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.