North Wales Festival takes a sabbatical in 2017

The BIB learns with great regret, from the latest issue of British Bluegrass News magazine, that after twenty-eight years the North Wales Bluegrass Festival will not be held this year, for reasons explained on the festival's website and Facebook. They include increased outlay, coupled with loss of facilities and local-authority funding.

The North Wales Festival, a 'Festival of Friends', has to date been going longer than any other bluegrass event in Britain; it has been for many years one of the best showcases of British bluegrass talent; and it has always been the most accessible festival in Britain for bluegrassers coming from Ireland. We're glad to see this ending to the organisers' announcement:

We would like to thank all our loyal friends who have supported us throughout the past 28 years, and we will be constantly reviewing the options to possibly organise a North Wales Bluegrass Festival in 2018.

Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards (USA) - responses needed

On 18 Feb. the BIB carried news from Loudon Temple of the UK's Brookfield Knights agency that Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards (photo) will be available for bookings in these islands in the period 27 Sept.-11 Oct. 2017 inclusive.

Loudon now writes specifically to promoters, event organisers, and venue owners in Ireland:

We [...] have had one or two expressions of interest from venues and promoters in your neck of the woods, but to make it a possibility, we need to stimulate additional interest in order to justify the travel costs from UK mainland. I would very much appreciate it if anyone who might be in a position to give the band a slot but has not already responded, would respond to this message to let us know - and better still, provide a steer on preferred dates. Many thanks in anticipation.

Read Loudon's full message, incorporating the original announcement about the band, here. He can be contacted by e-mail.

Cross-fertilisation: or, the onward march of the single mic

The BIB has in recent months (e.g. on 21 Dec. 2016) mentioned the increasing popularity of microphones from Ear Trumpet Labs of Portland, OR, among bluegrass and old-time performers in the US. Their retro style and craftsmanlike construction appeal to many, especially in single-mic applications.

Now Bluegrass Today brings news of a single mic with a much more high-tech image, used by one of the leading full-time bluegrass bands: Rhonda Vincent & the Rage. It's the Shure MV88 iOS digital stereo condenser microphone (photo), one of the company's Motiv line. As the Bluegrass Today feature shows, the band was able to get 'Kentucky borderline' down on audio and video, using an MV88 and an iPad. US prices for the MV88 start at $149.

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Meanwhile, Compass Records announced last week the release of a new CD by Maria Quiles and Rory Cloud, whose original songs, though not bluegrass, could well be done in bluegrass style (as may already have happened). Moreover, the video of their 'Black sky lightning' was made as part of John Cuniberti's 'OneMic sessions' - 'the Minimalistic Recording Series'. In each OneMic session, the recording artists perform two songs around one AEA R88 stereo ribbon microphone (and are filmed in 4K video by filmmaker Nathaniel Kohfield), with the artist controlling the sound, balance, and dynamics during the performance. Very like what bluegrass and old-time artists value about the one-mic setup.

BassTree String Band (GB) now on Facebook

Thanks to Mark Jones for the news that the BassTree String Band (see the BIB for 10 Feb.), based in eastern England, are now on Facebook.

The band comprises (photo, l-r) Mark, guitar; Howard Burton, banjo; and Asa Hardy-Brownlie (bass). Mark and Howard are also members of the Dude Coopers bluegrass band, well known on the UK festival circuit. The BassTree String Band will be playing several dates in Ireland in early June, including the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival: see our earlier post and the BIB calendar.

NB: please note that the Westport Festival Facebook has a new address.

'Country Cuts'. Mar. 2017 issue

Thanks to Roger Ryan of the Country Music Association of Ireland for the March 2017 issue of his 'Country Cuts' e-newsletter. It includes details of the tour by Jeff Scroggins & Colorado (USA), which began last night (23 Feb.) in Sixmilebridge; of the 13th United Airlines Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival at the beginning of next month; and also of the 2nd Woodbine Bluegrass Jamboree, which will be held on 7-8 July. The newsletter can be read in full here.

A full life!

The BIB asked Belfast multi-instrumentalist and dobro maestro Colin Henry about the bands and artists with whom he plays. Colin replies:

GorseFire are on Sabbatical at the moment and I play when schedules allow with the Tennessee Hennessees. I have been doing quite a bit with various singers which is very enjoyable and satisfying. I of course play with Janet and we are performing on 2 March in the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival in 'Songs from the heart'. I have recently been recording on Janet Dowd's forthcoming album and on other projects that are in the pipeline and slowly coming to fruition.

Most Saturdays will find me in the [Count Me In] session at Ellie Mays, Dunadry, Templepatrick (3.00 p.m. to 6.00), and the first Saturday of the month I try and make the Corner House, Lurgan, for a really great session (2.00 p.m. to 6.00) led by Mel Corry and Sean McKerr. So - busy musically, as I like to be. I have decided I am too old to retire yet!

I Draw Slow to headline Dunmore East 2017 festival

Dave and Louise Holden of I Draw Slow

Thanks to Mick Daly, head of the organising team of the Guinness International Bluegrass Festival at Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, who sends -

Good news from Dunmore: I DRAW SLOW will headline this year's festival [24-27 Aug.]. Three bands in a row from Compass Records (something that was not planned but very pleased that it happened).

See the BIB for 13 Feb. Mick alludes to the headliners at Dunmore in the last two years: the Claire Lynch Band in 2015 and Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley in 2016, all on the Compass Records artist roster. The new album from I Draw Slow, Turn your face to the sun, is scheduled for release on 17 Apr. 2017.

Baltimore Fiddle Fair, 3-7 May 2017

The programme for this year's Fiddle Fair in Baltimore, Co. Cork, is now on its website, and there's a great deal in it to interest BIB readers, especially fiddlers. Bios and website links are given on the Fair's lineup pages.

On Thursday 4 May the evening concert includes Gilles Apap (F) whose wide-ranging tastes include bluegrass, which he has played with Blue Railroad Train (F); he will be playing at Baltimore with Myriam Lafargue.

Following them will be the Foghorn Stringband (USA), whom the Fair describes as 'possibly the most popular act in the history of the festival'. At present their online tour schedule shows only two other dates in Ireland in the first half of May, but we hope to be able to give a fuller list soon.

On Saturday 6 May Nick Gareiss (USA) & Allison de Groot (USA), and Darol Anger's Republic of Strings (USA) will be playing; and on Sunday 7 May Darol Anger will be joined by Tim O'Brien, whose stint at the Fair appears to be his only Irish show in a tour including Britain and the Netherlands. Tickets are now on sale for all the Fair's events.

Bluegrass guitar lessons on video from Musika Inc.

Thanks to Jason Bannon of Musika Inc., who writes:

I made this three-part 'Rolling in my sweet baby's arms' video guitar tutorial with a friend of mine who is a very talented bluegrass and acoustic guitar teacher, you can see all parts here.

The first part is a basic rhythm lesson, second part is intermediate, and third has some more advanced links and runs. The hope is that people can use this to learn the tune and play in their local jam circles, no matter their skill level. If we get enough interest in this we hope to keep making these tutorials for other popular jam circle tunes. With that in mind, feel free to send any suggestions for our next round of lessons.

Suggestions can be sent to the Musika Inc. website or direct to Jason by e-mail. A link to Musika bluegrass guitar lessons has been added to the 'Instruction' section of the links in the BIB's sidebar.

A night to remember

The BIB editor writes:

I want again to give my warmest thanks to everyone who was a part of the gathering last night (Saturday) at the GAA Centre in Athy, Co. Kildare, marking my retirement as a member of Woodbine. Many had come a long way to be there, and the kindness and generosity shown to me - and Carol - were overwhelming.

Special thanks must of course go to Tony O'Brien for bringing it about; and to the many musicians who came and picked, making it one of the most enjoyable nights of music I can remember. The show was opened in great style by Woodbine in their present lineup (above, with Martin Cooney on banjo). There is every good reason to look forward to the Woodbine Bluegrass Jamboree in July.

Update 22 Feb.: An album of photos taken on the night can be seen on Woodbine's Facebook.

Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards (USA) available for bookings 27 Sept.-11 Oct. 2017

Laura Cortese (2nd from left) & the Dance Cards (photo: Patrik Bonnet)

Loudon Temple of the UK's Brookfield Knights agency announces that Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards will be available for bookings in these islands in the period from 27 September to 11 October inclusive, as opportunities in Scandinavia will make it practicable for them.

The band (also on Facebook) consists of Laura (fiddle, vocals), Valerie Thompson (cello, vocals), Jenna Moynihan (fiddle, vocals), and Natalie Bohrn (bass). The first three all went to Boston's Berklee College of Music, and Bohrn to Brandon University's School of Music. Their bio says:

The result is a sound that can start as a string band and morph into a string quartet, female a cappella group, or indie band; all while staying honest and true to their identity as folk instrumentalists. [...] This is post-folk that seriously rocks.

Their music can be heard on YouTube, including their own channel. Loudon sends this link as a sample, and adds:

Please [...] let us know if you would like to grab them for a slot on your music programme – and if possible provide a steer on preferred date or dates – to help us when it comes to looking at sensible routing.

You can also hear their version of the old-time 'Greasy coat' here. Contact Brookfield Knights here.

Earl Scruggs: banjo icon out next month

The new book on Earl Scruggs, father of Bluegrass Banjo, mentioned in the BIB on 24 Sept. last, is due out next month: Earl Scruggs: banjo icon, by Gordon Castelnero and David L. Russell. It is based on extensive interviews with Earl's family and many notable banjo-players and others who knew him or came under his influence. John McEuen writes:

Earl Scruggs was a leader whose unassuming nature meant he was always excited to meet a new fan, even though he was a music legend. This book gives us essential insights into Earl’s life. His life’s work will influence and inspire forever, as rare few have over the years. Earl made it a better world, and he’s the reason I have a life in music. Without him there would not have been a Will the circle be unbroken record.

The 256-page book comprises eight chapters, bibliographical notes, and a select bibliography, and includes a foreword by Béla Fleck. More details and advance reviews are on the publishers' website. Earl Scruggs: banjo icon, by Gordon Castelnero and David L. Russell, is published by Rowman & Littlefield at $40.00 (hardback) and $39.99 (e-Book).

The Rowman & Littlefield catalogue includes other books on country and related music; in Alanna Nash's Behind closed doors: talking with the legends of country music, one of the artists interviewed was Bill Monroe.

Rackhouse Pilfer: coming gigs in Ireland and Britain

Sligo's Rackhouse Pilfer continue to set the standard for busy bands: here's their schedule, beginning with tomorrow night.

Fri. 17th: Gilroys, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
Sat. 18th: 5th on Teeling, Sligo town
Sun. 19th: John The Miners, Carrick, Co. Sligo
Mon. 20th: McGarrigles, Sligo town
Thurs. 23rd: Convention Centre, Dublin
Fri. 24th: The Weigh Inn, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
Sat. 25th: Percy Whelan's, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
Sun. 26th: Voodoo, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Mon. 27th: McGarrigles, Sligo town

Fri. 3rd Mar.: Belfast Empire, Belfast
Sat. 4th: Abbey Hotel, Donegal town

In the rest of March their dates are in Britain. Full details are on their Facebook schedule.

New album from the Henry Girls

The Henry Girls announce that they will be launching their new album, Far beyond the stars, at An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, on 10 March, followed by dates all over Ireland from March to May. The opening act at the launch show will be Donegal fiddler Damien McGeehan. Tickets and info here.

The cover art is by Ciaran Harley and Richard Walsh in Zoocreative, Derry city.

Aoife O'Donovan solo in Dublin, 27 May 2017

Aoife O’Donovan's fans in the Dublin region will be pleased by an announce-ment by Whelan's (25 Wexford St., Dublin 2) that she is scheduled to give a performance in their upstairs venue on Saturday 27 May. Doors open at 8.00 p.m., and tickets are €19.25. This is the only performance scheduled for her in Ireland; it follows five shows (also solo) in Britain.

Jeff Scroggins & Colorado (USA): tour begins at Sixmilebridge, 23 Feb. 2017

Thanks to Brendan Walsh of the Shannonside Winter Music Festival and Sixmilebridge Folk Club, for this poster image of the concert beginning this year's tour by Jeff Scroggins & Colorado (USA), a week from tomorrow (Thurs. 23 Feb.) at McGregor's, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare. The show starts at 8.30 p.m., and tickets are €20.

The poster is shown at the BIB's maximum size to give a chance of reading the salient details without artificial aids; but everything can be seen without difficulty if you click on the image or go to the Winter Music Festival website. An important point is that the great Mark Schatz (not shown in the picture) will be the bassist on the tour. More details about the band are on their website and on the BIB for 2 Feb. 2017, which gives full tour dates (also on the BIB calendar).

As mentioned on the BIB on 18 Jan., Tristan Scroggins (mandolinist in the band, and Jeff's son) has launched a blog, The Why Lonesome Sound, on aspects of bluegrass history; and his latest entry, '"Scottish Traditional Music" and how to preserve bluegrass (jams, contests, festivals, and regional diversity)', was published yesterday. It should stimulate reflection on how traditional music has been reinvigorated in this island, and what lessons this may have for bluegrass.

I Draw Slow at Naas, 24 Feb. 2017

I Draw Slow (now Compass Records recording artists) announce on their Twitter that they will be playing at the Old Dara Cinema, Main St. North, Naas, Co. Kildare, on Friday 24 February at 8.00 p.m., in a Downdaroad Productions concert in aid of the Naas Food Bank, which will receive all profits. Support on the night will be from Lisa Loughrey of the Mariannes, and tickets are €20.

Earl Scruggs Mastertone for sale

Jimmy Tomkins (see the BIB for 12 Feb.) has a top-class banjo for sale: a 1990 Gibson Earl Scruggs Mastertone 5-string banjo, with Keith tuners on 2nd and 3rd strings, hearts and flowers inlay, and Five Star banjo head. The photo above, and the link, are from the Gibson website; ten photos of Jimmy's banjo can be seen at this page on adverts.ie. Ignore the 'Sold' label on the page.

The description there continues: 'superb banjo, original condition, with a wonderful sound, with original case [also shown in the photos]. No p/ex. Cash only.' The asking price is €3,000. Jimmy is selling the Gibson as he intends to buy a Stelling Staghorn. Perhaps there's a Staghorn owner out there who wants to swap? It was just such an exchange that got Earl his Granada and Don Reno his RB-75 'Nellie'. Jimmy can be contacted at 086 8442026.

I Draw Slow signed by Compass Records

I Draw Slow: (l-r) Colin Derham, Konrad Liddy, Louise Holden, Dave Holden, Adrian Hart

Dublin's I Draw Slow have joined the artist roster of Compass Records. The respected Nashville-based label records such bluegrass artists as Michael Cleveland, Claire Lynch, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, and the Special Consensus, while its acquisition of the Green Linnet and Mulligan Records catalogues gives it the largest catalogue of Celtic music anywhere in the world.

Garry West, co-founder of Compass with banjo wizard Alison Brown, says of I Draw Slow: 'More than anything we’ve been impressed with the strength of the songwriting, the sibling harmony, and the musical proficiency of the band. They are truly dedicated to their craft.' Read more here.

Sarah Jarosz wins two Grammies (update)

In the 2017 Grammy awards, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jarosz (USA), who played three shows in Ireland at the end of last month, won the awards for Best American Roots Performance with her 'House of mercy' and Best Folk Album with Undercurrent. She also took part in the awards ceremony as a presenter.

Vince Gill, as writer of 'Kid sister', won the Best American Roots Song award; and the award for Best Bluegrass Album went to the O'Connor Band with Mark O'Connor for their Coming home. More details on Bluegrass Today.

PS: See also this post on Bluegrass Today on the Special Merit awards to Jimmie Rodgers and Ralph Peer.

Update 17 Feb.: Sarah Jarosz's Undercurrent was also Album of the Year at the Folk Alliance International awards show in Kansas City on Wednesday; see Bluegrass Today.

A good night - but not goodbye!

Thanks to Tony O'Brien, who has just posted this on Woodbine's Facebook:

Woodbine host a special retirement night for Richard on Sat. 18th Feb. in Athy GAA Centre @ 8.30 p.m. Many guest musicians will attend and we hope to see many of our loyal supporters there for a great night of bluegrass.

Fashion note: The 'blazer' is a cowboy shirt cut down into a short jacker. 'Keep on the Bluegrass' T-shirt by Anne Steel of Maui Waui Graphic Design. Taken at Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival 2015.

Banjo lessons in Kilkenny and Tipperary?

On 6 Jan. 2017 the BIB published a request from Michael O'Grady (fiddle, banjo) for any information on bluegrass instruction, group classes, or sessions in the Co. Kilkenny or Tipperary area.

Jimmy Tomkins now sends a similar query about banjo lessons in the same general area, Kilkenny and Tipperary. Anyone who can give information or other assistance should contact Jimmy by e-mail.

For reference: Tom Cussen has a list of music teachers on his Clareen Banjos website, which includes half a dozen names of 5-string teachers in various parts of the country. Check this list if you're looking for instruction; and if you give banjo lessons, please make sure your name and contact details are on the list.

Ken Perlman: news, winter 2017

Melodic clawhammer banjo and fingerstyle guitar master Ken Perlman sends his latest e-newsletter for the first quarter of 2017, with news of some major events later in the year.

Ken's playing of Harold Schiffman's 'Concerto for banjo and orchestra' is now on CD (Vintage soundscapes); informal video of a short passage can be seen on his Facebook. He also has a new solo banjo CD in preparation, largely consisting of tunes he collected on Prince Edward Island (PEI). His book on PEI fiddle music has received high praise, and the website Down Home Bowing holds well over 1,500 musical selections and 400 oral history selections from PEI, together with hundreds of photographs and video clips.

Ken teaches at several major banjo camps and is also available for person-to person lessons by Skype. His website includes a personal tribute to Alan Jabbour, who died a month ago. Ken will be touring next month in Kentucky and Tennessee with the celebrated West Virginia fiddler Bobby Taylor (who was interviewed in the last issue of Old Time Herald magazine). More details, plus news of publications and recordings, are on Ken's website.

3hattrio (USA) available for bookings 8-24 Sept. 2017

L-r: Hal Cannon, Eli Wrankle, Greg Istock

Loudon Temple sends word that his UK agency Brookfield Knights (BK) had its busiest ever run at this year's Celtic Connections in Glasgow; nine acts handled by BK took part and most shows were sold out. A specially strong buzz arose from a concert a week ago featuring Lizabett Russo (Romania/Scotland) and 3hattrio (Hal Cannon, banjo, guitar, vocals; Greg Istock, bass, foot percussion, vocals; Eli Wrankle, violin/fiddle, vocals) from Utah, USA.

Loudon also sends this link to a review of the concert by Paul Kerr of AmericanaUK, as an indication of 3hattrio's impact, which also won them a live appearance on the BBC's 'Another Country' radio show with presenter Ricky Ross.

3hattrio have already won impressive critical acclaim with three albums. The Glasgow concert was to have been their only show in these islands this year; but due to the interest it created, BK are planning to bring them back over for the period 8-24 September 2017. Venue owners and event organisers interested in booking them should contact Loudon by e-mail, indicating if possible preferred date(s) as a basis for planning the tour.

Neither bluegrass nor old-time, 3hattrio's music uses clawhammer banjo, fiddle, and bass under strong influence from the desert and canyon country of the western USA. An eight-minute video, 'In the desert with 3hattrio', is on their website.

Basstree String Band in Ireland, 7-10 June 2017

Thanks to Mark Jones for the news that the Basstree String Band (above; GB) will be visiting Ireland in early June; the tour includes the opening night of the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival. Mark sends this introduction:

The Basstree String Band, with roots in Norwich and Lincolnshire, play classic and contemporary bluegrass with close harmonies and blistering instrumentals. Their musicianship is top-notch with a respect for tradition and played with soul.

Howard Burton is a sought-after bluegrass banjo player, who has led banjo workshops at numerous UK festivals and at the Sore Fingers School in the Cotswolds, placed at the Galax Fiddlers Convention, and teaches banjo from his home in Norwich.

Mark Jones is a flatpick guitarist, having studied the genre in the UK and East Tennessee whilst working at Steve Kaufman's Palace Theatre. Mark and Howard have played bluegrass together for over twenty-five years and also are part of the Dude Coopers, an established band active on the UK festival circuit since 2007.

Asa Hardy-Brownlie is a talented multi-instrumentalist with a background in traditional American music and Gypsy Jazz. He performs bass duties as well as main and harmony vocals.

Mark also sends two video clips of the band in rehearsal: 'Raised on pain' and 'Pike County breakdown'. The dates on their schedule are:

Wed. 7th June: The Craigdarroch Hotel, Moniaive, Scotland
Thurs. 8th: The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Fri. 9th: Jesters Bar, Westport, Co. Mayo
Sat. 10th: The Weigh Inn, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Non-feuding banjos

Tenor and plectrum banjos showed up among some old-time bands of the 1920s and '30s; one of the most widely known bluegrass instrumentals was originally recorded as a 'feud' between a 4- and a 5-string banjo; and Dom Flemons played a 4-string banjo in the Carolina Chocolate Drops. A new combination is announced on the FOAOTMAD news blog - a collaboration between US players Mark Olitsky and Cary Moskowitz (above), on 5-string 'minstrel' banjo and 4-string plectrum banjo respectively.

Playing together at the Clifftop festival in West Virginia last summer, they decided to take it further and record a CD, Duets, which is expected to be ready for release this spring. If you're likely to want a copy, please let them know via this link. Their playing together (in the recording studio) can be sampled on a 5-minute YouTube video.

Possibly another ripple on the same wave - We Banjo 3 will be playing at the International Bluegrass Music Museum's ROMP festival in Owensboro, KY, this coming midsummer.

9th Annual IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year award, 21 Feb. 2017

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) recognises the contribution made by live music venues to the scene here by giving an overall national award for the best venue, as well as regional awards. This year, in the ninth annual awards, members of the public can vote as well as IMRO members. One lucky voter will win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.

A short list has been compiled of twenty-five venues that can be voted for, and it includes several names of venues that often appear on the BIB calendar. If your favourite is on this list, you can vote for it here.

The Cabin Sessions, Dundrum, Dublin, 23 Feb. 2017

Gerry Fitzpatrick, organiser of the Cabin Sessions series, 'Acoustic Music at its Finest', announces the Session for this month:

Hey Y'all!

Back again on 23 Feb. - the Cabin Crew with special guests Shane & Paul Hennessy, HueGrass, and from the USA JoJo O and the Woods! Hope to see ya there!

The Sessions are held on the last Thursday of every month at Uncle Tom's Cabin in Dundrum, south Dublin (not far from Dundrum Luas station, in the city direction). Shows run from 9.30 to 11.30 p.m. and admission is FREE. If you or someone you know would like to perform at the Cabin Sessions, let Gerry know by e-mail. The Sessions are particularly interested in featuring local musicians and singers.

The lore (and lure) of the Loar - Lloyd, that is (update)

Bill Monroe's 1923 Lloyd Loar Gibson F-5 #73987, on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (photo: Mandolin Archive)

The BIB recently mentioned the Po' Ramblin' Boys (USA) and in particular their mandolinist, C.J. Lewandowski. He has just contributed to Bluegrass Today the first instalment of the story of a mandolin that has been important in his life - the Lloyd Loar Gibson F-5 #72058, shipped out of the factory five months earlier than Bill Monroe's iconic instrument.

Very well worth reading for all instrument freaks, and especially for those interested in an instrument's career. Much more on the musician and acoustic engineer Lloyd Allalyre Loar (1886-1943), his instruments, his work with the Gibson company, etc., is on Roger Siminoff's website.

PS: The Siminoff website also includes a recent endorsement by Jeff Scroggins (who will be in Ireland with his band in two weeks' time) of Roger Siminoff's Straight Up Strings.

Update 9 Feb.: Part 2 of C.J.'s story is now on Bluegrass Today. It's a long story, but instrument freaks will not wish it a word shorter.

4th Annual Mountain Roots Music Weekend, Cahersiveen, 28-30 Apr. 2017

Thanks to Céline Kavanagh, PRO of the Teacht Thar Sáile Folk Club (also on Facebook) for this news of a successful local festival:

Teacht Thar Sáile Folk Club are looking forward to hosting our Fourth Annual Mountain Roots Music Weekend, here in Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry.

Last year brought even more Roots enthusiasts to Cahersiveen to enjoy the music, atmosphere and lovely scenery in and surrounding the town. Visitors hailed from other parts of the 'Kingdom' and country along with people from the UK, Europe, the States, and New Zealand. Those were just the people that I met!

This year we welcome back some of our groups, such as the Dizzy Blues Band and Two Time Polka, and we look forward to welcoming a top-class bluegrass group from the States called High Plains Tradition. We will also be joined by Séan Garvey, Greenshine, the Stargazers, Mick Power, John Nyhan, Hank Wedel, along with many more local artists and performers.

We will of course have our open session and our youth contribution! We also have included a listening venue with the addition of our 'Roots Concert Room'.

We have successfully hosted two events here during the winter where Hank Wedel and Pat Horgan entertained an appreciative listening audience. The venue is intimate and relaxed and people can enjoy a drink while being able to listen to the music in this concert style setting, We host Jeff Scroggins and Colorado on 25 Feb. and Four Star Trio on 1 April.

The Roots Weekend itself takes place in Cahersiveen on the May Bank Holiday Weekend from Friday 28 April until Sunday 30 April 2017.

Full details of acts and more information are given on the Club's website. The BIB hopes to have a full tour schedule for High Plains Tradition in the near future.

Darrell Scott in Ireland, 2-15 Mar. 2017

Thanks to Niamh Honer, audience development and marketing manager of the Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Dublin 24, for the news that multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter Darrell Scott will be at the Civic Theatre on Saturday 4 March at 8.00 p.m. Tickets are €25 (€22 concession), and there's a meal deal: €35 for a ticket and a two-course meal.

Darrell Scott has collaborated with Steve Earle, Sam Bush, Emmylou Harris, John Cowan, Verlon Thompson, Guy Clark, Tim O'Brien, Kate Rusby, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Mary Gauthier, and many others. His album with Tim O'Brien, We’re usually a lot better than this, was released in October 2012.

His music has attracted a growing fanbase, and he tours regularly with his own band. In early 2005 his Theatre of the unheard was Album of the Year in the 4th Annual Independent Music Awards. His latest album, Crooked road, was released on 25 May 2010. Plenty of videos of his music are on his website or YouTube.

In addition to the Civic Theatre, his online schedule gives the following dates in Ireland, with more details for each event:

Thurs. 2nd-Fri. 3rd: 13th United Airlines Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival
Sun. 5th: The White Horse, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
Thurs. 9th: Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Sun. 12th: Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo town
Mon. 13th-Wed. 15th: Songwriting intensive workshop, Kinvara, Co. Galway

2nd Woodbine Bluegrass Jamboree, 7-8 July 2017

Thanks to Tony O'Brien for this welcome news:

The 2nd Woodbine Bluegrass Jamboree lineup is now complete, with Amy & Evan Lyons (Tipperary), Colonel Bullshot Rides Again (Mayo), and hosts Woodbine on Friday 7 July.

Filling the Saturday 8 July programme is Clem O'Brien (Laois), the Watery Hill Boys (Drogheda, Co. Louth), and hosts Woodbine.

Full details on Woodbine's website Jamboree page and Facebook.

NB: Jams will be held each night after the concert, and in Pat Dunne's lounge, Athy, at 2.00 p.m. on Saturday 8 July.

13th Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, 1-5 Mar. 2017

The 13th United Airlines Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival will be held from Wednesday 1 March to Sunday 5 March, with thirty concerts featuring 100 songwriters. A full schedule is on the website, where the programme can also be downloaded.

Free song sessions open to all are running from 8.00 to 9.30 p.m. on each of the first four nights in the Olympic Bar of the Clayton Hotel, and on Thursday 2 March the artists taking part in a 'Songs from the Heart' concert will include Janet Henry (Janet Holmes). Other concert artists of interest to BIB readers include Darrell Scott (see separate BIB post, to follow).

News from Red Wine

We hear from our good friends in Red Wine (I) - shown above at their Eighth Red Wine Bluegrass Party in Genoa last November, with Shane Sullivan (third from left) of Athy, Co. Kildare, as an honoured guest - that they are compiling documentation related to the festivals and gigs that they've played in Italy/Europe through the years. Mandolinist and lead singer Martino Coppo explains that this is needed

... for the work visa that all non-USA band must get in order to be allowed to play in the US, especially in the light of what is happening in DC these days.

When a band submits the petition for the visa, besides the forms to be filled there is a requirement for material attesting the fact that the band is a bona fide touring band, with experience, and not just a bunch of people trying to enter the US for shady reasons.... :-) So posters are fine, but press clips and reviews could be better. Not necessarily written in English, though a translation has to be provided for other languages (thanks for the translation too!).

Red Wine played twice at major festivals in Ireland last year alone - in June at Westport and September at Omagh - the most recent of a long string of appearances over here, so there should be an adequate paper trail for this purpose. Martino sends thanks in advance for any relevant material, which can be sent to him by e-mail.

One more reason to visit Kentucky

The International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM) announced last week on its Facebook that the main instrument used during his career by J.D. Crowe (inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2003) is now on display (see photo) at the Museum in Owensboro, KY. The IBMM says:

This 1929 original 3, no-hole flathead #9467-5 can be heard on many classic Jimmy Martin recordings as well as Rounder 0044, Bluegrass Album Band and many more.

A further reason to go to Owensboro to see this legendary instrument, the 'Banger', is that it is not among those featured in Jim Mills's Gibson Mastertone flathead 5-string banjos of the 1930s and 1940s (2009), though it is mentioned for its no-hole tone ring. (One of J.D. Crowe's banjos is featured in the book: his 1937 RB-75 #752-4.) So take any chance to see the Banger up close.

Slane Studios for rehearsal and recording

Thanks to Enda Gavin of Slane Rehearsal and Recording Studios in Co. Meath for bringing to our notice the facilities there for artists wanting to rehearse, or to record a demo or an entire album, in circumstances that allow them to be immersed in their music.

The Studios are at Crookedwood Farm, a former dairy farm just off the N51 halfway between Slane and Navan, with views across the Boyne Valley. The haybarns have been tastfully converted into three spacious light-filled rehearsal studios, a state-of-the-art recording studio, and comfortable accommodation for up to eight people. More details, including full specifications for the studios and many photos, are on the website.

Rehearsal rates are €35 for two hours, and €10 for every extra hour; a full backline is provided. For recording and accommodation rates, please call to discuss - Slane Studios can be contacted through the website, by 'phone (mobile 086 3122872), or by e-mail.

Chris Thile at the NCH, Dublin, 21 Mar. 2017

The National Concert Hall's blurb begins:

Widely regarded as one of the most interesting and inventive musicians and composers of his generation, Chris Thile of Punch Brothers has changed the mandolin forever. He returns to the National Concert Hall performing original compositions, as well as contemporary, traditional and classical works.

His concert at 8.00 p.m. on 21 March will be in the Main Auditorium. Tickets are at €28.50 and €25 (€22.50 in the Choir Balcony), with a 10% discount for Friends of the National Concert Hall. A YouTube recording of his playing Bach's violin sonata no. 1 in Gm, with the cover art of his Nonesuch Records CD of Bach, is on the NCH website.

Earlier the same day he will give a Performance Workshop (3.00 p.m.) aimed at musicians and music students, in which:

he will discuss and demonstrate his approach to composing and performing, and offer feedback and advice to participants. He will also discuss the differences between traditional and contemporary music styles, and how he approaches performance across the wide variety of genres within which he operates.

This sounds like a unique opportunity. The NCH website gives both the John Field Room and the Kevin Barry Recital Room as the workshop location, but this should be easy to sort out. Tickets are €10.

Introducing the Po' Rambling Boys (USA)

Thanks to our good friend Jan Michielsen - guitarist with 4 Wheel Drive (NL/D/BE) and mandolinist with Blue Maxx (BE) - for this introduction to a rising young US band with good credentials:

I’d like you to meet The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys from East Tennessee. They were over here at the Continent in 2015, and in 2016 me and Paolo Dettwiler from Switzerland set up a second tour through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The boys were an instant success with bluegrass audiences over here. They are young but they play traditional bg (standards as well as originals) as the best. They have a rhythm that is outstanding. They just released their first CD on Randm Records (Back to the mountains), and they are working on a second one now.

I’d invite you to take a look at the videos they have in the video section of their website. They are also very good people, very well mannered and professionals, a joy to work with. I’m 100% sure they would be an instant hit in Ireland (and the UK) too.

From someone with Jan's exacting critical standards when it comes to performing bluegrass, this is quite some recommendation. News of the Boys is often on Bluegrass Today, and their mandolinist C.J Lewandowski contributed detailed and well illustrated accounts of their two European tours - in 2015 they played five countries in ten days, and in 2016 extended the tour to three weeks. C.J. is a former member of the James King Band, and two years ago the Boys became the de facto James King Band. C.J. has also played with the Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show, and the Boys' banjo player Jereme Brown is the son of legendary Kentucky banjo player Tommy Brown (featured on Bluegrass Today two days ago).

Well, Jan has got the BIB's attention, and we hope to see and hear the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys over here whenever that can be arranged.

Special Consensus at the Folk Park TONIGHT (Fri. 3rd)

Thanks to Richard Hurst (Visitor Services Manager of the Ulster American Folk Park at Omagh, Co. Tyrone, and chief organiser of its annual Bluegrass Festival) for this news:

Tonight at 8.00 p.m. the Emigrants Gallery at the Ulster American Folk Park will be filled with the music which had its roots here before travelling to the New World and contributing to the American folk music tradition. Start your weekend in style in the company of award-winning bluegrass band Special Consensus. All tickets £15.00 at the door.

BIB editor's note: Last weekend the Special C. were in London as part of the current tour and took advantage of the occasion to follow in famous footsteps. The photo above is on their Facebook. NB: the world-weary look of the lower image is no guide at all to the fire and drive of their performances this week.

Jeff Scroggins & Colorado (USA) back in Ireland, 23 Feb.-13 Mar. 2017

The BIB editor reports:

Thanks to the indispensable John Nyhan for the news that he has arranged a tour of nearly three weeks, beginning later this month, for the admirable Jeff Scroggins & Colorado - their third tour here, in response to the demand generated by their visits in 2015 and 2016. After seeing them at the Shannonside Winter Music Festival a year ago, I wrote:

Passion, precision, drive, humour, choice of material, and the interaction that blends so much energy from all over the band into a powerful unified whole - nothing of what I like to hear in a bluegrass band is lacking. Any bluegrass enthusiast who can reach one or more of their shows should do so. This applies equally to musicians - there is no band playing bluegrass in Ireland at present that can't learn something by seeing these guys.

In addition, playing bass with them this year (in place of Isaac Callendar, shown above) is Mark Schatz, twice IBMA Bass Player of the Year, and also a master of flatfoot dance, 'hambone' body percussion, and clawhammer banjo.

The band's schedule now stands as follows:

February 2017
Thurs. 23rd: McGregor's Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 8.30 p.m. Tel. 086 8464509 (The Bridge Complex fundraising concert)
Fri, 24th: Old Church Rooms, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, 8.00 p.m. Tel. 087 2749301
Sat. 25th: Roots Concert Room (upstairs), Craineens Bar, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m. Tel. 085 2513986
Sun. 26th: Levi’s Corner House, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m. Box office: 028 37118.
Mon. 27th: Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.15 p.m. Tel. 087 7921771 / 087 6492514

March 2017
Wed. 1st: Baker's Bar, Parnell St., Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, 8.30 p.m. Tel. 086 1702021
Thurs. 2nd: Rossmore Theatre, Rossmore, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m. Tel. 086 4481086
Fri. 3rd: Coastguard Cultural Centre, Love Lane, Tramore, Co. Waterford, 8.00 p.m. Tel. 051 391656
Sat. 4th: Firkin Crane Theatre, John Redmond St., Shandon, Cork city, 8.00 p.m.; support act Greenshine. Tel. 021 4507487
Sun. 5th: Old Schoolhouse, Clashmore, Co. Waterford, 8.00 p.m. Tel. 087 4148651
Wed. 8th: Schoolyard Theatre, Charleville, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m. Tel. 087 1804870
Thurs. 9th: St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m. Tel. 086 22566
Fri. 10th: Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.30 p.m. Tel. 01 8020898
Sat. 11th: Beehive Bar, Ardara, Co. Donegal, 8.30 p.m. Tel. 087 6900714
Sun. 12th: Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo, 8.00 p.m. Tel. 087 2296018
Mon. 13th: The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

*

John Nyhan is also presenting the Special Consensus for the last two concerts in their present tour, on Sun. 5 Feb. in the Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork, at 8.30 p.m., and on Mon. 6 Feb. in the Village Arts Centre, Kilworth. John reports that tickets for the Banteer show are selling well but some are still available. The Kilworth show, however, is now COMPLETELY SOLD OUT.

Fans in the Kilworth area should get to Banteer if at all possible: the Special C. last night, at their second Dublin show on this tour, were in as powerful a form as I've ever heard them - all the more impressive as they've been working and travelling continuously for three weeks, including a trip to Glasgow and back.

April Verch Band (CAN): tour dates for May 2017

April Verch Band at MerleFest 2016 (photo: Chad Casterline)

Already, May 2017 looks like being an eventful month. On 25 November the BIB published news from the April Verch Band of the coming release of The April Verch anthology album (due out later this month) and a tour of Europe in the spring of 2017 that would include Ireland.

At that time details were available of only one show in Ireland, but the band's online tour schedule now shows the following dates:

Wed. 10th May: Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
Thurs. 11th: Bangor Castle, Bangor, Co. Down*
Fri. 12th: Old Courthouse Theatre, Antrim town
Sat. 13th: Market Place Theatre, Armagh city
Sun. 14th: Black Box, Belfast
Mon. 15th: Private event, Buncrana, Co. Donegal
Tues. 16th: Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin 14
Wed. 17th: The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

This is part of a three-week tour (6-27 May) that begins and ends in Switzerland and will take the band also to Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the Czech Republic.

*Update 22 Apr.: This date is now scheduled for the Portico, Portaferry, Co. Down.

Foghorns in Ireland in May 2017

L-r: Nadine Landry, Caleb Klauder, Reeb Willms, Sammy Lind

Gerry Lawless announces on the Clonmel World Music blog that the Foghorn Stringband from Portland, OR, will be playing at the Raheen House Hotel in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, on Thursday 11 May. Doors will open at 8.00 p.m. and the band will be on stage at 9.00 p.m.

The Foghorn Stringband should need no introduction to audiences in Ireland, but if one is needed the blurb on Gerry's blog will do very well. At present the band's online tour schedule shows no dates between March and September this year; any information reaching us of other shows by them in Ireland will be on the BIB right away.

Old Blues Week at La Fuente, 23-30 Sept. 2017

Blues, bluegrass, and old-time music are closely interwoven, so thanks to Kate Lissauer, organiser of the Music Weeks holidays in Andalusia, who writes:

Welcome to blues lovers, and lovers of the traditional music of the US! La Fuente offers the opportunity to have the holiday of a lifetime! Following the success of the Old-Time Music weeks, the good folks at La Fuente are embarking on a new venture, the La Fuente Old Blues Week. This promises to be an amazing week, with the usual La Fuente attractions of great food, great company, and the lovely Andalusian countryside.

Dates for the week will be September 23rd to September 30th, 2017, and the cost will be £750, not including travel, but including everything else you will require - shared en-suite accommodation at the lovely Casona Granado hotel in the beautiful village of El Pilar, all meals, tuition, use of all facilities, and transfers between the hotel and the nearby villa where classes will take place. A £100 deposit (non-returnable) will secure your place on the week.

Teachers will include the legendary Ernie Hawkins (photo), Alice Gerrard, Katie Bradley, Stu Weetman, and Joe Evans. More details on all these are on the latest La Fuente newsletter.

This spring's Old-Time Music Week at La Fuente, led by Dave Bing of West Virginia, will be held on 6-13 May 2017.

Slocan Ramblers (CAN) in Ireland, 19-29 Oct. 2017

The BIB mentioned the Slocan Ramblers (CAN) in several posts between 23 Sept. and 24 Oct. last year, beginning with the news from the Brookfield Knights agency that the band would be available for bookings in October and November this year.

The agency's website now shows that the Ramblers will be playing ten dates in Ireland at the beginning of a four-week tour of these islands:

Thurs. Oct. 19th: Crusoe’s, Castlerock, Co Londonderry
Fri. 20th: Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Sat. 21st: Bunratty, Co. Clare
Sun. 22nd: Belfast; venue TBC
Mon. 23rd: (rest day)
Tues. 24th: Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Wed. 25th: Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Thurs. 26th: Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (Clonmel World Music)
Fri. 27th: Sligo Live (Hawk's Well Theatre), Sligo town
Sat. 28th: High Tide Club, Castletownbere, Co. Cork
Sun. 29th: The Sky and the Ground, Wexford town

The dates are entered on the BIB calendar, so make your autumn plans accordingly. The Ramblers' work can be sampled on YouTube.