In 2024, we already had an evening dedicated to Western As F*ck, the American YouTube channel with a nose for the most talked-about talents from the Americana scene. On May 7, Western AF returns to Groningen with three fresh singer-songwriters. This time, Chris Acker, Rachel Baiman, and Northcote will perform at the A-Theater.

Chris Acker writes honest songs full of humor in a genre that often revolves around tall tales and marketable lies. Since trading his hometown of Seattle for the raw New Orleans, he has been coloring everyday life with his fragile voice, in the tradition of Woody Guthrie and John Prine. Acker doesn’t sing about the romance of endless highways, but about real life: dishwashing, night shifts, and bars where time has left its mark. With his stories, he reveals the poetry of everyday life.

Rachel Baiman broke through in 2023 with Common Nation of Sorrow, which was praised as one of the best albums of the year by The Boston Globe and American Songwriter, among others. After more than 130 shows worldwide, she made 2024 her “Year of Collaboration,” with a series of A- and B-side singles with fellow songwriters such as Pony Bradshaw and Caroline Spence. With her sharp, politically and personally tinged lyrics and a growing reputation as a producer, Baiman continues to renew and deepen her sound.

Northcote is the musical project of Canadian singer-songwriter Matt Goud, known for his heartfelt songs and lively live performances. Since 2009, he has toured internationally and shared the stage with The Gaslight Anthem and Frank Turner, among others, while building a loyal fan base in North America and Europe. With seven studio albums to his name and the new record To Cherish (2026), Northcote continues to grow, move and connect audiences in both small clubs and large festivals.