The Coal Porters: coming back to Erin?

The Coal Porters performing earlier this year in Italy (photo: Claudio Guidotti)

Thanks to Sid Griffin for news of the Coal Porters, 'the world’s first "alt-bluegrass" act', based in the UK and led by Sid - a native of Louisville, KY, but long resident in south London. The band are constantly raising their profile, with appearances in the USA (including the IBMA's World of Bluegrass) and Europe, and with a string of albums of which Durango, released early in 2010, is the most recent.

The Coal Porters consist of Sid Griffin (vocals, mandolin), Neil Robert Herd (guitar, vocals) Carly Frey (fiddle, vocals), Dick Smith (banjo, vocals), and Andrew Stafford (double bass). They have already played at two major bluegrass festivals in Ireland - Dunmore East and Westport - and look forward to the chance of bringing their music over here again. Sid says:

I really feel we should play in the Emerald Isle more. The Irish 'get' our music and we are always treated so warmly there.

Uri Kohen, organiser of the Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, where the Coal Porters were the headline act this year, reports:

I can honestly say that the Coal Porters were outstanding: they have a lively and very professional show. I certainly can say that to my opinion they will be a great addition to any bluegrass festival in Ireland.

Full details - bios, show dates, photos, CD reviews, and performance videos, plus a video interview with Sid Griffin - are on the band's MySpace and website. You can also keep up with the Coal Porters on Facebook.