News digest #8

Derek Copley of the Greasy Coat Stringband sends the sad news that the old-time session in Hannan's bar on James' St., Dublin, hosted by the Greasy Coats every Friday from 10.00 p.m., is no more. Derek adds: 'Thanks to all who attended and we look forward to jamming with you in the future at other sessions.'

Tony O'Brien reports the following new dates on Woodbine's schedule:
Sat. 23 Mar., Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
Sun. 21 Apr., Peig's Bar, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 6.00-8.00 p.m.
Fri. 7 June, GAA Centre, Dublin Rd, Athy, Co. Kildare, with Tumbling Bones (USA)
NB: all other dates in the Tumbling Bones tour are on the BIB calendar

From Bluegrass in Ireland: Hugh Taggart reports that he and Martin McWhorter, both of Well Enough Alone, will be playing a thirty-minute set at the RDS in Dublin on Sun. 10 Mar. at 1.00 p.m., as part of the Festival Of World Cultures. Hugh adds: 'It's 6 euro in for the day and there's bound to be a lot of great music.' Hugh and Martin will then play their weekly gig in the food hall of the Kilkenny Shop on Nassau St. (2.15-4.15 p.m.), with Derek Duff (Tin Box Company) on banjo.

The Open House Folk Club in Belfast announces that Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA) will be playing there on 25 Apr.; details are on this e-poster. Other dates in the tour are on the BIB calendar.

Gerry Fitzpatrick announces the lineup for the 28 Mar. edition of the Cabin Sessions at Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family with Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro), and featuring Cathy McEvoy (fiddle); special guests the Hot Dots (Hawaiian), Zuppa Mista (Latin/folk), and Dave Hardy (clarinet/sax). Guests at the Cabin the following month (25 Apr.) will include the old-time trio of Cathal Cusack and Tim & Richard Hawkins.

Niall Toner has received the European Bluegrass Personality of 2012 award from the European Bluegrass Music Association; more details are on Bluegrass Today.

Finally, a treat.