Belfast: new bluegrass and old-time sessions

Thanks to Tony Curran for the news that Broken Strings (seen above at the Ulster American Folk Park) are now playing every Sunday night at the John Hewitt Bar, 51 Donegall Street, Belfast. For bookings and other details, contact Wilson Davies, 1 Manor Park, Comber, Co. Down; 'phone +44 (0)28 9187 1074.

The John Hewitt also hosts Nigel Martyn's OldFlatTop Music Club, which opens its doors earlier every Sunday, at 3.00 p.m.. Music from the Club can be heard on streaming audio or the club's MySpace site, all accessible here. Featured artists include Cat Malojian.

More Belfast news: Bill Whelan of Dublin's Rough Deal String Band reports that a fortnightly old-time music session will be held on Sundays at 9.00 p.m. in the Fountain Tavern, 16 Fountain Street, Belfast. The first took place on Sunday 25 March. Former members of the old Appalachian Strings band, including Geordie McAdam and Ian McAllister, are taking part.


Geordie McAdam (fiddle), not in a central Belfast setting; both photos by courtesy of the Ulster American Folk Park

Tony also reports that Jimmy Quinn - he of the left-handed Gibson Mastertone, and long renowned for his instrument set-up and repair work - is now doing top-quality inlaying as well. Contact James Quinn, 71 Hornbeam Road, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 9DN, Northern Ireland.