Athy Festival launch party, Smuggler's Inn, 27 April: report

Niall Toner reports:

Ireland's longest-running bluegrass festival hit the headlines once again when the 2006 Athy Bluegrass Music Festival event was officially launched at Smuggler's Inn in Athy on Thursday night, 27 April, with a show that included music from Woodbine, the Niall Toner Band, Frankie Lane, and Paul McEvoy. There was a superb turn-out, showing great support from far and wide, and also in attendance was this year's new sponsor, Albert Dunne, the local Suzuki dealer. The Press were also in there in droves, and there were many photos taken and interviews recorded. The gathering was addressed by Tony O'Brien, who unveiled the full line-up for this year's event, including the Bluegrass Patriots, Four Wheel Drive, NTB, Woodbine, the Kevin and Geraldine Gill Band, Dark Road, the Rough Deal String Band, Tennessee Hob, Acoustic Grass, and Hog's Rose Bluegrass Band. It was also interesting to hear bluegrass music being performed in the venue where it all started! As always, the food, the music and the hospitality were of the highest order, and everyone is looking forward to Athy, 13-16 July.

For further information, see the Athy Bluegrass Music Association website.