Uncle Earl news

Uncle Earl, 2009 model: Paula Bradley, Stephanie Coleman, KC Groves, Kristin Andreassen

After this year's Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, it's not hard to recall a couple of years back when all-girl neo-old-time string band Uncle Earl were the Sweethearts of Longford. The band has taken a sabbatical since July 2008 to allow members to pursue their own paths, and is now back in action with a new lineup.


Rayna Gellert and Abigail Washburn have amicably left; in their places, Paula Bradley and Stephanie Coleman have joined on banjo, fiddle, and other instruments, together with Bryn Davies (right), whom Irish fans will remember as the powerful bass player for the Two High String Band at the Dunmore East and Omagh festivals about ten years ago. The band already has a busy tour schedule lined up and is looking forward to a tour of Germany in 2010.