Calendar 2012-14

The calendar is frequently updated, and past events are transferred to the separate calendar archive post. All events in the Irish bluegrass festival season for which we have dates can be found below. Some items of country music news, prepared by the Country Music Association of Ireland, can be seen here.

A few important and/or accessible events outside Ireland are also listed. For a fuller listing of events in the UK, see the calendar page on UKBluegrass.com, which has a special festival directory with a map. A select list of over sixty festivals in Europe is on the EBMA website.

Bands and event/venue organisers: if your session or event is not shown here, contact the editor. Punters: please note that tour schedules often have to be changed, so before you go to a show, please check that the date and place are still the same as when you first noted it down.

Regular fortnightly or monthly events are shown at the appropriate dates. To avoid overloading the calendar, here is a list of gigs and sessions held EVERY WEEK:

Monday: Lee Valley String Band, Corner House, Coburg St., Cork city
The Critters, LV bar, MacCurtain St., Cork city
Bluegrass session for beginners, McLynn’s pub, Old Market St., Sligo, 9.30 p.m.

Tuesday: The Mountaineers (acoustic country/roots), International Bar, Wicklow Street, Dublin 2, 9.30 p.m.
Dublin Bluegrass circle jam session, Siné Bar, Ormond Quay, Dublin, 8.00 p.m. to closing time.

Wednesday: The McGrane Family & Friends, the Old Punch Bowl, Booterstown, Co. Dublin, 9.00 p.m.
Bluegrass & old-time gig/session (Broken Strings band), Balloo House, Killinchy, Co. Down, 9.00 p.m.; 'phone 028 9754 1210
The Sundown Sessions, The Raven Bar, 100 South Main St, Cork city: Rattlesnake County (broad mix of bluegrass, country, folk, Americana), from 9.30 p.m., open to all (see YouTube clip of 'Caleb Meyer')

Thursday: Tin Box Company bluegrass gig at Delaney's (Knocklyon Inn), Knocklyon, Dublin, 9.00 p.m. Contact Martin Kavanagh (087-2504505)
Knotty Pine String Band, Sally O’Brien's, John St., Omagh, Co. Tyrone, 10.00 p.m.; all players welcome, adm. free
Sacred Harp shape-note singing sessions, Camden Palace, Camden Quay, Cork city, 7.00-9.00 p.m.; all welcome
Banjaxed Bluegrass Band, Curragower bar and restaurant, Clancy Strand, Limerick city
Breffni Bluegrass with Tom Hanway in JP's, Cavan town

Friday: Bluegrass session [may contain Irish music!], Cryan's Bar, Bridge St., Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, after 9.00 p.m.
Watery Hill Boys, Carberry's, North Strand, Drogheda, Co. Louth
'Lush Friday Roots Roustabout session': Noriana Kennedy, Mark McConville (guitar, vocals), Paul O'Driscoll (double bass)/Tom Portman (Dobro) or Liz Coleman (fiddle), McGinns, Dock Rd, Galway; 10.00 p.m. (check in case of conflicting gig)
Sacred Harp singing session, the Yard, Stoneybatter (through the archway between Mulligan's and the Glimmerman), Dublin 7; 7.00-9.00 p.m.; admission free, all welcome

Saturday: Old-time music session [now established for 13 years and still going!]: Bill Whelan, Ben Keogh, & friends, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin, 4.30-7.00 p.m.
Dunadry Bluegrass Militia, Ellie May's, Dunadry, Co. Antrim, 3.00 p.m. (weekly from 1 Dec. 2012)

Sunday: Well Enough Alone, the Kilkenny Shop restaurant, Nassau St., Dublin 2, 2.15-4.15 p.m.
Lee Valley String Band, Corner House, Coburg St., Cork city, 7.30/8.00 p.m. onwards
Americana session, Brady's, Barrack St., Cork city
'Roots, Blues, Honkytonk Sunday Session': Noriana Kennedy, Noelie McDonnell (guitar, vocals), Kelvin Busher (double bass), Salthouse, Ravens Terrace, Galway; 7.00-9.00 p.m.
Slim Pickins, Sin E, 14-15 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7, 9.00-11.00 p.m.

If you first heard about an event from the Bluegrass Ireland Blog, we'll appreciate it if you tell the organisers that.


SEPTEMBER 2012

Sat. Sept. 1st: Lands End, Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, England
Jeff & Vida (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Black Box, Belfast (Open House show)

Mon. 3rd: Peter Rowan (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2
Jeff & Vida (USA), Mick Murphy’s, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Wicklow
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Tues. 4th: Peter Rowan (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Wed. 5th: Peter Rowan (USA), Leap Castle, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Thurs. 6th: Peter Rowan (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city; 9.00 p.m., adm. €15 (members €12.50) includes copy of CD (part of Go Wild in the West Americana Fest)
Frank Fairfield (USA), Belfast Barge
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (Clonmel World Music)

Fri. 7th: Niall Toner Band, Killoughternane Community Hall, near Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, near Bagenalstown; €20; phone Jim (087 2612194), Olivia (087 2233307), Hugh (086 8309874), or Sean (087 2609720)
Frank Fairfield (USA), Button Factory, Dublin city
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Cleeres Theatre Bar, Kilkenny city
Molly Hicks, Crane Bar, Galway, 9.30 p.m., adm. free (part of Go Wild in the West Americana Fest)

Sat. 8th: Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Hillsborough Oyster Festival, Hillsborough, Co. Down
Frank Hall, Tim Rogers, Ben Keogh, Lena Ullman, Anna Falkenau, Ivan Murray, Crane Bar, Galway, 6.30 p.m., adm. free (part of Go Wild in the West Americana Fest)

Sun. 9th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, McNamee’s bar, Mullagh, Co. Cavan, 4.00 p.m.
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), house concert, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Mikey & the Scallywags, Crane Bar, Galway, 9.30 p.m. (part of Go Wild in the West Americana Fest)

Mon. 10th: Sara Grey, Mick Murphy's Pub, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Roddens Bar, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

Tues. 11th: Sara Grey, McCarthy's Bar, Main St., Buttevant, Co. Cork
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Sandino's, Derry city

Wed. 12th: Sara Grey, Carnegie Arts Centre, Shelbourne St., Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Thurs. 13th: Sara Grey, St John's Theatre, the Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Fri. 14th: Sara Grey, Markethouse Tavern, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Fri. 14th–Sun. 16th: Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Newquay, Cornwall, UK: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, many more

Sat. 15th: Sara Grey, Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society: daytime workshops 10.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.; evening concert 7.30 p.m., £10 (£8 concession); Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NH

Sun. 16th: Sara Grey, Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society: morning workshops (9.30-1.30), Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NH

Tues. 18th: Bluegrass session, Green's, Kinvara, Co. Galway; 9.00 p.m. all welcome

Wed. 19th: Michael J. Miles, 'From Senegal to Seeger' (musical survey of banjo history), Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 20th-Sun. 23rd: 11th Annual Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Tullamore, Co. Offaly: Suzy Bogguss (USA), Paul Brady, Blue Highway (USA), Don Rigsby & Charlie Sizemore (USA), George Harper (USA), Mundy, Gerry 'Banjo' O'Connor, Beoga, Electric Ceili, We Banjo 3 (feat. Enda Scahill), Niall Toner, Chris Meehan & his Redneck Friends, the Barcelona Bluegrass Band (E), Bending the Strings, Blackjack (CZ), Michael J. Miles

Fri. 21st: Woodbine, Tuohy's, Rathdowney, Co. Laois (with Clem O'Brien)
Watery Hill Boys, Highlanes Gallery, Laurence St., Drogheda, 6.00-7.00, 8.00-9.30 p.m.; associated with opening of Sarah Browne's exhibition 'Second burial at Le Blanc', 7.00 p.m.; supper available from 6.00 p.m. (Culture Night)
Sacred Harp Singers of Dublin, Exchange, Exchange St., Temple Bar, 6.50-7.50 p.m. (Culture Night)

Sat. 22nd: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Conary Community Hall, Avoca, Co. Wicklow
Woodbine, Joe Lee's, Church St., Tullamore, Co. Offaly, 10.00 p.m. (as part of Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival 'fringe')

Mon. 24th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Mon. 24th-Sun. 30th: International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass, Nashville, TN, USA

Tues. 25th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), the Weigh Inn, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 26th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 27th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry
Session Americana (USA), Tom Malone's Market House Bar, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Fri. 28th: Session Americana (USA), Whelan's, Wexford St., Dublin 2

Fri. 28th-Sun. 30th: Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival, Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, Scotland: Knotty Pine String Band (Omagh), Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Belfast), New Redwing (Scotland), High Speed Grass (Scotland); more TBC

Fri. 28th-Sun. 30th: 3rd Inishowen Guitar Festival, Culdaff, Co. Donegal: Muriel Anderson (USA), many others

Sat. 29th: Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band (USA), Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JQ. Tickets online advance price £10.00; door price £12.50; doors 8.00 p.m. 'Strictly over 18s'
Session Americana (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin

Sun. 30th: Session Americana (USA), Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow


OCTOBER 2012

Mon. 1st: Session Americana (USA), Colfer's Pub, Carrick on Barrow, Co. Wexford

Wed. 3rd: Session Americana (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city

Thurs. 4th: Session Americana (USA), Bluestacks Music Festival, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal

Fri. 5th: Session Americana (USA), Cork Folk Festival: The Pavilion, Cork city
Dog Ruff String Band, the Green Room, Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast BT1 2LA; special guests, Open House folk/Americana/hillbilly DJ sets, adm. free, 6.00-11.00 p.m.

Fri. 5th-Sun. 7th: 4th Bruff Bluegrass Music Festival, Bruff, Co. Limerick: Bending the Strings, Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Sun.), Knotty Pine String Band, Red Cloud Bluegrass, Southern Bluegrass Union, Watery Hill Boys, Woodbine (Sat.); 'phone Jack Clancy, 061 382488

Sat. 6th: Session Americana (USA), Cork Folk Festival: An Spailpin Fanach, Cork city

Sun. 7th: Session Americana (USA), Cork Folk Festival: Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Tues. 9th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Weigh Inn, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Fri. 12th: Dog Ruff String Band, the Green Room, Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast BT1 2LA; special guests, Open House folk/Americana/hillbilly DJ sets, adm. free, 6.00-11.00 p.m.

Sat. 13th: GrassStock bluegrass, Americana, and roots music festival, Haymarket Arcade, Belfast: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Acoustic Dan & the Black Mountain River Dipsos, Ciaran MacElhinney, Cup o' Joe, White Mansions, Wookalily, many more

Sat. 13th-Sun. 14th: Irish Steel Guitar Festival 2012, Green Isle Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin

[Sun. 14th: Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois ('High Nellie Day', for cycle enthusiasts): gig and High Nellie Day cancelled because of clash with major sports fixture]

Fri. 19th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Dog Ruff String Band, the Green Room, Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast BT1 2LA; special guests, Open House folk/Americana/hillbilly DJ sets, adm. free, 6.00-11.00 p.m.
'An Evening of American Honky Tonk Country Music': Breffni Bluegrass in concert, County Museum, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, 8.30 p.m.; adm. €5.00; for more details, call 049-8544070 or e-mail.

Fri. 19th/Sat. 20th/Sun 21st: Kilworth Bluegrass Weekend, Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork: High Plains Tradition (USA), the Kellehers (Cork city), Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Belfast), Gordon & Rosie (Cork); workshops, sessions, gospel performances (Sun.); details here; bookings and inquiries: 087 7921771

Mon. 22nd: High Plains Tradition (USA), private party

Tues. 23rd: High Plains Tradition (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m. (a Sixmilebridge Folk Club presentation); 086 8464509/ 086 8599615

Wed. 24th: High Plains Tradition (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; booking 068 22566

Thurs. 25th: High Plains Tradition (USA), Tom Malone's/Market House, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m.; 087 6881650
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick; special guests Hawkins/Cusack old-time string trio, Factor One (folk), Spats Davenport & the Sugar Moon Boys (ragtime blues); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free
Woody Guthrie Centenary tribute presented by Lost Highway Show, Tully's Bar, Kinvara, Co. Galway, 9.00 p.m.: Fia Rua, Paul Mulligan, Pete Lamb, John Martyn, Stuart Walker. €8 waged, €5 unwaged. all proceeds to Galway Rape Crisis Centre

Fri. 26th: High Plains Tradition (USA), the Tearoom Sessions, Brewery Lane Theatre, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, 8.00 p.m.; booking 087 1205353
Dog Ruff String Band, the Green Room, Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast BT1 2LA; special guests, Open House folk/Americana/hillbilly DJ sets, adm. free, 6.00-11.00 p.m.

Fri. 26th-Sun. 28th: Sara Grey & Ben Paley, South Roscommon Singers' Festival, Knockcrogherty, Roscommon

Fri. 26th-Mon. 29th: 4th Balla Bluegrass Festival, Mannion's and the Olde Woods, Main St., Balla, Co. Mayo; Molly Hicks (Fri.); High Plains Tradition (USA; Sat. & Sun.), Woodbine (Sun.), Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Fri.-Sat.); Colonel Bullshot (Mon.); 2296018

Sat. 27th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together (instruction + jamming), Island Civic Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL, 9.30/10.00 a.m. to noon; all bluegrass instruments and all standards of players welcome

Sun. 28th: Annual Horse Fair, Mohill, Co. Leitrim:  Watery Hill Boys, O'Brian's Tavern, Glebe St., 9.00-11.00 p.m.; daytime and evening jams; musicians welcome

Mon. 29th: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Tues. 30th: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Weigh Inn Bar, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 31st: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry


NOVEMBER 2012

Thurs. 1st: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Sky and the Ground, Wexford town

Fri. 2nd: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Belfast Barge, Belfast
Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation

Fri. 2nd-Sat. 3rd: Dangem Bluegrass presents a Banjo Teaching Weekend by John Dowling (UK), Spectrum Centre, Shankhill Road, Belfast; registration 7.00 p.m. (Fri.), workshop 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. (Fri.), 10.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. (Sat.), plus concert by John and the Down and Out Bluegrass Band (7.30-9.00 p.m; full details

Sat. 3rd: Jim Rooney, Arty McGlynn, Mick Daly, Croc an Oir, Ballycullen, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, 8.00 p.m.; +353 52 9153117

Sun. 4th: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Fifty-Six Bar, Arklow, Co. Wicklow; afternoon show, 3.00 p.m.

Mon. 5th: Punch Brothers (USA), Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JQ; tickets - online advanced £18.50; door price £22.50; doors 7.30 p.m.; strictly over 18s; no support (Open House show)

Fri. 9th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 10th: Jim Rooney, Arty McGlynn, Mick Daly, Tullamore Rugby Club, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, 9.00 p.m., adm. €15; special guests Louise Killeen, Brendan Emmet. Phone/text Ray (086 3880057) or Tom (087 2238040) to book seats

Fri. 16th: Trampled by Turtles (USA), McHugh's basement bar, 29-31 Queen's Square, Belfast BT1 3FG. Doors 7.30 p.m.; tickets (online advance £8.50; door £11.50) available online (Open House show)
Hugh Taggart & Martin McWhorter (from Well Enough Alone), Sean Mac D's, Harold's Cross, Dublin; 9.30-11.00; no cover charge, all welcome

Sat. 17th: Trampled by Turtles (USA), Workman's Club, Dublin

Fri. 23rd: Hugh Taggart (guitar) & John Denby (mandolin), Sean Mac D's, Harold's Cross, Dublin, from 9.30 p.m.; adm. free, all welcome

Sat. 24th: Bluegrass and Americana at the Cobblestone, Dublin 7: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Well Enough Alone, Blood Red Mountain Band, 9.00 p.m.
The Island Music Club presents Tom Hanway & Dave Harper, The Highway, Crusheen, Co. Clare. Doors open 9:15 p.m.; adm. €12; bookings 086-859-9957

Thurs. 29th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick; special guests Gerry Campbell & Michael McIver (soul), Lynda Lucas & the Natural Born Heathens (country), Spats Davenport (ragtime blues);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free


DECEMBER 2012

Sat. 1st: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together (instruction + jamming), Island Civic Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL, 9.30/10.00 a.m. to noon; all bluegrass instruments and all standards of players welcome
Niall Toner opens a new series of Roots Freeway on RTE Radio One, 11.00 p.m.

Fri. 7th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation
I Draw Slow, The Lodge, Mallow, Co. Cork, kickoff 9.00 p.m.

Wed. 12th:  International Bluegrass Music Appreciation Day

Thurs. 13th: Gone to Grass with Ivor Ottley, Gallery Cafe, Gort, 8.00 p.m. (with Paul Johnson, bass)
Front Porch Sessions, Aras An Mhuillinn, Mount St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, 8.00 p.m. (bluegrass, folk, country, roots, traditional, and Celtic music): Bending The Strings, Johnny Gleeson (dobro, vocals), many others

Fri. 14th: Gone to Grass with Ivor Ottley, Crane Bar, Galway city (workshop followed by show) (with Paddy Jordan, bass)
Anna Falkenau, Lena Ullman, and Ivan Murray (The FUM Trio), the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin; supported by Greasy Coat Stringband
Paddy Kiernan and Friends, Hannan's Bar, St James' St., Dublin, from 10.00 p.m.

Sun. 16th: Gone to Grass with Ivor Ottley, Blackrock GAA Club, Church Rd, Blackrock, Cork (Christmas party for all friends and supporters of the Club), 9.00 p.m., no cover charge (trio Ivor/Pete/Tom)

Tues. 18th: Gone to Grass with Ivor Ottley, Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare (with Paddy Jordan, bass)

Thurs. 20th: I Draw Slow, the Grand Social, Dublin
Tom Hanway and Hugh Taggart, Sweeney's Mongrel, Dame St., Dublin 2, 5.00-7.00 p.m.
Tom Hanway and Breffni Bluegrass, JPs, Main St., Cavan, 10.00-midnight

Fri. 21st: Broken String Band, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 22nd: Prison Love, Midnight at Sweeney’s Bar, Dame St./Dame Lane, Dublin 2

Wed. 26th: Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois

Thurs. 27th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick; special guests Factor One (folk), Emma Butler (contemporary), Paul Hennessy (country), Spats Davenport (ragtime blues);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 28th:  Dublin Sacred Harp Singers, Franciscan Friary, Merchant's Quay, Dublin, 7.00-9.00 p.m.; call 087 2355978 for admission if no response to door

Sat. 29th: Folk the Recession: Eleanor Shanley, Frankie Lane, Paul Kelly, Brendan Begley, Mike Hanrahan; Áras Chrónáin, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Phone 01-4574847. 9.00 p.m.; €20 (€18)

Sun. 30th: Gone to Grass (without Ivor Ottley), Green's Bar, Kinvara, Co. Galway, 4.00 p.m.


JANUARY 2013

Tues. 1st: Kory Quinn (USA), The Sky & the Ground, Wexford town, 9.30 p.m.

Wed. 2nd: Kory Quinn (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 3rd: Kory Quinn (USA), The Oliver Plunkett, Cork city, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 4th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation

Sat. 5th: Kory Quinn (USA), Lynam's of Laragh, Laragh, Co. Wicklow, 8.00 p.m.

Tues. 8th:  Belfast Bluegrass session, upstairs, the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Rd, Belfast, from 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 16th: Special Consensus (USA), Barry's, Grange, Co. Sligo

Thurs. 17th: Special Consensus (USA), Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, +44 (0)28 7776 0650

Thurs. 17th-Sun. 20th: Shannonside Winter Music Weekend, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare: Special Consensus (USA), Lilly of the West (Bulgaria), Bending the Strings, Gypsy Rebel Rabble, many other acts and events

Fri. 18th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Special Consensus (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, +353 (0)1 802 0898

Sat. 19th: Special Consensus (USA), Shannonside Winter Music Weekend, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, +353 (0)86 846 4509
Myshall Sports Complex fundraiser, Myshall Community Centre, Co. Carlow: Niall Toner Band, Lofires; book from Ashling Kavanagh (086-9674241), or at Myshall post office from Mary or Vincent

Sun. 20th: Special Consensus (USA), Damer Court Hotel, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, +353 505 23300

Mon. 21st: Special Consensus (USA), Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Wicklow

Tues. 22nd: Special Consensus (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, +353 (0)68 22566

Wed. 23rd: Special Consensus (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city, +353 (0)91 587419
Breffni Bluegrass (feat. Tom Hanway), Newgrange Hotel, Bridge St., Navan, Co. Meath, 10.00 p.m.

Thurs. 24th: Special Consensus (USA), Regional Arts Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, +353 (0)74 912 9186
Breffni Bluegrass (feat. Tom Hanway), JP's Bar, 57 Main St., Cavan, Co. Cavan, 10.00 p.m.

Fri. 25th: Special Consensus (USA), Marketplace Theatre, Armagh city, +44 (0)28 3752 1821
Aoife O'Donovan (USA), Ballincollig, Co. Cork (as part of Winter Music Festival)
Watery Hill Boys, Carberry's pub (Tí Chairbre), Drogheda, Co. Louth
Dangem banjo lessons for beginners, Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 3AA, 7.00–9.00 p.m.
Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), live on RTÉ's Late Late Show 

Sat. 26th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT27 4RL, 10.00 a.m.–12.00 noon
Special Consensus (USA), 8.00 p.m., the Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork, +353 (0)29 56239
Watery Hill Boys, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Sun. 27th: Colfer's Festival of American Country, Bluegrass and Roots, Colfer's Pub, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford, 6.00 p.m.: Special Consensus (USA), The Once (Newfoundland), Frankie Lane, Woodbine; €20; +353 (0)51-561159, 086 3026460

Mon. 28th: Special Consensus (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, +353 (0)87 792 1771: booked out

Wed. 30th: Old Crow Medicine Show (USA), Vicar Street, Dublin; doors 7.30 p.m., showtime 8.30; tickets €26; with Johnnyswim

Thurs. 31st: Old Crow Medicine Show (USA), with Johnnyswim , Mandela Hall, QUB Students Union, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NF; tickets advance online price £19.50 (door price £23) available from 9 a.m. Mon. 22 Oct. 2012; doors 7.30 p.m., strictly over-18s (part of Open House Winter Weekender, 31 Jan.-3 Feb.)
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: McGrane Family, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick; special guests Paul Hennessy (singer/songwriter), Pat Killalea & Cathal Cusack (Irish music: guitar duets), Red Clay Halo (Americana);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free


FEBRUARY 2013

Fri. 1st: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour View Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation
Old Tire Swingers (USA), the Green Room at the Black Box, Belfast (part of Open House Winter Weekender, 31 Jan.-3 Feb.)

Sat. 2nd: Dublin Sacred Harp Singers, Franciscan Friary, Merchant's Quay, Dublin, 2.30 p.m.: 1st anniversary celebration, all welcome
Old Tire Swingers (USA), the Goat’s Toe, Bangor, Co. Down (part of Open House Winter Weekender, 31 Jan.-3 Feb.)
Prison Love, Sweeney's Mongrel, Dame St., Dublin 2, from midnight; adm. free

Sun. 3rd: Old Tire Swingers (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Tues. 5th: Old Tire Swingers (USA), Whelan’s, Dublin 2

Wed. 6th: Old Tire Swingers (USA), St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Thurs. 7th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), The Spirit Store, George’s Quay, Dundalk, Co. Louth; 8.00 p.m., €12; box office/info 042 935 2697, e-mail

Fri. 8th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Ballina Arts Centre, Barrett St., Ballina, Co. Mayo; 8.00 p.m., €15; tickets/info 096 73593

Sat. 9th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Briery Gap Cultural Centre, Macroom, Co. Cork; 8.00 p.m., €15; info 026 41793

Sun. 10th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix St., Cork city; adm. free; onstage 12 midnight to 2.00 a.m.; info 021 427 8487
Aoife O'Donovan (USA), Whelan's Main Stage, Dublin 2, with Jake Silver (bass), support by Jeffrey Foucault and Ry Cavanaugh; 8.30 p.m.; tickets €15 from WAV
Niall Toner Band, the Stag's Head Raw, Dame Court, Dublin 2; book by e-mail

Tues. 12th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; 7.30 p.m., £10; bookings e-mail, 07747 120659 (after 6.00 p.m.)

Wed. 13th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Ballymoney Town Hall, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim; 8.00 p.m., £9/7; bookings e-mail, 028 2766 0230

Thurs. 14th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), The Crane Bar, 2 Sea Rd, Galway city; 8.00 p.m. €12.50 (€10 members); 091 587419

Fri. 15th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Upstairs in Whelan's, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2; 8.00 p.m. €10 advance, €12 on door WaV box office 1890 200 078

Fri. 15th-Sun. 17th: FOAOTMAD old-time music festival, Gainsborough, Lincs., England 

Sat. 16th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, Co. Tipperary; 8.00 p.m., €15; box office 0504 90204

Sun. 17th: Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 20th-Sun. 24th: 9th Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival and Song Writing Convention, Belfast

Fri. 22nd: I Draw Slow, Whelan's, Dublin 2; €10; doors 8.00 p.m.
Dangem Bluegrass banjo lessons for beginners, Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 3AA, 7.00–9.00 p.m.

Sat. 23rd: Dangem Bluegrass monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT27 4RL, 10.00 a.m.–12.00 noon

Tues. 26th: Dublin Bluegrass: first of a new series of weekly bluegrass circle jams, Siné Bar, Ormond Quay, Dublin, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 28th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the McGrane Family, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick, with Christian Volkmann; special guests the Hot Dots (mandolin/ukulele), Angie McLaughlin (ukulele swing), Alan Begley & Friends (Americana);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free


MARCH 2013

Fri. 1st: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour View Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation

Tues. 5th: Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), the Weigh Inn, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 6th: Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), Whelan’s, Dublin 2

Thurs. 7th: Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), the Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Fri. 8th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), Conary Community Hall, Avoca, nr Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow

Sat. 9th: Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), Lynhams Hotel, Laragh, Co. Wicklow
Knotty Pine String Band, Market Place Theatre, Armagh city, 8.00 p.m.

Sun. 10th: Hugh Taggart and Martin McWhorter of Well Enough Alone at the RDS, Dublin 4, 1.00-1.30 p.m. (part of the Festival Of World Cultures)
Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Mon. 11th: Frankie Lane, Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare; 9.00 p.m., €12 (€10 booked in advance, 086 327 0780)

Wed. 13th: 'Emigrant's wake', Donegal castle, Donegal town (American civil war theme), includes Alec Somerville (vocals, old-time banjo)

Thurs. 14th: Two Time Polka O'Driscoll's Bar, Douglas, Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4369387

Fri. 15th: Janet Dowd and band, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m., £10

Fri. 15th-Sun. 17th: Bluegrass Weekend at Rafterys Rest, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway; contact Peter Larkin

Sat. 16th: Bending the Strings (4-piece - Gerry Madden, mandolin): two different sets in Market Square, 6.00 p.m., and Fergie's ('Characters'), 9.00 p.m., both in Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Sun. 17th: Two Time Polka Centenary Stores, Charlotte St., Wexford town. Kickoff 1.00 pm. Adm. free. Tel. 053 9122303
The Tin Box Company, Delany's, Knocklyon, Dublin, 5.00-8.00 p.m.
Two Time Polka The Blue Haven, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209
Tom Hanway (USA) and Hugh Taggart (of Well Enough Alone), McNamee's, Mullagh, Co. Cavan, 9.00 p.m.

Fri. 22nd-Sun. 24th: Springtime Bluegrass Festival, Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon: Colonel Bullshot Rides Again (Fri.), Woodbine (Sat.), Banjaxed Bluegrass Band (Sun.); no cover charge

Mon. 25th: Niall Toner Band, Village Arts Centre, Kilworth. Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m.

Thurs. 28th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro), Cathy McEvoy (fiddle); special guests the Hot Dots (Hawaiian), Zuppa Mista (Latin/Folk), Dave Hardy (clarinet/sax);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Sat. 30th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, J's Hotel, Mohill, Co. Leitrim; with draw for €300 Easter hamper and a TV. (€2 to enter); 9.00 p.m. start
 

APRIL 2013

Thurs. 4th: Frankie Lane, Eleanor Shanley, Paul Kelly, and 'Folk the Recession', Moat Theatre, Naas, Co. Kildare, 8.30 p.m. (a Musiclee.ie production)

Thurs. 4th-Mon. 15th: Michael J. Miles (USA), tour with one-man show 'From Senegal to Seeger: stories of the American banjo'
Thurs. 4th-Mon. 22nd: Ken Perlman (USA) in Ireland

Fri. 5th: Frankie Lane, Eleanor Shanley, Paul Kelly, and 'Folk the Recession', Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin, 8.00 p.m. (a Musiclee.ie production)

Sat. 6th Apr.: Michael J. Miles (USA) live on Shannonside Radio (10.00 a.m.) and on RTE (10.00 p.m.) with Sandy Harsch
Hugh Taggart (guitar) and John Denby (mandolin), The Hatch pub, Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co. Dublin, from 9.00 p.m.

Sun. 7th: Michael J. Miles (USA), TBC

Mon. 8th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork (double bill with Ken Perlman (USA)), 8.00 p.m.; tel. John Nyhan, 0877921771
Al Scorch & his Country Soul Ensemble (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m. (start of tour till 18 Apr.)

Tues. 9th: Michael J. Miles (USA) and Ken Perlman (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 8.00 p.m.; tel. John Nyhan, 0877921771

Wed. 10th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Clonakilty, Co. Cork (tent.)

Thurs. 11th: Michael J. Miles (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; 068 22566

Fri. 12th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour View Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation
Michael J. Miles (USA), Market Theatre, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, 8.00 p.m.; 087 688 1650
Ken Perlman (USA), Angler's Rest (upstairs), Carrigrohane, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m. (with support), tel. Pat Kelleher 086 6062504

Sat. 13th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Banjo Festival, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway: banjo workshop, 2.00 p.m.; 'Senegal to Seeger', 8.00 p.m.; 086 8351230
Ken Perlman (USA), Muintir Na Tíre Hall, Buttevant, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m. (with support). tel John Nyhan 0877921771
Two Time Polka, Blackrock Hurling Club ('The Rockies'), Church Rd, Blackrock, Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4357377

Sun. 14th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Banjo Festival, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway: jam session, 2.00 p.m.; 086 8351230
Satch Wright (1949-2013) memorial show, Leeson Lounge, Dublin, 7.00 p.m.

Mon. 15th: Ken Perlman (USA), Ballymore Acoustic Gigs, Mick Murphy's 'Stage Inn', Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, tel. Roy Thompson 086 327 0780

Thurs. 18th: Ken Perlman (USA), Cork School of Music lunchtime concert/workshop, 1.00-3.00 p.m., tel. Lorna Lane 087 2443099

Fri. 19th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), The Sunflower, Corporation St., Belfast

Sat. 20th: Ken Perlman (USA) gives two clawhammer banjo workshops at Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 1.30-3.00 p.m. and 3.30-5.00 p.m., tel. John Mardirosian 087 9667183
Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Leap Castle, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
National Record Store Day (USA)

Sun. 21st: Woodbine, Peig's Bar, 12 Market Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 6.00-8.00 p.m.
Ken Perlman (USA)), Matt Molloy's, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo, tel. Uri Kohen 087 7570958

Mon. 22nd: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork

Tues. 23rd: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), plus Maeve Toner and Friends (launch of CD, Just for the record), Stag's Head, Dame Court, Dublin 2

Thurs. 25th: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Coughlan's, Cork city
Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Black Box, Belfast, 8.00 p.m.
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro), Cathy McEvoy (fiddle); special guests Tim & Richard Hawkins and Cathal Cusack (old-time), Mongoose (contemporary folk), Taylor's Lane (contemporary);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 26th: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Tea Rooms, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m.
Banjo lessons (beginners only), Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT13 3AA, 028 9050 4555, 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m.

Sat. 27th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, jam session, and banjo lessons, Lagan Valley Island Arts Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, 028 9250 9292, 9.30 a.m.-12.00 noon
Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, 8.00 p.m.
Tim Rogers workshop, 'American fiddle tunes - techniques, repertoire, and sources', McGing's Bar, High St., Westport, Co. Mayo, 12.00-2.00 p.m.; pre-booking essential; 'phone (087 9897038) or e-mail

Sun. 28th: Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo, 8.00 p.m.


MAY 2013

Thurs. 2nd: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city

Fri. 3rd: Tin Box Company, Langton's, Kilkenny city, 10.00 p.m.

Fri. 3rd-Mon. 6th: Kilkenny Roots Festival; many Americana acts including Woodbine and the Tin Box Company

Sat. 4th: Woodbine, Clubhouse Hotel, Kilkenny city, 10.00 p.m.
11th International Bühl Bluegrass Festival, Bühl/Baden, Germany (4 US bands)

Sun. 5th: Tin Box Company, Biddy Early's, Kilkenny city, 4.00 p.m.
Woodbine, Springhill Hotel, Kilkenny city, 10.00 p.m.
Tin Box Company, Egan's, Kilkenny city, 10.00 p.m.

Wed. 8th-Mon. 20th: George Harper & John Tomlin (USA) on tour in Ireland

Thurs. 9th-Sun. 12th: 22nd Baltimore Fiddle Fair, Baltimore, Co. Cork: Casey Driessen, Bruce Molsky, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, many more

Thurs. 9th-Sat. 11th: 16th European World of Bluegrass Festival, Voorthuizen, the Netherlands

Fri. 10th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation
I Draw Slow, the Lodge, Mallow, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m.; tickets 087/2445541 (presented by AliveOMusic)

Sat. 11th: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Cuckoo's Nest, McGirl's, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim
Beppe Gambetta (I), Bog Lane Theatre, Mostrim Rd, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

Sun. 12th: Beppe Gambetta (I), Whelan's, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2

Mon. 13th: Beppe Gambetta (I), The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork

Thurs. 16th: Beppe Gambetta (I), The Crane, Sea Rd, Galway city

Fri. 17th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Beppe Gambetta (I), McGarrigles, 11 O'Connell St., Sligo town
Tumbling Bones (USA), Killary Sessions on the Killary Fjord, Galway. Ship departs from Nancy’s Point, Leenane, Co. Galway. Doors 6.30 p.m.; tickets €10 at door or call 1800 415151

Sat. 18th: World Fiddle Day
Beppe Gambetta (I), The Stables, Dominick St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Two Time Polka, Roots Music Festival Weekend, The White Horse, West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Kickoff 11.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4871388
Tumbling Bones (USA), Mullarkey's at Foyle's Hotel, Clifden, Co. Galway, 9.30 p.m., adm. free
Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Connolly's Bar, Kinvara, Co. Galway

Sun. 19th: Rackhouse Pilfer, Whelan's Front Bar, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2, 7.00 p.m.
Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo

Mon. 20th: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Session, Carrigaline, Co. Cork

Tues. 21st: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Church of Ireland, Bruff, Co. Limerick, 8.00 p.m.
Tumbling Bones (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m., £10; bookings/more info, call Sharon at 07747120659

Wed. 22nd: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Dolan's Bar, Limerick city

Thurs. 23rd: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Fri. 24th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Kenny's, Main St., Lahinch, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m., adm. free
Beppe Gambetta (I), Market House Theatre, Main St., Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
Woody Pines (USA), Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
Two Time Polka, The Blue Haven, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209
Banjo lessons (beginners only), Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT13 3AA, 028 9050 4555, 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m.

Fri. 24th-Sun. 26th: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Ballyhooly Arts Festival, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork

Sat. 25th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, jam session, and banjo lessons, Lagan Valley Island Arts Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, 028 9250 9292, 9.30 a.m.-12.00 noon
Tumbling Bones (USA), Patrick's Bar, 6 Market St., Ennis, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m., adm. free
Beppe Gambetta (I), Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork
Woody Pines (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Two Time Polka, Ballyhooly Arts Festival: The Old Forge Yard, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Open-air.

Sun. 26th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Roadside Tavern, Doolin Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m., adm. free
Beppe Gambetta (I), Colfers, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
Woody Pines (USA), Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
Rackhouse Pilfer, Whelan's Front Bar, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2, 7.00 p.m.

Mon. 27th: Woody Pines (USA), Atlantic Bar, Portrush, Co. Londonderry

Tues. 28th: Woody Pines (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Hard Station, JJ Smyth's, 12 Aungier St., Dublin 2 (part of 'Dublin Guitar Night'); doors 8.00 p.m., music 8.30 p.m., €10

Wed. 29th: Woody Pines (USA), Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Thurs. 30th May-Thurs. 20th June: Roni Stoneman (USA), 'First Lady of Banjo', in Ireland; details TBA

Fri. 31st: Rackhouse Pilfer, Monroe's Upstairs, Lower Dominick St., Galway city, 9.30 p.m.
Tumbling Bones (USA), Beehive Bar, Main St., Ardara, Co. Donegal, 9.30 p.m., adm. free


JUNE 2013

Sun. 2nd: Roni Stoneman (USA), with Hugh Taggart and John Denby, the Purty Loft, Monkstown/Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, 8.30 p.m.; tickets €13 (€10 booked online)
Tumbling Bones (USA), Aras Eanna Arts Centre, Inis Oirr, Árainn, Co. Galway, 8.30 p.m., €5 for students and OAPs

Tues. 4th: Belfast Bluegrass session, Errigle Inn, 312-320, Ormeau Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT7 2GE, 028 9064 1410; 8.30 p.m. onward

Wed. 5th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Whelan's Upstairs, Wexford St., Dublin 2; doors 8.00 p.m., Greasy Coat Stringband as support act; €15/13

Fri. 7th: Woodbine, GAA Centre, Dublin Rd, Athy, Co. Kildare (supporting Tumbling Bones (USA)); doors 8.00 p.m., starts 9.00 p.m.; €10 door charge

Sat. 8th: Niall Toner launches new book, The nuts and bolts of songwriting, at Borris House, Co. Carlow; 4.30 p.m., €10 (part of Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas)

Tues. 11th: Tumbling Bones (USA), McCarthy’s, Goat St., Dingle, Co. Kerry; starts 9.30 p.m., €10 pay at door or reserve at 066-9151205

Wed. 12th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Old Oak Pub, 113 Oliver Plunkett St., Cork city; starts 10.30 p.m., adm. free

Thurs. 13th: Lands End, Mullarkey's, Clifden, Co. Galway

Fri. 14th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Lands End, Monroes, Galway city

Fri. 14th-Sun. 16th: 7th Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Westport, Co. Mayo: Blue Grass Boogiemen (NL), Tumbling Bones (USA), Roni Stoneman (USA), Kidnap Alice (GB), Wildflowers, Tim Rogers, Rocky Top String Band, Molly Hicks, Woodbine, Eilidh Patterson, Tin Box Company, Jukebox Gypsy; more TBA

Sat. 15th: Lands End, Crowley's Music Store, Cork city (5.00 p.m.); Charlies Bar, Cork city (10.00 p.m.)

Sun. 16th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Mannion's, Main St., Balla, Co. Mayo
Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois
Lands End, Ballydehob Maritime and Folk Festival, Co. Cork

Wed. 19th-Sun. 23rd: 15th Open House Festival, Belfast; various locations; details TBA


JULY 2013

Thurs. 4th: Woodbine, Clancy's, Bruff, Co. Limerick

Sun. 7th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone); e-mail; +44 7747 120659

Mon. 8th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), Ballymore Acoustic Gigs, Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare; e-mail; +353 86 327 0780

Tues. 9th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city; e-mail; +353 21 427 8487

Wed. 10th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), De Barra's Folk Club, Clonakilty, Co. Cork; e-mail; +353 23 883 3381

Fri. 12th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; e-mail; +353 68 22566

Fri. 12th-Sun. 14th: 23rd Athy Bluegrass Festival (Facebook), GAA Centre, Dublin Road, Athy, Co. Kildare: Woodbine, Bending the Strings, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Watery Hill Boys, Way Out West, Clem O'Brien

Sat. 13th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), Copper Café, Allihies, Co. Cork; e-mail; +353 (0)27 73218

Sun. 14th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), Valentia Island, Co. Kerry; Cathal Cusack, e-mail

Tues. 16th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), The Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin 14; e-mail; +353 01 296 9340

Fri. 19th-Sun. 21st: Guildtown Bluegrass Festival, Scotland: Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (USA), other acts TBA


AUGUST 2013

Thurs. 8th-Sun. 11th: Clonmel Busking Festival: Niall Toner Band (Sun.), Soggy Wellie Boys (Sat.)

Fri. 9th-Sun. 11th: 3rd Mohill Bluegrass Festival, Mohill, Co. Leitrim (Facebook)

Thurs. 22nd-Sun. 25th: 19th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford; details TBA

Fri. 30th-Sun. 1st Sept.: 22nd Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone: Lonesome River Band, Cedar Hill, Lynda Dawson & Pattie Hopkins of Kickin' Grass (USA), Rawhide (B), Jaywalkers (GB), Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Woodbine, Broken String Band, Northern Exposure, Tupelo, Well Enough Alone, Down and Out Bluegrass Band

SEPTEMBER 2013

Mon. 23rd-Sun. 29th: International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass, Raleigh, NC, USA (note new location)

Fri. 27th-Sun. 29th: 5th Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival, Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, Scotland; lineup includes Lee Valley String Band (Cork), Watery Hill Boys (Drogheda), many more


OCTOBER 2013

Tour by Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore in Britain and Ireland, all Oct.; contact Brookfield Knights agency

Fri. 4th-Sun. 6th: 5th Bruff Bluegrass Music Festival, Bruff, Co. Limerick: details TBA; 'phone Jack Clancy, 061 382488; e-mail

Sat. 19th-Sun. 20th: Irish Steel Guitar Association Festival, Green Isle Hotel, Dublin

Fri. 25th-Mon. 28th: 5th Balla Bluegrass Festival, Mannion's, Main St., Balla, Co. Mayo; details TBA


MAY 2014

Fri. 2nd-Sat. 3rd: 12th International Bühl Bluegrass Festival, Bühl/Baden, Germany

Thurs. 29th-Sat. 31st: 17th European World of Bluegrass Festival, Voorthuizen, the Netherlands