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.