We Banjo 3 tour, 7-29 Sept. 2012

Thanks to Maeve Murphy of Music Network for news of shows to be given in September by Galway-based We Banjo 3 - award-winners Enda Scahill, Martin Howley, and David Howley. The group features three tenor banjos, mandolins, tenor guitars, guitars, banjolin, and David’s vocals. Music Network tours are presented in association with RTÉ lyric fm and funded by the Arts Council.

The tour coincides with the release of We Banjo 3's new album Roots of the banjo tree, a title that reflects the group's interest in the music of the minstrel-show and old-time music eras. Their plans for next year include collaborating with Nashville-based Chessboxer (former members of Cadillac Sky), in line with the previous collaboration by the Brock McGuire Band (with Enda Scahill as a member) with bluegrass wizards such as Ricky Skaggs, Aubrey Haynie, and Bryan Sutton.

Fri. 7th: Roisin Dubh, Galway, doors 8.00 p.m., adm. free

Tues. 11th: The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin, 8.00 p.m.; €15/ €10/ €40 (family); booking 01 6719429 / online

Wed. 12th: Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow, 8.00 p.m.; €16 / €14; booking 01 2724030, online

Thurs. 13th: Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, 8.00 p.m.; €16 / €14; booking 094 9023733/ online

Fri. 14th: Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, 8.00 p.m.; €15 / €12 / €40 (family); booking 045 448327 / online

Sat. 16th: Siamsa Tíre, Town Parks, Tralee, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; €16 / €13; booking 066 7123055/ online

Thurs. 20th: Athlone Folk Club, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, 9.00 p.m.; €15; booking 087 311 9514

Fri. 21st: Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Tullamore, Co. Offaly; booking online

Sun. 23rd: Station House Theatre, Clifden, Co. Galway, 10.00 p.m.; €12 / €10; booking 095 21699

Fri. 28th: Ionad Cultúrtha, Baile Mhúirne, 8.30 p.m.; €15 / €10; booking 026 45733

Sat. 29th: Tipperary Excel Centre, Tipperary town, 8.00 p.m.; €12 / €8 (for children up to 16 years); booking 062 80520 / online