County Line (USA) tour in Ireland, 20-30 May 2010

County Line, from Carbondale, Illinois, will begin a ten-day tour of the West of Ireland and the Dublin area later this month. Here's the band's bio:

County Line was born in the heartland of America. What was intended to be a pick-up gig of local talent in southern Illinois on a moon-filled Tuesday night in 2006 became a long-lasting musical friendship that surpassed rudimentary expectation. The energy and originality of the trio - with its triple threat of vocalists and soloing showmanship - was evident from note one. County Line blends the talents of Tim Whiteford (guitar), Jon Beck (mandolin, fiddle), and Sam West (double bass): each taking turns on harmony and lead, each sharing in a common goal of quality and expressiveness.

The sound: a stew of bluegrass, acoustic blues, and Americana. The trio spills across the spectrum: traditional bluegrass (from Bill Monroe to Ricky Skaggs), novelty and American classics (from Jerry Lewis to Lionel Ritchie), and eclectic originals by West and Whiteford.

The creative conglomeration comes from each player's distinctive discipline. All three members arrive together through engaging musical backgrounds: Tim Whiteford with reggae roots (the Rum Runners) and country concoctions Bosco & Whiteford (recently taking part in the nationally televised program 'Can you duet'), Sam West with funk foundation (Sam West Trio), and solo singer/songwriter campaigns, and Jon Beck sidelining bluegrass group the Whistle Pigs, as well as other impressive regional Illinois acts.

Dynamic, soulful, unique and true to their roots - County Line is sure to keep people dancing and romancing for years to come.

County Line releases their new album Jackson this May - including ten fresh, original songs. Pick one up at their live performances.

And here's the schedule:

Thurs. 20 May O’Shea's Merchant Pub, Merchant Quay, Dublin city, 8.00 p.m.
Fri. 21 May Penny Hill Pub, Lucan, Co. Dublin, 9.00 p.m.
Sat. 22 May The Courtyard Hotel, Leixlip, Co. Kildare, 9.00 p.m.
Sun. 23 May O’Shea's Merchant Pub, Merchant Quay, Dublin city, 10.00 p.m.
Wed. 26 May Gallagher’s Pub, Kilkishen, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m.
Fri. 28 May Castlebar Tennis Club, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, 8.00 p.m.
Sat. 29 May Geraghty’s Pub, Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.
Sun. 30 May Mannion’s Pub, Balla, Co. Mayo, 7.00 p.m.

The band are on Facebook and MySpace. Thanks to Sam West for the information, and to Alanna Ní Mhíocháin for organising the tour.