The bluegrass train is full steam ahead

... reports Uri Kohen from Westport, Co. Mayo. Uri continues:

Readers of this blog might know me as 'Johnny come lately' to the all-bluegrass scene, but when the bluegrass train stopped in Westport in 2007, I was the first to climb aboard.

One of the best things that happened to me since is that I joined a wonderful family and met extremely talented musicians. Last year alone I promoted more than thirty gigs, alongside the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival that will celebrate its fifth birthday in June 2011.

Last Saturday (11.12.2010) the Little Ass Birds, Dublin-based old-time band [above], returned to Westport for the first time since March. Like the last time, the boys played a highly energetic style of bluegrass, driven by the amazing fiddle sound and backed by a strong bass and two acoustic guitars. The mandolin and the banjo made appearance as well and created a wholesome, beautiful sound. I have to say that it was a great pleasure to host the lads in Westport, and I know that they enjoyed their weekend in the west.

This Friday we will host the American folk band from Portland, Oregon, Lloyd Phillips & the Oilskins, as part of their Irish tour, and then on Saturday we will clear the stage to Seamie O'Dowd, folk and blues musician from Sligo.

The programme for 2011 is already shaping up, with a few great surprises. See you in Westport!