Now hear this!

Having just seen and heard the Macrae Sisters (USA) at the Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend, we unhesitatingly urge anyone who likes old-time string-band music: do yourself a favour and get to any of the few remaining dates on their present tour. Bill Whelan, doyen of old-time music in this island, urged us to do so, and he wasn't kidding.

The present lineup is as shown in the photo (l-r): Joanna Macrae (guitar, vocals, dancing), Marian Macrae Herrmann (fiddle, vocals), and Gabrielle Macrae (clawhammer banjo, fiddle, vocals). Not, then, the full five-piece shown in previous photos on the BIB: but don't let that deter you for a moment. This is as solid, tight, full, and spirited a string-band sound as anyone needs to hear. You can still catch them at these dates:

Sun. 5 Aug. LissArd Festival, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Mon. 6 Aug. Fifty-Six Bar, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, 9.00
Tues. 7 Aug. St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00