First Bluegrass Camp Ireland, 22-4 July 2016

Headfort School, Kells, Co. Meath

On 9 May this year, the BIB first carried news of the first Bluegrass Camp Ireland, organised by T.J. Screene and Simon Humphries. Following the news last Monday that a course by Niall Toner on songwriting will also be available, Simon and T.J. issue their latest release:

We would like to introduce you to the first ever Bluegrass Camp in Ireland, which will take place this summer from July 22nd to 24th in Headfort School, Kells, Co. Meath. These Camps are popular all over the world, in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Holland, Belgium, and the UK. We aim to make Ireland's one of the best.

Bluegrass music evolved from the rich mix of different nationalities in the Appalachian mountain regions of the US. It has strong tinges of Irish, Scottish, and English traditional and folk music, mixed with some blues and gospel. It really emerged in the 1940s as a separate entity from these influences, with Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys.

It is a residential weekend for acoustic musicians of all levels, from beginners to professional-level players. In-depth tuition on banjo, fiddle, mandolin, double bass, guitar, and vocals will be provided by world-class bluegrass performing artists from the US, UK and Ireland. The tuition provides a wonderful opportunity for musicians to learn, and grow in confidence performing at sessions with world class players. There will be hosted jam sessions to help guide novice musicians.

Headfort school provides accommodation for up to 80 people. You can either book full board that includes tuition, food, and accommodation for €380, or tuition only for €280. In addition to food, there will be a snack bar, decent coffee, and a bar available.

You can get more details and book on www.bluegrass.ie. It's going to be a lot of fun. Come and join us.

Bluegrass Camp Ireland is also on Facebook.