Bending the Strings launch Mohill Bluegrass Festival

Thanks to Vinny Baker (on left above) for this report concerning the latest welcome addition to our festival calendar:

Bending the Strings played to a full house in Clarkes Hotel in Mohill, Co. Leitrim, last Saturday night (8 January) at the launch of the 1st Mohill Bluegrass Festival, which is scheduled to take place on 12-14 August 2011.

Tommy Kelleher and Joyce Merne, who are at the forefront of the organisation of the Mohill Bluegrass Festival, were very pleased at the fine turnout, and despite the bad weather and road conditions on the night a huge turnout of the 'Bluegrass faithful' made it to the launch; and indeed many, many familiar faces from Bluegrass festivals all over the country were present.

Bending the Strings kicked off at 9.00 p.m., played a lively set, and took a break at 10.30 for a display of cowboy gunfighting from a troupe of well armed cowboys who were there for the launch also. Bending the Strings resumed playing at 11.00 p.m. and played till 11.50, at which time there was a well supported raffle in aid of the festival. There was a large number of musicians there who were ready to launch into a bluegrass jam session as soon as the raffle ended.

All in all it turned out to be a great launch night for the festival, and you should make a note of the dates, 12-14 August 2011, in your diary for the 1st Annual Mohill Bluegrass Festival, and be sure to keep an eye on the Ireland Bluegrass Blog which is sure to keep you updated on the details of the festivals.

Bending the Strings members Martin, Moyra, and Vinny would like to thank Tommy Kelleher and Joyce Merne for the great organisation on the night and wish them every success with the Mohill Bluegrass Festival.