Fiddle matters - in spades

Thanks to Declan McCarthy for this press release on the year's major fiddle music event in Ireland:

One of Ireland's best small music festivals, the Baltimore Fiddle Fair takes place from 9th to 12th May. From humble beginnings in 1992 this remarkable festival has grown a little in size and a lot in stature, and is now a key fixture on Irish and international music calendars. Its reputation is built on its consistent ability to present world-class acts in intimate settings in the beautiful seaside village of Baltimore in West Cork and once again they have come up with a programme that is simply astonishing.

International acts include legendary Scottish band Capercaille (the only Irish appearance of their 30th anniversary tour), American genius Casey Driessen performing the Irish premiere of 'The Casey Driessen Singularity'; one of the world's leading old-time fiddlers, Bruce Molsky from New York; young Creole/Cajun sensation from Louisiana Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole; exciting Scandinavian trio The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc; and Cork native Una Palliser with Slovenian accordionist Marco Hatlak... These intimate concerts will be held in unique venues across Baltimore, from garden amphitheatres to ancient castles to cosy marquees, and all in one of the most stunning festival settings on the planet.

The Baltimore Fiddle Fair will also include a host of additional events including top class workshops, art exhibitions, and a plethora of great sessions in and around the village. For many musicians and music lovers, the annual pilgrimage to the Baltimore Fiddle Fair is the musical highlight of the year and this year's festival promises to be one of the best yet!

Tickets for the 21st anniversary Baltimore Fiddle Fair are on sale now. For full lineup, schedule, and ticket information, log on to the Fiddle Fair website.
 

And more news, thanks to the European Bluegrass Blog, of a fiddle-based cyclone of a band merging bluegrass, Appalachian, and Canadian traditions, due to be on this side of the Atlantic more than once this year:

The April Verch Band from Canada, who have recently played eight shows in Belgium (28 Feb.-8 Mar. 2013), are planning their return to Europe in the late summer and autumn of this year.

Their tour schedule includes shows in Sweden in the period 25 July-8 August, and on 3 October they will begin a tour in the British Isles lasting for the whole of the rest of that month. On both trips they would welcome an opportunity to play in Ireland around those dates. They are also booked for the Shetland Folk Festival in Scotland (1-8 May).

The band, spearheaded by April's award-winning fiddling and her equally dynamic dancing, consists of Cody Walters (bass, clawhammer banjo) and Hayes Griffin (guitar). All members contribute original compositions to April's ninth and latest album, Bright like gold, which includes such guests as Mac Wiseman, Bruce Molsky, and Sammy Shelor.

Thanks to Frank Hoorn of Near North Music, April's agent, for this link to the band's brand new music video, and for a bio giving full details of the new album, which can be read here. Contact Frank for bookings by
• fax/phone: (250) 847 5228
• postal: 9854 Adams Rd, Smithers, BC V0J 2N7, Canada
• e-mail