 April 2011) of stomach cancer at the age of 67. A pioneer of bluegrass music in Europe and a major influence for decades on the vigorous Czech scene, he founded in 1973 Europe's oldest bluegrass festival, the Banjo Jamboree at Čáslav. His funeral will be held on Monday 18 April in Jicin, Czech Republic. More details are on the European Bluegrass Blog.