Foghorns, Red Wine, and much more for Westport, 10-12 June 2016

Thanks to Uri Kohen and his organising team for dates for your diary and much more beside: on the weekend Fri. 10-Sun. 12 June 2016, the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival will be held for the tenth time. Here is their press release:

What started as one man's dream to promote quality music in Westport is now one of the leading events on the Irish bluegrass calendar. Over the past nine years the festival has grown from strength to strength, holding on to its core value of promoting high-quality folk and bluegrass music in the amazing surroundings of Westport, Co. Mayo. For the tenth festival, the organising team put together a unique programme, with some of the leading acts in the genre alongside some of the festival's old faithfuls, and introducing some new acts to the Irish bluegrass scene.

The Kentucky Cow Tippers (photo: Maria Alzamora)

The festival’s headliners are the much loved Foghorn Stringband from the US and one of Europe's leading bluegrass bands, Red Wine. They will be joined by one of the UK's most promising acts, The Kentucky Cow Tippers; superb Dutch band The Cannonball String Band; and Canadian singer/songwriter Dana Sipos.

The Cannonball String Band

Old Hannah, who played the festival launch party, will return to one of the festival’s main shows this year. Tim Rogers and the MacEvillys, who played every festival since 2007, will return for one more hurrah.

Hubert Murray (Galway/London) and Ruth Dillon (The Molly Hicks) will present their new bands, and the future of Northern Ireland bluegrass, Cup O’ Joe, will also make an appearance. Richard Hawkins (the backbone of the Irish bluegrass family) will host a session for the first time at the festival, and Pat Kelleher (master of the long-neck banjo) will also make a very welcome debut at the event. Many more acts to be confirmed. As always, the festival will feature many organised and spontaneous sessions, workshops, and a few surprises such as secret gigs.

The festival is promising to be a celebration of the best local, national, and international folk and bluegrass music. Looking forward to seeing you all in Westport!