John Lowell Band in Ireland, 13-21 May 2014

The John Lowell Band: (l-r) John Lowell, Julie Elkins, Tom Murphy
Thanks to Tom Murphy - mandolinist with the John Lowell Band, a four-piece contemporary bluegrass group based in Montana - for the news that after touring Germany this coming May, the band hopes to be playing in Ireland in the time-frame 13-21 May 2014.

The John Lowell Band's shows in Germany include playing on the 12th International Bühl Bluegrass Festival (2-3 May). Tom adds:

We’d really love to play some music in Ireland for a week or so before heading back to the US. My friend John Lowell is a guitarist and singer/songwriter from Montana. Most recently, he has toured Germany and the UK with the Growling Old Men, a duo he created with his buddy Ben Winship. He's also taught at the Sore Fingers Music Camp for several years in England. Our other two companions have also toured the world playing music, and have been featured on the cover of several music magazines. Julie Elkins on banjo and vocals was in John's band Kane’s River; Ben Somers on bass (and tenor sax) is a name you’ll likely know from his work with Dizzee Rascal, Seal, Dr John and more. In addition, he is an honorary Growling Old Man and joined them on their tour last year.

We’d need rooms and a PA provided, with the opportunity to make enough to make the stop worthwhile. I'm really looking forward to seeing Ireland for the first time. My grandmother came to the States in 1902, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to finally meet my Irish relatives.

You can hear the powerful and imaginative music of the John Lowell Band on a couple of YouTube videos of a recent show, here and here. To make it possible to hear them live in Ireland, contact John Lowell (e-mail, website) or Tom Murphy (e-mail, website).