Festival of World Cultures, Dun Laoghaire, 29-30 Aug.

On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, the Festival of World Cultures returns to Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, with the usual amazing programme of events, in which the very wide-ranging musical schedule is only one part. Old-time- and bluegrass-related music are represented by the Rough Deal String Band and Prison Love; other Americana is to be heard, and there's much, much more. Next year's dates are already announced: Friday 23–Sunday 25 July 2010.

Jeff & Vida in Westport, 20 Aug. 2009

Uri Kohen of Electric Cave Production in Westport, Co. Mayo, reports:

As part of their Irish tour Jeff & Vida will stop in Geraghty's pub in Westport for one night only. The gig will take place on Thursday 20/8/09 at 9.30 p.m., and admission is free.

They are part of a long list of artists who wish to add Westport to their Irish tours. Uri and the Electric Cave Production are welcoming the trend and invite all acoustic musicians to get in touch and bring their music to the west.

For the complete tour schedule in Ireland, see Nigel Martyn's Old Flattop website or the BIB calendar.

Bluegrass bargains from California: update

Tricopolis Records in California continue to offer more CDs - subject to availability - for $5.00, $6.00, $7.50, $10.00, and $13.50, with free freight over a given value of order. Their sale items in the past have always included CDs by top-rank artists as well as good deals on instruments and accessories, so it's worth checking their website.

They also have over 900 items from the immense Mel Bay Publications catalogue of instructional material.

Calling old-time pickers in the Kilkenny region

A welcome contact from Andrew Ludick, old-time musician from Ohio, who plays guitar and harmonica and is starting to learn banjo, and is signed up to Dick Glasgow's Old Time Musicians of Europe website.

Andrew is now resident in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, and is seeking other musicians to pick with. If you play old-time music anywhere within reasonable distance of Castlecomer (remember, Andrew will have an American's concept of 'reasonable distance'), or if you can put him on to any useful contacts, please get in touch with him by e-mail.

Quote of the month

That's an important thing for an instrumentalist - to really love the sound of their instrument. Not like it, but love it. They have to have a real close relationship with it...

Pete Wernick, in a video interview on the website of his local paper, the Longmont Times-Call (thanks to the Bluegrass Blog for this news)

Athy 09 in still and moving pictures

Bill Thompson, Colin Henry, and Mel Corry of the Tennessee Hennessees (photo: Carl Mark O'Neill)

The long-awaited first instalments of a visual record of the 19th Athy Bluegrass Festival two weeks ago are now available. Photos taken by Carl Mark O'Neill, Colin Henry, and Des Butler have been gratefully received and can be seen here. More will be welcome from other sources.

Thanks also to Jan Michielsen of 4 Wheel Drive, who sends a link to a film (in his Cheap Aldi Camera Productions series) shot while 4WD were at Athy for the festival. The point of Jan's series title is that movies can be made using a cheap photo camera with movie functions (available from Aldi or Lidl for under €100) and free Windows software. More footage from Athy is promised and will appear on Jan's YouTube channel.

Other video recording was in progress during the festival, and this is expected to result in an official Athy 09 video.


Cheap Aldi Camera Productions at work: right, the director; left, an innocent bystander (photo by Henning Petersen)

Jeff & Vida back in August-September '09: update

As we mentioned earlier this year, Jeff Burke and Vida Wakeman (USA) will be touring in Ireland and Britain during the coming months. On 13 August they begin sixteen engagements in Ireland, and on 10 September they begin thirteen in England and Wales. Their new album Selma chalk (Rosebank Records) is due for release on 14 September 2009.

A press release with details of the band and press quotes can be read here. NB: the most up-to-date schedule of their dates in Ireland is on Nigel Martyn's Old Flattop website.

For further information, interview requests, guest lists etc. please contact Geraint Jones of G Promo PR: 'phone +44 (0)1584 873211; mobile +44 07855 724798; e-mail.

The Molly Hicks play bluegrass at the Galway Arts Festival TONIGHT

Thanks to Tom Hanway for the following release:

As part of the Galway Arts Festival, Galway's hottest and newest bluegrass band, Molly Hicks, return tonight to the Crane Bar in the Claddagh, Galway, Friday 24 July at 10 p.m., no cover charge.

The band will break out several new original songs and tunes from Ruth Dillon (vocals/guitar) and Tom Hanway (vocals/banjo), and features Galway favourites Bernie O'Mahony (vocals/guitar), Peter Akerstrom (vocals/guitar), and Paul Johnson (doghouse bass). Some very special guests will also join the band throughout the evening. Get there early for the best seats!

Dunmore East International Bluegrass Festival line-up complete

Press release


At the launch of the 15th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival: (back row, l-r) Michael Power (Power’s Bar), Mick Daly (chairman, Dunmore East Tourism), Stephen Tabb (Ocean Hotel), Adriano Cavaliere (Azzurro), Joe Fortune (Ocean Hotel); (front row, l-r) Cliften Foyle (Strand Inn), Sharon Kelly (Haven Hotel), Niall Edmondson (Spinnaker)

The line-up is complete and the countdown has begun to this summer's Guinness International Bluegrass Festival in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.

If banjo pickin', foot tappin' mandolin pluckin', barnstormin', step dancin', fiddle playin', double-bass clawin' sessions are for you, then Dunmore East is the only place to be from 27th to 30th August.

This is the fifteenth year in which roots music pilgrims will flock to Dunmore East for the free, family-orientated festival. All of the famous local hostelries will play host to over fifty free gigs throughout the weekend with local, national, and international bands playing a variety of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music.

After some headline-stealing performances at last year's festival, the Martini Cowboy is back. Described as 'gritty down-home country as it should be' by Time Out New York, the Jack Grace Band brings a unique New York urban style to bluegrass and is definitely not to be missed.

The lure of Dunmore East proved too much for the Jeff & Vida Band from New Orleans, which takes to the Dunmore East stages again this year. Probably one of New Orleans's best known acoustic roots acts, the band will perform a repertoire of original material spanning from Appalachian bluegrass to alternative country.

New to the Dunmore East International Bluegrass Festival line–up is Sarah Grey. Although born in New Hampshire, Sarah has spent the last four decades living in Scotland and England and has established herself as one of the most popular singers on the folk scene. Sara needs to be heard to be believed as her melody–laden voice imparts powerful and distinctive ballads.

Apart from some of the biggest US names in bluegrass and country appearing at the 15th Guinness Dunmore East International Bluegrass Festival, some well known Irish acts will take to the coastal stages, including Knotty Pine, Cotton Pickin’ Rodeo Clowns, Molly Hicks, and Little Ass Birds among others.

No stranger to festivals in the south-east, the Swingin’ Bluecats will bring a 'big band' feel to the festival with this energetic six-piece 'suited and booted' in 1940s retro-style blue suits. Expect classics by legends such as Jackie Wilson, Bill Haley, Louis Jordan, and many more big names.

The festival has been organised every year since 1995 by Mick Daly [right], a promoter with an eclectic vision; mixing old-time, country, bluegrass, and futuristic newgrass acts. According to Mick,

the festival has evolved organically in the last fifteen years to become one of the most anticipated bluegrass festivals in Europe... With acts catering for the tastes of hardened roots music fans right through to those who just enjoy a great old style, toe–tappin’ tune, Dunmore East has something for everybody this year, and it’s all free.

For those who want to sample what the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival has to offer, many of the bands will be performing in a bluegrass showcase at Blackfriars in Waterford city on Saturday 29 Aug. and Sunday 30 Aug. Bring the kids along for a great afternoon of free family-friendly activities.

For more information about the 15th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford, visit the website. Mick Daly is available for interview on 051 878 832 / 087 256 2899 or e-mail.

Martha Scanlan in Ireland, 3-6 Sept. 2009

Thanks to FOAOTMAD for the news that Martha Scanlan (USA), singer, songwriter, and former guitarist for the innovative old-time string band, the Reeltime Travelers, will be playing several dates in these islands between 22 August and 8 September 2009, including four in Northern Ireland:

Thurs. 3 Sept. Errigle Inn, Belfast; 02890 323744
Fri. 4 Bronte Centre, Rathfriland, Co. Down; 02840 623322
Sat. 5-Sun. 6 Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone; 02882 243292

In these shows, like others between 31 Aug. and 8 Sept., she will be accompanied by Jock Tyldesley, whose wife Vera van Heeringen was in Dublin earlier this year accompanying Dirk Powell.

Flatlanders at Vicar Street, Dublin, 29 July 2009

Thanks to Derek Nally for the fact (and to Tom Stapleton for the news) that the Flatlanders will be performing at Vicar Street, Dublin, on Wednesday 29 July. The band includes three leading Texan songwriters: Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, and Jimmy Dale Gilmore, all from Lubbock, TX. After their first album, More a legend than a band, they had successful solo careers. In 2002 they reformed for tours and recorded Now again. Their current album, Hills and valleys, is on New West Records. More info and images are here (click on 'artists' and then 'The Flatlanders'). Contact Derek Nally at 087 6493264.

Bluegrass at the Michael Coleman Festival

Broken Strings members: Geordie McAdam (fiddle), Ivan Muirhead (guitar), Wilson Davies (bass)

Thanks to Patrick Simpson, who writes:

I'm just dropping you a short note to tell you about a great pickin' session I had this past week, performing and playing with Northern Ireland's Broken String Band at the Michael Coleman Week Festival 2009 in Co. Sligo at Cawley's Hotel, Tobercurry. It really was great craic and the crowd really enjoyed it. It's a fabulous festival of traditional Irish music, and bluegrass elements really make it exciting!

I would especially like to thank Big Walty, Geordie McAdam and all those in Broken String Band for inviting me to play and pick tunes with them. I've added some attachments of the two nights as well as a link to a MySpace site [or here], where I have uploaded a short video of a Saturday night set... I apologize for the poor quality of sound in the video; however, it will give you a good idea of the atmosphere felt that night.


Patrick (left, with banjo) in a traditional session

Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens opening for Randy Travis at UTV Country Fest

Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens are continuing their nationwide tour of their second album, Here with you, and will be appearing at the UTV Country Fest in Belfast on 1-2 August. Carmel and the boys are the only Irish bluegrass band to be appearing at the festival and will be sharing the UTV stage on both days with household names on the country circuit such as Randy Travis, Martina McBride, and Hal Ketchum, to name but a few. The band have been appearing at numerous venues around the country since the turn of the year, in preparation for their upcoming tour of Nashville in October. The band and their touring party of family and friends will touch down in Nashville on 5 October, and will play several venues there in a two-week-long tour.

Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens MySpace

Bluegrass Patriots wind up their tour, 20 July

Willie MacDonald (mandolin), Danny Rogers (bass), Glenn Zankey (guitar), Mark Leslie (banjo) (photo: Enda Donnelly)

Thanks to Enda Donnelly of Fair City Grass for these photos of the Bluegrass Patriots at the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, on Monday 20 July. It was the last show of their twelve-day tour of Ireland, in which they played in all four provinces and topped the bill at two festivals - Athy, Co. Kildare (9-12 July), and Ardara, Co. Donegal (18-19 July). Enda reports:

It was a good lively enthusiastic performance from the band even, given that they had played a lot of gigs/festivals up & down the country in a short time & are winging their way back to the USA by now. It wasn't a packed house, being a Monday night & recessionary times, although not a word was mentioned!

The PA results were excellent from a single Rode high-quality mike & used very well by the band. The addition of a fiddle & great vocalist [Bobbie Vickery], giving a powerful rendition of a couple of classic bluegrass songs, gave the band a new lift. The friendly crowd seemed to enjoy the show with enthusiasm.


Willie MacDonald, Mark Leslie, Bobbie Vickery (fiddle), Glenn Zankey, Danny Rogers (hidden) (photo: Enda Donnelly)

Mark Leslie and Bobbie Vickery of the Denver band High Plains Tradition were playing banjo and fiddle respectively for the Bluegrass Patriots on this tour, in place of Ken Seaman and Dan Mitchell. Ken, unfortunately, was prevented from travelling by major health problems. The Patriots have made many friends in Ireland since their first trip in 1995, and all our sympathies and best wishes for a happy outcome go to Ken and his wife Mary.

KnockanStockan Festival, 24-26 July 2009

Thanks to Charleen Hurtubise of the Little Ass Birds for news of the KnockanStockan Independent Music Festival at Lacken, Co. Wicklow, and for the following release from Sarah Canadia of the festival team:

Now in its 3rd year and wearing a 'best small festival' award around its neck, the festival run by musicians for music lovers has declared 2009 the year that 'you're a festival'!

Over three days some of Ireland's greatest bands and entertainers will congregate as a collective to put on a show as never seen before on these shores, while still holding true to its original ethos as a barrier-free, open, and very welcoming festival. The festival site will feature 4 amazing stages with over 130 acts, a high-quality Vendors' Market, a chill-out area, poetry & performance arts, creative workshops, fantastic camping, and much more.

At a quarter of the price of the bigger festivals, the emphasis is on good music, not money making. KnockanStockan is located in Lacken, Co. Wicklow on a beautiful site overlooking the Blessington Lakes. This year’s festival will, as always, be woven together by the crew (who all work for free), the local community, the farmer, and YOU!

KnockanStockan 2009 weekend camping tickets are available for only €65 online or in the KnockanShop (Eamonn Doran's), Road Records, City Disks, and Om Diva. The festival of 2009 that’s NOT to be missed!!!

The flyer above (click to enlarge) lists the bluegrass-related acts on the bill: the Little Ass Birds themselves (who will also be playing the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival a month later), Anthony Furey and the Young Folk Band, the Cotton Pickin Rodeo Clowns, Enda Reilly, Lisa O’Neill, NC Lawlor, the Cujo Family, the Prairie Dawgs, the River Valley Band, and Tupelo. For full details, see the KnockanStockan Festival website.

Sick & Indigent Song Club - 5 years old today!

Thanks to Gerry Fitzpatrick for the news that the Sick & Indigent Song Club (photo above) celebrates its fifth birthday today in the Ha'penny Bridge Inn, Dublin, starting at 9.30 p.m.

Apologies for not posting the news earlier, but your editor has just got back from the 2nd Ardara Bluegrass Festival in Co. Donegal (an unqualified success for all concerned). Congratulations and many happy returns to the S&ISC!

Please contact...

The photo above by Carl Mark O'Neill shows part of a jam during the Athy festival last weekend, with Aran Sheehan (mandolin) and a fine guitar player whose first name may be Hugh.

Aran forgot to exchange contact details with him for future picking sessions in Dublin; so if Hugh (or anyone who knows him) sees this, would they please contact Aran by e-mail?

Old-time news

Thanks to FOAOTMAD for the news that a 57-minute concert by the outstanding clawhammer-banjo player Adam Hurt can be seen online. He was playing on 9 July at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, New York, supported by Beth Hartness, Cathy Fink, and Marcy Marxer. Broadband and RealPlayer are needed to watch the video. On the right-hand side of the Kennedy Center home page is an 'Archive' panel with a search facility. Enter 'Adam Hurt' in the slot to find the video. The visual quality is excellent, and the music (of course) is profoundly beneficial.

This news was sent out by FOAOTMAD a few weeks ago, but it's none the worse for that: the Field Recorder Collective is offering 13 'powerful and far-reaching' new CDs for 2009. Musicians represented include the great Tommy Jarrell, the Shelor-Blackard Family, Dock Boggs, Ola Belle Reed, Albert Hash, and (the new generation of old-time) the Nee Ningy Band. The CDs are $15 each, but the entire 13-CD 2009 series is available for only $136.50 plus shipping. Pay online using PayPal. Full details are here.

'Jimmie Rodgers' dream': the full story

Photo from the official Jimmie Rodgers website

Thanks to Niall Toner, author of the fine song 'Jimmie Rodgers' dream', for more info on how it came to be written and credited:

... I first composed the entire melody in early 2007, and recorded it under the present title as an instrumental on guitar, with Niall Jnr on second guitar and Simon Farrell on string bass. The intention at that stage was to include it on our next NTB CD as a tune only, as it seemed to have a very distinctive Jimmie Rodgers 'sound'. In April 2007 I began working on a set of lyrics that might fit this melody, and once again I recorded a demo version, including a very 'dodgy' yodel.

Enter Peter Rowan. Peter Rowan and Rex Foster came to Ireland on a short tour, and after their gig at the Cobblestone they came to stay with us in Coolasnaughta for a few days. Pete and I wrote a number of songs during his stay, and at some point I sang 'Jimmie Rodgers' dream' for him. He loved the song, and thought it could use a bridge section to connect the second verse with the final chorus. Pete then recorded his version, with the bridge, but after he and Rex had left to return to the US, I decided to remove the bridge he had written. It's a modern device which is most common in commercial country music, but I felt that it was taking away from the 'old-time' feel of this song. I spoke to Peter Rowan about this, and he is now in agreement with me, though his name still appears on the credits.

Anyway, I struggled away with my own version for a while, and I would have to say it was sounding fairly OK; but when I gave it to Clem and he sang it back to me, I knew immediately it had found its home! It went from being just OK to being just superb. Anyone who heard Clem singing 'Jimmie Rodgers' dream' at Athy, or anywhere else, will know exactly what I mean...

On the songwriting front, I recently wrote a bunch of new songs in Coolasnaughta with Keith Sewell. Three of these - 'Fiddle and bow', 'Way of a wanderer', and 'Lock and key' - will be included in Keith's new CD due for release on Rubber Dog Records in September. Keith has also cut a new version of 'Josie's reel' which will also be on the album.

The NTB will be performing at the Tullamore Phoenix Festival this weekend, and on Sunday 3.00-5.00 p.m. in St Stephen's Green, Dublin.

FCG: 'Grassin' in the Green'

Thanks to Enda Donnelly (shown here in red shirt) for this news and photos of the Fair City Grass bluegrass lunchtime gig in St Stephen's Green, Dublin, on Wednesday 8 July. Enda reports:

It was a dry day, with a diverse audience listening & by all accounts enjoying themselves in this unique & beautiful setting as is the Green.

'Bluegrass on the Walls', Derry city, 1 Aug. 2009: UPDATE

Frank Galligan reports on the bluegrass section of the Maiden City Festival in Derry city:

The final list for Bluegrass on the Walls (Sat. 1 Aug. 2009) is now complete. Groups performing on Saturday afternoon on Derry's historic walls and within the city are the Broken String Band, Woodbine, Niall Toner, Knotty Pine, and Acoustic Grass. That night there will be a concert in the Junction featuring Broken String, Niall Toner, and the wonderful Josh Goforth, who played with Appalachian Trail in the early days of the festival.

The Junction is a community relations resource and peace building centre established through a partnership between community relations organisations throughout the North-west and is located in Derry's Bishop Street. The Festival is delighted to welcome Josh back... his solo performances are a mix of traditional, bluegrass, swing, original and acoustic music. He will play numerous instruments, including guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass, piano, and even some surprising rhythm instruments. Josh is also an excellent storyteller and will delight audiences with tales about his ancestors and heritage living in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and to that end he will be giving a talk in the Verbal Arts Centre on the Saturday.

Update: Josh Goforth is also a member of David Holt & the Lightning Bolts.

Thanks to Sharon Loughrin, who sends the address of the Maiden City Festival website, where the full programme complete with maps, booking details, etc., can be found. Sharon adds:

The lineup is very varied; Frank's post is probably of most interest to bluegrass fans, but it is worth noting that there are also performances by Janet Holmes, Eilidh Patterson, and the Henry Girls (who really got the stage lit up at Westport this year, they were amazing). I hope this is of interest, and maybe we can attract a few visitors up north to enjoy a taste of our heritage.

New look for Bluegrass & More

Bluegrass & More, the e-newsletter formerly issued by writer and publicist Dee Hallett, is now being published monthly in a new format by the Scottish Bluegrass Association. The new Bluegrass & More is pleasantly styled and easy on the eye, and incorporates photos and links to the websites of bands, associations, venues, and more.

As before, the content includes news on bluegrass, old-time, folk, Americana, country, and more from Britain and Ireland, Europe, the USA, and the wider world. The first issue of the new series, dated 1 July 2009, can be viewed online here. The editorial deadline for the next issue is 31 July.

Bluegrass & More can also be received by e-mail: see the EBB post of 29 June.

JB's Band: Ireland tour, July 2010

Our friend Jean-Blaise Rochat from Switzerland reports:

Mike Stevens, Raymond McLain and JB’s BAND (Joost van Es, Tom Gray, and Jean-Blaise Rochat) have just successfully completed their European tour this spring, performing at the EWOB Festival in Voorthuizen as well as other venues in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

We are currently planning an Irish tour for July 2010 with the same ensemble, and are looking for local partners and contacts to start securing dates as soon as possible. Photos and videos of the performances can be found online here, along with general information about the band.

We would much appreciate if you would let us know if you are interested in having us perform at your location/festival, along with suggested dates and your budget possibilities.

You can reach us by e-mail, phone (+41 79 206 456), or post (Jean-Blaise Rochat, Chemin de la Bruyère 10, CH-1197, Prangins, Switzerland).

We look forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,
Jean-Blaise Rochat

After Athy

The 19th Athy Bluegrass Music Festival last weekend must have set new attendance records - people who came too late on Saturday night to the main concert venue, the Carlton Abbey Hotel, had to be turned away, missing stellar performances by the Bluegrass Patriots (USA) and 4 Wheel Drive (BE/D/NL). We hope to have a fuller report and photos soon. Meanwhile -

Embarrassing Apology Department: The editor apologises to Niall Toner and to all the friends whom he tried to convince that the song 'Jimmy Rodger's Dream', performed by the Niall Toner Band, was written by Clem O'Brien. The song is of course Niall's own work, with contributions by Peter Rowan. As a penance, the editor has shown the song title with the spelling used on the album NTB 3.

CD covers wanted for display in the Blue Ridge Music Center

The Blue Ridge Music Center in the USA is looking for CD covers for use in a large display item; and the Center is interested in CDs by bands from outside the USA. For more details, see this item recently posted on the European Bluegrass Blog.

Old-time news from the Causeway Coast

Thanks to Dick Glasgow of Causeway Music, whose Old Time Music Forum is linked to the BIB via one of the links in the right-hand column.

Dick filmed two American old-time musicians, Tim Kerr and Jay, playing banjo and fiddle in the Curfew Tower in Cushendall, in the Glens of Antrim, last Friday night (3 July), and has posted the results on YouTube. He adds: 'I must say, it was great to have real LIVE musicians to listen to, for a change!'

The tunes played were: 'Ducks on the millpond', 'Greasy coat', 'Chinquapin hunter', 'Julianne Johnson', 'Five miles from town', 'Lazy John', 'Winder slide', and 'Betty Likens'.

These and many other videos can be seen on Dick's own YouTube channel. Dick also reports:

I thought you might like to know I'm working on an 'Old Time Blog' as an extension of the Old Time Forum. At the moment it is just work in progress.

Here's another site I've put together, which may interest Irish old-time musicians - 'Old Time Musicians of Europe'. It's early days, but it looks like it could provide a fun way for 'Old Timers' to network.

Athy Festival preview in the Leinster Leader

Thanks to the indefatigable Richard F. Thompson (see the immediately preceding post), editor of British Bluegrass News, for this link to an article today in the Leinster Leader about this year's Athy Festival, which begins tomorrow evening (Thursday 9 July). The article is by Maeve McGovern.

British Bluegrass News #49

Richard F. Thompson, editor of British Bluegrass News, reports:

The Summer 2009 edition of British Bluegrass News is in the mail.

Monroe’s Revenge are the subject of the cover story, as former mandolin player with the group John Baldry looks back to when he was with the band.

In addition, there are feature stories about the Scottish quartet Longway; Mountain Heart, who are Didmarton bound; and Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa, whose UK tour starts at the end of September.

Tom Travis reveals his ‘Favourites’ and 'The story behind the song' looks at Hazel Dickens‘s ‘Mama's hand’. All this plus the usual 'What’s on', tour details and 2009 festival dates, CD reviews, 'Light in the window', 'SmallTalk', and the area reports.

Finally, there is news about three BBMA business matters: the announcements concern the AGM, an introduction from the new membership team, and brief information regarding the new Touring Agency managed by Dave Bresnen and Penny Joubert.

This edition of the magazine is the first published with new editor Richard F. Thompson leading the editorial team. British Bluegrass News is published by the British Bluegrass Music Association (BBMA).

Besides BBN, the most visible asset that the BBMA has is its website. This is being made more user-friendly and kept up to date. While work on this task is continuing, the site now enables on-line membership applications.

BBMA was founded in November 1990.

For further information about the BBMA and this Press Release, contact Richard F. Thompson, Press Relations, 14 Lime Grove, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, WS13 6ER; 'phone +44 (0)1543 252683; e-mail

Those interested in joining the BBMA can do so by contacting the Membership Team, Clare and David Rozzell, by e-mail.

Danger in the air (and on the ground)

Thanks to Cathal Cusack for this YouTube link to a music video dealing with a worldwide problem for pickers who travel by air.

As Cathal warns, the music is not bluegrass - but the song could easily be given a bluegrass treatment, and many bluegrass musicians have suffered similarly on other airlines than the one named in the song. For guitarists of a nervous disposition - don't miss the reassuring notice at the end of the video.

House concert in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Colin Henry, whose tour with Gary Ferguson began on 2 July, reports on Monday night's event, with Janet Holmes (above, right) also performing:

The house concert held by Sharon and Arnie Loughrin at their Cookstown home was a resounding success. The intimate relaxed atmosphere was perfect for acoustic music. The artists certainly enjoyed the night and - if singing along is a guide - the audience enjoyed it too. The hospitality was what you would expect from good folks like Sharon and Arnie - let's just say we did not go hungry!

Gary has played house concerts before but thay are a rarity on this island. They are a great idea and hopefully we will see them occur more often in the future. Sharon and Arnie are certainly hoping to stage some more - they will keep us posted.

I attach a photo of us performing in the house, which incidentally Arnie built himself.

Have a...

Irish readers of a certain age may do a double-take at this photo taken by Lilly Pavlak at the 37th Banjo Jamboree at Čáslav in the Czech Republic. The Banjo Jamboree, the longest-established bluegrass festival in Europe, was held this year on 19-20 June.

The band on stage is Křeni, who won the #3 European Bluegrass Band of the Year award at the EWOB Festival 2009 in the Netherlands four weeks earlier. The banner behind their banjo- and mandolin-players is advertising an energy drink.

John Spillane returns to Westport

Uri Kohen of Electric Cave Production, organiser of the Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, reports:

Arguably Cork's finest and defiantly one of Ireland's best singer-songwriters, John Spillane (MySpace) will showcase his talent in Westport, Co. Mayo, on Friday 17 July 2009. The concert will take place in the unique surrounding of the Mill Times Hotel, Mill Street, and for a very special price of €10 per ticket. Doors open at 9.00 p.m.; gig starts around 9.30-9.45. For more details contact:

Mill Times Hotel, 09829200
Uri Kohen, 087-7570958
Don't miss this great opportunity to see this great show!

Dawn chorus: new CD from Cat Malojian

Thanks to Jonathan Toman of Cat Malojian for the news that their new album Dawn chorus will be officially released in September 2009. Meanwhile, it can be streamed for free or downloaded at half price here. Have a listen!

Jonathan is also banjo-player with Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, who will be playing in concert at Fergie's Bar, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, on Wednesday 8 July (see the BIB post of 29 June).

Tennessee Hennessees: upcoming shows

Bill Johnston (bass, vocals), Colin Henry (dobro), Sean McKerr (mandolin, vocals), Mel Corry (banjo, vocals), Gerry Thompson (guitar)

Thanks to Mel Corry of the Tennessee Hennessees of Lurgan, Co. Armagh, and points in the vicinity, for the following news of their imminent shows:

4 July: Lynch’s, Tullamore, Co. Offaly (evening; part of Hoedown Festival)
5 July: Lynch’s, Tullamore (afternoon show; part of Hoedown Festival)

10 July: Athy Bluegrass Festival

17 July: Fergie's, Market St., Tullamore (part of Phoenix Festival)
18 July: Eugene's, William St., Tullamore (part of Phoenix Festival)
19 July: Cosgrove's, High St., Tullamore (part of Phoenix Festival)

Fair City Grass shows in Dublin, 4 and 8 July

Thanks to Enda Donnelly for the news that Fair City Grass will be playing two shows in the Dublin area in the very near future:

Sat. 4 July: The Yacht Club, Howth - Dinner & Bluegrass music (private)

Wed. 8 July: The Bandstand, St Stephen's Green - Lunchtime music, 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. [as part of the Office of Public Works' Summerfest]

Hoedown Festival in Lynch's, Tullamore, 2-5 July

Thanks to Emmet Lynch, who reports that Hugh Lynch’s bar in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, is running a Hoedown Festival this weekend to celebrate 4 July (US Independence Day). The Hoedown consists of live music, special promotions, Cowboys 'n' Cowgirls, a Hot Dog stand, and a buckin' bronco. The programme for four days is:

Thurs. 2 July, night: Paul Skelton (piano)

Friday 3 July, night: Carvin Jones (American Hendrix-style guitarist with his band); DJ downstairs

Sat. 4 July, night: The Tennessee Hennessees (top-class bluegrass band) upstairs; DJ downstairs. Free in before 10.00 p.m.; €10 after that.

Sun. 5 July: Pig race in aid of Dochas Offaly Cancer Support: first race 3.30 p.m.

Update 3 July: The Tennessee Hennessees were on the bill at last week's Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival; for more detail on their upcoming shows, see the new BIB post of 3 July.

New Woodbine CD for launch at Athy festival

Woodbine's new CD Free as a breeze (WBM 003), recorded by the band in its present configuration, will be launched at the 19th Athy Bluegrass Festival next week (9-12 July 2009).

Free as a breeze, the band's third album, comprises thirteen tracks showing the trademark Woodbine choice of solid bluegrass material from a wide range of sources and writers. Recorded by Dave Howard at his Kilcullen studio near Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, the CD was produced by Clem O'Brien, who adds harmony vocals, autoharp, or dobro on three tracks.

The full lineup for the Athy festival can be seen here.

Gary Ferguson: fifth tour of Ireland, July 2009

Colin Henry and Gary Ferguson

Gary Ferguson (guitar, vocals) returns to Ireland in July for what is his fifth consecutive tour. Like last year, Colin Henry will be his sideman, playing dobro and guitar. The tour begins on 2 July at Foyles Hotel in Clifden, Co. Galway, followed on 3 July with a weekend at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, where Gary will be joined by Janet Holmes. Janet will also perform with Gary and Colin on other selected gigs throughout the tour.

A highlight of this year’s programme is a series of ‘In the Round’ singer/songwriter evenings where Gary and Janet will be joined by Charlie McGettigan to perform their own and each other's songs, and with Colin to provide the grace notes on dobro a great night’s music is promised.

A full gig schedule with details is listed below:

2 July 2009 Foyles Hotel, Clifden, Co. Galway; +353 95 21801
3-4-5 July (with Janet Holmes) Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone; +44 (028-82) 243292
6 July House concert, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
7 July ‘In the Round’ with Janet Holmes & Charlie McGettigan, Mullingar Arts Centre, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath; +353 (0)44 93 47783
8 July (with Janet Holmes) Geraghty’s Pub, Westport, Co. Mayo; 087 7570958
9 July ‘In the Round’ with Janet Holmes & Charlie McGettigan, Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford town; +353 (0)53 91 23764
10-11-12 July (with Janet Holmes) Athy Bluegrass Festival, Athy, Co. Kildare; +353 (0)59 862 5266
13 July Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; +353 (0)87 792.1771
14 July Colfer’s Pub, Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford; +353 (0)51 561159
15 July De Barra’s Folk Club, Clonakilty, Co. Cork; +353 (0)23 33381
16 July Downey's Upstairs Lounge, Ballyfermot, Dublin; +353 (0)1 703 3875
17 July ‘In the Round’ with Janet Holmes & Charlie McGettigan, Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; +353 (0)1 802 0898
18 July (with Janet Holmes) McGrory’s of Culdaff, Culdaff, Co. Donegal; +353 (0)74 937 9104
19 July (with Janet Holmes) Ardara Bluegrass Festival, Ardara, Co. Donegal; +353 (0)74 95 37949