Bunratty Bluegrass Festival, 21-3 Oct. 2016

The E-5 Band: (l-r) Emily Cantrell, Al Cantrell, Al Goll,
Holly Tashian, Barry Tashian

Thanks to Brendan Walsh of the Sixmilebridge Folk Club in Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, for this initial press release for the Bunratty Bluegrass Festival, which will be held in Bunratty village, Co. Clare, on the weekend 21-3 October 2016.

2016 is the year that this fledging bluegrass festival develops wings and competes on the national bluegrass events calendar. With an international lineup that features Barry & Holly Tashian and the E5 Bluegrass Band from the US, the Demolition String Band (US), and Monogram from the Czech Republic, you can expect the best of concerts.

Cup O’ Joe, a young family trio from Armagh who are making a name for themselves on the international stage, will also feature in the concerts, along with Irish bluegrass veterans Woodbine and another family bluegrass band, Greenshine, from Cork.

Legendary pickers and session motivators John Nyhan and the Kellehers will further enhance the Cork connections. Add to the mix the local bluegrass supporters Leo Hayes and Bill Forster, along with visiting musicians, and you have the makings of a top-quality bluegrass festival.

With Friday, Saturday, and Sunday concerts priced at €15 and over twenty free pub sessions, you’ll be spoilt for choice without breaking the bank. Weekend concert tickets are available at €30 from Brendan at 086 8464509; please text to book.

Once again the Bunratty Folk Park will take centre stage on Sunday 23 October. There will be eight scheduled one-hour performances by most of the bands taking part in the festival. A great way to walk off the excesses of Saturday night, while still enjoying the best of bluegrass!

Sixmilebridge Folk Club, who promote the festival, will be catering for those who are interested in where all this bluegrass started, so there’s two Irish trad sessions thrown in for good measure. Full program will be posted on the Sixmilebridge Folk Club website ASAP; for inquiries in the meantime, e-mail the Club.