Woodbine news / Bill Monroe tribute NEW DATE

Tony O'Brien reports:

Woodbine played to a full house (a marquee) at the Phil Murphy Festival in Carrig-on-Bannow on 28 July, sharing the bill with Two Time Polka and really stopped the lights, as with ten minutes to go in their fifty-minute set the power went; but, like true bluegrass professionals, they finished the set without mics and received a standing ovation at the end. Power was restored for TTP to play a driving set of cajun, folk, and country. A really great night and a great audience.

Woodbine play at the Curragh Races on 13 August as part of a special race meeting between the Curragh and Kentucky. They play a 45-minute set at noon and in between the races during the afternoon.

The Bill Monroe Tribute night now takes place on Friday 8 September in the Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy. Any band wishing to be part of this tribute night, please contact me 059 8625266 or via this link in the next week or so. A charge of 10 euro on the door, with proceeds going to the ABMA towards next year's festival.

Castlepalooza, 5 & 6 August

Prison Love report:

Howdy, y'all,

Next Saturday August 5th, Prison Love are bustin' out and making for the purdy surroundings of Charleville Castle, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

This is a festival of the best & brightest musicians and musiclovers, local & international. Tickets for the weekend are €75 including camping. It promises to be a well behaved intimate affair.

Focus here for all details!

Saturday line-up
Prison Love, Bill Coleman & Band, Cartoon, The Chapters, The Blizzards, 8 Ball, Ashtar, Corsairs, Suddyn, Penfold DM, Brothers on the slide, Saucy Monky.

Sunday line-up
Republic of Loose, Springbreak, Bray Vista, Neosupervital, Katell Keineg, Delorentos, Ten Past 7, The Spikes, Dara, Cousin Elias.

DJs until late both nights:
Connor G, John Power, Jusity, Morgan, M.o.d.e.m, Techstyle

Hope to see you there!
Hurricane Barry

do some time with us!

Clareen Banjos on RTE

The RTE station TG4 has just broadcast (9.45-10.15 p.m.) a feature on the banjo in Irish music, which centres on the work of Tom Cussen of Clarinbridge, Co. Galway, maker of Clareen Banjos. The programme included plenty of good banjo sounds (with one speaker stressing the 'aggressiveness' of the instrument) and a good brief survey of the banjo in Irish music, giving due credit to Barney McKenna for the introduction of the GDAE tuning. And yes, the 5-string did get one mention (though not the fact that banjos with long necks and thumb-strings were around for many decades before the tenor). Tom Cussen makes great banjos - including 5-strings - and can be contacted either at his own workshop or at the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival in Longford this coming September.

Badbelly delights at the Crane, 21 July

Tom Hanway, Sharon Shannon, Winnie Horan, and Johnny O'Halloran at the Crane

The Badbelly Project (Tom Hanway, guitar/banjo; Michael O'Connor, harmonica) played two shows upstairs to a packed house at the Crane, Galway (Project '06). Earlier that evening, Badbelly (on banjo) joined friends Sharon Shannon, Winnie Horan (Solas), and Johnny O'Halloran for a no-holds-barred-anything-goes session on the ground floor. The buzz was incredible at the Crane that night. On Saturday night Tom returned for a gospel and bluegrass jam with fiddler Ivor Ottley and singer/guitarist Ruth Dillon, who will be guesting with the Tennessee Hob in Dunmore East at the end of August.

In May 2005 Tom Hanway released The Badbelly project: Hesitation Blues, his tour de force country blues and gospel recording incorporating Delta, Texas, West Coast and East Coast (Piedmont) guitar styles. The Badbelly project was the title coined by Tom’s first wife, Kathleen Low, who died of cancer in 2002. 'Your long journey’, a duet with Lucy Kaplansky, is lovingly dedicated to Kathleen. Supporting musicians include the late Vassar Clements on fiddle, Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan Band) on mandolin, Trip Henderson on harmonica, Denny McDermott on barnyard percussion, Lucy Kaplansky, and Lincoln Schleifer (New York Rock & Soul Revue), who co-produced and played double bass.

Dutch treat at the Cobblestone, 19 July

4WD in close harmony: Joost van Es, Jurgen Biller, Alfred Bonk, Jan Michielsen, Edu Grin

By the end of the show, even a deaf person with impaired vision could have told it was a great success by the number of flashbulbs going off throughout the evening. Unfazed by the hot, close night - made hotter and closer by the Cobblestone stage and lights - 4 Wheel Drive manoeuvred effortlessly round their big Rode mike and delivered the intense, masterful picking and singing that won them the title of #1 European Bluegrass Band 2002, plus the #2 band award and the #1 Audience Popularity Award at this May's European World of Bluegrass Festival. On Wednesday 19 July they won a standing ovation from a full house at the Cobblestone in Smithfield, on an evening that clearly delighted everyone involved.

Bluegrass shows in central Dublin (even by American acts with established reputations) have not always drawn the attention they deserved, so the outcome of Wednesday's show is something of which 4WD, Paul Lee and the Cobblestone, the audience, and the Dublin bluegrass community can be proud. Special thanks to Gerry Skelly for bringing his upright bass for the band's use.

News from New York

Vincent Cross reports:

Having exchanged a few words with Shane MacGowan at the airport, I felt my journey to the States had got off to a good start. Settling in here nicely. Last week was amazing, as I went to my first stateside Bluegrass Festival: the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival was having its thirtieth anniversary. I couldn't believe my luck - four days of quality bluegrass. Dan Paisley, Larry Sparks, Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs and my highlight, Steve Earle with Tim O'Brien doing all the tunes from his Mountain album.

There seems no end to the bluegrass here in New York; last Wednesday at the Baggot Chris Thile and Mark O'Connor came in for a jam, which was (as you can imagine) inspiring. In fact, check: my friend Kimberlee took a nice shot of myself and Chris.


Chris Thile and Vincent Cross (mandolins)

Her site has loads of photos of the New York scene, which I recommend having a look at.


Vincent & friends celebrate the Grey Fox's thirtieth birthday

I guess the festival scene is really kicking off over there too. Anyway, you take care; hope you like the picture.

Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens

Tom Sheerin reports:

Carmel has a song on the latest release of Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, volume 82, and it has been distributed to +- 400 radio stations in the US and around the world. The song, 'Without you', is off our album Runaway and penned by Danny and Des Sheerin. We're getting a great response from DJs already, and they only got it last Saturday.

We are working hard on new material for our new album, which we will be recording in Nashville the week before IBMA. Danny co-wrote one of the songs with Tim O'Brien, and he will be joining us for that song in the studio.

Will have a list of upcoming gigs for you soon - we're organizing a small 'warm-up' tour for Nashville, starting in mid August. Carmel also got engaged recently.

BIB editor's note: Prime Cuts of Bluegrass is a marketing service which supplies compilation CDs to radio stations with bluegrass programming, to bluegrass professionals, and to bluegrass talent buyers. Carmel & the Ravens share vol. 82 with such artists as Sam Bush, Larry Stephenson, and David Davis & the Warrior River Boys.

Project '06 in Galway

Project '06, the alternative festival coinciding with the regular Galway Arts Festival, was launched by the mayor of the city on Sunday 16 July with an evening street party. The festival website lists the following old-time/ bluegrass/ blues/ Americana/ related events, some of which are now unfortunately past. Thanks to Tom Hanway for making it known to us that Project 'O6 is going ahead with such vigour.

At the Crane Bar:

The Badbelly Project (blues): Friday 21 July 8:00 p.m. €10
Singer/guitarist and New Yorker Tom Hanway (New York) and blues harpist Michael O’Connor (Limerick) deliver haunting, howling delta blues.

The Rough Deal String Band: Sunday 23 July 8:00 p.m. €10
Banjo Bill Whelan leads this exciting group of singers and pickers. Along with other band members Tim Rogers (fiddle, mandolin, vocals) and Ben Keogh (guitar and vocals) the band perform a mixture of fiddle tunes, western, hillbilly and other lively traditional fare.

Clive Barnes (blues/contemporary): Friday 28 July 8:00 p.m. €10
Wexford man currently playing with the Joe Cocker Band. With his throaty, guttural, Tom Waits-like voice and breathtaking guitar style reminiscent of J.J. Cale and Ry Cooder, conjures up a spell-binding bluesy vibe.

Wildwood (bluegrass): Sunday 30 July 8:00 p.m. €7
An eclectic group of musicians: Ruth Dillon (guitar/vocals), Pete Lamb (guitar/vocals), Ivor Ottley (fiddle), and Tom Portman (dobro/guitar). They combine wonderful vocal harmonies with outstanding musicianship to create a soulful down-homey feel.

Around the Town:
Ruth Dillon, Town Hall Bar, Tuesday 18 July 9:30 p.m. €6
Promoting her excellent new CD Woken, Ruth's sweet solemn voice complements her trademark poignant lyrics.

OGMA sessions:
Tuesday 18 July: Imperial Hotel 9:30 p.m. Free
Friday 21 July: An Pucán 9:30 p.m. Free
Monday 24 July: Richardson’s 9:30 p.m. Free
Thursday 27 July: Monroe’s Tavern 9:30 p.m. Free
Open instrumental acoustic jam sessions around the city: traditional Irish music fused with jazz, bluegrass, blues, and roots. Bring your instrument if you are reasonably competent!

Live at the Warwick:
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Wednesday 19-Thursday 20 July 8.30 p.m. €20
From Tchaikovsky to Nirvana via Otis Redding, a concert by the Ukulele Orchestra is a funny, virtuosic, twanging, singing, melodious light entertainment. Sitting shoulder to shoulder in a semi-circle, the seven Ukes dress in black tuxedos like a Symphony Orchestra, reworking classics of rock 'n' roll, punk, jazz, and classical music. 'Plucking brilliant' Sunday Times; 'They are among the great entertainers' London Evening Standard
[BIB editor's note: the UOGB's dates in the UK are regularly publicised by FOAOTMAD (the Friends Of American Old Time Music And Dance)]

Project 06 Ball with Máimín Cajun Band, Sunday 30 July 8.30 p.m. €15
Ireland's most sought-after cajun band bring their infectious mix of Lousiana swamp amd Irish music to Galway. The Máimíns swing from Irish, French to English; waltzes, two-steps, and tex-mex.

At the Roisin Dubh:

Mozaik, Tuesday 25 July 9:00 p.m. €22.50/20 Members
Marrying Irish traditional music with American old-time and eastern European styles, Mozaik have created a magical and breathtaking sound. These multi-cultural, multi-talented troubadours are the real deal [included Bruce Molsky on one of their earlier Irish events].

Hayseed Dixie, Saturday 29 July 9:00 p.m. €20/17.50 Members
A group of four eccentric bluegrass folk musicians [including the two younger sons of Don Reno] who've dug up lots of 80s rock music (AC/DC, Kiss, Aerosmith) and transformed it into their own special blend of contemporary bluegrass.

BOOK WITH CREDIT CARDS: TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE, COURTHOUSE SQUARE; PHONE: 091 569777

Athy hits new high

The Athy Bluegrass Music Association (ABMA) are always improving their product. Sometimes it's in details, like this year's festival programme leaflet listing concerts, venues, artists, and sponsors; and sometimes in quantum leaps. Back in 2003, when the Bluegrass Patriots were last here, the big leaps were a bill with two heavy-duty international bands, and the Sunday afternoon concert (2.00-6.00 p.m.), which gave the festival another day. Last year's leap was the Thursday evening free concert at the Clanard Court Hotel, which extended the festival a day in the other direction.

This year the ABMA continued all these features and took some big steps further, made possible by using the dignified, welcoming setting of the Carlton Abbey Hotel in central Athy. The bar-restaurant (formerly the abbey chapel) was the setting for the gospel concert by both headline bands on Sunday noon, and for afternoon shows by Acoustic Grass (Ulster) on Friday and Hog's Rose (Leinster/Connacht) on Saturday. These were part of a Gig Trail which also featured Tennessee Hob, Frankie Lane & Paul Kelly, and Fair City Grass at White's Castle and Smuggler's Inn. And on Sunday evening, after the formal end of the festival, the courtyard in front of the Abbey held a relaxed jam by the headliners, the Bluegrass Patriots and 4 Wheel Drive. Both these superb bands were on top form and full of high spirits despite (or because of?) working and playing hard throughout the weekend. Some impressive jams took place after the evening concerts at the Rugby Club, as well as in the afternoons in Clancy's Bar.

All the bands on the main concerts, in fact, seemed to be on top form. The host band, Woodbine, opened the first two evenings in particularly good voice. Acoustic Grass, second out on Thursday and first on Sunday, were in amazing form for a band which (by their own account) gets together about twice a year. The two main pillars of acoustic country and old-time music in Ireland, the Niall Toner Band and the Rough Deal String Band, were as good as we've heard them, which is saying a lot. But the two Cork bands - the Kevin & Geraldine Gill Band and Dark Road - both made powerful impacts. Even though Dark Road played their whole set sitting down, they were worth watching for their movements alone; this is a band with complete control over the dynamics of the music.

The Friday, Saturday, and Sunday main concerts all took place in the main hall of Athy Rugby Club, which made a fully equipped auditorium seating 200 people (the Saturday night audience well exceeded this). The sound, by Tony Cardiff, was equal to the best there has been at an Athy Festival. Oh, yes - and there was perfect weather throughout the weekend, and the Festival's main sponsor, Albert Dunne Car Sales of Athy, will sponsor next year's Festival as well. Thanks to all the sponsors, the performers, the venues, and the ABMA for an outstanding weekend.

Richard Hawkins

Tennessee Hob plays to full house at North Wales Bluegrass Festival

Press release:


Tom Hanway and Karl Deeter of Tennessee Hob

Tennessee Hob (Tom Hanway and Karl Deeter: USA/Ireland) recently played to a full house at the 18th Annual North Wales Bluegrass Festival (7-9 July 2006) in Conwy, North Wales (UK). Tom and Karl played three shows, gave a 'Meet the Band' workshop, and jammed with everybody till the wee hours. The shows featured their brother-style duets, hot instrumentals, and Karl's off-the-cuff stories and humour. A brilliant time was had by all. Tennessee Hob has upcoming festivals in Athy, Carrig-on-Bannow, Derry, and Dunmore East. Contact: Tom Hanway.

Apologies to Tom; the above news reached us on 13 July immediately before leaving for the Athy Festival, leaving no opportunity to put it on the BIB earlier. As we report elsewhere, the Derry festival, including 'Bluegrass on the Walls', is now regrettably cancelled for 2006. The following news has just reached us.

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The Tennessee Hob also appeared in White's Castle at the Athy Bluegrass Festival, and has several upcoming shows with an expanded line-up:

Sun. 30 July: Colfer's Bar, Phil Murphy Weekend, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford. 3.30 p.m.

Thurs. 24 August: Haven Hotel, Tom Hanway leads kick-off jam for the 12th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, 7:30 p.m.

Thurs.-Sun. 24-27 August: 12th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.

Maiden City Festival bows out for 2006

Tony Curran reports:

Please note the attached link for immediate posting to the BIB.

We have also received through Frank Galligan, who has all our sympathy, the following press release:

The organisers of the Maiden City Festival have decided to bring the curtain down on the Festival for 2006. Read more...

CD releases

17 July: Mountain Home Records announce two new releases: The road with no end by the Lonesome River Band, and Acoustic rising by Mark Johnson and Emory Lester. Both CDs are for release on 18 July.

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7 July: East Public Relations announce two new releases: The grass I grew up on, by Marty Raybon and his band Full Circle, and Williams & Clark Expedition, by the band of the same name... (read more)

Tours: Eric Bogle & John Munro / Burrito de Luxe / Arlo Guthrie

Thanks to Nigel Martyn for the following releases:

Scottish songwriter Eric Bogle makes a rare visit from his adopted home in Australia later this month. Eric is well known and loved in Ireland as his songs have been recorded by Mary Black, the Furey Brothers, and the Pogues. International artists such as Joan Baez, Donovan, and Slim Dusty have also added a Bogle song or two to their repertoire.

His songs have become household names in Ireland: 'The green fields of France (No Man's Land)' and 'The band played Waltzing Matilda' are the best known.

Eric will be accompanied on this tour by John Munro. The two have been collaborating for many years, sometimes under the guise of the Elderly Brothers...

Tues. 18th July: MALLOW, Co. Cork, Mallow Park Hotel
Wed. 19th: GALWAY, Radisson Hotel (part of the Galway Arts Festival)
Thurs. 20th: CULDAFF, McGrory's
Fri. 21st: COOKSTOWN, Co. Tyrone, Burnavon Theatre
Sat. 22nd: TULLAMORE, Co. Offaly, Rugby Club
Sun. 23rd: CARRIG ON BANNOW, Co. Wexford, Colfers
Mon. 24th: LIMERICK, Dolan's Warehouse
Tues. 25th - DUBLIN, Whelan's
Wed. 26th - ROSTREVOR, Co. Down, St Bronagh's (part of the Fiddler's Green Festival)

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Following a very successful tour in 2004, Burrito DeLuxe return to Ireland for a few dates later this month. Since their last visit the band has undergone a few personnel changes to produce what I think is their strongest line-up to date.

The band was formed in 2000 around Flying Burrito Brothers original Sneaky Pete Kleinow. Sadly, Altzeimer's disease has taken over Sneaky's life and he has had to retire from touring. And Garth Hudson has also parted company, mostly due to the long commute from his home in Woodstock, NY, to the band's base in Nashville, TN.

However, they have been replaced by two musicians that will not disappoint the consummate music fan!
Walter Egan on guitar and vocals (Jackson Browne, Gram Parsons, Wanda Jackson, Linda Ronstadt) has recorded no less than eight solo albums and had a US million-selling single in 1978, 'Magnet and steel', produced by Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham.

Richard Bell on piano joined Levon Helm, Rick Danko, & Co. in the Band in 1991, was a founder member of Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, and played piano on Janis Joplin's final album, Pearl.

With Stick Davis (Amazing Rhythm Aces, B.B. King, Al Green) on bass, Bryan Owings (Buddy and Julie Miller, Delbert McClinton) on drums, and Carlton Moody (the Moody Brothers) on vocals and rhythm guitar to complete quite an impressive collection of musicians!

Thurs. 20th July: ENNISCORTHY, Co. Wexford, the Bailey
Fri. 21st: CARRIG ON BANNOW, Co. Wexford, Colfers
Sat. 22nd: HEADFORD, Co. Galway, Campbell's Tavern (part of the Galway Arts Festival)
Sun. 23rd: DUNDALK, Co. Louth, Spirit Store
Mon. 24th: BOYLE, the Moving Stairs
Tues. 25th: BELFAST, Errigle Inn; see Nigel's website

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Arlo Guthrie makes a long overdue return to Ireland in August. The son of Woody Guthrie will have his own son, Abe, with him on keyboards as well as Gordon Titcomb (Woodstock Mountain Revue, Paul Simon, Shawn Colvin) on steel and mandolin.

Expect the usual Arlo fare infused with his unique sense of humour, and look out for an updated version of 'Alice's restaurant' that will no doubt take a wry look at the America of today!

Mon. 14th Aug. CULDAFF, McGrory's
Tues. 15th, Wed. 16th: GALWAY, Roisin Dubh
Thurs. 17th: LIMERICK, Dolan's Warehouse
Fri. 18th: DUBLIN, Vicar Street

Connacht events, July-August

Thanks to Pete Lamb for supplying the following news, which should have been on display here much earlier:

At the Crane, Kinvara:
July 8th: The Snakes (FREE!)
Aug. 26th: The Snakes (FREE!)

At the Crane, Galway:
July 21st: Badbelly (Tom Hanway and Mike O'Connor, blues harp)
July 23rd: Rough Deal Stringband
July 28th: Clive Barnes
July 30th: Wildwood (Pete Lamb, Ivor Ottley, Ruth Dillon)

At J.J. Harlow's, Roscommon
Aug. 5th: (2.00-5.00 p.m.) Wildwood
Aug. 24th: (9.00 p.m.) Wildwood

Steve Kaufman in Dublin, 8-9 July: UPDATE

Thanks to Cathal Cusack for the following news:

The Guitar Festival of Ireland is breaking free of its classical and fingerstyle origins, with Steve Kaufman coming over from the USA for a workshop and concert. The festival website has lists of all the artists, venues, dates etc. Anyone interested can book a concert or workshop from the website or contact Alec for information.

Steve is lined up to conduct a workshop on Saturday 8 July at 10 a.m. and perform in concert on Sunday 9 July at 9 p.m. The venue for the workshop is Walton's New School, South Great George's Street, and the concert is at Renards, South Frederick Street, NOT in the Holiday Inn Dublin Centre, as was first announced.

Steve is an outstanding teacher and the only three-time winner of the National Flatpicking Championships held at Winfield - it's not to be missed. If anyone wants to know more about him, his website or the Festival page has all the information.

BIB editor's note: The Niall Toner Band are among other artists taking part in the Festival.

Omagh Festival wins prestigious tourism award

Press release:


The Ulster American Folk Park has been awarded one of the most prestigious accolades at this year's Northern Ireland Tourism Awards. The popular Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival scooped Event of the Year at the biggest night in the tourism calendar. The award, which was sponsored by Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Norfolk line Irish Sea Ferry Services, was presented to Peter Kelly, Head of Museum Services, and Richard Hurst, Visitor Services Manager, in front of over 350 industry representatives at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

Now in its 15th year, the Annual Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival has become one of the largest bluegrass events outside North America, with over 8,000 attending last year's musical extravaganza. The festival has become an annual pilgrimage for bluegrass fans throughout the world and features many of the biggest names on the international bluegrass scene.

Peter Kelly, Head of Museum Services, was delighted with the success and was keen to use the opportunity to thank all the people who make the event possible each year. 'This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff. We are elated that their commitment has been recognised in this way. We remain exceptionally grateful to all our sponsors who have helped ensure the growth of this event over the past 15 years. Winning "Event of the Year" will greatly boost the profile of the festival and help us to continue to attract performers and event partners of the highest calibre.'

Judges felt that the Bluegrass Festival was very much in line with Northern Ireland Tourist Board's winning theme, 'Excellent Events', and more than fulfilled criteria relating to extending the tourism season, creative packaging and efficient marketing activity. One judge commented: 'This is a quality festival planned out of season and growing in a sustainable manner'.

The winners of this years 28th Northern Ireland Tourism awards were chosen from more than one hundred entries and for Richard Hurst, Visitor Services Manager, this fact made winning extra special. 'We are delighted that our Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival has been awarded this level of recognition. To be acknowledged as the premier tourism event in Northern Ireland is very rewarding and we are particularly thrilled to be given this appreciation from the tourism industry whose high standards we continually strive to maintain.'

Speaking at the presentations, NITB chairman Tom McGrath said: 'Excellence of product and excellence of service are now the norm rather than the exception and the tourism awards provide the means by which we recognise that excellence and reward those efforts. I congratulate all the winners and commended entries.'

The Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival runs over three days and features a range of attractions including the 'Bluegrass in the Park' outdoor musical performances and three major evening concerts in the festival marquee. This year's event will take place from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd September with a host of international and award-winning artists already booked including Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (USA), the Wilders (USA), Roll's Boys (Czech Republic), and the Buffalo Gals (UK). Tickets are on sale for the 2006 event, so for further information or to purchase tickets please contact 02882243292 or visit the Park website.

For further information contact Paula Donnelly on 02882 256324 or by e-mail.

18th North Wales Bluegrass Festival , 7-9 July: LATEST UPDATE

This update makes an important revision to the former BIB post on this event:
Carmel Sheerin and the Ravens, #1 European Bluegrass Band 2005, have undergone personnel changes, and will appear at the 18th International Bluegrass Music and Dance Festival at Conwy, north Wales (7–9 July) with an instrumental line-up of bass, guitar, mandolin, and resophonic guitar behind Carmel’s lead singing and her brothers' tight harmonies. Also at the top of the bill are the New Section (CZ), whom many Irish fans will remember from their appearances at the Dunmore East festival some years ago, and the duo Tennessee Hob (USA/IRL) with Tom Hanway (banjo/guitar), formerly banjo-player for the Ravens, and Karl Deeter (lead guitar), who wound up last weekend's 'Hoedown at the Ranch' at Airfield, Dublin.

Carmel & the Ravens are continuing their appearance schedule, including festival bookings, their showcase at IBMA's World of Bluegrass in September, and the recording of their second album in Nashville.

Also on the bill at North Wales will be the Britannia Band, the Down County Boys, the Duffy Brothers, the Crocker Brothers, Chris Moreton, Longway, Monroe's Revenge, Brian Golbey, Doghouse featuring John Dowling, Dulaman, the Morris Boys, Splinter, Brian Curtis and the Old Timers, Bill Lloyd and the Front Porch Boys, Highly Strung, Biggin Hillbillies, Cajun Band Square Peg, plus many more, including Appalachian dance groups Mind The Step, Raise the Dust, and Kickin' Alice. For full details see the Festival website or telephone +44 (0)1492-580454.

BIB editor's note: From Ireland, the Conwy festival is the most accessible of all the UK festivals and is an excellent way to get acquainted with the British bluegrass scene.