Jack Lawrence & Tony Williamson tour in progress

Jack Lawrence & Tony Williamson at MerleFest O8

Two of North Carolina's finest acoustic musicians, Jack Lawrence, outstanding flat-pick guitarist, and Tony Williamson, mandolin wizard and operator of Mandolin Central, have just played the first four dates in their current tour of Ireland, and will continue as follows:

Tues. 9th: Mick Murphy's Pub, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare; +353 (0)45 864181

Wed. 10th: Tadghin's Bar & Restaurant, Ballylinan, Athy, Co. Kildare; +353 (0)59 862 5788

Thurs. 11th: Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal; (0)74 912 9186

Fri. 12th: Barry's Pub, Grange, Co. Sligo; +353 (0)71 917 3111

Sat. 13th: Galway Americana Festival, the Crane Bar, Galway

Sun. 14th: Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford (mini-festival with Hungry Hill (Canada); +353 (0)51 561159

Mon. 15th: Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; +353 (0)87 792 1771

Anyone who saw them on stage and in the Park at the Omagh festival can testify that these are instrumental wizards and tasteful musicians of a very high order.