Bluegrass in Sixmilebridge, May 2012-Jan. 2013

Thanks to Brendan Walsh, director of the Shannonside Winter Music Weekend (WMW) and moving spirit in the Sixmilebridge Folk Club in Co. Clare, for the news that the programme for the next WMW (17-20 Jan. 2013) is already published on the internet, and the rich and varied schedule contains plenty of good news for bluegrass enthusiasts.

Topping the bluegrass part of the bill will be the Special Consensus (USA), making another of their welcome visits to Ireland. (They will be here from 16 to 28 January; all the shows appear on the Special C. tour schedule, and details will be added to the BIB calendar as soon as possible.) Also appearing on the WMW are Lilly of the West from Bulgaria, with strong influences from the folk music of Eastern Europe mingled with their bluegrass, country, and swing repertoire; and our own Bending the Strings and Gypsy Rebel Rabble.

Fliers for the 2013 WMW are already available. Brendan also sends further info on the Club's programme for summer and autumn 2012, which includes the Ballyhooly Arts Festival (24-27 May) at which the Berea Bluegrass All Stars (USA) will be on the bill. The All Stars will also be playing for the Club at the Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, on Tues. 5 June. Moreover, the Mill Bar will be hosting the Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA) on Thurs. 21 June. Features on both these fine bands have already appeared on the BIB, and other tour dates for them are on the BIB calendar. We recommend keeping an eye on the WMW website for further developments.

Update: On the Curtis Blackwell tour, see this feature by James Gabehart on Bluegrass Today.