Martini Cowboy to headline 18th Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival

Press release

Headline stealer Jack Grace (USA) and his band make a welcome return to Europe’s largest free bluegrass festival, the 18th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival which takes place in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, from 23 to 26 August. This will be the eighteenth year in which fans of bluegrass, country, rhythm, roots, new grass, and blues descend on the picturesque fishing village to enjoy free music events played throughout the village’s pubs and hotels.

Mick Daly, festival founder and organiser, was delighted that Jack Grace is to return to headline the August Festival. 'We are thrilled that Jack is back! He is undoubtedly a firm favourite at the Dunmore Festival.'

Jack’s style of music has been described by Time Out New York as 'gritty down-home country as it should be'. Having played with a host of music legends such as Doc Watson, Junior Brown, Norah Jones and Wayne Hancock, the legend Jerry Lee Lewis said of him: 'He’s like that Cash kid, but good!'

Mick Daly added: 'The Jack Grace Band brings a unique New York Urban style to bluegrass and is definitely not to be missed, particularly as it will be literally on our doorstep this summer.'

Another endorsement of the long-running festival is the continued support of Guinness. The company recently confirmed that it will continue to sponsor the festival in 2012. According to Mick Daly, 'Having such long standing and loyal supporters as Guinness is a huge vote of confidence in the Bluegrass Festival and what we have achieved so far.'

The full line up for the 18th Guinness International Dunmore East Festival will be announced in June. It is expected that local hostelries will play host to over fifty free gigs throughout the festival weekend with local, national, and international bands playing a variety of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music.

For more information about the 18th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford, visit its webpage.