Galway Americana Festival, 5-9 Sept. 2007

CRANE BAR

Wed. 5th 9.30 p.m. Gig. Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore

Mollie and Rich form an acoustic duo playing various styles, rooted in Americana; 'She has the chameleon-like ability to interpret blues, country, folk, jazz, pop, and gospel, and has the capacity to make other people's songs sound like they were written especially for her.’ (Rhythms, Nov. 2000)

Having a superb singing voice seems to run in the O’Brien family. Mollie originally sang with brother Tim many years ago, but now plies her trade with her husband and musical partner, hot acoustic guitarist Rich Mooore. The festival kicks off in fine authentic style with this dose of high quality Americana !

Thurs. 6th 9.30 p.m. Session (downstairs) featuring Greg Cotter, Mary Flannagan, and Harry Donaldson.

This trio of accomplished local musicians have been entertaining audiences at the Crane for some time with their appealing mix of American country and roots music blended with traditional Irish tunes, which sit happily alongside bluegrass tunes and standards.

9.30 p.m. Gig (upstairs) The Jeff & Vida Band

This is a high-energy 3-piece outfit playing authentic and original bluegrass and country songs with the conviction and professionalism that comes with extensive international touring. They are no stranger to these shores, touring here and appearing at top bluegrass festivals in this country every year, and winning over more fans every time they come! Come along and see just why..

Fri. 7th 6.00 p.m. Session (downstairs) (TBC)

9.30 p.m. Gig (upstairs) Kinvara Moonshine with Frankie Lane

Specialising in old-timey dance music from the Appalachian region of America, local good ol’ boys and gal Moonshine also throw the occasional classic Irish ballad into the mash, just to remind us where we are! But whether providing the bouncing soundtrack to a barndance or simply sitting in a bar pickin’ 'n' grinnin’, these musicians provide the essential ingredient for old-timey Appalachian music; authenticity. Joined for this gig by one of Ireland's most famous musicians, Frankie Lane, who was also a saddle mate of Moonshine’s Johnny Moynihan in the legendary Fleadh Cowboys, back in the day.

Sat. 8th 6.00 p.m. Session (old-timey) TBC

9.30 p.m. Session (downstairs) featuring Ruth Dillon, Bernie Mahoney, and Friends. Ruth and Bernie are a Galway singing institution, with their finely honed harmonies and extensive catalogue of classic songs, drawn mainly from the classic back pages of American country and bluegrass!

9.30 p.m. Gig. The Lee Valley String Band

These boys have been cranking out quality bluegrass and old-timey music since forming in 1968. Needless to say, they’ve got pretty damn good at it over the years! This is the real deal: a 7-piece, full-on authentic bluegrass band sound, with all the required instrumentation and heartfelt harmony vocals, hailing all the way from those blue rolling hills of... Cork !

Sun. 9th 4.00 p.m. Session: Greg, Mary and Harry (see Thurs. 6th).

6.00 p.m. Gig: The Niall Toner Band

The King of Irish Bluegrass needs little introduction to fans of American roots music in this country. Niall has made his considerable reputation as a performer, a radio broadcaster, and increasingly as an internationally renowned songwriter, his songs having been recorded by many different bands and artists over the years, including the Nashville Bluegrass Band and Bill Wyman. Roots Freeway is Niall’s current weekly radio show on RTE 1. So turn on, tune in, and drop by... you won’t be disappointed!


MONROE'S TAVERN

Thurs. 6th 8.30 p.m. (back bar) Clive Barnes

Clive Barnes has been slowly gaining a worldwide reputation as one of the finest lap slide/regular acoustic guitarists and songwriters on today’s scene. Having released four critically acclaimed albums, played and recorded with Joe Cocker, Taj Mahal, and Eric Bibb, four sold-out US tours, tours of France, Germany, and the UK, and various awards, including Album of the Year 2002 in the US magazine Acoustic Guitar. His atmospheric bluesy sound evokes the true spirit of Americana , and he is truly a master of his chosen instruments.

10.00 p.m. (main bar) Steve Simmons

Local musician Steve is a regular stalwart at Monroe's, offering blues and country favourites.

Fri. 7th 8.30 p.m. (back bar) The Jeff & Vida Band (see Crane Bar, Thurs. 6th)

10.00 p.m. (main bar) The Lazy Blues Band

From its conception in 2004, the Lazy Blues Band has featured many of Galway's finest musicians. The current lineup features an international mix of characters that is a reminder that blues has no cultural boundaries.

Sat. 8th 4.00 p.m. (main bar) Chad Dughi

Chad Dughi has been immersed in archive recordings of American folk music since his youth. An interest in the origins of American folk brought him to Ireland in the early 90s, where he has performed with Andy Irvine, Brendan O’Regan, John Faulkner, Mick Hanley, Johnny Moynihan, Cathal Hayden, and many more. Chad is a real deal folk troubadour!

10.00 p.m. (main bar) The Timber Tramps

Led by noted Tuam based singer/songwriter Noelie McDonnell, the Timber Tramps play an eclectic mix, ranging from bluegrass to soul and rock classics, with a smattering of Irish too.

Sun. 9th 4.00 p.m. (main bar) Session TBC

8.30 p.m. (back bar) Johnny Dickinson

We have saved some of the best till last! Imagine if Ry Cooder came from somewhere closer to Newcastle, UK, and had a fabulous languid vocal style to accompany that masterful touch on slide guitar, playing a unique style crossing Celtic flavours with American blues. Johnny has toured alongside such artists as Tommy Emmanuel, Jerry Donahue, John Martyn, and Kelly Joe Phelps. A rare chance to be mesmerised by a master of the sublime... Don’t miss!

10.00 p.m. (main bar) Hazard Hollow

This local trio present bluegrass and country with a strong emphasis on well worked twin harmonies, and a large helping of hot bluegrass fiddle. If you were thinking of getting an early night on Sunday, think again! Ruth, Bernie, and Ivor will make you glad you made the effort, with some very fine music and some truly inspiring playing.


THE QUAYS

Fri. 7th 12.00 a.m. (upstairs) The Maimin Cajun Band

Local Connemara heroes and Galway Americana Festival headliners, ‘The Maimins’ have been cranking out irresistible Cajun dance rhythms for over a quarter of a century. Every time they play, the dance floor turns into a heaving, hopping hoedown! This is a good-time band with a long-held reputation for a rocking live show. So put on your dancing shoes, grab a partner, and shake it like someone set light to it!