ABMA Calendar 2011

Above - the front cover of the Athy Bluegrass Music Association (ABMA) bluegrass calendar for 2011, which appropriately carries photos of the two men who have borne the main responsibility for the Athy festival in its twenty-one years: Martin Cooney (1991-7) and Tony O'Brien (1998-2011).

Inside there are twenty-seven more photos in full colour of musicians from Ireland, the USA, and the Continent of Europe who have been associated over the years with the oldest bluegrass festival in this island - ranging from the members of Woodworm, Athy's first bluegrass band (antedating the festival itself) to bands who made their Athy debut this year. As well as being a unique document of the Athy festival up to the present, the calendar lists eight bluegrass festivals in Ireland with their 2011 dates, which are highlighted in their respective months.

Copies of the calendar are available at €10 each, with the proceeds going to support the 21st Athy festival (7-10 July 2011). To purchase a copy, contact the festival organiser, Tony O'Brien, by phone/text (085 1656685) or e-mail. We're glad to hear from Tony that they have been well received and are selling fast, so make sure of your copy!