Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, 14-17 Sept.

A reminder, for anyone who needs it, that the 5th annual Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival in Longford town begins on Thursday 14 September with an evening concert at the Longford Arms ballroom, the main festival concert venue. From then till Sunday night, indoor and open-air concerts, street and pub sessions, and masterclass workshops will be taking place practically non-stop.

With the Jerry Douglas Band (USA) at the top of the bill, there are likely to be plenty of dobros in town. For old-time enthusiasts, there are Uncle Earl (USA), the exciting new all-woman string band band; the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band (USA) featuring Leroy Troy; and our own Rough Deal String Band. Bluegrass is represented by our own Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, #1 European Bluegrass Band 2005; the Carter Brothers (USA); two legendary US banjoists, Tony Trischka with a full band, and Pete Wernick with his wife Joan; the Jeff & Vida Band, and our unique Niall Toner Band (Ireland). And more! For the appearances by Ottley, Hanway, and Dillon, see our post here.

As always, the Irish-music side of the programme is equally distinguished. Full details are on the festival website. And if you want a new banjo or something fixed on your old one, call on Tom Cussen of Clareen Banjos who will have premises in Longford during the festival.

Further details from this link; phone 087-281-7825; international +353-87-281-7825