Midlands Music Festival: first reports

Clem O'Brien, Jim Lauderdale, and Niall Toner at the MMF

Thanks to Niall Toner for these photos from the past weekend's Midlands Music Festival. Niall adds: 'Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder were awesome on Saturday, and Bray Vista also did a fine job.'


The view from the stage during the NTB's set

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Aran Sheehan and his daughter Jessie also saw the awesome Mr Skaggs and band, and managed to film them playing the Stanley Brothers' 'Riding on that midnight train', which can be seen here. Aran warns that the camera work is not ideal, as he was holding Jessie, and the music was making it hard to stand still. He advises: 'Tip: pause it straight away and let it download before pressing play.' Aran adds:

I also caught Steve Earle, who played an excellent set which involved just him and mandolin, filling the crowd with so much music for such little paraphernalia. The only other guy I have seen live who mesmerised a crowd like that, with just himself and his mandolin, was Chris Thile in the Sugar Club.

The little stage in the middle was the place of most magical moments apart from Ricky Skaggs: there was Peter Brazier and the band he's in... (Peter is an old friend of my dad's who I only saw in Athy a couple of years ago for the first time in twenty years, Saturday was the second time). They played an eclectic mix of old-time, Django, folk & bluegrass which showed their musical talent and diversity... Later on in the little tent, Prison Love played with their usual fantastic energy to (at this stage) a packed tent full of dancing people.



Aran also appreciated the atmosphere and facilities of the MMF for anyone with small children. Above: Jessie and part of the audience at the Lambert puppet theatre.

King Wilkie: new directions

This year's programme at the Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival at Omagh is topped by the Steep Canyon Rangers, who won the IBMA Emerging Artist Award in 2006. Two years ago, the Festival's bill-toppers were King Wilkie, who had won the same award in 2004.

The Bluegrass Blog quotes an interview by journalist Mario Tarradell in the Dallas Morning News last Monday (23 July) with Reid Burgess of King Wilkie, focusing on the change of direction in the band's latest CD, Low Country suite, on which the instrumentation includes piano, organ, cello, harmonica, pedal steel, percussion, and a marxophone. Reid Burgess emphasises that it was love of bluegrass that brought the band together, and that their new stance evolved from this: 'To me it's just a question of doing it well. We just tried to do it the most natural way and keep that spirit. Not trying to ape anybody.'

See the story here.

Jon Glik in Ireland from 29 August

Orrin Star reports from the USA:

I'm writing to let you know that one of the greatest bluegrass fiddlers of my acquaintance - Jon Glik - will be coming to Ireland with his girlfriend for a two-week vacation starting August 29th.

(Jon performed and recorded long ago with Del McCoury - and Ronnie McCoury's popular instrumental 'Baltimore Johnny' was written about him.)

In any case, he's a fantastic player and a very nice, humble guy, and he's up for doing anything while he's over - so I encourage you to perhaps contact him if you have anything he might participate in or sit in on.

He can be reached via his girlfriend's e-mail.

BIB editor's note: In addition, Jon Glik has played and recorded with Dave Evans, Frank Wakefield, the Forbes Family, Mike Garris, Gary Ferguson, Bob Paisley, and the Hard Travelers, and has performed throughout the US and abroad.

A fiddler wanted: twice

Thanks to UKBluegrass.com for the news that the Boxcar Preachers are seeking a stand-in fiddler for their appearances at the Guinness International Bluegrass Festival (23-26 August) at Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, and the Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival (31 August-2 September) at Omagh, Co. Tyrone. The pay is 'decent and includes food, lodging, and some of the transportation to/from Dublin'. Anybody interested should contact the Texas band through their MySpace page.

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And Johan Larsson of Stockholm, Sweden, a musician with his own recording studio, sends word through the European Bluegrass Music Association that he is looking for a fiddle-player for a new song he's working on. He adds that if the right fiddler happens to live outside Sweden,'it would be great if the person have the possibility to record in a studio/home studio and than send me the audiofile.' Contact Johan by e-mail.

Prison Love at Castlepalooza

Prison Love report:

Howdy folks,

Coming up this August 4th & 5th, Bank Holiday weekend, is Castlepalooza, held in the beautiful 17th century Charleville Castle & grounds. It's Ireland's most intimate gathering of musicians, artists, & performers, all close to Tullamore, Co. Offaly. We had a blast last year, and we're looking forward to playing the main stage on Sunday afternoon.

Entertainment til late both nights, including Sister Sledge, Neosupervital & Noise Control * Bands & DJs on two stages * Full bar, cocktail bar and a great choice of food * Daily access to Charleville Castle * Free hot showers along with proper flushing loos * Massages, art exhibitions, and a whole lot more.

Full line-up & directions here.

Tickets: here or phone 0818 22 00 50.

Be good, see you there!

More Athy memories

Red Wine in action at the Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy

Many thanks to Aran Sheehan, who sends these photos and, in his own words, 'a link to Red Wine playing a stonker of a tune'.


Martino Coppo and Aran in the hotel piazza


Red Wine and the Patuxent Partners after the concert


Two atmospheric shots from the jam in Clancy's on Saturday afternoon




The Niall Toner Band

Transatlantic Bluegrass: a new forum

Nadine Highfield of Bluegrass Wales reports:

I'm pleased to announce Transatlantic Bluegrass, a new website and forum bringing together bluegrass enthusiasts from either side of the Atlantic. It’s a place where you can find bluegrass news and views, and talk about instruments and repair, artists and new releases, sound and recording, live gigs, and other bluegrass topics. We will be adding interviews and other features soon.

With its international focus, we hope that the forum will also encourage touring and travel for bands and musicians, as well as those wishing to attend festivals and bluegrass schools abroad. The website is at this location. We look forward to seeing you there!

Contact Nadine Highfield and Transatlantic Bluegrass by e-mail

Tin Box Company: update

Smuggler's Inn, Athy, Saturday 14 July: Martin Gilligan (banjo), Martin Kavanagh (mandolin), Paul McEvoy (guitar), John Heaney (bass), Barney Bowes (guitar)

Paul McEvoy reports:

Some upcoming dates from the busy Tin Box Company:

Sat. 28 July: the Glenside, Landscape Road, Churchtown, Dublin.
Sun. 29 July: Green Isle Hotel, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin.
Sun. 26 Aug.: Green Isle Hotel, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin.

NB: The TBC will also be at the Glenside every Saturday night throughout August.

Guitars and dobros in stereo at Airfield, 26 July

Gerry Fitzpatrick sends a reminder that he (dobro) and Con Butler (guitar, vocals) will be opening for the acclaimed USA acoustic duo Gary Ferguson and Dave Miner at Airfield House, Dundrum, Dublin, on Thursday 26 July at 8.00 p.m. See the previous BIB post on this event for more details.

All dates in the current tour by Gary and Dave are on the BIB calendar.

Omagh Festival: new website

Geordie MacAdam and Broken Strings at the Folk Park

The annual Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park at Omagh, Co. Tyrone, now has its own website, where you can see the full programme for this year's festival (Friday 31 August to Sunday 2 September) with photos and details of each of the bands taking part; location map and data on where to stay in the area; and ticket prices and booking information.

Advance booking is essential for the evening concerts on all three days. This can be done through the Park's ticket hotline, +44 (0) 28 822 43292, or online through Ticketmaster. Advance booking is not needed for the afternoon 'Bluegrass in the Park' programme on Saturday and Sunday.

The programme this year includes five USA acts headed by the Steep Canyon Rangers of North Carolina, who won the IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year Award last October. European bands taking part include Sunny Side (CZ), and Red Wine (I), both of whom have already been favourites with Omagh audiences; and a strong supporting cast from Britain and Ireland.

Albert Dunne Suzuki Car Sales 17th Athy Bluegrass Music Festival

'No, I can't set down, 'cause I just got to Heaven...'; the Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy, Co. Kildare, main venue for the Festival

The ABMA reports:

After seventeen years, many different venues, and some great bands, 2007 will go down as a landmark in the history of the Athy Bluegrass Festival. All the components that make a great festival came together this year.


Pickin' and socialising in the hotel plaza

From Thursday night to Sunday afternoon we had excellent concerts in a beautiful venue (the Carlton Abbey Hotel), all bands in top form, a great sound system, and fantastic audiences. We had late night/early morning pickin’ sessions, afternoon pickin’ sessions, and a well attended gig trail at five different locations.


Tom Mindte of the Partners

Headline bands the Patuxent Partners (USA) and Red Wine (Italy) gave outstanding performances during the weekend, with Gary Ferguson and Dave Miner putting on a really great performance in their Friday concert spot and a full-length show on Saturday afternoon in the hotel bar.


Dave Miner

All the Irish bands done us proud and showed how much the music has grown here in the past twenty years. To the Tennessee Hennessees, the Niall Toner Band, Woodbine, the Sullivan Brothers, Tin Box Company, Acoustic Grass, Northern Exposure - well done. Last but by no means least, well done to our MC, Richard Hawkins, who did a powerful job and run each concert with precision and a nice bit of wit.

Athy Bluegrass Music Association wish to thank the bluegrass fans from all over the country for again supporting us, and we look forward to 2008 when the Special Consensus from Chicago will be one of the headline bands.

Tony O'Brien & Robert Chanders, ABMA


Bryan Deere of the Partners and Paul McEvoy of Tin Box Co.


Barney Bowes of Tin Box Co. Photo credits: Breda Bowes

Fair City Grass at the Green

Fair City Grass did the first of their gigs on the Bandstand, St Stephen's Green, Dublin, at lunchtime today, Friday 20 July, for the OPW Summerfest programme of events 2007.

Despite the inclement weather, there was fantastic enthusiasm from the audience - they took lots of photos & some video footage of the performance. There was a good tight acoustic sound achieved with a plethora of quality condenser mikes & well-rehearsed routine. Andrew was in fine singing form despite having to race away from a business meeting. Paddy shed his builder's hard hat to be there & picked away to his usual high standard.

Despite having to organise equipment & overall sound, Enda gave us a great peformance on mandolin and vocals as well as an outstanding display of rhythm & lead guitar on his new Blueridge, while Smithy held down the bass end with his Fender fretless.

FCG's next Summerfest gig is on Friday 10 August, lunchtime 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Fair City Grass is Enda Donnelly (mandolin), Andrew Basquille (guitar), Paddy Kiernan (banjo), and Mike 'Smithy' Smith (bass).

Hayseed Dixie in Ireland, 7-9 August 2007

Hayseed Dixie began two weeks ago their 'Weapons of Grass Destruction' tour (named after their new CD) which at present extends to forty shows between 5 July and 24 September, twenty-nine of which are in Britain. Full details can be seen on the band's itinerary.

The tour includes three shows in Ireland:

Tues. Aug. 7th: Galway, Roisin Dubh

Wed. Aug. 8th: Dublin, Tripod (with Prison Love)

Thurs. Aug. 9th: Belfast, Empire Music Hall

IBMA on MySpace

The International Bluegrass Music Association now has a MySpace site. You can become the IBMA's friend and let it be yours! You can also register online at the site for this year's World of Bluegrass business conference, awards show, and Fan Fest in Nashville on 1-7 October. A comprehensive list of featured artists who will be at the World of Bluegrass is also displayed.

Carmel & the Ravens at the Station Inn

Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens on the stage at the world-famous Station Inn, Nashville, the premier venue for live bluegrass in Music City. Right to left: Jonathan Toman (banjo), Danny Sheerin (guitar), Tom Sheerin (mandolin), Carmel, Dessie Sheerin (bass), Jason Johnson (guitar).

Jason, from North Carolina, is a friend of the band and accompanied them throughout their US tour. Thanks to Carmel for the photo; more pictures and a report of the tour shortly.

Galway Americana Festival, 5-9 September

Pete Lamb reports:

Welcome to the Galway Americana Festival!

This is the first year of what we intend to be an annual event, presenting American roots music to Galway. So what is 'Americana'? Musically speaking, in the larger sense of the word it’s American roots music in general. ( Americana also has a more specific meaning to certain acoustic music fans, whose patience will be rewarded in the sweet by and by...) Historically, American 'roots' range as far and wide as the many cultures that merged to form America, from the French-Canadian influences of Cajun to the black African influences of blues, to the Celtic influences of bluegrass... So that’s what you can expect to hear! Bluegrass, Cajun, blues, folk, old-timey, and plain ol’ country music. In this, the first year of this festival, we will mainly be showing what Ireland itself has to offer within these genres of music. There are some very fine Irish string bands out there, and we’ve booked a bunch of em!

The festival will take place largely in two venues: Monroe's Tavern, Dominic Street, is one of the most famous and established venues in town. The Crane Bar, Sea Road, has long been a famous venue for traditional Irish music, but within the last year this venue has broadened its horizons (and its appeal) and ventured into booking more and more Americana gigs, also providing weekly free gigs for like-minded local acts every Friday. The Quays, Shop Street, will also host a headlining gig on Friday 7 Sept. by top local Cajun stompers, the Maimin Cajun Band. Over half the gigs and sessions will be presented free - so if you like what you see, please try and help the festival by attending a pay gig too; you won't be disappointed!

This festival also represents a rare chance to catch some international acts, such as the rootsy Mollie O’Brien, the rocking Jeff and Vida Band, and the sublime Johnny Dickinson. Next year will see more acts from across the pond, and some Americana in the more esoteric sense of the word... Meanwhile... y’all come, y’hear..!?

BIB editor's note: Pete points out that the Festival website is still under construction, but the full timetable can already be seen on it. Meanwhile, more details on the artists can be seen here.

Sully's banjos: world class originals: UPDATE

Update 16 Jan. 2017: Thanks to Tony 'Sully' Sullivan of Halshaw Music in Britain for pointing out that the information originally given in this post - mostly consisting of details of banjos he then had in stock - is now completely out of date and should no longer be on the internet. His website now lists publications, song sheets, and contact data, of which the most important is his e-mail address.

Gary Ferguson and David Miner tour, 13-29 July

It’s off to Ireland for Gary Ferguson and David Miner!

This will be Gary’s third year in a row. In 2005 he toured with Gail Wade, and last year with David. David joins Gary once again this year and the two are preparing for a very busy musical adventure. The trip starts at the Athy Bluegrass Festival on 13 July and continues through 29 July with sixteen scheduled appearances during that time! The duo will be traveling and playing all over Ireland. You can find the complete schedule for the tour, as well as listen to some samples of Gary and David’s great sound, here and here.

July 13 Fri. Athy Bluegrass Festival, Co. Kildare
July 14 Sat. Athy Bluegrass Festival, Co. Kildare
July 16 Mon. Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork (with Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble)
July 17 Tues. Kane’s Bar, Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry
July 18 Wed. St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry
July 19 Thurs. Barry’s Public House, Grange, Co. Sligo
July 20 Fri. Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
July 21 Sat. The Saturday Connection, Longford, FM 94.8,FM 97.2,FM104.(radio interview)
July 21 Sat. Skelly’s Pub, Ballymahon, Co. Longford
July 23 Mon. Mannion’s, Balla, Co. Mayo
July 24 Tues. Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Co. Louth
July 25 Wed. Rodden’s Bar, Buncrana, Co. Donegal
July 26 Thurs. Airfield, Dundrum, Dublin (with Gerry Fitzpatrick and Con Butler)
July 27 Fri. Phil Murphy Weekend, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
July 28 Sat. Phil Murphy Weekend, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
July 29 Sun. Phil Murphy Weekend, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble tour, 12-20 July

A real treat for bluegrass fans in Munster during the next ten days: the Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble from eastern Kentucky, with special guest Alice McLain White, begin a tour two days from now.

Berea College has been a focal point in Appalachian culture since 1855. The College owes its Bluegrass Ensemble largely to the work of the remarkable McLain Family, all of whose members seem to have been outstanding on all the bluegrass instruments. Don't miss the chance of seeing the Ensemble at any of the public shows in the following list of venues:

Thurs. 12th: ­O'Donovan's Hotel, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, 9.30 p.m.

Fri. 13th: ­Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 14th: ­Private party

Sun. 15th: ­Private party

Mon. 16th: ­Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; with Gary Ferguson and David Miner, 8.15 p.m.

Tues. 17th: ­The Local Bar, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, 9.30 p.m.

Wed. 18th:­ Sixmilebridge Folk Club, Gallagher's, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m.

Thurs. 19th:­ Private party

Fri. 20th:­ St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Enquiries to John Nyhan, +353­ (0)87 792177.

PS: We see from the Sixmilebridge Folk Club website that Prison Love will be playing there on Friday 13 July as part of the Sixmilebridge Summer Festival, and a concert by Frankie Lane, Johnny Moynihan, Lena Ullman, and Frank Hall is TBC for Saturday 4 August at 8.30 p.m.

Airfield Hoe Down: some memories

Catherine Simpson (guitar), David Simpson (guitar), and Patrick Simpson (mandolin), jamming in the Art Gallery at Airfield House, Saturday 23 June.


More jam, same jar: Richard Hawkins (banjo), Enda Donnelly, Catherine Simpson, and David Simpson (guitars), Noreen McGrane (autoharp), Helen McGrane (vocals), Bryan McGrane (guitar). Enda, who was leading his band Fair City Grass in their performance earlier that day, is dressed for the stage. Twenty-four hours later the Tin Box Company were picking in the Art Gallery.

Photos by Angela Simpson. Any other photos from the Hoe Down are welcome.

A personal report on this year's Hoe Down is here.

Niall Toner Band: the buzz

Niall Toner reports: NTB are as busy as bees! Here are a couple of photos from the Waterford Spraoi launch which we played on Thursday last in their warehouse in an industrial estate in Waterford. The theme for their parade this year is 'Yeehaw!', and you can probably see some of the stagecoaches and other cowboy-style gear the Spraoi folks have built for the occasion. We are also looking forward to a very busy weekend coming, starting on Friday with our 1.00-2.00 p.m. spot in Stephen's Green, Dublin, followed by our afternoon gig at the Athy Bluegrass Festival on Friday the 13th, 5.00 p.m. at the Carlton Abbey Hotel. We are on stage again at the C.A.H. on Saturday evening with Red Wine, etc., Sunday aftenoon we're in Dundrum Town Centre, and Sunday night we are in Eugene's Bar in Tullamore as part of the Tullamore Festival. Our special guest there will be Louis O'Dwyer. All-in-all, a busy weekend !

Music at Dublin arts centres: Naul and Airfield

At 7.30 p.m. on Thursday 12 July the Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, will open its doors for a concert at 8.30 p.m. by the outstanding Red Wine from Genoa, Italy, one of the most experienced bluegrass bands to be found anywhere. Over the following few days they will be among the headliners at the Athy Bluegrass Festival, at which they made a great impression a few years ago.

Since first playing Athy, Red Wine have made a hit at the Omagh Festival, not to mention two appearances at the IBMA's World of Bluegrass. (They were also in magnificent form at the EBMA's European World of Bluegrass Festival a few weeks ago.) A real treat for anyone who loves bluegrass - or, for that matter, Italy...

And Gary Ferguson & Dave Miner will be playing at the Centre on Friday 20 July. Full details on 11 July! For more information, visit the website of the Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin. Tel: +353 (0) 1 8020898; e-mail.

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At 8.00 p.m. on Thursday 12 July the Arts Centre at Airfield, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14 (venue of the recent successful Urban Roots II festival) presents Eleanor Shanley with Frankie Lane & Paul Kelly in concert.

The rugged detachment of a pair of Irish cowboys, of whom the Irish Times has said: "Their playing has passion & soul, their performance together is electrifying!", is challenged by the charms of a lovely lady from Leitrim.

Admission €18. Tickets available in advance: 10.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday, from the ticket kiosk at Airfield. Booking: (01) 298 4301 or e-mail. Two weeks later, on Thursday 26 July, Gary Ferguson & Dave Miner (see above) will be at Airfield in concert.

For further info on Airfield and its events programme, contact Sancho Gallilei, director of Arts & Culture, Airfield, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Tel.: +353 (0)1 2984301 Dir.: +353 (0) 1 296 7609; mobile: +353 (0) 87 9383186; e-mail.

Tennessee Hob heat up 19th International Bluegrass Music and Dance Festival

CONWY, WALES, UK, July 2007: This weekend, 5-8 July, Ireland’s Tennessee Hob will headline the 19th International Bluegrass Music and Dance Festival in Conwy, North Wales. The boys' off-the-cuff stories, brother-style harmonies and intense playing went down well at last year’s festival, and they were invited back by popular demand. The band will play three shows: Friday, 10.00 p.m.; Saturday, 7.30 p.m.; and Sunday, 3.00 p.m.

Tom Hanway will give a 90-minute banjo workshop on Saturday, 10.30 a.m., focusing on the playing of the bluegrass masters, including Scruggs, Reno, and Stanley, and he and Karl Deeter will be picking in the field all weekend when they’re not playing shows or giving one-on-one lessons.

Karl is a natural-born showman with a crystal-clear Appalachian voice. He plays rock-solid rhythm and inspired lead guitar. In America he performed with guitar wizard David Bromberg and Nashville’s Roni Stoneman (from the popular 'Hee Haw' TV show), of the renowned Stoneman Family. Karl is an agile crosspicker and fingerpicker and has adapted numerous guitar styles, citing Doc Watson, Norman Blake, Clarence White, and Leo Kottke as major influences.

Karl and Tom both sing lead and harmony vocals in the tradition of the classic brother duets, such as the Louvin, Monroe, Stanley and Everly Brothers. Tennessee Hob has exciting original material, breathtaking harmonies and world-class chops. This is good-time singing, picking and grinning in the real country, bluegrass and Appalachian traditions.

Tom is one of the hottest 5-string banjo players around, in both traditional bluegrass and contemporary styles. He has performed with Bill Monroe, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements, John Herald, and many bluegrass and rock legends. Tom co-designed the worldwide-selling SwallowTail Banjo, manufactured by Stelling in Afton, Virginia, USA. Actor Steve Martin purchased a SwallowTail Deluxe in 2006.

Tom is the author of Mel Bay’s Complete book of Irish & Celtic 5-string banjo (book and CD), and he is currently writing three more books for Mel Bay. Like Earl Scruggs, Tom is also a fingerpicking guitar maestro, particularly on country blues and gospel numbers.

For more on the Festival, see its website or read a review here.

Duel in the sun

... the sun of Brazil, that is. Thanks to Erio Meili of the Sao Paulo Bluegrass Music Association for links to seven Google videos of recent performances on Brazilian TV by the Sao Paulo Country Band (Neymar Dias, bass and harmony vocal; Carlinhos Borba Gato, guitar and lead vocal; Jairo Celso, guitar, vocal and banjo; and Edson Araujo, banjo, guitar, fiddle, and harmony vocal).

The following link is to a unique 'Dueling banjo' version, with the duel taking place between Edson's 5-string and Neymar's Viola Caipira guitar. The other SPCB shows should be accessible from there.

Tony Curran

Tony asks anyone who may wish to contact him in the next few days to be patient, as he is fully taken up with the illness of his mother, who has suffered a heart attack. We wish her a speedy return to health.

Messages of sympathy can be sent to Tony here; but, for the reasons explained, he may not be in a position to reply.

Broken Strings celebrate Nashville's 200th birthday

Thanks to Richard Hurst of the Ulster American Folk Park at Omagh, Co. Tyrone, for this link to the Irish News TV channel. In a news clip of just over two minutes, reporter Aislinn Hagan covers a concert at the Clarendon Dock, Belfast, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Belfast's sister city, Nashville, TN. Bill Purcell, mayor of Nashville, explains:

Nashville's history and all of its roots go deeply back here to Ulster and to Northern Ireland. Nashville's earliest settlers were originally from, or their parents were from Ulster. The early settlers, the early governors, the early leaders, were all basically from here. And they brought not just their language experience but they also brought their music. And so... bluegrass music, country music, really has the deepest part of its roots right here, in Belfast and in Ulster, in Northern Ireland.*

The clip includes good footage of the Broken Strings band, opening with a closeup of Geordie MacAdam and closing with one of Wilson Davies, as well as featuring other Ulster country musicians. At one point in Hagan's commentary, however, she says: 'Bluegrass is not to everyone's liking.' Is it only bluegrass that people say this kind of thing about? Try this simple but amazing test: in her sentence, replace the word 'bluegrass' with the name of any other kind of music. Then repeat the sentence to yourself. Has the ring of truth, doesn't it?

*Mr Purcell's kind words conceal a logical flaw, which readers from Kentucky, the Carolinas, Virginia, etc. have no doubt spotted.

Prison Love launch new CD, 5 July

Hurrican Barry of Prison Love reports:

Greetings everybody,

We're delighted to announce the official launch of our new album! Next Thursday, 5 July in Crawdaddy, The Pod, Harcourt Street Luas Station, Dublin 2; A night in the box will be available at a special rate on the night.

8.00 p.m. doors; €12

8.30 I Draw Slow, the excellent original roots band

9.00 Prison Love

10.45 Move to main bar

We all hope to see you there for this special night for us. Be good!

Mark 'Soapy' O'Mahony adds:

Two years after the release of our second album, This corn is awesome, and the anticipation of number 3 is at fever pitch! Well folks, your tireless wait is at an end, your candlelight vigils have been acknowledged, your prayers have been answered...

Yes indeed, we're launching our new album - 14 of the best old-time fiddle tunes and Cajun two-steps, with a nod to Irish Trad for good measure. Come on over and see us this Thursday.

BIB editor's note: The fourteen tracks on the new album are drawn from the repertoires of the Balfa Brothers, Tommy Jarrell, the Carter Family, Ralph Stanley, and traditional sources, and feature PL's new fiddler Beau Breaker, successor to 'European Sue' Mulcahy.