David Simpson

David (centre) with Catherine and Patrick Simpson, jamming in the Art Gallery at Airfield House, Dundrum, Dublin, 23 June 2007 (photo: Angela Simpson)

We publish with the deepest regret the news that David Simpson, a pillar of the Dublin bluegrass community, died peacefully in the early afternoon of Saturday 29 August in the Blackrock Hospice, in the presence of his family.

The following notice appears in today's Irish Times:

SIMPSON, David Robert Beaumont, (Mount Merrion, Co. Dublin, Canada and Omagh) - August 29, 2009, after a long illness. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Angela, sons Paul, Patrick and Mark, daughter Catherine, grandchild Frances, his sister Ann, brother-in-law Ross and family, relatives and friends. Reposing at Carnegie Funeral Home, 19 The Crescent, Monkstown. Removal this (Monday) evening at 5 pm arriving at St Therese's Church, Mount Merrion at 5.30 pm. Funeral Mass tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 10 am. Burial afterwards in Shanganagh Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Blackrock Hospice.

"May he rest in peace".

***************

Enda Donnelly reports more sad news: the death of Gerry Kiernan (father of banjo-player Paddy Kiernan; see BIB post of 20 Apr. 2009) this morning around 10 a.m. at the hospice in Harold's Cross after a spell in hospital. Enda adds:

I knew Gerry & his wife Libby very well; he was a great good-humoured character.

Cedar Hill for Ireland in 2010?

Cedar Hill (l-r: Mark Vaccaro, Frank Ray, Bradford Lee Folk, Britt McGarity, Jimmy Bunch, Ferrell Stowe)

Cedar Hill, a powerful six-piece traditional band from the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, with a growing national reputation in the States, are hoping to make a two-week tour in Ireland and/or Scotland in 2010. Frank Ray, Cedar Hill's mandolinist, says:

We wish to concentrate on Ireland because of the wonderful things we have heard from some of our bluegrass friends that have played there. And my wife's grandfather came here from Ireland. My wife's maiden name is Boyle.

One of the band's friends is Gary Ferguson, so - though Cedar Hill are eager to play as many shows as possible in the two weeks - they would prefer not to clash with Gary's sixth tour in Ireland, planned for July next year.

Frank sends the following YouTube links to three numbers recorded live during a Cedar Hill show at the world-famous Station Inn, Nashville, in July 2009: 'Stobro blues', featuring Ferrell Stowe; 'Why, oh why'; and 'Heartaches and teardrops'. Live mp3s are also available if required by promoters or event organisers, and Frank is ready to supply any further information needed.

Contact Frank by e-mail, or use the contact info on the band's website.

New website for Omagh festival

The Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, now has a new website as part of the National Museums Northern Ireland organisation.

The new site gives full programme, ticketing, location, and other information, together with photos and details of all the seventeen acts taking part. This year the festival reclaims its traditional place in showcasing Appalachian dance with the presence of Eileen Carson of the Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble (profiled in Bluegrass Unlimited earlier this year); and its mission of bringing bluegrass to young people, with the return of Charles Pettee and John Currie from Asheville, North Carolina, to run the Bluegrass Camp for Kids.

Thanks to the Dangem company for this news. Dangem also announce their next Bluegrass Get-Together at the Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, on the morning of Saturday 19 September. Full details are on the Dangem website, together with the dates (26-8 February 2010) for the second annual Dangem Banjo Camp.

Bluegrass in Balla: website now open

Thanks to Michael Baynes of Castlebar, Co. Mayo, website designer for Tom Lyons's Balla Bluegrass Festival (24-26 Oct. 2009), for the news that the website is now in action here.

Mannion's Bar, Main Street, Balla, is the venue for all events (the 'contact' page of the site includes a location map). The confirmed schedule is as follows:


Sat. 24th: The Molly Hicks (see BIB post of 26 Aug.)
Sun. 25th: 3.00 p.m. The McEvillys; followed by
Jam Session (all musicians welcome)
Sun. 25th: 8.00 p.m. Woodbine
Mon. 26th: Colonel Bullshot Rides Again

The McEvillys, Hubie and Sarah

Bill Whelan to teach at Sore Fingers October Weekend

Bill Whelan, of Dublin's Rough Deal String Band and many other ensembles, will be teaching the old-time banjo course at the Sore Fingers October Weekend (see the BIB post of 26 August).

In the above photo Bill is playing a custom-made banjo by Johannes Bonefaas, born in the Netherlands and now living in Sweden after many years in Denmark. Johannes' banjos, based on the design of Dobson banjos from the 1880s, have been described by Richie Stearns (US) as 'Best modern made banjos in da world'. Full details of them can be seen here.

Mike Seeger: updates

Thanks to FOAOTMAD for the information that there is an appreciation of Mike Seeger on the NPR Music website, where with the right connections you can hear several samples of his music; the New York Times obituary is here; and many splendid recent photos by Mike Melnyk, some of which include John Cohen and Tracy Schwarz, can be seen here.

Update 27 August: Thanks to the Bluegrass Blog for three items posted yesterday (26 August) on Mike Seeger, including an appreciation on the Smithsonian Folkways website, and news of releases on DVD of the film Always been a rambler on the massively influential New Lost City Ramblers, and on a three-CD set of NLCR recordings over fifty years.

Win a Deering banjo at the Omagh festival!

Once again Dangem will be supplying a Deering Goodtime 2 in a free draw at the Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival at Omagh, Co. Tyrone (4-6 Sept. 2009) - a chance to win an American-built banjo by one of the leading banjo companies. Derek Lockhart, owner of Dangem, says:

This is our opportunity to support the largest bluegrass festival outside North America. Richard Hurst and his team at the Omagh Folk Park put a lot of work into this Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival every year and we like to support their efforts.

The all-maple Deering Goodtime is the only American-made beginner’s banjo. The Goodtime 2 is a resonator banjo with 3-ply rim, new peghead style and walnut inlays, and six-year warranty, and comes in a custom box. Full specifications ond photos of the Goodtime range can be seen here.

Sore Fingers October Weekend, 23-25 Oct. 2009: update

Plans are being finalised for the Sore Fingers 2009 October Weekend, which takes place at Kingham Hill School, near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, England, from Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October.

The weekend course offers the same classes as the main Easter event (depending on demand), allowing people to try out the experience over a shorter period. Currently, places are available on all courses, shown below with their tutors:

Old-time banjo Bill Whelan
Old-time fiddle Jock Tildesley
Autoharp June Maugery
Banjo Howard Burton
Guitar Jason Titley
Mandolin Percy Copley
Fiddle Greg Smith
Singing Gary and Sherryl Payne
Dobro Bill Dalton with Pete Wraith
Bass Richard Partridge [through an oversight, this was omitted from the post when first published]

More information about the courses can be found here.

Sore Fingers Summer Schools is Europe's leading organisation for bluegrass and old-time music camps, offering world-class tuition for all the instruments played in bluegrass as well as old-time fiddle and banjo, autoharp, and singing. Next year’s Summer Schools take place Monday 5 April-Friday 9 April 2010. The full text of this press release can be read here.

Molly Hicks launch CD at Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival

Bernie O'Mahony, Ruth Dillon

The Molly Hicks launch their eagerly awaited debut CD, as they kick off this year’s Guinness International Bluegrass Festival on Thursday 27 August, 7.00 p.m. at Azzuro @ The Ship, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.

The Molly Hicks are an original and contemporary bluegrass unit based in Galway, featuring Ruth Dillon (vocals, guitar), Bernie O’Mahony (vocals, guitar), Tom Hanway (vocals, 5-string banjo) and Paul Johnson (doghouse bass). Ruth will try out her many new original songs, singing duets with Bernie, and trios with Tom, who also adds hot original banjo tunes.

Ruth, from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, has toured America and Europe with the Dolores Keane Band. As a solo performer, she has opened for such acts as Altan, Sharon Shannon, Francis Black, Ron Sexsmith, Juniper, and Sean Tyrell.

Bernie O’Mahony, originally from Waterford, is a professional studio singer and recording artist who has performed with Sean Tyrrell’s highly acclaimed show 'The Midnight Court'. She and Ruth have been collaborating in Galway in recent years, performing at festivals, touring in Ireland and America, and holding down a monthly residency at the prestigious Crane Bar in Galway.

American ex-pat Tom Hanway is a composer, studio session musician, and recording artist who has performed with Bill Monroe, Vassar Clements, Doc Watson, Jack Grace, Jorma Kaukonen, John Herald Band, and the Provincetown Jug Band. Tom hit a major milestone by signing a worldwide distribution deal with Digital Revolution Entertainment for his three releases.

This tight vocal group is revered in Galway and across Ireland for their uncanny delivery of traditional and contemporary bluegrass songs. The Molly Hicks are a harmony tour de force, with everyone taking turns singing lead and harmony, doing call and response, in the grand traditions of American bluegrass, full-grown gospel and country music.

Please come see and meet the Molly Hicks in Dunmore East, and help them celebrate the release of their thirteen-song recording, with new, original, and traditional songs.

Molly Hicks’ schedule:

Aug. 27: 7.00 p.m., Festival kick-off and Molly Hicks CD launch, Azzuro @ The Ship
Aug. 28: 5.00 p.m., Songwriting and vocal workshop, Azzuro @ The Ship
Aug. 29: 2.30 p.m., Waterford City Showcase @ Blackfriers (opposite City Square Shopping Centre)
Aug. 29: 8.00 p.m., Azzuro @ The Ship
Aug. 30: 6.00 p.m., The Strand

TV3 Ireland AM appearance for Jack Grace and Tom Hanway: UPDATE

Please note the changed time for the broadcast: 7.45 a.m., not 8.00 as originally announced on this post.

TV3 Ireland AM has invited songwriter-raconteur Jack Grace [left] and Tom Hanway [right] to appear on the popular TV programme on Wednesday 26 August, at 7.45 a.m.. Jack will sing and pick Tom’s D-28V Herringbone Martin guitar, with Tom playing his Stelling SwallowTail banjo, performing ‘If you’re gonna raise a drunk’, the side-splitting single from the Jack Grace Band’s upcoming CD, Drinking songs for lovers. Jack brings real life experience to his considerable craft.*

At the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival, the group will be performing old favourites along with songs from the upcoming CD, which features special guests John Sebastian (Lovin’ Spoonful) and Earl Poole Ball (Johnny Cash Band), among others. When hearing the record after its completion, Sebastian raved: 'You have a hit recording on your hands!'

Earl Poole Ball is a legend in his own right, with twenty-five years as a member of the Johnny Cash show under his belt. After he and Grace toured as a duo in music halls across Texas, Jack invited him to perform on the new record. His reaction to the finished recording was more than enthusiastic: 'This is a great concept with lots of good songs. It sounds great, and what a masterful mixing job... we should write a song together sometime!'

Tom Hanway composes prolifically on banjo and has three albums distributed globally on the major digital stores. Tom’s debut CD Bucket of bees, waxed in Nashville and New York City, saw him working with top bluegrass artists Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, David Grier, and Vassar Clements. Hanway wrote seven tunes for Bucket of bees, shifting between bluegrass and contemporary styles. He has developed and helped folk, country, and bluegrass artists on dozens of recordings on both sides of the Atlantic.

Please join the Jack Grace Band at Dunmore East, in celebration of their upcoming recording, with old friends and new, in their favourite home away from home, Ireland. Here’s their schedule:

Aug. 28: 10.00 p.m., The Ocean Hotel
Aug. 29: 4.00 p.m., Powers Bar
Aug. 29: 11.00 p.m., The Haven Hotel
Aug. 30: 3.00 p.m., The Strand
Aug. 30: 10.00 p.m., The Spinnaker Bar

Personnel: Jack 'Martini Cowboy' Grace (guitar, vocals), Daria 'Battleaxe' Grace [right] (bass, vocals), Jason 'J-Bird' Bowman [left] (drums, vocals), Tom 'Badbelly' Hanway (banjo, vocals)

* Tom would be grateful if someone could record the Ireland AM TV show. Contact Tom Hanway: Home: 043-33-46340; Mobile: 087-204-792; e-mail

New songs, new MySpace

Janet Holmes, Colin Henry, Gary Ferguson

With two successful summer tours in Ireland (2008, 2009) under their belts, the combination of Janet Holmes and Colin Henry from Belfast with Gary Ferguson from Gettysburg, PA, now has a new MySpace, with each artist represented by a song recorded at Frankie Lane's studio in Athy, Co. Kildare, in July this year. Gary reports:

We will be touring Ireland again in July 2010, and we're talking about the possibility of Janet and Colin coming to the States to do a bit of touring as well. We want to record an EP or hopefully a full-length album...

Galway Americana Festival: update

Pete Lamb reports:

Well, the festival launch went like a rocket! Jeff & Vida did us proud, and got us off to a fine, rockin' start. Just a few lines to explain a couple of things that were omitted from the program (which is now available to download as a PDF from the website) to your readers:

Calling all banjo pickers! Bill Evans will be in Galway to play as part of the Galway Americana Festival on Saturday 12 Sept. Bill has been a professional banjo player, teacher, writer, recording artist, and workshop leader for more than thirty years, and he is the author of the 2007 book Banjo for dummies. If you are interested in having Bill give a 5-string banjo workshop while he is town for this gig, please get in touch and let us know asap!

Calling all fiddle players! Megan Lynch is a six-times National Fiddle Champion who runs the Fiddle Star camps and website, counting dozens of State and National Champions among her students. Meg will be giving a fiddle workshop at the Galway Technical Institute, Father Griffin Road, Galway, on Saturday 12 Sept. at 2.00 p.m. If you want to sign up for this workshop, get in touch with the festival asap!

This is a rare chance to share and learn with two of the top musicians and most experienced teachers in bluegrass... Don't let it pass you by!

New bluegrass events for October 2009

Thanks to Tony O'Brien of the Athy Bluegrass Music Association for news of two new bluegrass events coming in October 2009.

Fri. 2nd-Sun. 4th: 1st Bruff Bluegrass Festival, Bruff, Co. Limerick: Niall Toner Band, Tennessee Hennessees, Bending the Strings, Molly Hicks and Woodbine. Information from Michael Herbert (086 0638874)

Sat. 24th, Sun. 25th, Mon. 26th: Balla Bluegrass Weekend, Balla, Co. Mayo: Woodbine, Molly Hicks, and Colonel Bullshot Bluegrass Band (Westport's own). Information from Tommy Lyons (094 9365200)

Outlaws and Pickers head East for the 15th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival

Press Release - for immediate release 21 August 2009

Local, national and international stars of bluegrass are making their way to Dunmore East, Co. Waterford this week, for what has become one of Europe's most anticipated bluegrass festivals.

Not only are some of the biggest names in bluegrass about to descend on the quaint fishing village, but over 20,000 visitors are expected to come for the rhythm and stay for the roots! In fact, 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.

Among the headline acts, The Martini Cowboy, AKA Jack Grace and his band will arrive in the picturesque village this week, for what is expected to be another show stealing performance. The Jeff and Vida Band from New Orleans, no strangers to the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival, will take to the stages of the various venues over the course of the weekend. A newcomer to Dunmore East is Sarah Grey, a melodic and soulful roots performer once described as a singer and story teller 'capable of transporting an audience from the concert hall or club room to the intimacy of a kitchen fireside'. She can be heard in all six venues over the three-day festival.

Travelling from not so distant shores will be Irish acts such as Knotty Pine, the Cotton Pickin’ Rodeo Clowns, Molly Hicks, Little Ass Birds, the Swingin’ Bluecats, Fairweather, Bowmack, Hollorin’ Pine, Mean Eyed Cats, and Mad Uncle Harry.

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.

The 15th Guinness Dunmore East International Bluegrass Festival will kick off on Thursday 27 August at 6.30 p.m. at Azzurro Bar and Restaurant.

For more information about the 15th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford, visit the Discover Dunmore website.

The full text of this press release can be read here. A schedule for all appearances by bands throughout the Festival appears here as an Excel file.

Gang twang at the Sugar Club, Dublin, 29 Aug. 2009

Mark O'Mahony ('Soapy' of Prison Love) reports:

Howdy Friends,

Following the success of our collaboration at last year's Red Line Roots Festival, Prison Love & the North Strand Kontra Band are set to come together again next Saturday, 29 August, in the Sugar Club, for a second showdown of East meets West.

Blending the high-energy, hypnotic sounds of the Balkans mixed with everything from funk to drum and bass, the North Strand Kontra Band have brought fresh excitement to the live music scene over the past four years.

Prison Love's fast-paced, driving, old-time and cajun sounds have been thrilling audiences across the globe for nearly ten years. We're just back from stealing the show at the Goud'Acoustic Festival in France and we can't wait to see a few familiar faces.

On the night, each band will play a set before both groups join together for a grand finale performance (or 'Gang Twang' as we know it!) combining the two unique styles of music. It's a musical Molotov cocktail that you don't want to miss!

Tickets are available on the door, priced at €10. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

What: Prison Love & the North Strand Kontra Band: East meets West!
When: Saturday 29 August; doors 8.00 p.m.
Where: Sugar Club, Leeson St., Dublin 2
Tix: €10 on the door (no pre-booking)

See you there, y'all,

Soapy

Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir in England and Ireland, Sept.-Oct. 2009

Following the release in 2008 of their third album, Ten thousand, the Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir (Canada) have just announced a return trip to the UK and Ireland for their first European dates this year, which will include their third appearance at the Open House Festival in Belfast.

The AMGC - Peter Balkwill (drums), Bob Keelaghan (guitars, vocals), Judd Palmer (banjo, low slide guitar, harmonica, vocals), Vladimir Sobolewski (upright bass) - list Ralph Stanley among their influences. In addition to nine appearances in England, they will be playing the following shows in Ireland:

Mon. 21 Sept. Crane Lane Theatre, Cork. Free, midnight. +353 21 427 8487
Tues. 22 Sept. Crawdaddy, Dublin. €12/€15, 8.00 p.m. 0818 719300
Wed. 23 Sept. Róisín Dubh, Galway city. €10/€12.50, 9.00 p.m. + 353 91 586 540
Thurs. 24 Sept. Open House Festival @ the Spring & Airbrake, Belfast. £14, 7.30 p.m. 02890 327007

A full tour schedule is on their MySpace site. For further information, interview requests, guest lists etc. please contact Geraint Jones @ G Promo PR: phone +44 (0) 1584 873211; mobile +44 (0) 7855 724798; e-mail.

Foggy Hogtown Boys: instruments update

With reference to the BIB post of 14 August on instruments needed by the excellent Foggy Hogtown Boys band from Canada, who are touring Ireland next month, Chris Coole reports that the guitar part of the problem has been solved.

The band is still anxious to find an available upright bass, however; so please drop Chris an e-mail if you have or know of a suitable instrument.

Bill Evans & Megan Lynch in Ireland and Britain, Sept. 2009

Bill Evans & Megan Lynch (USA) will appear at the Galway Americana Music Festival at the beginning of an eleven-day tour in Ireland, England, and Wales. Please note the open days available in Ireland immediately after the Galway festival and at the very end of the tour; if you can suggest a date for Bill & Megan, contact Maria E. Nadauld of Above the Bay Booking by e-mail.

Sept. 11 Bill Evans and Megan Lynch at the Galway Americana Music Festival, Galway city (details TBA)
Sept. 12 Fiddle workshop at Galway Technical Institute (afternoon); concert at Crane Bar, Galway city, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 13 Open: Ireland (TBA)
Sept. 14 Open: travel to England
Sept. 15 Ram Jam Club, 8.00 p.m., 46 Richmond Road, Kingston-upon Thames, Surrey KT2 5EE, England; +44 20 8541 4328.
Sept. 16 Magpie's Nest concert series, The Old Queen's Head, London, England; 7.30 p.m.
Sept. 17 The Green Note, 106 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7AN, England; 020 7485 9899, e-mail.
Sept. 18 Ryan's Bar, 181 Church Street, Stoke Newington, London N16 0UL, England; 08721 077 077 (ref 4424)
Sept. 19 Jamming workshop (afternoon) and concert (evening) at Helsby Ex-Servicemen's Club, Cheshire, England (sponsored by Bluegrass Seeds)
Sept. 20 Blue Sky Cafe, Bangor, north Wales
Sept. 21 Open: Dublin? (TBA)

Claire Lynch Band to top the bill at Omagh

The Claire Lynch Band (Jason Thomas, Mark Schatz, Claire Lynch, Jim Hurst) at Madison Square Park, NYC (photo: Stan Tomczak)

The Claire Lynch Band (USA) heads the bill at this year's Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone (4-6 Sept. 2009), and is clearly looking forward to the experience - which should be a treat for everyone present. Read the band's latest e-bulletin here, and check their MySpace site, where Claire's glorious voice handles the fine song 'Kennesaw Line', among others.

And if you don't see a banjo in the photo above, don't falter: Jim Hurst, best known as an award-winning guitarist, is also a fine and original banjo-player.

The oven didn't work

Comic artist, musician, and record collector Robert Crumb has sometimes been obliged to try getting a warped 78 rpm record back to flatness by heating it in the oven. Recently this technique was unsuccessful, and as a result he is eager to obtain a clean copy of a classic old-time 78 - Doc Hopkins playing 'Old Joe Clark'/ '21 years' (Paramount 577). To help, contact Alex Wood by telephone (+1.608.251.6969) or e-mail. Thanks to Tim Hawkins for drawing our attention to this blog entry.

From Tim we also learned that Strings magazine publishes Fiddle traditions, a solid compilation of text and music (standard notation) on tunes and techniques in several genres of fiddling - especially useful for the old-time and bluegrass fiddler at $12.95.

The current issue of Strings features Mark O'Connor, who is introducing his new American violin method; see also this post on the original Bluegrass Blog.

La Roche Bluegrass Festival 2009

The Skillet Lickers plus Colm Murphy (fiddle) playing next to a record stall in the covered market at La Roche (photo from Jim MacArdle)

The fourth La Roche Bluegrass Festival was held on 29 July-2 Aug. 2009 in La Roche-sur-Foron, Haute Savoie, France, a very pleasant town with a medieval core (left) among spectacular scenery (right) and with friendly people (below) who give generous and essential support to a festival that attracts 10,000-12,000 visitors annually with no admission charges and no disorder. This year Ireland was well represented by the Skillet Lickers from Drogheda (Jim MacArdle, Mick Dunne, and Dick McGarry). Interested? More text and photos here...


M. Michel Thabuis, maire of La Roche-sur-Foron, with Carol Hawkins

Tropic Thunder at the Horse Show

Thanks to Patrick Simpson for these two photos. Patrick reports:

Just a short note to tell you of a great band that I was lucky enough to see perform during the RDS Dublin Horse Show 2009. They are an eclectic trio of musicians from north Dublin who regularly perform at the Maples Hotel, Drumcondra, on Friday and Sunday nights. Their music ranges from Neil Young, Johnny Cash, and Steve Earle. Very exciting and entertaining to watch to say the least. 'Tropic Thunder' are definitely a group to watch out for!

Carmel & the Ravens at the Country Fest: a report

Thanks to Brian Egan, who signs himself as 'Ireland’s newest bluegrass fan', and writes:

... until now I have been strictly a country music fan, but that all changed last Saturday week. I’ve had the great pleasure of hearing Carmel Sheerin and the Ravens at the UTV Country Fest in Belfast on 1st and 2nd of August.

What a performance. I was amazed that an Irish band could sound like this. They were the only non-American band on the main UTV stage and they certainly did not let the nation down. Their singing was fantastic and their harmonies even better, their musicianship was top class. The crowd loved them and I had a chance to meet with them after their set; these guys are all family joined by a good friend who fits in like one of the family. They certainly lit up the Country Fest and I’m sure they are heading towards a great future.

Ireland and the bluegrass world can be proud of this band.

Instruments needed by the Foggy Hogtown Boys

Chris Coole of the Foggy Hogtown Boys from Canada, who will be playing in Ireland and Britain during September (see the BIB post of 11 August), reports that owing to restrictions in what they can bring over, the FHB would be glad to be able to rent or borrow the use of an upright bass and a guitar during their period in Ireland (3-17 September).

If you have (or know of) a suitable instrument which could be put at the band's disposal, contact Chris by e-mail.

Galway Americana Festival: extra

Thanks to Pete Lamb, who reports:

As part of their Irish tour, New Orleans' finest, the Jeff & Vida Band will be launching the Galway Americana Festival next Friday, 21 August at the Crane Bar, Sea Road, Galway, at 6.30 p.m., followed by a full gig later that night at 9.30 p.m. Further details are at the Festival website.

Among the many shows during the Festival itself (10-13 Sept. 2009), Pete also draws attention to those by Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan at 9.00 p.m. on 10 Sept. at the Crane Bar, Mark Brown on 12 Sept. at Johnston's Hall, Kinvara, Co. Galway, and the Barn Dance and Open Session on Sunday 13 Sept.

Quotes of the month

You can put that down in black and white, Bill Monroe loved the Dobro. And put in capital letters that Tut Taylor said so!

... [Young musicians are] getting good, really good. And I admire them for it, and a lot of older people, around my age, they say, ‘There’s the future of bluegrass, they’re going to carry it on... after we’re gone’, but they’re not, because they ain’t learning the old traditionals.

Tut Taylor, luthier, dobroist, and one of the founders of 'newgrass', interviewed by Sarah Hagerman for the Steam-Powered Preservation Society

Johnny Crampsie Traditional & Bluegrass Music Festival, 9-11 Oct. 2009

Woodbine at Athy 2009 (photo: Des Butler)

The Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, hosts the welcome return on 9-11 October 2009 of the Johnny Crampsie Traditional & Bluegrass Music Festival. The weekend's events will include two evening concerts, pre-show sessions, a talk on the origins of bluegrass, and informal open sessions.

The traditional music group Dalltach - Tom Byrne (button accordion, harmonica), Matt McGranaghan (fiddle), Michael Carey (whistle), Michael Gallanagh (guitar and vocals) - will play in concert on Friday 9 October at 8.00 p.m.; tickets £14 / £12 (concession). On Saturday 10 October, the 8.00 p.m.concert will be given by Woodbine - Tony O'Brien (guitar, vocals), Nicola O'Brien (bass, vocals), Liam Wright (guitar, dobro, vocals), Richard Hawkins (banjo); tickets £12. A special £20 weekend package ticket covering both shows can be booked. On both nights there will be pre-show music by CRAIC Youth from 7.00 p.m. within the Alley’s Jenca Café Bar.

On Saturday at 2.00 p.m. the Johnny Crampsie Talk on 'Tracing the origins of bluegrass' will be given by guest speakers at the Alley. Admission is free, and the duration is given as one hour.

On Sunday 11 October the Johnny Crampsie Traditional and Bluegrass Festival Weekend will conclude at St Patrick’s Hall, Strabane, with CRAIC hosting a series of informal open music sessions. The family session will run from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m., with an adult music session from 7.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Online booking facilities and more information are on the Festival website.

Charlie McGettigan, Any Old Time at Clonaslee, 15 Aug. 2009

Thanks to Tom Stapleton, of the Music Store, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, for the news that Charlie McGettigan and Any Old Time (Matt Cranitch (fiddle), Mick Daly, (guitar, 5-string banjo, vocals), Dave Hennessy (accordion)) will be playing in concert at the Clonaslee Heritage Centre, Clonaslee, Co. Laois, starting at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday 15 August. Tickets are available from Jim Kennedy (087 1332020) and Mick Fallon (087 8132592).

The concert is part of this week's 'Music in the Mountains' event - the pub trail sessions, held in Hickey's, Fallon's, Young's, and the Village Inn, begin at 9.00 p.m. on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 Aug., and are also on Saturday morning and early evening.

Foggy Hogtown Boys in Ireland, September 2009

Normal people get converted into bluegrass fans by getting tight with the Foggy Hogtown Boys. The classic repertoire thrives in their able hands and strong hearts. You can count on these guys to play it solid, and to drive it hard. Accept no substitutes, this is the real thing. (Tim O’Brien)

This hugely popular bluegrass band takes to the road this September for their first ever tour in Europe. With four critically acclaimed albums and an increasingly demanding tour schedule, the Toronto-based Foggy Hogtown Boys have established themselves as one of the most exciting bluegrass bands in Canada.

Although the group draws a great deal of inspiration and material from the 'golden age' of bluegrass and country music, solid original songs written by members in the band blend well among the old chestnuts. The band always delivers a highly entertaining and diverse show: ballads, breakdowns, gospel quartets, and lots of laughs!

SEPTEMBER TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED:

Sept. 4-7 Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Sept. 9 Tom Malone’s Marketplace Pub, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
Sept. 10 St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry
Sept. 11 Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, The Naul, Co. Dublin
Sept. 13 Colfer’s Pub, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
Sept. 15 Kilworth Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork
Sept. 17 The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Sept. 18-20 Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Newquay, England

Other dates yet to be confirmed. Media contact: e-mail

Well Enough Alone - a new Dublin bluegrass band

Thanks to Martin McWhorter, who reports:

Well Enough Alone, a brand new bluegrass band coming together in Dublin, will be playing at Bewley's Theatre (upstairs from the cafe), Grafton Street, Dublin 2, on Thursday 27 August at 8.00 p.m. along with Oil and Blood, a Dublin-based Americana/country/southern-rock outfit.

On Saturday 15 August, Well Enough Alone are also opening at Whelan's for the Cotton Pickin' Rodeo Clowns. The band's MySpace site at present lists Martin himself and Hugh Dean Taggart (guitar). Their influences are Tony Rice, Bill Monroe, Del McCoury, Open Road, the Country Gentlemen, Jimmy Martin (and, just possibly, Frank Wakefield?). Dublin needs bands with these influences right now, and we look forward to Well Enough Alone becoming a fixture on the scene.


Martin McWhorter (mandolin) with the BIB editor in a jam at the 2008 Athy festival

Bill Whelan joins OTME

Bill Whelan, founder of the Rough Deal String Band, the 2RN String Band, the OXO Boys, the Tolka River Delta Boys, etc., etc., has joined the social networking site Old Time Musicians of Europe. As of last Saturday the OTME website had 104 members, 158 photos, 83 songs, 62 videos, 11 discussions, 14 events, and 26 blog posts.

Bill, the doyen of old-time musicians and premier clawhammer-banjo player in this island, is noted for the absolute precision of his rhythm and the wide range of music to which he has successfully applied the clawhammer style.

Two Time Polka: change of date

Ray Barron reports that the Macroom gig by Two Time Polka is on Friday 21 August, not on this coming Friday as previously announced. Apologies for the error.

The complete details are as follows:

Friday 21 Aug.: Lughnasa Festival, Briery Gap Theatre, Macroom, Co. Cork. Doors open 10.30 p.m. Adm. €10. Tel. 026 41793

Debut show for new line-up of Wookalily, 14 Aug. 2009

Thanks to Adele Ingram-Magee of One-A-Chord Music Promotions in Killyleagh, Co. Down, for the news that the new line-up of Wookalily - an all-women five-piece band in which Adele plays 5-string banjo, banjitar, guitar, and stomp box and sings backing vocals - will hold their debut gig on Friday 14 August 2009 at 9.00 p.m. in McHugh's Bar, 29-31 Queens Square, Belfast, continuing till 1.00 a.m.

The show is hosted by deadonmusic, who describe Wookalily as

Five young women with folk music running through their veins and a catalogue of tunes to keep feet tapping into the wee small hours. They’ve been honing their craft individually for years and as a group have taken the local folk and country scene by storm of late with fantastic performances at events such as ‘The last waltz revisited’.

Also appearing are Swell Time, the only western swing outfit in Belfast, featuring Hornby and Tom McShane; and Tanya Strowger, a singer/songwriter whose 'passionate lyrics and powerful tunes' are 'inspired by the weird and wonderful encounters throughout life as well as a healthy love for Joni Mitchell and Eddi Reader records'.

Have a banjo holiday in Co. Clare

Bill Forster, a banjo player with over thirty years' experience of teaching and playing bluegrass music, offers you the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of East Clare and at the same time extend your repertoire and technique on the five-string banjo.

County Clare is one of the most scenic and peaceful areas on the west coast of Ireland and there is plenty to do - hill walking, bird watching, fishing, sailing, and visiting the many local hostelries in the area, to name a few. If you are also interested in Irish traditional music this area is particularly noted for the excellence of the local musicians, and sessions are easy to find.

There are many reasonably priced bed and breakfast establishments in the area in which to enjoy your stay, and the area is easily accessible either via Shannon airport (half an hour's drive away) or via the ferry routes to Dublin (approx. three hours' drive). We can provide a list of local accommodation if required.

Bill can cater for group and individual lessons and can cover any ability level, though it helps if groups are of a roughly similar ability. Lessons can be tailored to specific requirements as required.

Contact details:
Bill Forster
Uggoon
Tulla
County Clare
Ireland
Tel: +353 656831604 (from England) 0656831604 (from Ireland)
e-mail

BIB editor's note: Bill Forster (see the BIB posts of 12 and 22 Aug. 2007 and 13 Nov. 2007), one of the most experienced banjo players from the British scene, moved to Co. Clare a year ago and is now well settled in. The cost of lessons to the individual student will be less as the size of the group increases. Contact Bill for more details.

Galway Americana Festival, 10-13 Sept. 2009

Thanks to Pete Lamb for the good news that after a fallow year in 2008, the Galway Americana Festival is back on track and ready to rock. As the Festival website explains,

... 'Americana' is a label loosely used to describe alternative modern country music, music with that 'twang thang' which isn't strictly country in the 'Nashville' sense of the word, but nonetheless shares common roots. As far as the Galway Americana Festival goes, we are taking the broader meaning of the word, i.e. any American roots music, not simply modern 'alternative country', but folk and roots music in all its glorious forms: bluegrass, country, blues, Cajun, Americana, old-timey... hell, even a quiff of rockabilly! This festival is a celebration of of root-and-branch American folk forms, and we sincerely hope that embracing this diversity will mean that we can offer something to please everyone!

OK. But why Ireland? Why Galway? We want to show the common musical heritage these forms of music share with Irish traditional music, where many of the tunes originated. Where better than the cultural capital of Ireland!

The Galway Americana Festival 2009 will be launched with a show at the Crane Bar on 21 August by Jeff & Vida. Artists taking part in the main festival (10-13 Sept.) include Bill Evans & Megan Lynch, Clive Barnes, John Martin & Boucherie (Cajun), and Erin McDermott & Doug Perkins. Full details of programme, venues, and artists can be seen on the Festival website.

Mike Seeger, 1933-2009

Thanks to Louis O'Dwyer of Tullamore, who was the first to send us news that Mike Seeger had suspended treatment for cancer and had entered a hospice. Since then, news has been received of Seeger's death on Friday 7 August, eight days short of his seventy-sixth birthday.

Mike Seeger's importance in making the revival of old-time music possible since the mid 1950s, and in bringing the young city people of the folk music movement together with the rural culture of old-time and bluegrass performers, can hardly be overstated. He was not alone in this work (the names of his New Lost City Ramblers colleagues Tom Paley, John Cohen, and Tracy Schwarz, and of Ralph Rinzler and Alice Gerrard, are among those that come to mind), but probably no one else had his mastery of so many instrumental and vocal styles and genres, or the breadth of his friendships among those who created the music.

The Wikipedia biography has a discography and links to recent tributes and obituaries; see also the links in a post on the European Bluegrass Blog.

New videos from Cheap Aldi Camera Productions

Thanks to Jan Michielsen (second from left in above photo) of 4 Wheel Drive, who reports on his trip to Ireland on the first weekend in August:

Had a lot of fun in Derry AND in Omagh, maybe even more in Omagh where I had a continuous jam that lasted two hours and a half, if not longer, with Geordie McAdam (what a great fiddler he is!) and Wilson Davies (great solid guitar and bass man - real solid guy, like his approach a lot), and an 'unknown' guitar and bass player - good musicians, lots o' fun. Geordie was exhibiting some of his home-made fiddles at the museum.

Jan has put a video from his Cheap Aldi Camera Productions series on YouTube: 'Good Old Boys in Northern Ireland', showing some of the musicians performing at Bluegrass on the Walls in Derry city (in which Jan played mandolin with Woodbine), and at the Ulster American Folk Park at Omagh. Some of the footage is shot by Luc Eyckmans. Luc's splendid residential bus, Honeysuckle Rose, features prominently.

Jan has also posted on YouTube his second video instalment from this year's Athy festival: 'Good Old Boys in Athy, part two'.

Niall Toner reports...

I attach a photo of a small CD display device that we have found to be most useful in marketing our CDs at gigs. As you can see, there is also a small business card holder on the side of the device, and this has also been very successful. They are available from Shea Displays, 61A Heather Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18 (tel. 01-2957800; e-mail). Price, including VAT, is approx. €25 each.

Also, NTB are delighted to be doing a show with the legendary Peggy Seeger at the Unitarian Church in Stephen's Green, Dublin, on Wednesday 4 November, and also the following night, Thursday 5 November at the Dock Arts Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon. Tickets for both shows are available from Michael Grimes at 01-8413100/087-7618082.

Bluegrass on the Walls, part of the Maiden City Festival in Derry in early August, was once again a great sucess. The outdoor activities on the Walls were a little fraught on account of occasional heavy rain, but the audiences were in good spirits. The concert on Saturday night was held in the Junction, a fine listening room just off the city centre. Broken Strings gave a strong performance with a mainly old-time repertoire, sounding not unlike 'the Fuzzy Mountain String Band meets the Clinch Mountain Boys'. NTB did their bit, and special guest Josh Goforth gave a strong solo performance, with guest spots from yours truly on a couple of standards. The show was followed by the usual session in the Memorial Hall, including several versions of Billy Moore's favourite Johnny Cash song! All-in-all, another very pleasant weekend.

Tom Hanway & the Bluegrass Pals play Lynch's in Tullamore, 9 August

American bluegrass banjoist Tom Hanway, recently heard on RTE’s 'Roots Freeway', brings his new bluegrass band to Lynch’s in Tullamore on Sunday 9 August, 8.00-10.00 p.m. Tom Hanway & the Bluegrass Pals play their powerful, rock-inspired blend of bluegrass, newgrass, and original alt-country music. Hanway was recently signed to an international distribution deal and his three groundbreaking CDs are now on all the major download stores worldwide.

He began playing the 5-string banjo in 1985 and quickly established himself as one of New York City’s most creative banjo players and composers. Tom has three recordings distributed worldwide on the major digital stores. He has helped country and bluegrass artists on dozens of recordings on both sides of the Atlantic.

His debut CD Bucket of bees, recorded in Nashville and New York City, saw Tom working with legendary bluegrass artists such as Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, and Vassar Clements. Hanway wrote seven tunes for Bucket of bees, shifting seamlessly between bluegrass, newgrass, Celtic, and jazz, confirming his uncanny ability to play 'in context'.

Hanway is an innovator, banjo designer, and book author - Complete book of Irish & Celtic 5-string banjo (Mel Bay, 1998). Hanway teamed up with Geoff Stelling to co-design the Stelling Tom Hanway SwallowTail Deluxe banjo (1997), a hybrid instrument [see photo above].

The first SwallowTail was completed in 1998 and has become one of Stelling’s most popular models worldwide. Hollywood actor-comedian Steve Martin recently purchased a SwallowTail Deluxe, based on Tom’s original model.

Tom works with top bands in Ireland and the USA, recently joining forces with the alt-country artist Jack Grace, a former student of Hanway’s, whose most recent recording, Drinking songs for lovers, finds Tom trading off solos with the legendary Earl Poole Ball, who was Johnny Cash’s road piano player for over twenty-five years. Tom also works with the Molly Hicks, a tight-vocal-oriented bluegrass band based in Galway.

Tom’s most daring musical venture these days is with the newly formed Tom Hanway & the Bluegrass Pals, who plug in and play hard-driving bluegrass, original and time-honoured country songs in the tradition of the great, innovative American masters. Personnel include:

Barry Coffey (guitar, vocals)

Barry Coffey grew up in the country area outside Mullingar in the '80s and '90s and was involved in music from the age of 16. He has gone on to play with many top bands through the years and co-formed the Whiskey River Ban in 2004. The Whiskey River Band has had great success in the wedding and corporate scene. Barry is also a member of the 7-piece American country band Tennessee Breakdown, based out of Mullingar, who are currently planning a nationwide tour of Ireland later this year. Barry is currently collaborating with the renowned bluegrass, Irish, Celtic, and blues banjo player Tom Hanway (USA).

Barry started writing songs about 5 years ago. His unique style of song writing is heavily influenced by American music, including country, bluegrass, blues, southern rock and jazz. Barry’s first demo of original material, called Miseryville, though not released as a commercial CD, is receiving strong reviews on his MySpace page. Barry is working on a second demo and is bearing down for his debut commercial for 2010, pulling from all his inspirations.

Howard Whelan (mandolin, guitar, vocals)

Howard is a very talented multi-instrumentalist and is highly proficient on guitar,
mandolin and also fiddle. He also does a mean vocal. Howard is a great exponent of acoustically driven music such as Irish traditional, bluegrass, and folk music. His influences include the Saw Doctors, the Chieftains, Tim O'Brien, and Ricky Skaggs. Howard also plays in the Whiskey River band.

Justin Whelan (bass, vocals)

Justin is the rock inspiration in the band and was a founding member of the Marbles band back in the late 1990s. They went on to have critical acclaim and released a number of successful albums. His influences include the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Led Zeppelin, to name but a few. In recent years he has developed a love for acoustic music such as bluegrass and folk. With his solid rock influence he gives the band a Hayseed Dixie vibe. Justin plays with the Whiskey River band.

Pete Mulkearns (fiddle, vocals)

Pete saws the fiddle in the band, also being a adept mandolin and guitar player. Pete has worked with the Firehouse showband and the New Smokies. He is an ardent country music fan and one of Ireland’s top exponents of country and bluegrass fiddling. Pete holds the fiddle seat with the Tennessee Breakdown band.

Contact Tom Hanway
Home: 043-33-46340
Mobile: 087-204-7926
e-mail