Special C. play Headford at 4.00 p.m. on 11 Jan. - and more

The Special Consensus: (l-r) Dan Eubanks, Greg Cahill,

Dustin Benson, Rick Faris

Thanks to Nigel Martyn and his Old Flattop agency for pointing out that the show by the Special Consensus (USA) at Campbell's Tavern, Headford, Co. Galway, this coming Sunday (11 Jan.) will take place at 4.00 p.m. This time has been entered on the band's online schedule, and is being retrospectively added to BIB posts and the BIB calendar.

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Thanks to Paul Lee of the Musiclee.ie agency for news of a star-studded concert to be held on Tuesday 20 Jan. in Whelan's, Wexford St., Dublin 2, in aid of the respected singer/songwriter Thom Moore. The aim is to 'celebrate and thank Thom for his immense contribution to Ireland's musical heritage', as well as helping to meet the expenses incurred by his illness.

Thom, born on an island off California, made his mark on the scene here in the '70s with two records on the Mulligan label, Pumpkinhead and Midnight well, which have achieved cult status. Those who saw the band Pumpkinhead at live shows will remember their intoxicating blend of music derived from traditions on both sides of the Atlantic. Thom's songwriting has become more 'Irish' over the years, but the YouTube example Paul sends (Thom singing his composition 'Gorgeous and bright') shows that a bluegrass treatment would not be difficult.

Those performing at Whelan's will include Cooney & Begley, Mary Black, Gavin and Aongus Ralston, Seami O'Dowd, Mairtin O'Connor, Fiachra Trench, Cormac Breatnach, Tom Domican, Garvan Gallagher, Charlie McGettigan. Declan O'Rourke, and more. Doors open at 8.00 p.m., concert starts at 8.30. Tickets can be booked for 25€ online (20€ at Musiclee.ie), or at the box office (1890 200 078).

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Thanks to Roger Ryan of the Country Music Association of Ireland for the January 2015 issue of his 'Country Cuts' newsletter, giving details of forthcoming events - including that part of the imminent Shannonside Winter Music Weekend (mid Jan.) that includes bluegrass and related music. The newsletter can be read here.