US bands to tour in 2009

Gold Heart Bluegrass Band

John Sheldon, secretary of the Scottish Bluegrass Association, writes:

I'm just back from the IBMA World of Bluegrass Showcase and Awards event in Nashville and have proposals for some great bluegrass bands to tour Scotland and the UK in 2009 :-

Gold Heart Bluegrass Band (MySpace site): UK tour starts on 23 April; dates available from Sunday 26 April

Gold Heart is an award-winning band with a 'fresh zest'! The band is revving up listeners and capturing hearts worldwide with their pure family harmony, solid lead vocals, and energetic instrumentation.

They absolutely knocked my socks off! They are called 'Gold Heart' and these young ladies are true to their name. Their pure talent is amazing and their harmonies are enough to break your heart. I really can’t say enough about how good they sound. It reminded me of the first time I heard Rhonda Vincent or Dry Branch Fire Squad — a unique sound all their own. Simply inspiring! They are a pure listening joy! (Les Evans)

The Midnight Ramblers Bluegrass Band: UK tour starts Friday 25 July; dates available from then up until 30 July

The Midnight Ramblers are a great example of why Southwest Virginia and the Crooked Road has become a hotbed of young bluegrass talent. Get a copy of Let it shine and you will be amazed (H. W. ‘Bill’ Smith, The Crooked Road)

... man, what a group of talented young singers! (Ralph Stanley II)

Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa Bluegrass Band: UK tour starts Thursday 24 September; dates available

Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa are a hot new bluegrass band with fantastic credentials. Between them, these guys have years of experience playing in famous line-ups including US Navy band Country Current, Emerson & Taylor, Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys, Emerson/Newton Band, the Gary Ferguson Band, to name a few. Coupled with Wayne Taylor’s brilliant songwriting abilities, this is one winning combination featuring seasoned professionals: Mark Delaney (banjo), Emory Lester (mandolin), Kip Martin (bass), Wayne Taylor (guitar), Dave Giegerich (dobro).

If you know of anyone interested in putting on a bluegrass show in your locality, please pass this information on to them.

Contact John Sheldon through the SBA website, by phone (+44 (0)1968670038), or by e-mail.