Tom Hanway & his Bluegrass Pals to play the Irish National Guitar Festival on 9 April

Thanks to Tom Hanway for news of this major event:

Bluegrass composer and singer Tom Hanway is an adept finger-style guitarist as well as a hot 5-string banjo player. On 9 April, 10.30 p.m., he and his Bluegrass Pals bring their special blend of bluegrass and newgrass to the Westcourt Hotel, as part of the Irish National Guitar Festival in Drogheda, Co. Louth.

Tom will be picking his Martin D-28V Herringbone guitar as well as his original Stelling SwallowTail Deluxe banjo that he co-designed with master craftsman and luthier Geoff Stelling from Afton, Virginia. Tom was the inspiration and designer of the SwallowTail neck inlay pattern. The banjo comes in both Standard and Deluxe models.

Hollywood actor Steve Martin, who will be featured in next month’s Banjo NewsLetter, also plays a Stelling SwallowTail Deluxe, true to Tom and Geoff’s original design. It is featured on the renowned CD The crow. Tom will also appear in the May issue of Banjo NewsLetter. (More details to come.)

The Irish National Guitar Festival will run from 7 to 11 April. The main event centre will be Drogheda’s new state of the art Concert hall – the TLT. You can expect a guitar player’s heaven at the first ever Irish National Guitar festival! There will be something for all ages and all levels of musicians. International artists confirmed to perform at the festival include guitar legend Preston Reed, Grammy award winner Ed Gerhard, and Irish legend Jimmy Smyth, plus many more. Check out the event guide for more info.

The festival will consist of performances from some of the world’s most renowned guitarists, and don’t miss your opportunity to benefit from a guitar master class from some of the world greats!

If it’s gear and guitars you’re into, you won’t be disappointed! Drop by the Guitar Fair in the main exhibition room to see the latest on offer from all your favourite brands including Fender, Marshall, Martin, Taylor, Takamine, Godin, Breedlove, Boss, Yamaha, Peavey and much more. Throughout the festival the main stage will feature clinics from your favourite guitar brands, featuring some of the best performers in the world. Check out the event guide for more information.

Tom Hanway & his Bluegrass Pals are looking forward to being part of this incredible weekend of pickin’ and a-grinnin’!