New venue at Westport opens with John Spillane, 13 Dec. 2014

Thanks to Uri Kohen, director of operations at the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival in Westport, Co. Mayo, for news of a concert that is not a bluegrass event but is likely to have an important legacy for future Westport festivals, as it will be held in a new venue for music in the area: the 200-year-old Westport House farm buildings at Gracy’s Loft.

Cork musician John Spillane is giving a one-off concert in Westport on 13 December 2014 to celebrate his thirty-three years in music and launch his new album, The man who came in from the dark. He will be supported by harper, composer, and singer Úna Ní Fhlannagáin and singer/songwriter and luthier Derek McLoughlin. Some of Derek's instruments, including his very noticeable harp-mandolins, were on display at the 2014 Festival, and more can be seen on his website.

Full details are in the latest Westport Festival newsletter. The concert is one of a series that the Festival will be presenting throughout the year. The organising team explains: 'We’ve come across so many great bands that can’t make it to the festival, we’re starting a new series of gigs and tours called "Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival presents…" to showcase these acts.'