2nd Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend, 29 July-1 Aug. 2011

Thanks to Conor O'Donnell, organiser of the 2nd Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend (29 July-1 Aug. 2011), who announces:

Last year saw the arrival of the inaugural Greystones Americana and Roots Festival. Bluegrass and alt. country acts from both sides of the Atlantic were bashing out all kinds of roots and Americana goodness. The first of its kind in Co. Wicklow, the festival took place between two venues comprising three stages, the Beach House and Danns Bar, Greystones.

There was an abundance of sessions, a good old-timey atmosphere, duelling banjos, and a full pig-on-a-spit barbecue for that down-home authenticity. Music lovers from all over the world were attending, with venues full to capacity from 2.00 p.m. till 1.00 a.m. each day.

The 2010 artist line up included the magnificent I Draw Slow, an alt-country/ folk/ roots/ old-time/ Americana band, the Oxo Boys, and the Big Muddy and B & the Honeyboys, two well-renowned acts on the local Americana scene. Also playing was the Niall Toner Band, who are considered the most authentic bluegrass band in the country. We also had folk legends like Al O’Donnell and Phelim Drew, and a washboard master-class from world-renowned player Wayne Waits from Columbus, Ohio.

This year (29 July–1 Aug.) is going to be bigger and better than ever, with new venues and even more bands than last year. The Greystones Theatre and the Burnaby have been added as venues. We will even have music on the street in Greystones village and the Burnaby Park on the Sunday.

The Niall Toner Band returns on Sunday night in the Beach House; we also have the wonderful Wookalily and the Bluestack Mountain Boys. In the Greystones Theatre this year we have Mundy, Luan Parle, the Mighty Steff, and we have plenty of new acts that you'll love. There will be more bluegrass and Americana than you can swing a cat at!

We believe in totally brainwashing our kids into listening to music and putting down their consoles, so we'll have lots of early music for young kids and teens alike.

We hope you'll come along and join us - nearly all events are free.

You can see the Americana Weekend's new video by Luis Poveda, with music by the Foghorn Stringband, on YouTube or Vimeo.