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