Woody Pines in Ireland, 24-9 May 2013

As Loudon Temple of the Brookfield Knights agency in Britain announced last summer, the band Woody Pines, based in Asheville, North Carolina, are making a month-long tour in these islands, ending on 2 June 2013.

Announcing themselves as playing 'viper jazz, ragtime, and country blues', in April 2012 Woody Pines played a short but successful tour in Ireland, beginning with the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, and including Clonmel World Music in Co. Tipperary, where their shows were sold-out. The shows on this year's tour are as listed on their online schedule:

Fri. 24th May: Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
Sat. 25th: Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Sun. 26th: The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
Mon. 27th: The Atlantic Bar, Portrush, Co. Londonderry
Tues. 28th: The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Wed. 29th: Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Detached notes

Thanks to Ray O'Brien's Bluegrass Ireland Facebook for the news that the Weigh Inn Bar at Omagh, Co. Tyrone, will be glad to hear from any band whose tour includes the north of Ireland, and who are looking for a Tuesday night gig. The Weigh Inn runs a Tuesday Night Music Club, and has a few free Tuesday nights during the summer months. You can contact the Weigh Inn by e-mail.

The Daily Telegraph (UK) issue of 26 April includes a large feature by Rob Hughes on the latest project by Steve Martin - Love has come for you, to be released tomorrow (Monday 29 April) by Rounder Records. Martin, who shares the singing and songwriting with Edie Brickell, says: 'I feel like these are the banjo songs I've always been waiting to write.' The accompanying photo (unfortunately cropped in the online version) shows the Deering which is now his main onstage banjo. Read the whole article here.

George Jones, 1931-2013

George Jones (b. 12 Sept. 1931), one of the true giants of country music, died yesterday. Both his singing style and his material influenced many bluegrass musicians, notably the Stanley Brothers.

Ralph Stanley has recalled that he and his brother Carter went to see a George Jones show and were so taken by his song 'The window up above' that (with his permission) they recorded it before he had done so himself. Thirty years ago, interviewed by Pete Wernick, Ralph named George Jones as his favourite country singer: 'it seems like he's just got all in his voice that everybody else has got a little of'.*

Tributes to George Jones by Dr Stanley and other leading bluegrass figures can be read on Bluegrass Today, which will publish more on the subject. Meanwhile, Ray O'Brien has marked the occasion on his Bluegrass in Ireland Facebook with a video of George Jones singing 'Amazing grace'.

* David W. Johnson, Lonesome melodies: the lives and music of the Stanley Brothers (2013), p. 184; Tony Trischka and Pete Wernick, Masters of the 5-string banjo (1988), p. 103.

Beppe Gambetta: new CD and tour in Ireland, 11-26 May 2013

Thanks to Federica for this information on the forthcoming tour by Italian guitar maestro Beppe Gambetta in Ireland, marking the release of his new CD, The American Album, on Gadfly Records (USA). Beppe is looking forward to coming back to Ireland and sends a 'Ciao!' to his friends here. More news from him is on the European Bluegrass Blog. Confirmed dates for the tour schedule are:

Sat. 11th May The Bog Lane Theatre, Mostrim Rd, Ballymahon, Co. Longford
Sun. 12th Whelan's, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2
Mon. 13th The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork
Thurs. 16th The Crane, Sea Rd, Galway city
Fri. 17th McGarrigles, 11 O'Connell St., Sligo town
Sat. 18th The Stables, Dominick St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Fri. 24th Market House Theatre, Main St., Milltown Malbay, Co. Clare
Sat. 25th Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork
Sun. 26th Colfers, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

John Weingart, host for more than 33 1/3 years of 'Music You Can’t Hear On The Radio' on WPRB-FM and WPRB.COM in Princeton, New Jersey, is also Associate Director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. He contributes this assessment of the album:

********************
If this American Album is your introduction to Beppe Gambetta, you’re about to learn why musicians around the world count him among today’s absolute best acoustic guitarists.

One ingredient is technical skill and virtuosity. Like only a few of the other great players, Beppe’s guitar is often recognizable whether the tune is unbelievably fast or hauntingly slow. Another is his deep feeling and respect for the traditions of folk music - not just the tunes and songs themselves, but also the lives of the people who made them and the role of music in fostering and shaping cross-cultural communication and community.

But amazing technique and a rich understanding of the past would not have been sufficient to elevate Beppe to the top tier of world musicians. What he also brings is something magical and harder to describe. It is a unique vision and fearless creativity through which he explores and evolves new layers of musical territory and technique without ever losing a firm footing in his roots.

You hear it on this album from the opening track - a magnificent new piece Beppe composed that could be the soundtrack for a wonderful movie - to the last which is the reimagining of a tune we all know that was written 75 years ago by a Louisiana Governor.

In between, there is a new interpretation of an Earl Scruggs tune many music fans including Beppe first heard on the Will The Circle Be Unbroken album in the 1970s, and also a little-known and beautiful melody by Norman Blake. There are medleys honoring the Delmore Brothers and and the influential bluegrass guitarists Charlie Waller, Don Reno and George Shuffler. There is an old-timey song rescued from obscurity and a Canadian fiddle tune brought perhaps for the first time to the guitar. And there is more including another of Beppe’s new compositions – this one inspired by a visiting chipmunk who was apparently an Olympic sprinter in training.

As you listen, you may notice yet another important tradition at play here – that of the concept album. While each song and tune is clearly magnificent and quite capable of dazzling on its own, the whole is somehow even more than the sum of its parts.

I should mention, I suppose, that Beppe’s roots are not entirely American. Having been born and raised in Genoa, which remains his home for part of each year, Italian traditions also infuse his work. The poetry and spice they add to this aptly-named American Album may be more subtle than on his others, but they are a welcome reminder that great music truly is a universal language ready to enrich our lives.

Cahalen Morrison and Eli West at Whelan's, Dublin, 26 Apr. 2013

Thanks to Musiclee.ie for this release on this show, which comes with a 'Highly Recommended' label:

Cahalen Morrison and Eli West [YouTube link]
Whelans Upstairs, Wexford St., Dublin 2
Friday 26 Apr., 8.30 p.m. start.
€16 (€14 reserved in advance)

When Cahalen Morrison & Eli West released their stunning debut album, The holy coming of the storm it met with instantaneous reaction on both sides of the Atlantic.

The duo are back on this side of the Atlantic promoting their stunning new album, Our Lady of the Tall Trees which once more has attracted much praise and ended up at the Number 3 slot on the Americana UK Top Ten releases of 2012 list.

'Beautiful rootsy Americana' – Time Out
'Music that the world needs!' - Tim O'Brien
'Quite extraordinary' - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
'Really, really terrific' – Mike Harding BBC

Other dates in the tour are on the BIB calendar.

A town called Normal - new CD from Vincent Cross

Many thanks to Vincent Cross, Ireland's bluegrass representative in New York, who writes:

It's with great pleasure that I reach out to you with some news.

The last two years I've been focused on recording a new album, and it's now available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon, and CDbaby. A recent review by Lucid Culture indicates the musical diversity, yet it still sits firmly in the bluegrass roots category, in my humble opinion.

Vincent adds that he will be more than happy to send a CD or dropbox tracks to any blogger interested in reviewing the album.

News digest #16

Events in the next week (taken from the BIB calendar; please check also the 'Weekly sessions' section of the calendar) 

Tues. 23rd: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), plus Maeve Toner and Friends (launch of CD, Just for the record), upstairs in Stag's Head, Dame Court, Dublin 2 

Thurs. 25th: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Coughlan's, Cork city 
Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Black Box, Belfast, 8.00 p.m.
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro),Cathy McEvoy (fiddle); special guests Tim & Richard Hawkins and Cathal Cusack (old-time), Mongoose (contemporary folk), Taylor's Lane (contemporary);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 26th: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Tea Rooms, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m.
Banjo lessons (beginners only), Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT13 3AA, 028 9050 4555, 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m.

Sat. 27th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, jam session, and banjo lessons, Lagan Valley Island Arts Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, 028 9250 9292, 9.30 a.m.-12.00 noon
Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, 8.00 p.m.
Tim Rogers workshop, 'American fiddle tunes - techniques, repertoire, and sources', McGing's Bar, High St., Westport, Co. Mayo, 12.00-2.00 p.m.; pre-booking essential; 'phone (087 9897038) or e-mail

Sun. 28th: Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo, 8.00 p.m.

Other news

The updated schedule of events up to 10 May 2013 at the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre at Naul, Co. Dublin, can be read here.

Homespun Tapes' latest sale is on instructional material aimed at musicians wishing to improve their technique and get more value out of their practice time. Select DVDs in this category can be bought at a 20% discount if the order is placed before the end of tomorrow, 24 April.

7th Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, 14-16 June 2013

Thanks to festival organiser Uri Kohen for the official press release on the 7th Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival (14-16 June 2013), together with this link to a short film about the festival:

Over the weekend of June 14-16, national and international folk and bluegrass acts will be playing loads of free gigs in venues throughout Westport, Co. Mayo. The bustling, beautiful seaside town will be hopping to the sound of banjos and fiddles, hooting to Appalachian harmonies, and swaying to soulful folk songs, as the local bars and hotels give themselves over once again to the Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival.

This year, the festival – now in its seventh year – will feature over 14 acts from different parts of the world, performing in nine different venues around the town.

As the event is all about the music and fun, most of the gigs are FREE – only two are pay-in affairs: the main Saturday-night show (June 15), which will feature The Whileaways (Galway), Kidnap Alice (London, UK), and the Bluegrass Boogiemen (Utrecht, NL) [photo above], and the all-new Sunday-night show featuring John Spillane.

So who’s playing, and where?

Things start kicking early on Friday night with Woodbine (Athy), who will play an early-bird session in Blousers pub at 6.00 p.m. No less than five different gigs will take place around the town at 9.30 p.m. – The Rocky Top String Band (Westport, formerly the MacEvillys) will play in the Clew Bay Hotel for the festival’s official opening; Tumbling Bones (Portland, Maine, USA) will play in the Atlantic Coast Hotel; McGing’s pub will host Jukebox Gypsy (UK/Ireland); Eilidh Patterson (Derry) will play in Cobblers Bar; while The Jester will take Tin Box Company (Dublin).

Saturday’s entertainment begins with a lunchtime gig at the Clew Bay Hotel with the legendary Roni Stoneman (Nashville, USA) [photo right] with support from Tumbling Bones. For those who love to learn, acclaimed fiddle, banjo, and mandolin player Tim Rogers (Westport) will host a workshop in the festival’s main artery, the Wyatt Hotel, at 2.00 p.m.

Later that afternoon, at 3.00 p.m., the Big Ass Bluegrass Session – an established festival highlight – will take place. This involves most of the festival acts converging in McGing’s pub on High Street for a big ol’ session – and everyone is welcome to join in. This year’s session will be led by Woodbine. Also at 3.30 p.m., fans will have another chance to catch Eilidh Patterson, this time in the Pantry and Corkscrew restaurant, which will put together a special menu to fill the belly and fuel the soul. A great afternoon of folk, country, and bluegrass music, flowing wine and fabulous food.

The Saturday evening early-bird 6.00 p.m. gig will see an old-time session with Tim Rogers & the Clew Bay Critters in Cobblers Bar.

That night it’s the big gig. The mojo show. THE WESTPORT FOLK AND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL MAIN EVENT. For four hours – maybe more – the walls of the Wyatt Hotel will reverberate with the sumptuously spirited sounds of The Whileaways (Galway, Ireland), Kidnap Alice (London, UK) [photo above], and The Bluegrass Boogiemen (Utrecht, NL). Doors open at 8.30 p.m., admission is €15.

Sunday’s proceedings start early, at 12.30 p.m., when music lovers looking for a lunchtime fix can head to the Clew Bay Hotel for a special performance by festival favourites The Molly Hicks from Galway.

That afternoon, Tim Rogers and friends gather at 2.30 p.m. in Blousers Bar for an out-with-a-bang session. In what is now becoming a veritable festival of conviviality in its own right, a host of musicians come together to wind down, drink up,  and sing out three days of top-class folk and kick-ass bluegrass.

But this year, it doesn’t end there. In a new addition to the festival line-up, there’ll be a Sunday night gig, with the inimitable Corkman John Spillane playing the inaugural concert. The gig takes place in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar at 9.00 p.m. – and a special guest, to be announced closer to the date, will also play on the night. Admission is €10.

For further information, contact Uri Kohen ('phone 087 757 0958 or e-mail), go to Facebook, or visit the Festival website.

Events in Northern Ireland, May-June 2013: let Sharon know!

As mentioned on the BIB on 14 February, Sharon Loughrin is now the British Bluegrass Music Association's area representative for Northern Ireland, with responsibility for regular reports to keep the BBMA and its members informed of events there. Sharon announces:

I'm now compiling details of bluegrass gigs/sessions/workshops in May/June for inclusion in the BBMA website. If anyone has an event in Northern Ireland that they'd like listed, can they e-mail details to sharonloughrin05@yahoo.co.uk by Tuesday [23 April], please.

Mamma don't 'low no banjo playin' round here

Dangem Bluegrass announces:

We should all respect our mums, so play your banjo around here:

The Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Rd,  Belfast, Co. Antrim BT13 3AA, 028 9050 4555, Friday 26th April 2013, 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. (for beginners only) 

Or 

The next Dangem get-together, jam session, and banjo lessons, Lagan Valley Island Arts Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, 028 9250 9292, Saturday 27th, 9.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon. Bring along your banjos, guitars, mandolins, fiddles, dobros, and bass, or just come along and enjoy. Itinerary: 10.00-10.30 warm up; 10.30-11.00ish breakout time for beginners; rest of players, jam time; 11.00 to 12.00 noon, all back together.

Look forward to seeing you all, Old & New

World Fiddle Day, 18 May 2013 - Ireland shows the way

Thanks to Brian McNeal of the Prescription Bluegrass Blog for informing us of World Fiddle Day, which this year will be held on Saturday 18 May - the Saturday closest to 19 May, anniversary of the death of Antonio Stradivari.

World Fiddle Day is for anyone who plays, or simply enjoys, the music of the extended family of bowed instruments, throughout the world. Moreover, it was founded last summer by Caoimhin Mac Aoidh of Donegal (Alan Reid of Reid Design, Ballybofey, set up the handsome website), and Michael D. Higgins, Uachtarain na hEireann, is its Patron for the inaugural year 2013. More details are on the Prescription Bluegrass Blog and the WFD Facebook, where you can see the music notation for 'World Fiddle Day reel' and a video showing the reel being played (also on YouTube).

The Prescription Bluegrass Blog hopes that bluegrass fiddlers will be more actively associated with the Day (the WFD website includes Vassar Clements and Chubby Wise in a list of past masters of the fiddle). We're sure this will happen - and for old-time fiddlers, too. World Fiddle Day falls just a week after Declan McCarthy's Baltimore Fiddle Fair (9-12 May).

Niall Toner, RTÉ, and the EBMA Bluegrass Personality Award

The photo above shows Niall Toner, recipient of the EBMA's European Bluegrass Personality 2012 award, being presented with the trophy by Ann-Marie Power, Editor of Music and Entertainment in RTÉ Radio One, in the Dublin offices of RTÉ on Thursday 11 April. Niall says of the trophy:

It's a real beauty, handmade from various hardwoods, and we are already fighting over whether it should go home with me, or be displayed in the reception area of the RTÉ Radio One building for all to see.

The reaction to my EBMA award has been nothing short of remarkable. Hot Press magazine took about forty photos of me holding the award for their next issue, and now I hear that IMRO are wanting it for display in their reception area... Moira [Niall's wife] wants it on our sideboard. At this rate I may have to consider the possibility of having replicas made.

I'd like to thank all at RTÉ for their support, and all at EBMA for naming me the European Bluegrass Personality Of The Year 2012, and I'll do my utmost to live up to it!

Niall's 'Roots Freeway' programme returns to RTE Radio One on Saturday 1 June. He invites bands and musicians to send in CDs.

Beppe Gambetta, Harper & Tomlin: May tour updates

In the BIB's News digest #14, published last week, Chris Keenan announced:

Beppe Gambetta, the great Italian flatpicker/singer/songwriter, will be touring Ireland from 10 May to 24 May (approx.).

Nashville singer/songwriter George Harper, with virtuoso mandolin picker John Tomlin, make a welcome return to Ireland after their great performances at last year's Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival. They will tour Ireland from 8 May to 20 May.

Chris reports now that a few dates are still available for both these tours. House concerts are welcome. To contact Chris for bookings, ring 087 3877409. Chris adds:

The first annual Clarinbridge Banjo Gathering weekend was a resounding success, featuring a stunning sold-out performance of 'From Senegal to Seeger' by American banjo player Michael J. Miles - in addition to workshops, a vintage banjo exhibition, musical performance at church service, and a weekend of sessions and jams. Clarinbridge is home to Ireland's premier banjo luthier, Tom Cussen of Clareen Banjos.

Events in the next eight days

This updated excerpt from the BIB calendar includes more details on the final week of the tour by clawhammer banjo maestro Ken Perlman (photo), and the first few dates of the tour by Skip Gorman and Ron Kane.

Mon. 15th: Ken Perlman (USA), Ballymore Acoustic Gigs, Mick Murphy's 'Stage Inn', Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, tel. Roy Thompson 086 327 0780

Thurs. 18th: Ken Perlman (USA), Cork School of Music lunchtime concert/workshop, 1.00-3.00 p.m., tel. Lorna Lane 087 2443099

Fri. 19th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), The Sunflower, Corporation St., Belfast

Sat. 20th: Ken Perlman (USA) gives two clawhammer banjo workshops at Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 1.30-3.00 p.m. and 3.30-5.00 p.m., tel. John Mardirosian 087 9667183*
* Anyone who can either recommend or provide accommodation for Ken in Dublin on Sat. night, please contact the editor or Ken himself by e-mail
Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Leap Castle, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
National Record Store Day (USA)

Sun. 21st: Woodbine, Peig's Bar, 12 Market Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 6.00-8.00 p.m.
Ken Perlman (USA), Matt Molloy's, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo, tel. Uri Kohen 087 7570958

Mon. 22nd: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork

Tues. 23rd: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), plus Maeve Toner and Friends (launch of CD, Just for the record, Stag's Head, Dame Court, Dublin 2

News digest #15

Two Time Polka report that their gig at the Blue Haven Bar in Kinsale, Co. Cork, scheduled for Friday 19 April and posted on their website, will not take place.

Gerry Fitzpatrick announces that the next in the Cabin Sessions series of acoustic music shows at Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14, will be on Thursday 25 April, hosted as usual by the McGrane Family with Con Butler (bass) and Gerry (dobro), and featuring Cathy McEvoy on fiddle. Special guests include Tim Hawkins, Cathal Cusack, & Richard Hawkins (old-time), Mongoose (contemporary folk), and Taylor's Lane (contemporary). 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free.

Country-style guitarist Satch Wright, born in the USA but long resident in Dublin and a pillar of Niall Toner's Sunday sessions at the Harcourt Hotel in the '90s, died on 10 March at the age of 63. A special commemorative session will be held at the Leeson Lounge on Sunday 14 April at 7.00 p.m.

Maeve Toner reports that Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), who begin a tour of Ireland on Friday 19 April (dates on the BIB calendar) will be appearing upstairs at the Stag's Head, Dame Court, Dublin 2, on Tuesday 23 April at 9.00 p.m. Maeve and friends will also be performing to launch Maeve's first CD, Just for the record.

Skip and Ron are highly respected performers of old-time music from the western as well as the south-eastern USA. Maeve sends this link to a YouTube video of them at a jam with members of the Foghorn Stringband, playing 'Rockville waltz'; this will give access to more videos of their music. Skip is also a leading exponent of bluegrass mandolin in the style of Bill Monroe.

Harmonising with a recent suggestion from Carl Mark O'Neill at the weekly Dublin Bluegrass jam session, Jeremy Darrow, an alumnus of the IBMA's Leadership Bluegrass programme, has drawn attention to a recent article about cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Ma's suggestion for different art forms to meet at the 'edge' between them. Jeremy points out that 'bluegrass itself is obviously a product of the "edge effect" that Ma refers to', and might develop that spirit to join with other arts and bring bluegrass to a wider audience.

The FOAOTMAD news blog reports that Alice Gerrard, who made a memorable appearance at the Omagh festival some years ago, is seeking Kickstarter funding for a new CD, Bittersweet, 'inspired by moments in her life such as the conversation with a neighbour who came into Tommy Jarrell’s house where they were playing music, and said, “y’all sing me a song I can cry to.”'

IBMM: Calling All Posters!

Thanks to Gabrielle Gray, director of the International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM) at Owensboro, KY, for this message:

Calling All Posters! If you have any posters you have considered donating to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, now is the time to do it.

During ROMP 2013 (June 27-28-29) the museum will open a new exhibit - Bluegrass in Posters. We want to give our members an opportunity to contribute to this project by inviting you to donate posters for possible inclusion in the exhibit.

We cannot guarantee that all the posters donated will be included in the exhibit, but we can guarantee that they will be given a good home at the museum, preserved for posterity, and possibly included in a future exhibit.

Also, please understand that we are asking for donations, not loans. We will not be able to return any posters sent.

For more information please contact Forrest Roberts, Curator of Exhibits, by calling +1 270-926-7891 or e-mailing.

Thank you for your assistance in this project.

While Gabrielle's message is sent primarily to IBMM members, the IBMM - which has always warmly supported bluegrass from outside North America - is sure to welcome bluegrass posters from any source.

News digest #14: update

Items added since this post was first published are shown in * red.

Events in the next week (taken from the BIB calendar; please check also the 'Weekly sessions' section of the calendar)

Tues. 9th: Michael J. Miles (USA) and Ken Perlman (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 8.00 p.m.; tel. John Nyhan, 087 7921771

Wed. 10th: Michael J. Miles (USA) and Ken Perlman (USA), informal session, Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty, Co. Clare

Thurs. 11th: Michael J. Miles (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; 068 22566

Fri. 12th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour View Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; 8.30 p.m.; €3 donation 
Michael J. Miles (USA), Market Theatre, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, 8.00 p.m.; 087 688 1650
Ken Perlman (USA), Angler's Rest (upstairs), Carrigrohane, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m. (with support), tel. Pat Kelleher 086 6062504 

Sat. 13th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Banjo Festival, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway: banjo workshop, 2.00 p.m.; 'Senegal to Seeger', 8.00 p.m.; 086 8351230
Ken Perlman (USA), Muintir Na Tíre Hall, Buttevant, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m. (with support). tel. John Nyhan 087 7921771 
Two Time Polka, Blackrock Hurling Club ('The Rockies'), Church Rd, Blackrock, Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4357377

Sun. 14th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Banjo Festival, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway: jam session, 2.00 p.m.; 086 8351230
Satch Wright (1949-2013) memorial show, Leeson Lounge, Dublin, 7.00 p.m.

Mon. 15th: Ken Perlman (USA), Ballymore Acoustic Gigs, Mick Murphy's 'Stage Inn', Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, tel. Roy Thompson 086 327 0780 

Other news

The updated schedule of events up to 21 Apr. 2013 at the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre at Naul, Co. Dublin, can be read here.

As Roni Stoneman (USA), 'First Lady of Banjo', is due to visit Ireland from 30 May to 20 June (during which her appearances will include the Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival), see this Bluegrass Today feature on the latest recording by Roni and her sisters Patsy and Donna, released by Tom Mindte's Patuxent Records label.

Thanks to Chris Keenan for the following two news items:

Beppe Gambetta, the great Italian flatpicker/singer/songwriter, will be touring Ireland from 10 May to 24 May (approx.). 

Nashville singer/songwriter George Harper, with virtuoso mandolin picker John Tomlin, make a welcome return to Ireland after their great performances at last year's Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival. They will tour Ireland from 8 May to 20 May.

Old-time fiddle workshop in Westport, 27 Apr. 2013

Tim Rogers is hosting a two-hour workshop on 'American fiddle tunes - techniques, repertoire, and sources' in Westport, Co. Mayo, beginning at noon on Saturday 27 April 2013 at McGing's Bar on High Street, the scene of many jam sessions during previous Folk & Bluegrass Festivals.

Pre-booking is essential. Contact Tim by 'phone (087 9897038) or e-mail.

The Boyne Hunt set... and more

Thanks to Jonathan Toman of Cat Malojian, Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, and Northern Exposure, who writes:

 I've been working with my good friend and fantastic fiddler Brendan Hendry on some Irish material for an album we are currently making... thought ya might like a wee look at a recent video we completed.

The video, on YouTube, shows Brendan (fiddle) and Jonathan (5-string banjo) playing the Boyne Hunt set (a hornpipe and two reels) in Patsy Toman's cottage in Co. Armagh. It is beautifully filmed, with close-ups of Jonathan's playing, which as with his previous work sets a very high standard in playing Irish music on the 5-string. You can contact Brendan through his website and Jonathan by e-mail.

This should come to the attention of the news medium for 5-string players, Banjo NewsLetter. BNL, which has existed as a print magazine for nearly forty years and will continue to do so, is also developing its web presence into an online edition. Full details can be read on Bluegrass Today.

For everyone who enjoyed seeing and hearing Don Rigsby & Midnight Call at the Omagh festival last September: they can be seen again on Bluegrass on the Tube. Moreover this video, and many others shot at recent bluegrass events in Ireland, can be seen on The Big Thicket's YouTube channel, comprising 123 videos at present.

5th Bruff Bluegrass Music Festival, 4-6 Oct. 2013

Festival window display in O'Connor's Pharmacy, Main St., Bruff - the background for the Festival blog

Following the notice that appeared on the BIB on 1 Mar. 2013, thanks to Ray O'Brien for forwarding this message from Michael Chawke of the BGM Community Council:

We are in the process of organising our annual Blue Grass Festival here in Bruff, Co. Limerick, and were wondering would you be able to promote the following for us:

Blue Grass Bruff are now seeking bands to play in our forthcoming festival in October. We are seeking both home-based and international bands to take part in our annual festival. If interested or for further information, please contact us by e-mail.

Al Scorch & his Country Soul Ensemble in Ireland, 8-18 Apr. 2013

Thanks to Sharon Loughrin of the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Ireland's premier acoustic house concert venue, for the news that Al Scorch & his Country Soul Ensemble (USA), neo-old-time band from Chicago, will be playing at the Red Room on Monday night (8 Apr.), starting 8.30 p.m.

In keeping with the Red Room's role as Ireland's welcoming hug to visiting bands, this is the opening show of an eleven-day tour of Ireland, in the middle of a longer tour of these islands. Other shows will be at Omagh (9 Apr.), Dundalk (13 Apr.), Cork (14 Apr.), Listowel (16 Apr.), and Wexford (18 Apr.). More details as soon as we get them.

News digest #13: update

Items added since this post was first published are shown in * red.

Events in the next week (taken from the BIB calendar; please check also the 'Weekly sessions' section of the calendar)

Thurs. 4th: Frankie Lane, Eleanor Shanley, Paul Kelly, and 'Folk the Recession', Moat Theatre, Naas, Co. Kildare, 8.30 p.m. (a Musiclee.ie production)

Thurs. 4th-Mon. 15th: Michael J. Miles (USA), tour with one-man show 'From Senegal to Seeger: stories of the American banjo'
Thurs. 4th-Mon. 22nd: Ken Perlman (USA) in Ireland

Fri. 5th: Frankie Lane, Eleanor Shanley, Paul Kelly, and 'Folk the Recession', Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin, 8.00 p.m. (a Musiclee.ie production)

Sat. 6th: Michael J. Miles (USA) live on Shannonside Radio (10.00 a.m.) and on RTE (10.00 p.m.) with Sandy Harsch
Hugh Taggart (guitar) and John Denby (mandolin), The Hatch pub, Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co. Dublin, from 9.00 p.m.

Mon. 8th: Michael J. Miles (USA) and Ken Perlman (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m.; tel. John Nyhan, 0877921771

Tues. 9th: Michael J. Miles (USA) and Ken Perlman (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 8.00 p.m.; tel. John Nyhan, 0877921771

Other news

The updated schedule of events up to 17 Apr. 2013 at the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre at Naul, Co. Dublin, can be read here. An addendum for this week is here.

Thanks to Dublin Bluegrass for the news that on Sat. 20 Apr. Ken Perlman (USA) gives two clawhammer banjo workshops at Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2.

Dublin Bluegrass has also published on its Facebook page lists of songs and tunes most likely to be played at the weekly jam.

Gerry Fitzpatrick, organiser of the monthly Cabin Sessions in Dundrum, south Dublin, reports that Dave Hardy, special guest at last Thursday's session, will be performing with his Blue Clavon Orchestra in the National Concert Hall, Dublin, on 13 April. Gerry also draws attention to the 'Folk the Recession' show, produced by Musiclee.ie, in the Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin, this coming Friday, with Frankie Lane and Eleanor Shanley (see calendar excerpt above). The next Cabin Sessions will be on Thursday 25 April.

Thanks to Ray O'Brien's 'Bluegrass in Ireland' Facebook for the news that the Athy Bluegrass Festival now has its own Facebook page. The full confirmed lineup for this year's festival (12-14 July) can be seen on both its website and the new Facebook.

The Henhouse Prowlers (USA) neo-traditional bluegrass band from Chicago toured in Europe a year ago. A performance by them can be seen on Bluegrass on the Tube. The band have just had their latest album produced by Greg Cahill, leader of the Special Consensus, who last toured Ireland in January.

Less fortunately, a few days ago in California the Prowlers had instruments, accessories, cases, and merchandise stolen from their van. The full story, with details of everything stolen, is on Bluegrass Today. Friends have enabled them to carry on by loaning them instruments.

The innovatory US banjo company Nechville Musical Products, whose founder Tom Nechville was at early Johnny Keenan Banjo Festivals, announce their new Diamond Joe banjo, with many distinctive features.

Thanks to Roger Ryan of the Country Music Association of Ireland for the CMAI's April 2013 newsletter 'Country Cuts', which can be read via the link in the BIB's right-hand column.