Nickel Creek: two shows in Ireland, Feb. 2006

Thanks to Cathal Cusack and Aran Sheehan for the news that Nickel Creek will be playing at the Roisin Dubh in Galway on Sunday 12 February and at Crawdaddy (The POD) in Dublin on Monday 13 February 2006, as part of a two-week tour of these islands; full tour details on the band's unofficial UK fan site, www.nickelcreek.co.uk. Tickets are €25.00, available from Ticketmaster. Aran adds: 'I reckon any mandolin enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity of hearing Chris Thile perform his magic.'

By that time, the new duet album of Chris Thile and Mike Marshall will be in the shops. A Kentucky F-model mandolin, autographed by all Nickel Creek members, is now for auction on e-bay, all proceeds to benefit the American Red Cross and Katrina victims.