1st Inishowen International Guitar Festival, 5-7 Feb. 2010

Nigel Martyn reports from Belfast:

The 1st Inishowen International Guitar Festival, three days of guitar heaven, will take place in and around McGrory's of Culdaff, Inishowen, north Donegal, on the weekend of 5 / 6 / 7 February 2010.

In this the inaugural year we are delighted to present a wide spectrum of musical styles on both acoustic and electric guitars, from some of the foremost players and pickers in the world today.

Headlining we have Jennifer Batten, instantly recognisable as the blonde lead guitarist in Michael Jackson's band since 1989. Jennifer has also played and recorded extensively with Jeff Beck.

We have the rare combination of jazz and Nintendo tunes from Wim den Herder (Netherlands), Chet Atkins thumb-and-finger style from Gareth Pearson (Wales), bluegrass and beyond from Beppe Gambetta (Italy), acoustic blues from Johnny Dickinson (UK) and the exquisite Celtic fingerstyle of Clive Carroll.

Home-grown talent is equally represented by the mighty Henry McCullough, Arty McGlynn, Jerome McGlynn, Jimmy Smyth, Grainne Duffy, Paul Sherry, Paul Buckley, Percy Robinson and the Deans.

There are lots of workshops, clinics, and seminars, and there will be a display of vintage guitars. The full programme is posted on the festival website.

Best wishes,

Nigel