Southern Welfare in 2012

Thanks to Ray O'Brien (on right above, with Tony Wall, banjo), for news of one of Ireland's most active bluegrass bands:

So another festival season is nearly upon us and Southern Welfare are back on the road again with a new and exciting lineup. Firstly we would like to make welcome a new edition to the band for 2012 in John Denby; John is a very accomplished mandolin player and brings a new dimension of playing to the band, and we are very happy he has decided to join us.

Tony takes a solo

After a very successful 2011 the band are back again with their hard-driving bluegrass sound. They have many gigs and festivals lined up, starting with the Kilkenny Roots Festival on Sunday 6 May in Bollards bar in Kilkenny city; then it's on to the 1st International Tramore Bluegrass Festival in our home county of Waterford, which is set to be a great weekend full of bluegrass fun and frolics. The band will also be making their second appearance at the acclaimed Athy Bluegrass Festival in early July, playing alongside one of Europe's top bluegrass bands, 4 Wheel Drive, which will be the highlight of our year. There are more festivals to follow throughout the year including the very successful Mohill and Dunmore East Bluegrass Festivals, both happening in August, and also the 4th Bruff Bluegrass Festival.

So it's set to be a cracking summer of bluegrass in Ireland; and I'm sure we will be adding more dates over the coming weeks and months, so keep an eye on the BIB calendar for more dates with Southern Welfare.

Until we see you all, keep on pickin' - for info or booking, contact Ray on +353 (0) 851386710, e-mail us, or visit us online.

Ray Wall singing lead; all the above photos were taken at the 2011 Mohill Bluegrass Festival