Bluegrass in Balla 2011 - and again in 2012

Woodbine at Balla 2010, with Gerry Madden on mandolin

The BIB editor reports:

Woodbine have always had a great time and a very warm reception at successive Balla Bluegrass Festivals. As a member I can fully confirm that this year was no exception, and from all we heard the rest of the weekend went just as well. The stage area now has a new backdrop and lighting system, and Chris Mannion has installed a large screen in the front bar so that audience members don't have to crowd forward to see and hear performers.

Jams before and after our show, together with guest appearances during it, revealed again the great wealth of local talent. We supported another new feature of this year's festival - the raffle of a fiddle - by backing up fine performances of 'Faded love' and 'Seneca square dance' played on the instrument itself. As a bonus: it can be announced that the 4th Balla Bluegrass Festival will take place next year over the October bank holiday weekend - 26-9 October 2012.