27 February 2012

'A vocal powerhouse': the Berea Bluegrass All-Stars in Ireland, 26 May-6 June 2012: addenda

Thanks to the indefatigable John Nyhan of Co. Cork for this schedule of a tour he has organised for the Berea Bluegrass All-Stars, a seven-piece band from Berea, Kentucky. Berea's history as an educational, social, and cultural centre for Appalachia goes back over 150 years, and six band members are past students of Berea College where they studied bluegrass under Al White, who is also a member of the band. Al is on the left in the above photo of the 2011 Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble; a photo of the current ensemble will appear on the BIB as soon as possible. An earlier Berea ensemble visited Ireland some time ago, and four of the members from that tour will be returning this year.

The 2012 Berea Bluegrass All-Stars, who have been described as 'a vocal powerhouse', consist of Al White (fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, vocals), Ashley Long (vocals), Donovan Cain (guitar, vocals), Katie Morgan (vocals), Ryan Blevins (banjo, mandolin, guitar, vocals), Deborah Payne (fiddle, vocals), and John Bradley (bass). John Nyhan adds:

... Al White... was in the Bluegrass Alliance and is married to Alice McClain, a sister of Raymond and Michael McClain. John Bradley, the son of Dale Ann, will also be in the band... They are also fine musicians: Ryan Blevins... was here before and was also in No Speed Limit, whom I saw in the States; he is an all-rounder, plays banjo, mandolin, and guitar. Al is also great on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar. Deborah Payne was here before and is a fine fiddler. I've heard Ashley Long on CD; she has a powerful voice. The other two, Donovan Cain (who is an Episcopalian minster) and Katie Morgan, I don't know much about, but am informed that they are great vocalists.

Their full schedule is as follows:

May 2012
Sat. 26th-Sun. 27th Ballyhooly Arts Festival, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork (afternoon and night both days); info from Oliver McCarthy ('phone 086 2659496 or Ballyhooly on Facebook).
The Ballyhooly Arts Festival takes place from Thurs. 24th to Sun. 27th May, and includes not only bluegrass but also traditional Irish and rock music, an arts and crafts exhibition, poetry, and storytelling.
Mon. 28th Private party
Tues. 29th Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork. 8.15 p.m.; booking and inquiries 087 7921771
Wed. 30th The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; booking and inquiries +44(0)2886761630
Thurs. 31st Day off for sightseeing

June 2012
Fri. 1st Tom Malone's/Market House, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m.; 087 6881650
Sat. 2nd Connolly's Bar, Kinvara, Co. Galway, 10.00 p.m.; 091 637131
Sun. 3rd (afternoon) Tom Malone's/Market House, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare; 087 6881650
Sun. 3rd Crane Bar, Galway city, 10.00 p.m.; 091 587419
Mon. 4th Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo, 7.30 p.m.; 087 2296018
Tues. 5th Private party
Wed. 6th St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; 068 22566

All dates are on the BIB calendar.

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1 Comments:

At 12:05 am, Blogger Leo's nephew said...

Excellent band. They are all extremely talented. Saw them in Sixmilebridge and again last night in Listowel. Can't wait to have them back here again, Des

 

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