Southern Welfare support new Mohill Festival

Following the BIB post of 26 Mar., we thank Joyce Merne of the Mohill Bluegrass Festival organising team, who reports:

Southern Welfare bluegrass band from Waterford have a gig in Clarke's Hotel, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, on Friday 1 April at 9.30 p.m. It is a fund-raising event for Mohill's 1st Bluegrass Festival on 12-14 August 2011. No admission charge; your support for the raffle would be appreciated.

Thom Bresh in Ireland, 8-12 Apr. 2011

Thanks to Roger Ryan for forwarding this notice from John Nyhan of a performance by Thom Bresh (USA) from Nashville, at the Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, on Tuesday 12 April 2011 at 8.15 p.m.:

Thom Bresh is rated as one of the top guitarists in the world. A singer with a voice firmly rooted in the deep south. A great live performer, who has recorded and performed with Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Merle Haggard, Doc Watson, Tommy Emmanuel, and of course Merle Travis, to mention but a few. This concert comes highly recommended. Booking and enquiries tel. John @ 087/7921771 or at the door on the night. €15.00.

As the son of Merle Travis, Thom Bresh is a distinguished member of a lineage that goes back through Kentucky guitar-pickers to Arnold Shultz, whose music strongly influenced the young Bill Monroe.

Thom Bresh's schedule shows that he will also be performing at McGrory's, Culdaff, Co. Donegal, during the weekend before the Kilworth show: from Friday 8 April to Sunday 10 April. For further info, ring +353 (0) 7493 79104. He will then be continuing his tour in Britain.

The Higglers in Kinvara, 2 April 2011

Thanks to Paul Johnson for the news that the Higglers old-time band are playing a concert in Johnston's Hall, an intimate concert venue in the main street of Kinvara, Co. Galway, on Saturday 2 April at 8.30 p.m. The Hall is the regular venue for the Kinvara Area Music Collective (KAM).

The photo above shows (left to right) Paul (bass), Lena Ullman (banjo, guitar), Frank Hall (fiddle), and Brendan Hearty (guitar, mandolin). The band's members have long individual histories of playing old-time music, in the west of Ireland and further afield. The Higglers' website is well worth a visit, and their motto is: 'Festivals, concerts, parties, dances, weddings... Anywhere good, spirited, dance music is needed, the Higglers deliver.'

20th Omagh Festival: the first publicity

National Museums of Northern Ireland has just allowed the first publicity to be sent through the post for the 20th Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, which will be held on 2-4 September 2011 at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone.

The leaflet confirms that Dailey & Vincent (above) - perhaps the hottest act in bluegrass at present - will be heading the bill. Also marking this milestone in the Festival's history, established favourites with Omagh audiences will be there, such as the Malpass Brothers (USA) and Sunny Side (CZ) - and, we have reason to believe, Red Wine (I) as well.

We look forward with interest to the release of news on the rest of the programme. NMNI has not yet put anything on what is supposed to be the Festival web page.

A message to Clem

Dick Gladney (at left in this photo of the NTB) writes:

The Flint Hill Boys, the Clem O'Brien Band, and the NTB. For the past 18 years or so I have been privileged to be part of these bands with my friend Clem O'Brien. Life, however is all about change and Clem has decided to make some changes now. I treasure the times on the road together and all the things I learned from such a consummate musician. Clem, Niall, and I remain firm friends and I am sure somewhere down the line I'll stand behind him on stage and hear that 'high lonesome tenor' ring out. I look forward to that. All the best in everything you do, Clem.

Dick Gladney

County Line in Ireland, summer 2011

Thanks to Uri Kohen, organiser of the Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, for news about County Line, the bluegrass trio from Carbondale, Illinois, who will be playing at Westport for this year's festival towards the end of June. On St Patrick's day this year, the local online entertainment guide hailed them as 'Carbondale's honorary Irishmen'.

Uri wishes to let other event organisers and venue operators know that County Line will be in Ireland for about two weeks, and - as with the Dust Busters, who were mentioned on the BIB last Saturday - they are looking for as many gigs as possible in that time in addition to their Westport appearances. You can contact them through their MySpace site or Facebook.

NB: Uri also sends word that more YouTube video footage from previous Westport festivals and shows is being added from time to time, as mentioned on 22 March; so keep an eye on that channel for the latest additions.

Kendel Carson, singer and fiddler, in Ireland

Thanks to Nigel Martyn for this news of Kendel Carson (above):

* Canadian country/folk artist Kendel Carson, 24, is drawing attention for her energetic fiddle playing and sexy vocal stylings.
* Her single 'I like trucks' came out in 2007 (from the album Rearview mirror tears) and garnered the singer a huge audience on both sides of the Atlantic.
* Rearview mirror tears (released on Train Wreck Records), caught the ear of an unlikely source: BBC DJ Bob Harris, who championed the single 'Trucks' and helped turn it into a hit
* Kendel is in constant collaboration with legendary songwriter Chip Taylor. Her albums are released on his own label, Train Wreck Records. Kendel regularly performs as a trio with Chip and Van Morrison guitarist John Platania.
* Kendel is brimming with more confidence than ever. 'Chip helped mold me into something more complete', she says. 'He helped me find my own voice. I remember one of the first things he told me – to treat singing like playing the fiddle. It just has to be me being me, going by feeling.'

Her bio can be read here. The dates Nigel gives for her are:

Thurs. 31 Mar. Errigle Inn, Belfast
Fri. 1 Apr. Marketplace Theatre (with Grainne Duffy Band), Armagh city
Sat. 2 Apr. Playhouse Theatre (with Grainne Duffy), Portrush, Co. Londonderry
Sun. 3 Apr. Alexander Arms Hotel, Limavady, Co. Londonderry
Tues. 5 Apr. Gallaghers, Kilkishen, Co. Clare
Wed. 6 Apr. Whelan's, Dublin 2

Thanks to Gary (see comment at end of this post) for the correction in the location of Kilkishen.

Clem O'Brien leaves the Niall Toner Band

After nine years, Clem O'Brien as from today is no longer a member of the Niall Toner Band. We understand that Clem has taken the decision for personal reasons, and that his parting with the band has been on friendly terms. Clem adds:

My exit will be immediate and the NTB will be replacing me on upcoming engagements. I wish Dick and Niall the very best with the band for the future.

Foghorn Trio for IBMA official showcase

As we mentioned on Friday, the Foghorn Trio from Portland, Oregon, will be over here in May for an all-too-brief tour. We have just heard (thanks to the Prescription Bluegrass Blog) that the Foghorn Trio are among the thirteen bands that have been invited to be part of the 2011 'official showcase' lineup during the Business Conference section of the IBMA World of Bluegrass 2011 (26 Sept.-2 Oct.).

Performing on an IBMA official showcase is widely regarded as one of the most important career opportunities in the bluegrass world. The full list of official showcase artists for World of Bluegrass 2011 can be read here. The splendid Czech band Monogram, who have played in Ireland, are also on the list.

The Foghorn Trio consists of Stephen 'Sammy' Lind (fiddle, banjo, guitar, vocals), Caleb Klauder (mandolin, guitar, fiddle, vocals), and Nadine Landry (guitar, bass, vocals).

[Update 30 Mar.:Thanks to Nadine Landry for the latest news of the Trio's tour schedule, which will see them playing at the Baltimore Fiddle Fair in Co. Cork on 7 May, and every night for the next seven nights after the Fair, in Munster, Connacht, and Leinster; full details are on the BIB calendar.]

Steve Kaufman in Ireland, Sept. 2011

Steve Kaufman, during an earlier Dublin visit (photo: Ronnie Norton)

Thanks to UKBluegrass.com for news of this coming autumn's tour by Steve Kaufman (USA). Steve Kaufman is one of the select few world-class flatpickers who are also world-class instructors. His Acoustic Kamps are award-winning workshop weeks for all the bluegrass instruments.

He will be in these islands from 15 September to 8 October. His schedule for Britain is on UKBluegrass.com; the dates in Ireland are as follows.

Sept. 27: Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork: concert, 8.00 p.m.

Sept. 28: Steve will conduct a 3-hour, all-level, hands-on, gold-award-winning flatpicking workshop in Dublin (details TBA); pre-registration suggested. Contact Cathal Cusack (e-mail) for info and registration.

Sept. 29: The Helix (The Space), Dublin: concert

Sept. 30/ Oct. 1: Ards Guitar festival: concert and workshops

Update 28 Mar.: The photo credit has been corrected, following the welcome comment below from Steve himself.

Dust Busters return to Ireland, late June-early July 2011

Old-time string band the Dust Busters (USA) will return to Ireland at midsummer, performing at this year's Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival (24-26 June) in Westport, Co. Mayo. The band were previously here for a short tour in September 2010: the BIB post for 13 August said:

The Dust Busters from Brooklyn, NY, consist of Walker Shepard (guitar, banjo, bantar, vocals), Eli Smith (banjo, guitar, bantar, manjo, autoharp, harmonica, vocals), and Craig Judelman (fiddle, pump organ, vocals). Their MySpace site comes with glowing endorsements from people who know what they're talking about when it comes to old-time music.

The Dust Busters will be glad of opportunities to play other dates in Ireland, north and south. Contact them by e-mail.

Southern Welfare on tour, 31 Mar.-2 Apr. 2011

Thanks to Ray O'Brien of Waterford band Southern Welfare for this news:

Southern Welfare (Ireland's most travelled bluegrass band) will be playing three gigs next week. First stop is Thursday 31 March in Kinvara, Co. Galway, where we will be joined by some of our great friends and musicians to enjoy a good night of bluegrass music. The cavalcade of vans and campers will then descend on the quiet (not for long) village of Mohill, Co. Leitrim, on Friday 1 April, where we have been invited by Tommy and Joyce to play a fund-raising gig in Clarke's hotel in aid of the 1st Mohill festival, which will take place in early August. We hope to see some of the bluegrass faithful there!

Then on Saturday 2 April we take the parade to Virginia (not America - Co. Cavan) where we will play in the Lakeside Manor Hotel that night to finish the three-day tour off. Hope some of you can make it to at least one of the gigs over the few days; we're looking forward to catching up with some old faces. For more info, e-mail us or call Ray on 085-1386710.

Foghorn Trio in photos - and here in May

The latest Laurie Lewis e-newsletter is topped by a splendid photo by Mike Melnyk, showing Laurie and Tom Rozum playing on stage with the Foghorn Trio (USA), who will be on the Saturday evening concert at the Baltimore Fiddle Fair in Co. Cork (5-8 May 2011).

[Update 30 Mar.:Thanks to Nadine Landry for the latest news of the Trio's tour schedule after Baltimore, which will see them playing every night for the next seven nights in Munster, Connacht, and Leinster; full details are on the BIB calendar.]

Nearly 200 more photos by Mike Melnyk are on an internet album dedicated to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Arhoolie Records back in early February 2011. They show artists from several genres of music who have recorded for, or are otherwise associated with, Arhoolie, and of course many also show the label's founder Chris Strachwitz, born in 1931 as a German aristocrat.

Laurie Lewis's many fans and friends here will also be glad to know that her website has had a complete makeover, and is fully operational and looking better than ever.

Wookalily launch 'Black magic doll' in Belfast

Following on from the BIB post of 5 March - thanks again to Adele Ingram-Magee for more news and this flyer (left) of the release of Wookalily's new EP, Black magic doll, which will be launched in the Real Music Club at the Errigle Inn, Belfast, on Thursday 14 April.

For more information and samples, visit Wookalily's Bandcamp, Facebook, MySpace, and ReverbNation sites.

Little Ass Birds to play at EWOB Festival

Thanks to Conor Doyle of the Little Ass Birds of Dublin, who reports on the band's successful appearance on NewsTalk (see the BIB for 6 March), where they performed two songs live on air and had a chat with Orla Barry.

The Little Ass Birds are also one of the bands scheduled to showcase at this year's European World of Bluegrass (EWOB) festival (2-4 June 2011) in Voorthuizen, the Netherlands. As well as looking forward to playing at EWOB, they hope to get other gigs while there (from Thursday 2 June to Monday 7 June) to help cover some of the expenses of the trip. This news has already been posted on the European Bluegrass Blog; but if any BIB reader can offer the Birds a gig in the Netherlands in that time, or knows of an opportunity, it would be much appreciated. Conor adds:

Also Little Ass Birds are available for bookings / gigs / festivals / Bar Mitzvahs etc. throughout Ireland. We have a great upbeat sound, lots of fun and great for dancing. Have a listen to our MySpace.

Whether in connection with EWOB or for a regular booking, contact Conor by e-mail.

Plain an simple: new CD from the Low Country Boys

Thanks to Ivan of the Low Country Boys from the central Ards peninsula of Co. Down (the easternmost part of this island) for the news that the band's fourth and latest CD, Plain an simple, is now out, and available from their website (where you can also download the tracks individually).

Gibson (vocals, banjo, percussion, guitar, strumstick), Ivan (vocals, bass, fiddle, mandolin), and Richard (vocals, dobro, guitar) present fourteen tracks of Ulster Scots, Scots, and old-timey hillbilly gospel music, including two instrumentals ('Tumlin Jack' and 'The old cross cut saw') and a monologue.

The Low Country Boys also have their own blog, a YouTube channel, and a Flickr photo album, are on MySpace, and operate a PA hire system and recording facilities. Oh, yes - and a pleasant, good-looking, and informative website.

Old friends at Sore Fingers

One of the many attractions of going to Sore Fingers Week in England is the prospect of meeting friends there. Thanks to Roger Ryan for a reminder that you may see familiar faces among the tutors as well as among your fellow students.

Members of the teaching staff who have performed in Ireland include Kathy Chiavola (singing), Jim Hurst (guitar), Tony Trischka (bluegrass banjo), and of course Greg Cahill (bluegrass banjo). The full list of tutors is here, and tutor biographies are here. As we mentioned earlier this week, spaces are still open on some of the courses, and a few have now become available on Greg's.

More music from Westport festivals on YouTube

Thanks to Uri Kohen of Electric Cave Production at Westport, Co. Mayo, for making us aware of more video footage from the Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival in previous years.

Knowing the BIB editor's affiliations, Uri considerately sent this link to a ten-minute clip of Woodbine at the main concert in 2008, playing 'Sitting on top of the world', 'Foggy Mountain breakdown', 'Wishing well blues', and 'Goodbye and so long to you'.

On the same channel, you can watch the Rough Deal String Band at McGing's Bar during the 2009 Festival, playing 'Suzanna gal' and 'Briarpicker Brown'; and from 2010, you can watch twelve minutes of a jam session in the beer garden of McGing's and fourteen minutes of the Broken String Band. Enjoy!

Tupelo to play at La Roche Bluegrass Festival

Thanks to Chris Keenan of the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival for this news of Dublin-based band Tupelo:

Tupelo have been selected to perform at the esteemed La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France later this summer. This is exciting for the band as they venture onto the international stage. Tupelo will play a number of shows throughout Ireland over the next couple months, beginning with the great Dublin venue Whelan's on Sat. 2 April. Check out their website for more updates and details.

Carmel & the Ravens at J.J. Harlow's, Roscommon, 24 Mar. 2011

Press release

Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens are continuing their nationwide tour of their second album, Here with you, and are set to play J.J. Harlow's Bar, the Square, Roscommon, on Thursday 24 March. Carmel & the boys are the only Irish bluegrass band to have shared a stage with household names on the country circuit such as Randy Travis, Martina McBride, and Hal Ketchum, to name but a few. The band have been appearing at numerous venues around the country since the turn of the year, in preparation for their upcoming tour of Nashville in October. The band and their touring party of family and friends will touch down in Nashville on 17 October and will play several venues there in a two-week long tour.

The new album Here with you is not as good as their first album... it's better!! It consists of seven songs penned by Des and Danny and a further song co-written by Danny and renowned American artist Tim O’Brien. Danny and Tim wrote the song on a boat trip home from a festival in the Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland. Tim O’Brien has been voted Male Vocalist of the Year at the IBMA Awards in America over the past few years and makes a guest appearance as backing vocal on this song for the new album. He was so impressed with the song, he has actually added it to his latest album.

The band have finalised their second album with multi-Grammy-winning Nashville producer Bil VornDick, who also signed them to a publishing deal. 'Very rarely do you get a chance to work with a family band of three brothers and a sister as the lead vocalist. There is something about family bands and their harmony that can raise the hairs on the back of your neck. They have the European flair in their music that is so appealing', said Bil VornDick.

Rarely will you pick up an Irish album that doesn’t have something from the Sheerins attributed to it. The Sheerins have been involved with so many Irish acts in so many different ways. If it's not Des or Danny producing the album, then it's Danny or Carmel on backing vocals, or Tom on fiddle, or even Des on bass with Danny on acoustics. Their forthcoming album sees this talented family step out from the shadows of other musical acts and step into the limelight with their own unique sound. Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens have scaled new heights in the past year and performed on the international scene, at a level most bands in this country could only aspire to. This is mainly down to the unique sound of Carmel on lead vocals and the band singing clean harmonies throughout.

Doors: 8.00 p.m.
Admission: Free

The BIB tops 2,000 posts

Last Friday the number of posts on the Bluegrass Ireland Blog passed the 2,000 mark. The BIB has been in operation since near the end of 2005, and almost everything that has been posted on it in that time is still there (yes, the editor is a hoarder).

Most of it is no longer news, of course, but some is still relevant; and if there's something you once saw on the BIB and would like to see again, the chances are it's where you left it. Type a keyword into the white search slot at the top left-hand corner of the blog, and hit the return key.

You can still squeeze in to Sore Fingers 2011

Thanks to UKBluegrass.com for a reminder that there are now just four weeks before the start of Sore Fingers Week (18-22 Apr.), Europe's premier instruction workshop in bluegrass and old-time music. All classes still have some spaces available, except those of Tony Trischka and Greg Cahill (bluegrass banjo), Matt Flinner (mandolin), and Jim Hurst (guitar).

All the usual activities will be there at SFSS 2011. The most notable changes are a new scratch-band tutor team, and an upgraded format for the slow jam to give beginners more help in moving up to playing in jams and eventually in proper band activity. Booking forms and further details can be found at the Sore Fingers website.

Where's Woodbine on the Web? Here!

Woodbine now has the new website mentioned on the BIB a week ago, thanks to its fearless leader Tony O'Brien of the Athy Bluegrass Music Association.

The new site looks good right now, and Tony will be making further improvements as time goes by. At present it includes bios, photos (drawn from the nine years of the band's existence), full track listings of the three Woodbine CDs, and performance schedule - including of course the Athy Festival (7-10 July), where Woodbine are the host band.

On St Patrick's day Woodbine played a very enjoyable evening at Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois (one of the band's favourite venues), with Clem O'Brien on bass and vocals, making a powerful substitute for his sister Nicola. Nicola and her husband Tom Kennedy are preparing for the arrival of their first child next month, and the band - which has consequently been a little less active than usual over the winter - is looking forward to welcoming the new Kennedy and (as a result) getting Nicola back on stage for the 2011 season.

Autoharp weekend in Scotland, 12-14 Aug. 2011

Thanks to FOAOTMAD for this news of special interest to autoharpists, and especially to Ulster people (and others) who may already have visited Moniaive for its annual bluegrass festival:

The first ever weekend in Scotland devoted to all things autoharp will be held in the Dumfriesshire village of Moniaive over 12-14 August 2011.

The main programme of autoharp-related workshops and concerts will happen on Saturday the 13th, but additional music sessions on Friday and Sunday offer the opportunity to extend the music and the pleasure for the entire weekend.

A Sunday-morning Autoharp Gospel Service in St Ninian’s Parish Kirk will also showcase the weekend’s tutors and performers. Contact Nadine White (e-mail) for further details.

A draft programme for the weekend is available here as a downloadable pdf document. As a further link with Ireland, Moniaive was 'cast' as an Irish village for the Peter Mullen film The Magdalene Sisters.

Bluestacks tonight at Wild West Weekend, Lahinch

Thanks to Aran Sheehan of the Bluestack Mountain Boys from Dublin for this reminder that tonight is the Bluestacks' night in the current Wild West Weekend at Kenny's Bar in Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Click on the poster image for an enlarged view, giving details of the weekend's programme. Congratulations and thanks to Kenny's for this further addition to the growing list of mini-festivals on the Irish bluegrass calendar.

St Patrick on the original Bluegrass Blog

Other business prevented the BIB from drawing attention to this in time, but yesterday the patron saint of Ireland was represented on the original Bluegrass Blog. This was in the widely reported video by Dublin-based singer/songwriter Chris Kavanagh of his song 'Paddy's day', accompanied by long-neck 5-string banjo, fiddle, guitar, and bass on screen, with whistles on the soundtrack. Viewers who know Dublin can have further fun identifying the locations.

The theme of the song is the expulsion of serpents from Ireland. In hagiographical legend, St Patrick appears as the winner in some tough bargaining with an angel to secure the favourable treatment of Irish people in heaven. Some may have felt in the past that the deal should have put similar emphasis on their earthly welfare. Perhaps this is an appropriate time for a renegotiation of the terms.

The Molly Hicks at Town Hall, Galway, TONIGHT

The Molly Hicks and friends: Juliana Erkkonen, Peter Akerstrom, Ruth Dillon, John Kenny, Bernie O'Mahony, Tom Hanway

Thanks to Tom Hanway for a reminder of the concert tonight by the Molly Hicks at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway, as announced on the BIB a week ago.

The Molly Hicks host a concert-revue featuring puppeteer-musician Des Dillon, singer Yvette Gorham, and other surprise guests. The show begins at 8.00 p.m.; tickets are €13 and €9.

Carlton Haney, 1928-2011

What Bill Monroe plays is bluegrass, and what everybody else plays is just a copy of him. (Carlton Haney, 1971)

Carlton L. Haney of North Carolina, manager, promoter, event organiser, and one of the most influential figures in bluegrass history, has died in hospital, as recorded on today's Bluegrass Blog. He was inducted into the IBMA Hall of Fame in 1998, and into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2008. A good account of many of the reasons for his being in both is in Richard F Thompson's post on the BB at the time of the 2008 induction (read it here); and an illuminating biographical account by Fred Bartenstein, who worked closely with him and knew him very well, is also on the IBMM website.

Carlton Haney was indeed a larger-than-life figure; too much so for the BIB to attempt to do him justice. The Bluegrass Blog will be publishing more about him in the coming days.

Update 18 Mar.: A fine obituary by Kevin Lynch, with input from Fred Bartenstein and with notable links, is on the European Bluegrass Blog.

New Tuesday session in Waterford city

Thanks to Ray O'Brien of Southern Welfare, who reports:

Just wanted to update you on our new weekly session in Waterford: the recently-reopened-under-new-management Kitty Kiernans on Barrack Street, Waterford. Southern Welfare play every Tuesday night from 9.00 p.m.

The McGrane Family and friends at Uncle Tom's, St Patrick's day

Thanks to Gerry Fitzpatrick of the Sick and Indigent Song Club for this news:

Next Thursday (17 March, St Patrick's day) the McGrane Family will be in session at Uncle Tom's Cabin [left], Dundrum Road, Dundrum, south Dublin, together with Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick, and guests. All are welcome; the music starts at 9.30 p.m.

Uncle Tom's Cabin is on the main road into town (R117), about 200 metres north of the Dundrum Luas station. Noreen and Brian McGrane and their family host the long-established Wednesday session at the Old Punch Bowl in Booterstown.

Where's Woodbine on the Web?

Woodbine, based in Athy, Co. Kildare, are the host band for the annual Athy Bluegrass Festival, and are led by Tony O'Brien, the Festival's organiser (second from right in the photo by Des Butler, taken at the 2009 Festival).

Vigilant readers will have noticed that recent mentions of Woodbine on the BIB have not been accompanied by an internet link. Tony reports that a new website for the band will be operational very shortly, replacing their former MySpace site.

NTB at #1 in APD chart

We reported three days ago that the Niall Toner Band (IRL) now have a digital press kit which can be accessed at AirPlay Direct.

We have since learned that they are at the top of AirPlay Direct's Bluegrass/Folk chart for this month (as of 5.17 a.m. on Saturday 12 March 2011), with 268 downloads. At present they are the only group on the chart whose location is shown as 'Europe'.

Water Tower Bucket Boys in action

Thanks to Arnie and Sharon Loughrin for this news, photo, and video footage from their house concert by the Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA) on Wednesday night, which was sold out well in advance. There are still six shows on the tour schedule (see the BIB calendar), of which the first is tonight at the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre at Naul, Co. Dublin. Sharon writes:

We highly recommend a trip out to see them; everyone thoroughly enjoyed the night at our house. We're travelling down to Naul for tonight's gig along with two of our house concert regulars, who hadn't seen the group before our concert and are on their first trip to Naul also. I think we're getting a few converts!

Arnie and Sharon also send this link to YouTube footage of the band in action during the concert. On the Loughrin YouTube channel you can also see and hear the WTBB playing the Monroe classic 'Uncle Pen', ending it by playing 'Jenny Lynn' through in full, instead of the few bars that most people play.

The Molly Hicks to play Town Hall Theatre, Galway, 18 Mar. 2011

Left: Ruth Dillon and Bernie O’Mahony. Thanks to Ruth for this news:

Following their packed house last summer, the Molly Hicks are delighted to be invited back to play the prestigious Town Hall Theatre, Galway, next Friday (18 March).

Featuring Ruth Dillon (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Bernie O’Mahony (vocals, uke-banjo), with American ex-pat Tom Hanway (vocals, 5-string banjo), Peter Akerstrom (vocals, guitar), Juliana Erknonen (fiddle), and Paul O'Driscoll (bulldog bass), this exciting bluegrass band, based in Galway, wowed the audience last time around with their unique versions of traditional, bluegrass, and contemporary songs and tunes, each taking turns singing lead and harmony. They are promising an even more dynamic performance next week, having polished up their show at many festivals in Ireland and the UK in the past year.

The Molly Hicks are noted for their brilliant vocal harmonies, underpinned by the breathtaking singing of Bernie and Ruth, which has a unique and sister-like quality. Indeed, the Irish Times described their singing as 'a thing of great beauty... their voices communing with the seamlessness of Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss'.

Ruth writes original songs in a true bluegrass style, Tom adds sizzling hot original banjo tunes, Peter makes the guitar smoke with amazing speed and accuracy, and Juliana adds a touch of honey with her fiddle and bow. Last time the band was joined by Sharon Shannon, much to the utter delight of the amazed audience, and this time their special guests will include 'master puppeteer' Des Dillon, and many more...

A recipe for a bluegrass Hootenanny not to be missed!
Fri. 18 March @ 8.00 p.m. in Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Booking: 091 569777 (online) Tickets: €13, €9 unwaged

Bending the Strings in Kilnaleck, Co. Cavan, 12 Mar. 2011

Thanks to Moyra Fraser of Bending the Strings for this news:

Bending the Strings are appearing in the Copper Kettle Inn, Kilnaleck, County Cavan, on Saturday 12 March.

Although we will be without Vinny Baker on that night (he and his wife Josie are having a well deserved holiday in the Philippines), Moyra and Martin will be joined that night by Gerry Madden of Waterford on mandolin. Hope to see you all there.

BIB editor's note: Gerry, a member of the original Flint Hill Boys, is an asset to any occasion, and Woodbine hope to have the pleasure of playing with him again some time in the future.

3rd Spell's Springtime Bluegrass Fest - this weekend

Thanks to Pete Lamb for forwarding this news, which completes and updates what was previously on the BIB on 22 Feb.:

Spell's Springtime Bluegrass Fest this weekend (Friday 11th-Sunday 13th March), Spell's Bar, Ballaghadereen, Co. Mayo. Featuring Colonel Bullshot Rides Again on Fri. 11th, 9.30 p.m.; Gone to Grass on Sat. 12th, 9.30 p.m.; the Higglers [photo above] on Sun. 13th, 9.00 p.m. Plus open bluegrass sessions Sat./Sun. @ 5.30 p.m. Adm. FREE to all events. Info 094 9860144; Facebook/Spellsbar

Colonel Bullshot Rides Again is the fine Westport band led by Hubie and Sara McEvilly. Other band details are on our earlier post.

The Basquilles to open for Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, 10 Mar. 2011

Andrew Basquille sends the very necessary information that the entrance to the Mercantile Hotel music venue in Dublin, where he and his group will be supporting the award-winning Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens (above) tomorrow night (Thursday 10 March), is not from Dame Street but from the parallel Dame Lane, behind the hotel, between the Stag's Head and the long-established 'Why Go Bald' sign. Doors 8.00 p.m.; tickets €10 (on the door).

Niall Toner Band: a digital press kit

The Niall Toner Band now have a digital press kit which can be accessed at AirPlay Direct. Among many other facilities, it enables the reader to play eighteen tracks from the NTB's three existing CDs - another album is currently in preparation. Radio stations that are registered with AirPlay Direct can log in and download the music.

The band have issued the new press kit in connection with their availability for bookings in the USA in summer 2011 and beyond, through the Mountain Music Entertainment agency.

One of the few facilities on their regular website that is not also available through the press kit is Niall's personal blog, which is frequently updated and well illustrated. The photo below shows Niall with the Special Consensus (USA), taken in the RTE studios when he interviewed them for his radio show 'Roots Freeway' during their tour of Ireland and Britain earlier this year.

Southern Welfare booked for Kilkenny, 1 May 2011

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

Southern Welfare have been confirmed to play two gigs on Sunday 1 May at the Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival 2011.

Sun. 1 May Rivercourt Hotel, John St., 4.00 p.m.
Sun. 1 May O’Gormans, John St., 10.00 p.m.

Hope to see some of the bluegrass faithful there.

Bluegrass for St Patrick's day

With St Patrick's day coming up next week, it's fitting to mention a release on that very day by an A-list US band: Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. The recording is the single 'If your heart should ever roll this way again', which the Rural Rhythm label will make available to radio stations on 17 March via Airplay Direct.

Among their numerous awards and nominations, IIIrd Tyme Out have won the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year award in seven consecutive years, and Russell Moore (on right in photo below) has won Male Vocalist three times, most recently in 2010.

Update 10 Mar.: You can hear a sample of the new single on the original Bluegrass Blog.


(And if you want to hear live bluegrass in Ireland on St Patrick's day, Woodbine are scheduled to play in Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, at 5.30 p.m.)

Why 'Tanyards'?

Thanks to Richard F Thompson for his continuing series on the original Bluegrass Blog, giving a daily record of events in the life of Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music, and of people connected with him.

Yesterday's instalment was devoted to a long and enthralling account by Mike Compton (left), perhaps the most intense and dedicated student of Bill Monroe's music, of his personal contacts with Mr Monroe and what he learned from them. Find out why Mike's favourite Monroe composition is the late-period instrumental 'Tanyards' - and much, much more - by reading the full report here.

Coastline Bluegrass Music Event, 3-5 June 2011

Thanks to UKBluegrass.com for the news that the 2011 Coastline Bluegrass Music Event will take place on 3-5 June at a new venue, Bryn Ffanigl Ganol Farm, Rhyd y Foel Road, Dolwen, near Llanddulas in north Wales, a few miles east of the old venue but still highly accessible from Ireland.

The splendid G2 Bluegrass Band from Sweden (photo above), who spent most of the latter part of 2010 in the USA, will top the bill as in 2008, together with two Scots bands, Longway and Home Made Jam, and the Tappalachian Clogging Team from southern England. Workshops will be given by all the above artists. Full details, including ticket prices and a downloadable booking form, are on the Event's website.

'Steel guitar rag' - the lyrics

Thanks to Paul Foley of the Ubangi Stomp Club in Dublin for this news of a free film event at the Odessa Club, Dame Court, Dublin 2, on Wednesday 9 March at 8.00 p.m., open to all:

Can you create a documentary that plays like a missing episode of 'Monty Python’s Flying Circus?' Filmmaker and writer Robert Gordon will be on hand to present his scientific breakthrough, Shakespeare was a big George Jones fan: Cowboy Jack Clement’s home movies, a cult-favorite movie about cult-favorite musician and producer Jack Clement. Featuring Jack’s hilarious and candid home movies of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, John Prine, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, George Jones, and others, Shakespeare was banned from the Nashville city limits.

Robert Gordon is the director of Johnny Cash’s America, Respect yourself: the Stax Records story, and William Eggleston’s stranded in Canton. He’s the author of several books, including It Came From Memphis. Last month, he won a Grammy Award for his liner notes to the Big Star box set. Gordon is in Ireland working with film-maker Paul Duane and they’ll be showing a preview of their work in progress, 'Very extremely dangerous'.

Robert Gordon will be available to answer questions after the film is shown. And the bluegrass connection? Read Thomas Goldsmith, 'Catching up with Jack Clement' in Bluegrass Unlimited magazine, xxxix, #11 (May 2005): 'Before he produced Johnny Cash or Charley Pride, worked with U2, or wrote any of a number of hit songs, Cowboy Jack Clement played bluegrass.' In the 1950s Washington, DC, area he played with the now legendary Buzz Busby and admired Mac Wiseman's singing; later he was associated with John Hartford and Doc Watson and encouraged Jim Rooney as a sound engineer and record producer. You can see a clip of Shakespeare here; it includes footage of Clement playing 'Steel guitar rag' on lap steel, with Johnny Cash singing the words.

Little Ass Birds at the Cobblestone, 11 Mar. 2011

Thanks to Conor Doyle of the Little Ass Birds for this news:

Little Ass Birds play the Cobblestone in Dublin next Friday (11 March), doors 9.00 p.m. We will be playing plenty of new original songs and lots of our old favourite tunes and songs; promises to be a good night of fun and great music! Support on the night is from the ukulele duo Helena and Nora.

Also, to promote the gig, Little Ass Birds [shown below offstage] will appear live on 'The Green Room' radio show on Newstalk with Orla Barry this coming Monday night (7 March). The show runs from 10.00 p.m. to 12.00 p.m. Little Ass Birds will be on between 11.15 p.m. and 11.50 p.m. We play out the end of the show!!!

Wookalily launch 'Black magic doll' with tour

As mentioned on the BIB two weeks ago, Wookalily (left), the all-woman Americana/ bluegrass/ roots band from the North, are preparing to release an EP. Thanks to Adele Ingram-Magee for the latest news on the EP: recorded at the In the Shade Studios, it is due for release on 14 April. The title is 'Black magic doll', and here's the 'Bogs to bayous bio' that forms part of the press release:

Wookalily turf out timeless songs from the bogs of Northern Ireland to the bayous of Louisiana. Having been swamped in both musical traditions they’ve managed to create a transatlantic sound that is authentic yet quirky. This EP is a testament to that with one of the tracks, entitled ‘Memories of New Orleans’, already making ‘non-disastrous’ waves in N’awlins. Negotiations are under way for a US tour late 2011/early 2012.

Meanwhile, Wookalily are currently scheduled to play the following series of shows in connection with the release.

Mar. 26 Bound for Boston – Stripes and Stars Festival Launch, Derry city
Apr. 14 EP launch at the Real Music Club, Errigle Inn, Belfast
Apr. 28 Belfast American Folk & Roots Club, Black Box, Belfast
May 6 No Alibis Bookstore, Belfast
May 20 The Listening Post, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry
May 21 Geraghty's, Westport, Co. Mayo
May 22 Mannion's, Balla, Co. Mayo
June 11 The Errigle Inn, Belfast (private party)
Oct. 29 Balla Bluegrass Festival, Mannion’s, Balla, Co. Mayo

Press contact:
One-A-Chord Music (e-mail)
Wookalily Bandcamp, MySpace, Facebook, ReverbNation

Minnie & the Illywhackers at the Odessa, Dublin, 5 Mar. 2011: CANCELLED

Thanks to Gerry Fitzpatrick of the Sick & Indigent Song Club for the news that Minnie & the Illywhackers will be performing on Saturday 5 March at the Odessa Club in Dame Court, Dublin 2, from about 9.00 p.m.

The band consists of Angie McLaughlin (vocals, ukulele), Shane McGrath (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Sheila Sullivan (fiddle), Christian Volkmann (bass, harmonica), Gerry Fitzpatrick (guitar, Dobro, accordion), Carl Byrne (trumpet), and John Hegarty (piano).

Update 4 March: This show has now been cancelled, as the club was double-booked by mistake.

Bluegrass vocabulary for guitar players

The March 2011 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine, which is currently in the shops, includes an article by Tyler Grant, 'Must-know bluegrass vocabulary: a guide to practical licks every flatpicker should know', with the object of enabling guitarists to play in the bluegrass language without 'sounding like a tourist'.

The article comes with tab for fifteen exercises, as well as for Grant's full-length tune 'Witch Creek', and is also online with video demonstrations at the magazine's website.

Homespun March sale now on

Homespun continue to offer scores of great bargains from their immense catalogue of instructional video and audio material, with the option of receiving downloads direct to your computer. Homespun's March 2011 sale is now on, with up to 50 per cent off the cost of some items; and there's bound to be something relevant to your own needs in the sale. Read the March sale announcement here.