Hot news from Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival

Uri Kohen of Electric Cave Production, organiser of the Westport 3rd Folk and Bluegrass Festival, reports:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Gone to Grass won't be able to attend this year's festival. Thanks to Tim Rogers, one of the Festival backbones, we are delighted to announce that the Rough Deal String Band [above] will now appear in our rich programme. They will join the opening night lineup with the MacEvillys and Stevie (One Bloke, One Mandolin).

Uri is sure this latest addition to the festival of Ireland's premier old-time string band, with its international reputation, will help bring the fans to the west. He adds:

We would also like to remind all the bluegrass lovers that during the festival's weekend, there will be free sessions and they will be welcome to join in. This year we will have two bluegrass workshops: one run by Tim Rogers and a bluegrass singing workshop run by the Henry Girls. See you all in Westport 26-28/6/09!

See the BIB post of 7 May for the Festival poster.