2nd Mohill Bluegrass Festival, 10-12 Aug. 2012

With fond memories of the first Mohill festival last year, we gladly publish this press release:

The much-anticipated lineup for the 2nd annual Mohill Bluegrass Festival brings together a plethora of the finest bluegrass acts in Ireland, including the Watery Hill Boys, Johnny Gleeson, the Down & Out Bluegrass Band, the Western String Band, and the Bucket of Bees Revival. Scheduled over the weekend beginning Friday 10 August, Mohill Bluegrass Festival has quickly established a place for itself on the Irish bluegrass calendar and is the only festival of its kind in Leitrim and the surrounding area.

'The combination of so many top names in the Irish bluegrass scene will bring a carnival atmosphere to Mohill’, says festival chairman Tommy Kelleher, himself a regular on the Irish bluegrass scene. Tommy says that the festival is quickly finding a niche for itself in the Leitrim music festival summer, adding: 'It’s Carrick for the Water Music, Drumshanbo for the trad, and Mohill for the Bluegrass.’

The festival begins on Friday in J’s Hotel with Belfast’s top bluegrass band, the Down & Out Bluegrass Band, a traditional old-time band with no fancy frills, just straightforward country pickin’ and harmony with a good hard-driving style.

Saturday sees the start of Mohill Bluegrass Trail which will continue until Sunday night with sessions in Mohill’s finest establishments. O’Brien’s Bar, Spirit, Carroll’s, the Green Rooster, John James, and the Festival Marquee at the Butter Market all host top bluegrass acts including the Watery Hill Boys from Drogheda, purveyors of old-time country and early bluegrass, based on the music of legendary groups as the Carter Family, the Skillet Lickers, the Blue Sky Boys, and Bill Monroe. Other bands hitting the trail include Bucket of Bees Revival from Dublin and Sligo’s Western String Band. Saturday culminates in the highlight of the Mohill music and arts calendar, the Bluegrass Gala concert in J’s Hotel which will host Johnny Gleeson, the Down & Out Bluegrass Band, the Watery Hill Boys, and Bucket of Bees Revival. Starting at 9.00 p.m. sharp, just €15 will get you the greatest night’s entertainment this side of the Appalachian Mountains.

The bluegrass trail hits the town again on Sunday right up to the Grande Finale in J’s on Sunday night headlined by the Western String Band and friends. On Saturday evening there is a gospel Mass in St Patrick's Church at 8.00 p.m., and on Sunday morning a Gospel Service in St Mary’s Church of Ireland at 11.00 a.m. Later in the day at 2.00 p.m., the Aras Carolan retirement home hosts a bluegrass session for the staff, residents and their families and friends. The festival HQ at the Butter Market will also host numerous other activities including face painting, a Buckin' Bronco where festival goers can test their rodeo skills, as well as free live bluegrass all weekend. So make a date for the Mohill Bluegrass Festival where ‘Old Time means a Good Time.’

*** Mohill is a town in South Leitrim about 15 km east of Carrick on Shannon and just 7 km off the N4. Nearest railway station is Dromad, about 6 km from Mohill.