Jeff & Vida tour: final dates

Jeff and Vida, who appeared earlier in September at the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival and other dates, are finishing their current tour in Ireland. The dates they played in the last two weeks have mostly been on the BIB calendar; the last two are:

Sat. 7th: Ballyboughal Hall, Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin. (01) 8020898. Doors open 8.30 p.m. Adm: €12.50. NB: This show is presented by the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, and is being held at Ballyboughal in consequence of the recent fire at the Centre.

Sun. 8th: Buncrana, Co. Donegal; Rodden's Bar

For the record, dates for the rest of the tour since 22 September appear at the end of this post.

Nigel Martyn reports about J. & V.: 'Since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans they have relocated to Nashville, where they are making new waves amongst the elite of Music City with their original brand of bluegrass and Americana. The Jeff & Vida Band is one of New Orleans's best-known acoustic roots acts, performing original material from Appalachian bluegrass to alternative country. With ballads that sound like they could have been written fifty years ago and raucous barnstorming numbers that keep your feet tapping, their live shows are exciting and unique, full of humour, good music, and unforgettable songs.

'They began in bars in New Orleans in 1998 and, having toured nonstop for three years, are gaining serious acclaim and attention, taking them into the major national and international club and festival circuit. Their latest album, the award-winning The simplest plans (Binky Records 2002) has earned them a large fan base and a reputation for embodying the spirit of "Americana" music.

'Their different backgrounds and shared love of American roots music helped them create a unique sound that fuses blues, country, rock 'n' roll, and bluegrass. You've got to hear Vida's powerful voice, Jeff's superb picking on mandolin, guitar, and banjo, and Mike Kerwin's slap-you-in-the-face bass playing and tight harmonies.'

'Unclassifiable but terrific: New Orleans's Jeff & Vida Band, a bluegrass-influenced group with a bluesiness at its core and a powerful stage presence' - No Depression

'Jeff and Vida return to country's working-class roots... The real blue-plate special comes with their harmonies. Call it old-school country. More Austin than Nashville' - Sing Out magazine

Fri. 22nd Sept.: Grange, Co. Sligo, Barry's Public House
Sun. 24th: Buncrana, Co. Donegal, Rodden's Bar
Tues. 26th: Richhill, Co. Armagh, Groucho's Music Lounge
Thurs. 28th: Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Riverside Theatre (now booking 028 70 323232)
Fri. 29th: Armagh city, Marketplace Theatre (now booking 028 37 521821)
Sat. 30th: Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Railway Hotel
Sun. 1st Oct/: Belfast, Black Box (now booking 028 90 246609), Open House Festival
Wed. 4th: Listowel, Co. Kerry, St John's Arts Centre
Thurs. 5th: Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford, Colfer's Pub