In the Knocklyon's den

The BIB editor reports:

I dropped in last Thursday night on the regular 'Bluegrass and Beyond' session run by the Tin Box Company (above photo) every week in Delany's Knocklyon Inn, a pleasant pub in south-west Dublin (see the BIB report of 25 October). The experience can be thoroughly recommended.

The session is basically an informal show by the band - sitting down in the bar, but with miked vocals and pickups on all instruments. Visiting pickers were welcomed to sit in, but be warned: keeping up with a band that drives as hard as the TBC in their present lineup is a serious workout. Their imaginative repertoire includes a medley of Irish reels (with key changes) that goes like the clappers.

This group has a strong, individual ensemble sound together with a good personal 'buzz', and it would be nice to see them getting around to events on the festival circuit. Inquiries can be made to Martin Kavanagh (mandolin) on 087 2504505. For more photos and video footage, see the TBC's Facebook page.