News digest #22

The Open House Festival opens today in Belfast, with tickets for some shows already sold out. The Festival team's latest e-newsletter shows how things stand at present.

The updated schedule of events up to 1 July at the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre in Naul, Co. Dublin, can be seen here.

The many people who enjoyed the tour earlier this year by Ken Perlman, godfather of melodic clawhammer banjo, should read Ken's report on his experiences: 'Doolin' banjos: the banjo comes of age in Ireland' on the Banjo News Letter website. Pat Kelleher of Cork is duly credited for his part in the tour.

Thanks to Liam Foley for the news that ALIVEOMUSIC presents legendary American singer/songwriter Tom Russell at the Lodge, Mallow, on Saturday 13 July. Not bluegrass, but if you like western swing (as many bluegrassers do) Russell's Tex-Mex music should appeal. Tickets (€20) can be booked on 0857213163.

The UK Brookfield Knights agency announces that the Abramson Singers, led by Canadian Leah Abramson, are planning a tour in these islands in 13-30 March 2014. The group consists of Leah, her close friend Rayna Gellert (formerly of acclaimed all-girl stringband Uncle Earl), and Patrick Metzger, bassist with Petunia & the Vipers. PR for the tour will include copies of Rayna's brand new album for review and radio attention, as well as Leah's. Brookfield Knights invite inquiries from venue operators and promoters who would be interested in booking the trio.

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Thanks to Bryan Klausing for an update on the news posted on the BIB on 13 June of the forthcoming ‘WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour’ concert-cum-broadcast event at the Dublin Convention Centre on 18 July. Submissions are still being accepted by artists who want to appear on this broadcast, and they are encouraged to e-mail radio@woodsongs.com for more information.

As part of the musical event, any musicians, songwriters, and bands who can play acoustic of any genre - bluegrass, classical, traditional and more - are invited to perform along the sidewalks and in the lobby of the Convention Centre on the night of the WoodSongs broadcast. Musicians taking part can keep their tips and get free tickets to attend the broadcast tapings that night. Those interested should send an email submission to radio@woodsongs.com.

The first show at the Convention Centre starts at 8.00 p.m.; the audience must be seated by 7.45. Tickets for the double broadcast event are only €10 (one ticket includes both shows, same night) and will be available at the door the night of the show or in advance at ticketmaster.ie.