NTB at the NCH, 19 June

Thanks to Niall Toner (left) for this report and pictures of the Niall Toner Band in recent shows, including a major event at the National Concert Hall, Dublin:

I attach a photo [below] of the audience, taken from the stage at the National Concert Hall on Saturday 19 June during the concert for the 65th birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi. There were 970 pay-ins and 150 guests, mostly Burmese in traditional costume. This was one of the most receptive and appreciative crowds NTB have ever played to, and if anything, it proves my long-held theory that original string-band/ bluegrass/ country music (call it what you will!) has a much wider appeal than is generally believed.

I would also say that performing under these conditions, with superb sound, wonderful lights, perfect stage and great dressing room facilities all contribute to making the entire venture so worthwhile. The concert was filmed by a Norwegian TV Company, and is being streamed in to Burma all this week. There were also a number of photographers on hand, and Faiz Farrelly took some superb shots [e.g. of Niall, at the head of this post, and the NTB on stage, below].

On Sunday we had a totally different experience when we played the Phoenix Park for Cycle in the Park Day. The audience was mostly mobile, cycling around on their bikes, but the sun shone, and folks really enjoyed the music.

Thursday night was another contrast when we played the Annual Cadbury's Hoedown in the luxurious Druid's Glen Golf Club and Hotel in Co. Wicklow. The crowd entertained themselves by riding mechanical bulls, milking mechanical cows, and shooting bandits and outlaws... We managed to escape with our lives and instruments intact.

Niall Toner Band website; MySpace; Roots Freeway

Dick Gladney and friend visit the mummified basses of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings

Southern Welfare: new contact data

Thanks to Ray O'Brien of Southern Welfare from Waterford, who writes:

We have a new e-mail address for the band, so if anybody would like to contact us they can now do so: we are here.

Also the band have been confirmed to play the Dunmore East bluegrass festival this year, so we hope to see you all there - dates and times TBC, but we will be there for the whole weekend of the festival, either playing on stage or having a session somewhere. I'm sure you'll hear us before you see us.

Visit Southern Welfare's new website.

Dangem's Bluegrass BBQ - now on video

Thanks to Derek Lockhart of Dangem Quality Instruments in Craigavon, Co. Armagh, for the news that Saturday's Bluegrass BBQ at Stranmillis, Belfast, can be savoured through a short video on the Dangem website front page.

The footage, which shows Jimmy Quinn and friends belting out the Flatt & Scruggs standard 'Blue Ridge cabin home', can also be seen on YouTube as one of the many videos on Dangem's own YouTube channel.

Well Enough Alone begin Sunday night residency at Sin é, Dublin

Thanks to Martin McWhorter, the band's mandolinist, who reports:

Well Enough Alone [above] are starting their Sunday night residency at Sin é this Sunday (4 July). We will play from 9.00 p.m. until late. 10 euro pitchers of lager or cider. Sin é is on Ormond Quay, Dublin 7.

The Molly Hicks at Town Hall Theatre, Galway, TOMORROW

Thanks to Ruth Dillon for this news:

Tomorrow night, Wednesday 30 June, is a very special night for the Molly Hicks, Galway’s finest bluegrass outfit. They play their first concert in the prestigious Town Hall Theatre at 8.00 p.m., and will be joined by many special guests on the night. The evening will be filmed by none other than Pat Comer, the film-maker who won an award for his Des Bishop documentary, In the name of the fada.

The Molly Hicks are singer/songwriter Ruth Dillon from Tipperary, and singer Bernie O’Mahony, who when they sing together have been described as having the 'seamlessness of Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss in O brother where art thou?' (Irish Times).

Joining them on stage on the night will be Peter Akerstrom, from Sweden, who burns up the fretboard with his flatpicking style, New Yorker Tom Hanway, playing 5-string like no other, Paul O’Driscoll on bulldog bass, and from Finland Juliana Erkkonen on fiddle and extra vocals from Yvette Gorham. There is a also very special surprise guest for the end of the evening which will be kept just that… a big surprise!!

Everyone takes turns singing songs, adding five-part harmonies, and lots of call/answering in the true bluegrass and gospel style. Ruth writes original songs for the band, some of which have drawn attention from Nashville producers, and Tom has written some truly classic tunes for the band.

Following their packed-out show at the Westport Bluegrass Festival last weekend, this is a bluegrass hootenanny not to be missed.

Tom Hanway (shown right with actor John Kenny in this photo by Denise Hanway) adds:

The band sets sail the next day to Wales for the North Wales Bluegrass Festival in Conwy, their first festival appearance, also representing Irish contemporary bluegrass. Tom Hanway will be giving a Celtic Banjo workshop and making his fourth festival appearance, previously with Tennessee Hob, featuring Karl Deeter.

New: Clem O'Brien set on Athy festival programme

The 20th Athy Bluegrass Festival is now less than two weeks away, and Tony O'Brien reports that the Festival website has been updated.

A new feature has been added: Clem O'Brien will be playing a solo show on Saturday 10 July at 4.00 p.m. in the bar of the Carlton Abbey Hotel. No cover charge. The Carlton Abbey Hotel, in central Athy, is the main Festival venue and sponsor.

Fair City Grass open Summer Music Fest in Dublin, 16 June

(L-r) Graham Nolan (fiddle), Tony Melon(fender bass/banjo/vocals), Enda Donnelly (vocals/guitar/mandolin), Dave Howard (guitar/vocals)

Welcome news from Enda Donnelly, whose Fair City Grass is Dublin's senior bluegrass band, with probably the longest record for weekly public performances:

Fair City Grass opened the 'Summer Music Fest' on the bandstand in St Stephen's Green on Wed. 16 June at lunchtime (1.00-2.00 p.m.).

It was one of the most beautiful warm sunny days we ever played there, so we had a large gathering of enthusiastic people calling for more at the end of the hour of classic bluegrass covers of Bill Monroe etc. Being Bloomsday, it also helped to bring the crowd out & about; thus we met a lot of visitors from USA, UK, and elsewhere.

Our good friend & bandmate Dave Howard did a great job on PA for us. We are looking forward to the next one in the weeks ahead.

Tony, Enda, and Dave

PS: We have not gone away, U know :-)

Bluestack Mountain Boys at the Point, 19 June 2010

Thanks to mandolinist Aran Sheehan (24 May) for the original news of the performance by the Bluestack Mountain Boys tomorrow afternoon in central Dublin. More details now from the BMBs' guitarist, Patrick Simpson:

Just a quick note to let you know the Bluestack Mountain Boys are on the stage at the Point Village Market, Dublin 1, on Sat. 19 June 19 at 2.00 p.m. for a one-hour set. Our new line-up includes myself on D-18 guitar, Aran Sheehan on Weber mandolin, Conor 'Flanman' Daly on Stelling 5-string, and Will Comerford on the bass fiddle. We hope it's a spectacular day and that our selection of tunes woohoo the hearts of anyone who wishes to come along to enjoy our renditions of some great bluegrass classics and beyond. Here's the link.

Kay and Patrick Crouch in Dublin from 25 June

(L-r) Kay Crouch, Patrick Crouch, Ron Shuffler, and 'Uncle Pen' (bottom)

Good to hear again from Kay and Patrick Crouch of the North Carolina trio Strictly Clean and Decent, who are well known to the bluegrass and old-time community in the Cork city area in particular. Kay plays guitar, flute, piano, and tin whistle; Patrick plays mandolin, banjo, dobro, fiddle, and guitar. Bass player Ron Shuffler is best described by Patrick, who writes:

Kay and I are heading for Ireland next week. We will arrive in Dublin on 25 June with three friends from Nashville, TN. I am writing to ask if you might recommend any sessions on Friday or Saturday that we may be able to visit. Kay and I will also be coming back to Dublin on 7 July and we would appreciate any tips for music that evening as well.

Our bass player, Ron Shuffler, is coming to the Ulster Festival Park in Omagh with Dale Ann Bradley on 3 and 4 September. Ron said he would love to meet as many bluegrass musicians as possible during that weekend and so I would ask you to help spread the word.

Ron is an excellent source for eyewitness bluegrass history because his older brother, George Shuffler, traveled extensively with the Stanley Brothers from the early 1950s through the early 1970s. Ron met countless musicians such as Del McCoury, Bill Harrell, Kenny Baker, Reno and Smiley, the Osborne Brothers, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, etc. through George’s association with these bluegrass pioneers. Many of these musicians spent time at the Shufflers' home when passing through western North Carolina, and it is quite amazing to hear Ron speak of those times.

Kay and Patrick are exceptional musicians and singers, and if you have, or know of, a session going during their stay, contact them by e-mail.

Update 18 June - Patrick adds: 'We are playing a gig in Cobh at the Sirius Arts Centre on 1 July and we'll be hanging out at the Roaring Donkey for a few days after.'

NTB in Burma Action Ireland concert at the NCH, Dublin: 19 June 2010

A reminder of the 'Birthday celebration for Aung San Suu Kyi' concert which will be held at the National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, at 8.00 p.m. on this coming Saturday - 19 June.

The Niall Toner Band are among the many artists taking part (see the BIB posts for 17 February and 5 May 2010), and the show is organised by Burma Action Ireland.

Well Enough Alone open 4th Westport Festival

Well Enough Alone is happy to announce that we are kicking off the Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival at McGing's Pub on Friday 25 June. The show starts at about 9.30 p.m. and goes until late. Best of all, it's free to the public.

Tin Box Company at Drimnagh, 19 June 2010

The Tin Box Company (whose Thursday session at the Knocklyon Inn was warmly recommended by Charleen Hurtubise on the BIB two days ago) will be playing a show with PA at the Halfway House, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, on this coming Saturday night (19 June 2010), beginning at 10.00 p.m. All bluegrass fans are welcome; come along and say hello to the band.

The TBC's sessions at Knocklyon continue to be held every Thursday night, and all bluegrass and old-time pickers are welcome to join in. So drop in and learn at first hand what made such a good impression on Charleen...

Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes in Dublin, 1 July 2010

Thanks to our friend Thierry Schoysman of Rawhide (B), the Sons of Navarone (B), and Bluegrass in Belgium, who reports:

I just found out that Elvis Costello will tour Europe in June/July 2010. The exciting news is his band The Sugarcanes, that includes Jim Lauderdale, Jerry Douglas, Mike Compton, Stuart Duncan, Dennis Crouch, and Jeff Taylor.

They'll be in Belgium, Holland, UK, Ireland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, France, and Italy.

The schedule as it stands at present, with more details (including ticket purchase), is here. The month-long tour includes a show in Vicar Street, Dublin, on 1 July.

Prison Love gigs, 18 and 20 June

This message just reached us, in a cake which also contained a used file:

Hey folks,

Just to let you know, Prison Love String Band will be in Larne, Co. Antrim, this Friday night, 18 June, at the McNeill Theatre, Larne Leisure Centre, with the Dirty Blues Band. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. and admission is £10/12. Also Sunday 20 June sees us in Naul, north Co. Dublin, as part of the Summer Solstice on the Square, from 6.30 p.m., and is free to all who can make it. Hope to see you there.

Prison Love String Band

You can get more information on Prison Love's MySpace, ReverbNation, or on Facebook.

Mountain music project for Clonmel in Sept. 2010

The original Bluegrass Blog reports today on the 2009 documentary film, The Mountain music project: a musical odyssey from Appalachia to Himalaya, which has now been nominated in the Best Documentary/Music-Feature category for an award from the World Music and Independent Film Festival. You can vote for the film here.

Read the BB post, and visit the Mountain Music Project blog, which reported last Sunday that the film has been accepted by the International Film Festival of Ireland, which is to be held on 4-11 September 2010 in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Most important: see the trailer, which you can do either on the Bluegrass Blog post, or on YouTube. It's a real tonic.

Little Ass Birds at the Cobblestone, Dublin, 18 June 2010

Thanks to Charleen Hurtubise (on right, above) of the Little Ass Birds for this news:

LITTLE ASS BIRDS LIVE AT THE COBBLESTONE: IT'S OUR BIG AMERICAN SEND OFF...
Some of our folks will be spending the summer roaming the Great State of Michigan in an RV camper van, in search of Great American Bluegrass, Old-Time Music, and Beer. These kids got class! Come send them off in Style on Friday 18 June at the Cobblestone in Smithfield. Cowboy Boots Optional.

The above photo, from Orla Keeshan, comes from a previous show by the LAB at the Cobblestone. Charleen adds:

On the heels of the Americana & Roots Festival in Greystones and the Taste of Dublin last weekend, LABs have a big gig coming up at the Cobblestone on 18 June... I'm going off for a few weeks to hang out with the home folk and to attend a few festivals: namely the great Blissfest in Michigan. Conor and I plan to regroup with some old-timers there for a few weeks and play some music on-stage and off a few front porches as well, before he heads back to Ireland to join the band for some great Irish festivals: Festival of World Cultures (23-5 July) in Dun Laoghaire and Knockanstockan in Wicklow.

Being from the good ole USA originally, I am always on the lookout for music that makes me feel at home (or homesick, should I say?). We recently stopped in on the Tin Box Company in Knocklyon Inn. Is it possible to say how authentic and genuine I find their sessions? They are so laid back, mellow, and the music they play sends a buzz up and down my spine. They are incredibly welcoming and always encourage any visitors who stop in. I know there are many sessions like this throughout the country, but unfortunately we don't have much opportunity to get to them - so I feel fortunate we have had the chance to get into see them a few times here and there. We brought a few friends to the last session - they felt it was a real back-country Americana find hidden away in suburban Dublin!

For more details of the Tin Box Company session every Thursday evening in Knocklyon, enter 'Knocklyon' in the search slot at the top of the BIB, or see - for instance - the BIB for 9 March 2009.

Book NOW for Dangem's Bluegrass BBQ

Dangem Quality Instruments proudly presents its Bluegrass BBQ, to be held on Saturday 26 June 2010 from 18.00 to - who knows?

It will be held at the Belfast Rowing & Tennis Club, Lockview Road, Stranmillis, Belfast. All are welcome - friends, family, and neighbours.

Price £10 per head (£12.00 if you want steak), non-refundable. This Club is very highly rated for good food at reasonable prices, and the bar is open till 23.00. Tickets are available from Billy (07825565430) or Derek (07521464125) or by e-mail. Please book your tickets now.

BIB editor's note: Dangem Quality Instruments support the Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival at Omagh; and we are grateful to Dangem for the news that the Gibson Brothers (USA), Dale Ann Bradley (USA), the Dixie Bee-Liners (USA), and Blackjack (CZ) are confirmed for this year's festival (3-5 Sept. 2010), where we understand that Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters (featuring Roger Williams, dobro) (USA) and Cedar Hill (USA) will also be playing.

'Time after time' on air: 13 June 2010

Thanks to Uri Kohen, who reports from Co. Mayo:

Tomorrow (Sunday 13 June) I will co-host a radio programme to promote the 4th Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival.

The programme is on Community Radio Castlebar, a local radio station, but can be heard on line here. The programme will start at 18:00 Irish time, and it's called 'Time after time'. Hope you can join us!

Chatham County Line in Ireland, 23-25 Sept. 2010

Photo: Michael Graham

Always good to hear from Sharon Loughrin, who reports:

I've some info for the BIB - Chatham County Line [USA; above] have confirmed dates over here in September. They play in the Errigle in Belfast (23 Sept.), Cleeves, Kilkenny (24 Sept.), and Crawdaddy, Dublin (25 Sept.).

Arnie and I will definitely be booking tickets for the Belfast show; the band will be promoting their new (fifth) album, Wildwood, due to be released shortly.

The CCL's Irish shows are sandwiched between appearances in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Britain. The dates at present available are on the band's website.

Coal Porters in mainstream media!

Thanks to Sid Griffin (centre rear in the photo above), leader of the Coal Porters (USA/UK), for the news that the band has a track on the CD accompanying the July issue of the UK music magazine The Word.

The song 'No more chains', from their recent album Durango, can be previewed on The Word's website, where it is the #9 track (though the band is at #10 on the CD). This performance was filmed at the Square Wheels House Concert in Strathpeffer, Scotland, on 29 October 2009, and can also be seen on YouTube.

The Coal Porters, who will be headlining the 4th Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival in Co. Mayo on 25-27 June 2010, can be seen and heard in many other videos on YouTube, including this driving performance of 'Sail away ladies', in front of a very large crowd in a London street.

Open House Festival 2010: news and new poster

Thanks to Graham Brown of the Open House Festival in Belfast (7-12 Sept. 2010) for the updated poster (above) and news of the latest additions to the lineup. The most bluegrass-related US acts in the upper levels of the programme remain the Old Crow Medicine Show, the Dave Rawlings Machine, with the addition of Hayseed Dixie, who will headline the ChiliFest - 'a fiery food & music phenomenon... featuring funky festival sideshows and Ireland's only hot chilli pepper eating contest' - on 12 Sept. The Festival also announces that Coors Light will be title sponsor for a third year.

Open House, the 'not in a muddy field festival', takes place in venues throughout the arts- and cultural-flavoured Cathedral Quarter in Belfast's city centre, including a large marquee in Custom House Square. More festival acts are still to be announced, including a full programme of Irish traditional gigs and pub sessions. For the most up-to-date line-up, further festival information, and ticket details, visit the Festival website.

Southern Welfare in Waterford city, 12 June

Thanks to Ray O'Brien of Southern Welfare (left; Ray with guitar) for the news that the band is playing a plugged-in gig this Saturday (12 June) in Waterford city. The show kicks off at 10.30 p.m., and there is no cover charge. Ray adds:

It's set to be a great night; the pub is called Kitty Kiernans and is located on Barrack Street in the city. If anyone is interested they can call me on 0852877692. A night not to be missed with the Southern Welfare band!

Two videos of Southern Welfare in action can be seen on Ray's YouTube channel.

Tom Stapleton to retire from the Music Store

Tom and Lucy Stapleton of Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, after a long and distinguished record of service to Americana and other music in Ireland, are in the process of retiring from the Music Store in Roscrea. The process should be complete at the end of July, so plenty of bargain CDs and DVDs are now on sale. Tom and Lucy add:

Best regards and thanks for being with us on the sometimes strange but overall wonderful musical journey.

On Tom's behalf, we remind BIB readers of the Tom Paxton concert at the Damer Court Hotel, Roscrea, on Friday 23 July at 9.00 p.m. See the BIB for 13 May for further details.

House concerts

At the time when the European House Concert network was mentioned in the BIB just over a year ago, the concept of house concerts was still new here, but they're now a growing part of the scene - particularly in the North. Arnie and Sharon Loughrin have been pioneers in this field.

Adele Ingram-Magee (left) of One-A-Chord Music Promotions in Killyleagh, Co. Down, is now a member of the Euro House Concert & Acoustic Music Club Hub. Adele - who is also a member of Wookalily - is presenting a series of One-A-Chord house concerts at Killyleagh: this coming Friday there's a Rodney Cordner CD launch, followed by three further shows before the end of July.

The 26 July concert in the series combines Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI) with the Tennessee Hennessees in full five-piece configuration. Admission is by invitation only. For details of this and other One-A-Chord house concerts, contact Adele by e-mail.

High Plains Tradition Irish tour, 8-19 July 2010

Thanks to Tony O'Brien of the Athy Bluegrass Music Association for the following schedule of appearances by the fine Colorado band High Plains Tradition (above), whose banjo and fiddle players, Mark Leslie and Bobbie Vickery, made a big impact on Irish audiences last year as temporary members of the Bluegrass Patriots.

Thurs. 8th-Sun. 11th July: 20th Athy Bluegrass Festival, Athy, Co. Kildare; contact Tony O'Brien, 085 1656685

Mon. 12th: Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; contact John Nyhan, 087 7921771

Tues. 13th: St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; contact Joe Murphy, 068 32485

Wed. 14th: Malone's Bar, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare; contact Sean Malone, 087 6881650

Thurs. 15th: Colfer's Bar, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford; contact John Murphy, 051 561159

Fri. 16th: Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo; contact Tom Lyons, 087 2296018

Sat. 17th-Sun. 18th: Ardara Bluegrass Festival, Ardara, Co. Donegal; contact Pat McGill, 087 6900714

Mon. 19th: Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; contact Sean Mac Philibin, 087 7870138/ 01 8020898

Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry for July 2010: update

Thanks to Gary Ferguson (USA) for the news that some of the dates in his forthcoming sixth tour of Ireland have been changed since the BIB post of 11 March. His partners on the tour, as in 2009, will be Janet Holmes (vocals, guitar) and Colin Henry (dobro, banjo).

Gary will be sending a formal press release closer to the time of the tour. Meanwhile the BIB calendar has been updated in accordance with the schedule on the trio's MySpace and Reverbnation sites.

Woodbine get steam up in August

Woodbine will not be idle after the forthcoming 20th Athy Bluegrass Festival; after taking part for the third successive year in the Ardara Bluegrass Festival in Co. Donegal, a week after Athy, they'll be shovelling on a little more coal at the August Bank Holiday weekend, on both days (Sunday 1 August and Monday 2 August) of the Irish Steam Preservation Society's Steam Rally at Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co. Laois, where they will be playing at 2.00 p.m. each day.

Pressure will be maintained over the following week, as they'll be playing in Tuohy's at Rathdowney, Co. Laois, on Thursday 5 August; in 'Bluegrass on the Walls' at Derry city in the afternoon of Saturday 7 August; and at Conway's, Ramelton, Co. Donegal, on the evening of the same day. Just watch old 97 roll...

Sister act

Hubie MacEvilly (left) and the Henry Girls

Uri Kohen reports from Westport, Co. Mayo:

Last February we had the New Family; in May we had the Sullivan Brothers; and last night we had the McLaughlin Sisters, aka the Henry Girls (next is the Mamas and the Papas). When the likes of the Carter Family and the Staples were creating the perfect family harmonies, little did they know that in a small town in Ireland, three sisters will recreate this perfect sound.

The Henry Girls from Donegal came back to Westport last night (5.6.2010) to perform at the launch party of Westport's 4th Folk & Bluegrass Festival. In what turned out to be a great night and in front of a full house, the Girls showcased their superb talent in a great show of perfect harmony singing and playing at least seven different instruments.

One of the highlights of the night was when the Girls were joined by Hubie MacEvilly to perform some classics such as 'The Tennessee waltz' and 'You are my sunshine'. A great night, held by all to mark what is going to be one of the great festivals of the summer. See you in Westport!

'I got rhythm' sale from Homespun

The latest bulletin from Homespun says:

Get your rhythm groove on! Nothing in music is as important as providing a solid beat and rich rhythmic backing for yourself or others.

We cordially agree, though the ability to make hair stand up on the back of the neck must come a close second. Look over the latest offers from Homespun, with the emphasis on rhythm in various styles, which can be seen here. Homespun's 'I got rhythm' sales ends at midnight (EDT) on Tuesday 8 June.

'Madam I'd like to be tossin' your hay'

Thanks to Jim MacArdle of the Skillet Lickers (Drogheda) for the news that he and bandmate Mick Dunne will be among the musicians helping to launch an album of traditional music at the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, on Tuesday 15 June.

The album's full title is 'Madam I'd like to be tossin' your hay': traditional music and song from Mid and South Louth. Other musicians taking part in the launch are Eilis Quinn, Hughie Grogan, and Peter Farrell, together with special guests. The launch begins at 8.00 p.m., and the music at 8.30 sharp. For inquiries, 'phone 087-233-7702; the Centre itself can be 'phoned (01-802-0898) or e-mailed.

Clareen banjos as prizes on 'Roots Freeway'

Following on this morning's post about Roots Freeway's return to the airwaves as from tomorrow (Sat. 5 June), Niall Toner says:

It's good to be back, and I can guarantee a goodly amount of bluegrass and bluegrass-related news on the show.

You may remember that I gave away a couple of Gibson guitars on the last series. Well, this time 'round we are going 'home produce', and I will be offering a superb prize of two - yes, two - handmade Clareen banjos as prizes: one tenor for the trad/jazz folks, and a five-string for the bluegrassers/folk players! These superb instruments are custom-made by Tommy Cussen in Co. Galway, and are valued at €1,500.00 each!

The competition will be based on questions which will be related to clues contained in the 'Roots Freeway' broadcasts, so listeners will have to listen carefully to each show over a ten-week period to get each clue and to be in with a chance of winning. The clues will start coming in about two weeks time, so take warning folks... Tune in live, or make sure someone records it for you, or as a last resort, listen back on RTE.IE/Radio/Roots Freeway.

This is probably one of the finest prizes ever offered on RTE Radio One, and full credit is due to Tom Cussen of Clareen Banjos for his generosity. His full range can be viewed here.

The photo shows a Clareen Special 5-string.

Photos from EWOB 2010

The above photo of the Danny Sheerin Band (l-r: Jonathan Toman, Des, Tom, and Danny Sheerin) was taken by Jan de Mooy of the Netherlands at this year's European World of Bluegrass Festival (13-15 May), and many more photos can be seen on the original Bluegrass Blog.

Au revoir Sharon Cort; welcome Gail Davies

Thanks to Roger Ryan for the news that the recent tour by the Sharon Cort Band went off very well, and the band (now in France) is likely to be back soon. Sean McKerr of the Tennessee Hennessees from Lurgan is playing bass for the SCB during the European tour, and for shows in Ireland his bandmate Mel Corry was on banjo, taking the place of the great French picker Jean-Marie Redon. Sharon adds: 'It was terrific!'

For lovers of country music with steel in it, Roger sends the news that Gail Davies is coming to Ireland for two dates in July: at Colfers Pub, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford, on 5 July, and the Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, on 6 July. Her band includes Dave Luke, Patty Mitchell, Chris Scruggs, Mike Whitty, and Gibson Davies. If you've heard Gail, it won't surprise you that the Blue Grass Boogiemen (NL) enjoy her music and have played with her on shows in the Netherlands. By the way, isn't it about time the Boogiemen came over here again?

'Roots Freeway' back on the air; NTB in Summerfest 2010

Thanks to Daradh Toner for the welcome news that Niall Toner's 'Roots Freeway' is back on air on Saturday nights (note the new day) on RTE Radio 1 at 11.00 p.m. till midnight, presenting the best of roots, country music, bluegrass, country rock, western swing, cajun, and hardcore mountain music. It's worth looking up the programme website to read the winning entry and other poems submitted in the Gibson Zoot Suit SG guitar competition.

The Niall Toner Band are also taking part in Heritage Ireland's Summerfest programme at St Enda's Park and the Pearse Museum, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, and will be playing there on Sunday 6 June and Monday 2 August 2010 - on both occasions from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. Admission free; fun for all the family. For a full schedule of events at this location during the summer, use this link. Keep up with the NTB on their Facebook page.

Bending the Strings are also scheduled to perform in the Summerfest programme at St Enda's: on Sun. 4 July and Sun. 8 August, again at 3.00-5.00 p.m.

Prison Love in Dublin, 4 June 2010

A new message from Ireland's favourite serial offenders:

Howdy Friends,

Well, it sure has been a while. The Warden had us on lock down all winter long; but with the arrival of the summer sun and a new, easy-to-bribe guard, Prison Love have broken out again!

Just back from a mini-tour of the north of England and a stint at the Clonmel World Music series, we're back in Dublin to tear it up at the Cobblestone for the start of the bank holiday.

Recently transferred from the Parisien Penitentiary, we will be introducing our new inmate on the doghouse bass, Martin 'Mains de Dieu' Gruet - nobody knows what he did to get in here, so make sure you make him feel right at home...

I'm seeing a lot of red gingham shirts on the streets these days - and even better, some torn off Lee Coopers too - that means the summer's here and we need to get our hoedown on. So throw on that shirt and polish up your finest dancing boots and get ready to stomp...

Friday 4 June, 9.00 p.m. (doors 8.30)
The Cobblestone, Smithfield Market
Dublin 1
Admission €10 (on the door)

Take her easy,

Soapy

PL website
PL MySpace

Rural TV news

For the many BIB readers who follow Rural TV and may not have the latest news: get it here. The channel will be back on air in exactly two weeks - Tuesday 14 June.

Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart in Ireland from 13 June

A reminder from the G Promo PR agency that the singer/songwriter duo (and married couple) Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart, on a current tour in the UK, begin a series of dates in Ireland at the end of next week. Dates and details remain as on the schedule that appeared on the BIB on 11 April.