New year news from Moniaive

Paul Lyttle, organiser of the Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival in Scotland, sends new year greetings and good wishes to all, and reports that he has added new features to the Moniaive website, including many videos by Sandy Holland of performances from the 2011 festival.

As announced on the BIB on 23 Dec. 2011, 'Criffel Creek', a new radio show from Alive Community Radio (107.3 FM) in Dumfries, starts on Sunday 22 January 2012 and runs from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon then and on alternate Sundays thereafter. The show will consist of bluegrass, old timey, Americana, and gospel music, and listeners are encouraged to get in touch during the show and give Alive Radio feedback on the mix of music.

This year's Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival will be held on 28-30 Sept. 2012, and the list of bands already confirmed includes two from Ulster: the Knotty Pine String Band from Omagh and the Down and Out Bluegrass Band from the Belfast region. The website adds: 'MMBF is currently in talks with a top-flight band from the USA. Keep an eye on the website as we will release details at the end of January 2012.'