Kay and Patrick Crouch and Friends in Ireland: next two weeks

Great to hear from Kay & Patrick Crouch of Strictly Clean and Decent from Lenoir, North Carolina, who have been to Ireland many times, but unfortunately not recently. Kay writes:

Patrick and I will be in Ireland the first two weeks in October. We’ll spend the first few nights in Swords, waiting for our friends to arrive, then head to Dingle for the first week. The second week we’ll visit old friends in Cobh. Since Patrick retired a few years ago and I retired in June, this will be our first trip 'out of season'.

We had hoped to join the circle jam in Dublin on Tuesday and were disappointed to hear that it won’t be going on, alas. If you know of any great music going on Monday or Tuesday, 30 Sept., 1 Oct., anywhere around Dublin, please do let us know. [BIB editor's emphasis; see below]

Patrick entered a songwriting contest sponsored by the International Bluegrass Music Association and his 'Carolina Waltz' was selected as one of twelve finalists to be showcased at the IBMA convention this week. We’ll attend the awards show that night in hopes that our friend Milan Miller will walk away with the Song of the Year Award for which he’s nominated (the second time). We also hope to catch up with Niall Toner while we’re there.

We have a gig at the Sirius Arts Centre (poster attached) in Cobh, Co. Cork, on Friday 11 October at 8.00 p.m. Milan Miller will join us, as well our long time friend and pickin’ buddy Tall Paul and his wife Kristie Bobal. They all live in Nashville now and we get to see them all too seldom so it’ll be great to spend time with them, on and off stage. We’ll also be joined by singer/songwriter Kevin Leftwich, who will be making his first trip to Ireland.

Patrick and I are still performing with Ron Shuffler (George’s youngest brother) in the trio Strictly Clean and Decent. Ron is unable to make this trip because he’s been filling in with Dave Peterson & 1946 lately. Mercy, what a singer! I know he’s played at the Ulster-American Folk Park but I’m not sure if he’s played anywhere else in Ireland. You’re probably familiar with him but, if not, check him out. And, if you ever get a chance to hear him live, do so! He’s even better in person.

Thanks for helping us get the word out about the Sirius gig. We always have a large time when we play there.

For opportunities for Kay and Patrick to pick in Dublin, they can be contacted by e-mail.