Bluegrass news from the Southern Capital

Kevin Gill reports from Cork:

The Lee Valley String Band return to the scene of the crime

In 1968 the Lee Valley String Band played their first gig in Aghada, Co. Cork. Now, 38 years later, on Friday 5 May, they will return to Aghada. In one of their rare trips outside of Cork city, they will play in the Long Point, Lower Aghada. As Tana will be away on holiday, the guitar role will be filled by Geraldine Gill - no stranger to the Aghada bluegrass fans. The Long Point is a great venue and second home to local band Moonshine and host to great nights by many visiting bands. Expect a late one!!!

Bluegrass radio show shortlisted for Student Media awards

'Rawhide' is known as a fiery Bill Monroe instrumental, and Donal Gill chose this as a fitting name for his one-hour weekly radio show. He started presenting the show in November 2005 and it airs each Wednesday at 11.00 on College Campus Radio 97.4 FM. The show has been shortlisted for this year's Oxygen National Student Media Awards. He has been nominated in the 'Radio Production: Arts & Features' category, which is to be adjudicated by Myles Dungan of RTE. Donal plays a high percentage of bluegrass on each show and also features other related music such as blues, folk, country, and rock. The Evening Echo reported that the show 'has made a major impact' and the Examiner is also writing an article on the nomination. Donal is studying history as part of first-year arts, and applies the research methods and analysis he is learning with great effect to musical history. His enthusiasm and love of music is obviously coming across the airwaves and he seems to have struck a chord with listeners. While extremely knowledgeable about the various styles of music, individual musicians, and the role of various instruments, his presentation style is not overly intellectual or technical. Indeed, it is often quite lighthearted; to quote from a recent programme, 'On what other radio programme would you get a Frank Wakefield tune followed up with a Jethro Tull song?'

Donal's show has much in common with the tune 'Rawhide', as they both share a great deal of drive, personality, and an influential voice. College Campus Radio, his family and friends are all extremely proud of Donal's nomination and we send him our best wishes.