Carmel & the Ravens at the Mercantile, 10 Mar. 2011

Press release

Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens are continuing their nationwide tour of their second album, Here with you, and are set to play the Mercantile, 28 Dame St., Dublin 2, on Thursday 10 March. Carmel & the boys are the only Irish bluegrass band to have shared a stage with household names on the country circuit such as Randy Travis, Martina McBride, and Hal Ketchum, to name but a few. The band have been appearing at numerous venues around the country since the turn of the year, in preparation for their upcoming tour of Nashville in October. The band and their touring party of family and friends will touch down in Nashville on 17 October and will play several venues there in a two-week long tour.

The new album Here with You is not as good as their first album... it's better!! It consists of seven songs penned by Des and Danny and a further song co-written by Danny & renowned American artist Tim O’Brien. Danny and Tim wrote the song on a boat trip home from a festival in the Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland. Tim O’Brien has been voted Male Vocalist of the Year at the IBMA Awards in America over the past few years and makes a guest appearance as backing vocal on this song for the new album. He was so impressed with the song he has actually added it to his latest album.

The band have finalised their second album with multi-Grammy-winning Nashville producer Bil VornDick, who also signed them to a publishing deal. 'Very rarely do you get a chance to work with a family band of three brothers and a sister as the lead vocalist. There is something about family bands and their harmony that can raise the hairs on the back of your neck. They have the European flair in their music that is so appealing', said Bil VornDick.

Rarely will you pick up an Irish album that doesn’t have something from the Sheerins attributed to it. The Sheerins have been involved with so many Irish acts in so many different ways. If it's not Des or Danny producing the album, then it's Danny or Carmel on backing vocals, or Tom on fiddle, or even Des on bass with Danny on acoustics. Their forthcoming album sees this talented family step out from the shadows of other musical acts and step into the limelight with their own unique sound. Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens have scaled new heights in the past year and performed on the international scene, at a level most bands in this country could only aspire to. This is mainly down to the unique sound of Carmel on lead vocals and the band singing clean harmonies throughout.

Doors: 8.00 p.m.
Tickets (at the door): €10
Support: The Basquilles

Green and blue grasses

Thanks to the Violin Shop in Nashville, TN, for news of a new CD seeking to combine bluegrass and Irish traditional music, which is scheduled for release in the USA next week (in good time for St Patrick's day).

The Brock McGuire Band consists of Paul Brock (melodeon) and Manus McGuire (fiddle) from Co. Clare, Denis Carey (piano) from Co. Tipperary, and Enda Scahill (tenor banjo) from Co. Galway. The new CD, Green grass blue grass: roots music from Ireland & America, includes special guests Ricky Skaggs, Aubrey Haynie, Bryan Sutton, and other US musicians, and has already received critical welcome. The band will be playing in the Violin Shop on Tues. 8 Mar. at 7.30 p.m. Read the Shop's newsletter here.

New feature: links to latest news on UKBluegrass.com

The BIB now has a new feature, thanks to UKBluegrass.com: there's a panel listing and linking to the most recent items on our esteemed contemporary's website, which you will find in the right-hand column of the BIB, directly below the similar panel listing recent posts on the original Bluegrass Blog.

BIB readers now have a further way of keeping up with what's happening on the busy bluegrass scene in the neighbouring island.

Prison Love on St Patrick's eve 2011

Mark O'Mahony (AKA 'Soapy' of Prison Love) reports:

Howdy Folks,
What a night we have in store for you to honour the most hallowed day in the off-licences' calendar. This St Patrick’s Eve, we invite you celebrate our proud country's patron saint through song, dance, and falling over in the heart of Dublin.

The Grand Social (formerly Pravda) venue will host this trinity of traditional talent that will explode in colour over the River Liffey, like the fireworks of yesteryear...

The three leaves of this sacred shamrock are:
Prison Love – Jaw-dropping, thigh-slapping American mountain music
Craddog – Irish trad music tearaways
Toby Reiser Quartet – Acapella gospel’s unborn sons

Topping the night off with a rockabilly riot, is DJ Christine Beep Beep from the Bop Shop.

When: 16 March, doors 8.30 p.m.–2.30 a.m.
Where: The Grand Social, Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin 1 (formerly Pravda)
How much: €10

Hope to see you there...

Prison Love website; MySpace

The Basquilles to open for Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, 10 Mar. 2011

Thanks to singer, songwriter, and broadcaster Andrew Basquille for this news of his band and the award-winning Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens (above):

Hi folks,

The Basquilles (Anne, Andrea, and I) are delighted to open the show for Carmel & the boys on Thursday 10 March in the Mercantile Hotel, Dame Street, Dublin 2. Hope you can make it – it’s gonna be a great night! More details here.

Carmel & the Ravens won the award of #1 European Bluegrass Band in 2005 and have since appeared at the IBMA's World of Bluegrass showcase programme and Awards Show, and brought out two acclaimed CDs.

Water Tower Bucket Boys with Noriana Kennedy in Galway, 10 Mar. 2011

Why do people send in news not by e-mailing the editor, but in the form of a comment on an existing post, which few people are likely to see? You don't avoid the editor's eye, or save the editor trouble, by doing so: as indicated in the BIB headnote, all comments have to be checked by us before publication.

The latest info received via this channel is a press release about one of the shows in the imminent tour by the Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA; see photo). The venue is the Backstage Bar at Monroe's Tavern, Dominic St., Galway city; the date (though the press release failed to mention it) is 10 March. A Facebook page is cited for further details; you will need to be on Facebook already to log in and view it.

The WTBB, as many will already know, are a fine band who will be supported on the night by Noriana Kennedy of Mad Uncle Harry. Their Irish tour (details of which are on the BIB posts of 3, 4, and 22 Feb., and the BIB calendar) rounds off a tour of these islands that begins tonight in Bristol.

Wookalily at the Locke Bar, Limerick, 26 Feb. 2011 - and more next month

Thanks to Richard Costello of the Locke Bar in Limerick city for the news that on this coming Saturday, 26 Feb., the Locke will present Wookalily (see above), the all-woman Americana/ bluegrass/ roots band from the North. Wookalily are currently preparing an EP to be launched in April in Belfast.

And following the BIB post yesterday about the Wild West Weekend at Kenny's of Lahinch, Co. Clare on 17-20 Mar. - Richard also reports that the Locke Bar and Kenny's have a twinning arrangement to present bluegrass, Cajun, and related music over St Patrick's weekend. The Locke Bar will be presenting the Prairie Dawgs on Friday 18 Mar. and the Bluestack Mountain Boys on Saturday 19 Mar. See the Locke Bar entertainment schedule.

The Locke Bar is at 2A George's Quay, in the centre of Limerick; a location map is here.

Janet Holmes with Nanci Griffith 'In the Round', TOMORROW

Thanks to Colin Henry in Belfast, who reports:

Janet [left] is doing an 'In the Round' with Nanci Griffith tomorrow (Thursday) night as part of the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival. She did support to Nanci a couple of years ago at the Festival and she is really looking forward to the 'In the Round' format where, as you know, each do their own songs turn about but all together on stage at the same time.

Wild West Weekend at Kenny's of Lahinch, 17-20 Mar. 2011

Thanks to David Hope, who reports from Kenny's Bar in Lahinch, Co. Clare:

In addition to our regular programme of gigs, we have starting on St Patrick's day this year what promises to be a fantastic weekend of music, kicking off with the Prairie Dawgs at 21:30 on the 17th. On Friday 18th at 22:30 we have the Bluestack Mountain Boys; on Saturday 19th at 22:30 we have Two Time Polka; and on Sunday we have an early evening music session (all welcome), followed by the Dark Horse Sessions, hosted by Quentin Cooper and Eoin O'Neill. In addition to this we will have a fantastic Wild-West-themed menu all weekend long.

Kenny's Bar, Lahinch, is on Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. Contact David Hope by e-mail in relation to music bookings at Kenny's.

Mad Uncle Harry in Westport, 19 Feb. 2011

L-r: Johnny Fitzpatrick, Noriana Kennedy, Noelie McDonnell

Uri Kohen of Electric Cave Production reports from Westport, Co. Mayo:

As I wrote many times before, I'm a big fan of the Galway-based band Mad Uncle Harry; so when Noriana Kennedy called me to say she is touring with Virginia-born banjo player Johnny Fitzpatrick, I was quick to book them for a gig in Geraghty's pub. My luck struck twice when I was told that they would be joined on stage by Tuam singer/ songwriter Noelie McDonnell.

They arrived in Westport last Saturday (19.2.2011) and gave us full value for money. They played some old-time classics and some of each of their own original numbers. The combination of banjo, guitar, mando-banjo, and beautiful harmonies was a superb success. They played to a full house, and the crowd couldn't have enough of this fantastic show. I will highly recommend anyone to catch Mad Uncle Harry's show.

Next week we will see the return of the excellent David Hope, this time with special guest Baum from Switzerland.

BIB editor's note: Banjos, of course, are a lot of trouble, even in the terminology attached to them; but to us it looks as if Noriana has a banjo-ukulele - unless it's a banjolin? We welcome any clarification.

Belfast Bluegrass, 1 Mar. 2011

Thanks to Richard Leeman of Belfast Bluegrass, who writes:

Just wanted to let you know that the next Belfast Bluegrass session takes place on Tuesday 1 March, upstairs in the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Road, Belfast, starting at about 8.30 p.m.

The session is free and open to everyone of all abilities, whether you're a novice or a more accomplished picker or player. Anyone who just wants to come along and enjoy the music over a pint or two is always more than welcome as well! More info is available through Facebook or by e-mail.

Also want to mention that our 'sister' session hosted by Dangem takes place this Saturday morning at the Lagan Valley Island Civic Centre in Lisburn, starting about 9.30 a.m. Directions if you need 'em are available at the Dangem website.

Hors d'oeuvres for a real feast

Many thanks to Eilis Boland for this link to an all-too-brief video on the 'No Depression' channel, showing Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, and their sons picking and singing on 'John Hardy' out of doors at Doc's home in North Carolina.

The footage comes from Earl Scruggs: the bluegrass legend (or The complete Earl Scruggs story), a ninety-minute documentary made by David Hoffman. Full details of how to reach the full-length film and other information on Hoffman's work can be found on the text accompanying this short trailer.

Looking for picking partners?

This message was originally sent in as a comment on the BIB's 'welcome' post, but it deserves more prominence than that. Barney Bowes of Dublin sends this welcome news for pickers looking for a session:

Hi - if you're at home and wondering if you can hook up with people who play bluegrass and/or oldtime music,

- if you sing, and need someone to harmonise with, if you play fiddle, banjo (5-string, that is), mandolin, guitar, dobro, bass,

- then you're at home! Call 086 1031541. We hope to get a session going soon. Don't be a spectator - it's time to get playing, there's a place for you too.

The photo above from Barney's blog shows him and bandmate Paul McEvoy (in vehicle) with legendary fiddler Byron Berline.

New logo and new website for Westport festival

Thanks to Uri Kohen of Electric Cave Production in Westport, Co. Mayo, for this news:

To mark the 5th year celebrations of Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, we are today launching a new festival website, designed in a very friendly way which allows the reader to see all the gigs, bands' bios, details of previous acts, and some videos of past festivals. In the next few weeks we will add a pdf file with the full programme for download.

I would like to take this opportunity to express once again thanks to all of those who are taking part or contributing to the success of the event. It is sure to be one of this summer's highlights. Enjoy the site, and spread the word in any possible way. May it be a great festival, and

LONG MAY WE RUN!

Uri Kohen
Festival producer

More dates for Water Tower Bucket Boys, 8-16 Mar. 2011

Thanks to Geraint Jones of GPromo PR for further dates that have been added to the schedule of the tour next month by the Water Tower Bucket Boys from Portland, Oregon. These include the house concert in Co. Tyrone on 9 Mar., which is already sold out, and three new shows open to the public: at Filthy McNasty's in Belfast on Tues. 8th Mar.; the Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, on Mon. 14 Mar.; and the Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, on Tues. 15 Mar.

Full details have been added to our original post of 3 Feb., and to the BIB calendar.

Spell's Springtime Bluegrass Fest, 11-13 Mar. 2011

Thanks to Pete Lamb in Galway for this news:

Galway-based band Gone to Grass (Pete Lamb, vocals, guitar; Tom Portman, Dobro; Paul O'Driscoll, double bass) will be playing at Spells Bar, Ballaghadreen, Co. Mayo, on Saturday 12 March as part of Spell's Springtime Bluegrass Fest, a one-venue, weekend festival (also featuring the Higglers [below] on Sunday 13 Mar. and TBA on the Friday).

There will be a session at 4.00 p.m. on the Saturday, followed by a gig at 10.00 p.m. Free as a politician's conscience, so come on down and support this excellent venue's efforts to put a spring in your step! For further info, phone 094 9860144 or e-mail.

Once again down Memory Lane

We reproduce here a copy of the poster used by the Sackville String Band in its 1977 configuration; from the print at the bottom of the image, you can see that at the time the band was still playing weekly at the Stag's Head in Dame Court, Dublin. The picture of the band shows in front Imor Byrne (fiddle) and Colin Beggan (guitar); at back, John Caulfield (fiddle), Niall Toner (mandolin), Richard Hawkins (banjo).

Thanks to Niall Toner for this copy; we hope to make the fine original photo available soon.

Update 24 Feb.: the outstanding traditional Kentucky fiddler J.P. Fraley died a week ago (17 Feb.) at the age of 87. Thanks to FOAOTMAD for this link to an obituary by Tim Preston in the Independent (Ashland, KY). A feature by Richard Thompson on the Bluegrass Blog includes a video clip of J.P. Fraley playing 'Wild rose of the mountain' - which the Sackville String Band learned from his 1974 LP with the same title, and played as one of their favourite instrumentals.

NTB at Athy Arts Centre, 12 Feb.

Thanks to Niall Toner, who reports:

Last Saturday night, the NTB played the Athy Arts Centre to a very appreciative audience. The house was about two thirds full, and when you consider that many of the local bluegrass die-hards were out of town, this was a fairly respectable turnout. It was also very interesting to be performing to a new audience, and I think I only recognised about four of the faces there. We also took the opportunity to perform some of the new NTB songs, including 'William Smith Monroe', 'Tomorrow', and 'Too many guitars', all of which were well received, and all of which will be on the next NTB CD.

The Athy Arts Centre is a superb venue in an old cut-stone presbyterian church, and is a welcome addition to the list of fine music venues around Ireland. Brid and her team of dedicated volunteers do a fine job, and we look forward to returning sometime soon.

Niall Toner Music
Teach Burren
Coolasnaughta
Myshall
Co. Carlow
Ireland
Roots Freeway

Quote of the month

When we started this band... another thing we wanted to do was to put on an entertaining show. When I worked with Lester Flatt back in the 70s, he made a point to call his performances a 'show'. Every time he stepped on stage, he set out to entertain and not just perform but give that audience a 'show', and I learned very early on that if you can entertain a crowd, not just play to them, then you've done what you're supposed to do when you’re on stage.

Banjoist Blake Williams of the Expedition Show

Women's Voice in Westport

Left, Lorna Henry; centre, Una McCann; right, Ciara Butcher

Uri Kohen reports from Westport, Co. Mayo, on the most recent Electric Cave Production show at Geraghty's:

When I was searching for bands for the 2010 Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, I came upon an all-women band from Northern Ireland called Wookalily. At the time they had no recorded material, so I was asking around to see what the views about them were.

My first port of call was Lorna from the Henry Girls; as I'm a big fan of her music, I knew I could trust her opinion. Lorna told me then that everything that Una McCann is involved with has to be great, as she is one of the most talented singer songwriters that she knows. When Ciara Butcher, formerly guitarist with Wookalily rang to tell me that herself, Una, and Lorna formed a new trio, I was over the moon.

They came to Westport last Saturday (12.2.2011) and played a fantastic gig. The show included mainly Una's beautiful songs about her life experiences, as well as some classic covers from Neil Young and The Band. They moved from pure folk to some more bluesy songs with two guitars, accordion, and their own beautiful voices in perfect harmonies. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tommy Lyons from Balla, who invited the girls for a show in his own town the following Sunday. A great night was had by all!

Baltimore Fiddle Fair lineup taking shape

Thanks to Fiddlin' Tim Hawkins for the news that what has been announced so far of the lineup for this year's Baltimore Fiddle Fair (to be held in Baltimore, Co. Cork, on 5-8 May 2011) suits him very well indeed.

Both American old-time music (the Foghorn Trio, Stephanie Coleman with Cleek Schrey) and Shetland fiddling (Aly Bain, Chris Stout, Catriona McKay) will be strongly represented, and the organisers expect to confirm more performers in the near future. Anyone who favours the instrument which the Father of Bluegrass considered the most important in his music should keep an eye on the Fiddle Fair website.

Southern Welfare to release debut CD

Thanks to Ray O'Brien of Southern Welfare for this news:

We have just finished recording our debut CD, which will be released in the next few weeks. The recording was done in VeeBee Studios in Mullingar by our good friend Vinny Baker of Bending the Strings. The launch date for the CD is TBC at a later stage, but we will keep you up to date.

One of our great friends, Sean McManus (country music recording artist) came to the studio to hear us record the CD and decided to record a song himself - which is on the album. A big thanks to Sean!

Cork and the Cox Family - what more do you need?

More for Corkonians - the immense video library of Bluegrass on the Tube includes one item with the Cox Family (USA) performing 'My favorite memory' as sound track to a succession of scenic views from Cork city and surrounding areas. Anyone who knows Cork can have fun identifying the locations shown while enjoying the music. See and hear the video here.

Roots music and Americana at the Ubangi Stomp Club, Dublin

Thanks to Paul Foley, who runs the Ubangi Stomp Club at the Odessa, 13 Dame Court, Dublin 2, and came across the BIB in connection with the Wiyos (USA), who will be playing at the Ubangi on 13 April. Paul writes:

Though we cover quite a few types of music, our focus is mostly on American roots, rockabilly, and country. We have those swinging country boogie boys, Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys playing on St Patrick's Day, and the Wiyos on 13 April. We also have the wonderful Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three in July.

I just wanted to make you aware of our existence and I will keep in touch as we add extra events. Well done on your blog, it is great to see people working to keep real music alive and well in Ireland.

NTB at the Athy Arts Centre TONIGHT

The show scheduled earlier but postponed because of the severe weather in December has been restored, and the Niall Toner Band will be playing in the Athy Arts Centre, Athy, Co. Kildare, this very evening.

If some distinguished members of the Athy bluegrass mafia are absent from the show, it will only be because - by pure coincidence - Woodbine are due to be playing at the same time in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.

A shed to lift the spirits

Thanks to the Brookfield Knights agency in Britain for this welcome message:

Good morning, boys and girls. When you get a mo, check out the Wilders playing in the coolest Garden Shed in the land, and pass the link on to those who deserve something to lift their spirits.

In mid February we probably all need something to lift our spirits; so enjoy these four videos of the Wilders in the Shed. They will be in Ireland in person at the end of May, but don't let that stop you.

Banjo from a world master on your iPad/iPhone

Artist Works Inc. announces that the Tony Trischka School of Banjo is now available for the iPad and iPhone. Full details are here.

Bands from the bluegrass heartlands planning tours abroad

For bluegrass promoters and event organisers - news from two bands from the heartlands of bluegrass music who are planning tours abroad. Both are composed of young but highly experienced members.

Travers Chandler & Avery County, a solid traditional bluegrass band from Asheville, North Carolina, are seeking to build tours in Canada, Europe, and Australia. Their new album State of depression (released on Tom Mindte's Patuxent Records label in December 2010) debuted this month at #7 on the Bluegrass Music Profiles Albums Chart and gets extensive airplay in Europe, Australia, and Canada.

All the members - Travers Chandler (mandolin), Eddie Gill (guitar), Jessica Smith (bass), Tony Mabe (banjo), and Merl Johnson (fiddle) - have worked with top old-school bands including Danny Paisley, Karl Shiflett, James King, and the Bluegrass Brothers. Their own repertoire is deep-catalogue hard-core bluegrass, together with country and original material in the same mould. A recent performance by them on the Wheeling Jamboree can be seen here. Their schedule, promoters' reactions, press coverage, and more are on their website; contact them by e-mail or telephone (+1 828 252 4679).


The Mountain Connection (above) are Kelly Caldwell (mandolin, lead/harmony vocals), Greg Combs (guitar, lead/harmony vocals), Malachi Smith (banjo, guitar, lead/harmony vocals), and Justin Baker (acoustic upright bass, harmony vocals), all from south-east Kentucky. With years of collective experience, they have won a championship title at the 2007 Winterfest Bluegrass Band Competition; played regularly at the famous Renfro Valley Barn Dance; showcased at IBMA's World of Bluegrass; and featured in Bluegrass Unlimited. The Mountain Connection (also on MySpace) is a progressive, high-energy band strongly rooted in bluegrass, gospel, and Appalachian music, and they are specially interested in playing at a festival in Ireland. Contact Kelly Caldwell (e-mail, 'phone +1 606 875-3883) or Greg Combs (e-mail, 'phone +1 606 599-6063).

Significant quotes:
Travers Chandler & Avery County: 'This is your grandfather's bluegrass'.
The Mountain Connection: 'Nothing gives more satisfaction to the band than when a listener says: "I never liked bluegrass music before, but I like what you are doing."'

10th Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival: 22-25 Sept. 2011

The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band (photo: Tim Benko)

Chris Keenan, EBMA board member and organiser of the annual Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival in Longford, announces:

Greetings to all!
The date will soon be upon us - 22-25 September! Come celebrate with us on our 10th year! Here's just some of the great artists who are appearing at the festival this year:

Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
Blue Highway
Four Men and a Dog
Gerry 'Banjo' O'Connor
Tony Trischka & Territory
Leroy Troy
Pete & Joan Wernick
Barcelona Bluegrass Band
Tupelo
Carter Brothers
Niall Toner
George Harper
...and more to be announced soon!

We hope to see you in Longford in September!

Full details, including links to the websites of bands and other performers, are here.

Ernest Tubb (1914-84)

Thanks once more to the Prescription Bluegrass blog for a reminder that today is the birth date of Ernest Tubb, and for a very informative biography that includes four performance videos from YouTube.

As well as being one of the giants of the country music industry and a founder of the honky-tonk style of country (not to mention the fine record shops that bear his name), Ernest Tubb has influenced bluegrass musicians through his songwriting as well as his performing - in recent years, in particular, through the example of the Osborne Brothers, who have recorded an album of his songs; and the Del McCoury Band and IIIrd Tyme Out, whose versions of Tubb's 'Thanks a lot' have been influential.

Update 13 Feb.: Prescription Bluegrass is keeping up the good work, with recent posts on Red Allen (12 Feb.) and Boudleaux Bryant (13 Feb.).

Joy Kills Sorrow at Naul, 12 Feb. 2011 - and a special offer

Joy Kills Sorrow (USA; left) are currently on tour here. Thanks to Shane Power of the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre at Naul, Co. Dublin, for this news of a special bonus for BIB readers who intend going to their show at the Centre on 12 Feb.:

Joy Kills Sorrow are playing here next Saturday.

We'd like to extend an offer of a discounted ticket to anyone turning up on Saturday (or booking in advance by phone) who refers to the Bluegrass Ireland Blog when they're booking.

Also we'll issue one free ticket for every 5 tickets purchased at the discount rate.

You can book by 'phoning the Centre's booking office (+353 (0)1 802 0898); via the Centre's website (where there's a link to videos of JKS performances); or by e-mail.

Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamps

The 16th Annual Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamps will take place in two successive weeks (12-18 June 2011 and 19-25 June 2011) at Maryville College, Maryville, TN, USA, seventeen miles (27 km) south of Knoxville, TN. The $800 tuition fee includes room, meals, classes, concerts, workshops, clinics, and tons of jamming.

The first week focuses on old-time and traditional music, and the second on bluegrass. Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamps have regularly won the Gold Award voted by readers of Acoustic Guitar magazine, and members of the Irish bluegrass community who have attended speak very highly of them. More details and downloadable registration forms are here.

Picking partners wanted in the Tipperary region

Thanks to Gilly Newman in Britain and Chris Keenan in Longford for this news:

Jimmy Tomkins, who lives in the Thurles/ Holycross area of Co. Tipperary, plays bluegrass banjo, and would be glad to contact and pick with any band or other like-minded people in that general region.

Jimmy is not online (he has tried advertising in the local paper, without result); but he has wheels, and can be reached via the following mobile numbers:

086 058 0179
087 053 8866

Curtis Eller in Ireland, 3-6 May 2011

Thanks to Adele Ingram-Magee of One-A-Chord Music Promotions for forwarding this press release:

Curtis Eller is New York City's angriest yodelling banjo player. He sings about pigeon racing, performing elephants, and Jesus, all of which he has seen with his own eyes. He started his show-business career at the age of seven as a juggler and acrobat in the Hiller Olde Tyme Circus in Detroit, but has since turned to the banjo because that's where the money is. His biggest musical influences are Buster Keaton, Elvis Presley, and Abraham Lincoln.

Mr Eller and his band, the American Circus, stubbornly perform and record in New York City. They have appeared at funerals, horse races, burlesque revues, and punk rock dumps. Haunted by the ghosts of silent film and wearing a dead man's clothes, Mr Eller and the band have staggered their way into the hearts of audiences from London and Amsterdam to Los Angeles and Montreal. 2008 promises to see them touring extensively on both sides of the Atlantic ocean.

Along the way, they have shared the stage with strippers, contortionists, glass eaters, and folksingers. They play more waltzes than any other band I know of, but nobody ever seems to feel like dancing.

On the latest American Circus CD Wirewalkers & assassins, Mr Eller presents songs about John Wilkes Booth, Joe Louis, Fidel Castro, Jack Ruby, and Richard Nixon (as well as the usual tales of civil war generals and Elvis Presley). As always, sporadic yodeling and some strong language should be expected.

Mr Eller's tune 'Alaska' was voted 2003's Most Popular on NPR's 'All songs considered'. The music has the unmistakable sound of a pistol being fired in an abandoned salt mine: lonesome and violent.

Performances by Curtis Eller can be seen on YouTube here and here. He is also on MySpace. For bookings in Ireland contact:

Adele Ingram-Magee
One-A-Chord Music Promotions
Tel. +44 783 4811671
e-mail

Jethro Burns commemorated on Prescription Bluegrass

On Friday 4 February the Prescription Bluegrass blog commemorated Kenneth 'Jethro' Burns, mandolinist, singer, and comedian, who died on that date in 1989 at the age of 68. Among the many musicians with whom his career brought him into contact were Bill Monroe (the Bluegrass Blog posted nearly four years ago a video, unfortunately no longer accessible, of Jethro, fellow mandolinist Red Rector, and their 'very special guest'); master fiddler Dale Potter; and Greg Cahill of Special Consensus.

Be sure to look at the videos assembled on the Prescription Bluegrass post; even Jethro's movements around the mandolin are worth watching. More information on him can be found on the websites of Mel Bay Publications, Wikipedia, and Dave Grisman's Acoustic Disc label.

Kilkenny 2011 lineup complete

The organisers of this year's Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival (29 Apr.-2 May 2011) announce that all details of lineup, venues, times, and prices are now on the Festival's website.

Tickets for all shows will be on sale from Rollercoaster Records (+353 56 7763669), Kieran St., Kilkenny, from next Thursday, 10 February. The BIB cordially approves the Festival's main logo, in which an F-style mandolin and a resophonic guitar appear - see the top of the poster image at left.

Joy Kills Sorrow: official tour schedule, 7-13 Feb. 2011

Thanks to James O'Brien for an official list of the dates for the imminent tour by Joy Kills Sorrow (USA; left). With reference to the provisional list shown by the BIB on 15 January, please note that there is now an extra show: on 13 February at the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow. Moreover, the show for 9 February in Monaghan town will be in McKenna's bar, instead of the location previously shown. These corrections have been made to the BIB calendar.

More on the WTBB

Thanks to Alan Rooke of the Owlsworld agency for more news on the tour next month by the Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA) and material including the poster (left) with fuller tour dates, and an online press kit which incorporates everything that can be reached from the press kit section of their website. Please note that a house concert in Northern Ireland on 9 March has been added to the schedule shown yesterday; this date is already sold out.



The WTBB consist of Cory Goldman (banjo, guitar, vocals), Josh Rabie (fiddle, guitar, banjo, vocals), and Kenny Feinstein (guitar, mandolin, harmonica, vocals). All of them have wide musical experience and tastes, and close connections with the rest of the Portland scene, notably the members of the Foghorn Stringband. Their latest CD, Sole kitchen, has received much critical acclaim.

Water Tower Bucket Boys return to Ireland next month

Thanks to the GPromo PR agency for the news that the Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA) neo-old-time string band, from the vibrant scene in Portland, OR, will soon be returning to play a series of dates in Britain and Ireland, beginning on 24 February in Bristol. The Irish shows on their schedule at present are as follows, all in March.

Thurs. 10th Mar.: Monroe’s Tavern, Galway; €6, 9.00 p.m.; +353 8688 39100

Fri. 11th: Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; €16, 7.30 p.m.; +353 1 802 0898

Sat. 12th: The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim; €15, 8.30 p.m.; +353 71 9855833

Sun. 13th: Nancy Blake’s, Limerick; free, 6.30 p.m.; +353 61 416443

Wed. 16th: St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; €15, 8.00 p.m.; +353 068 22566

Update 22 Feb.: GPromo PR announces these three additional dates:

Tues. 8th: Filthy McNasty's, Belfast; free, 7.30 p.m.; 07966 107342

Mon. 14th: Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; €12/15, 8.15 p.m.; +353 (0)87 7921771

Tues. 15th: Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare; €12/15, 8.00 p.m.; +353 (0)86 8464509

Lineup for Athy 2011 - and a new look for the website

Thanks to Tony O'Brien for the news that the Athy Bluegrass Music Association website has been updated and now includes the programme for this year's Festival (7-10 July 2011). The ABMA announces:

This year's festival is dedicated to Bill Monroe, the founder and father of bluegrass music. This year is the centenary of Bill's birth. Come join us in the celebrations.

The schedule is as follows; all events shown will be in the Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy, Co. Kildare, which is sponsoring the Festival.

Thurs. 7th: 9.00 p.m. Woodbine, Acoustic Grass, plus guests. No CC

Fri. 8th: 9.00 p.m. Southern Welfare, Well Enough Alone, Southern Bluegrass Union, Acoustic Grass. €15

Sat. 9th: 9.00 p.m. Niall Toner Band, Bending the Strings, Woodbine. €15

Sun. 10th: 12.00 noon Bluegrass gospel concert. No CC
Sun. 10th: 2.00 p.m. Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, the Bluestack Mountain Boys, Clem O'Brien. €15
Sun. 10th 8.00 p.m. Finale hosted by Woodbine. No CC

Picking sessions will be held all day Friday and Saturday inside and outside the hotel. For more details, including weekend tickets and links to band websites, see the ABMA Festival page.

Southern Tenant Folk Union in Ireland, 9-19 Feb. 2011

The BIB carried six weeks ago a provisional list of dates for the coming tour of Ireland by the award-winning UK folk/bluegrass act Southern Tenant Folk Union. Thanks to STFU banjo-player Pat McGarvey (on right in above photo) for an updated and complete schedule for the eleven-date tour, which begins a week today. Tickets are on sale now for all tour dates. Please note that despite what the BIB may have said since the start of this year, the band will be playing at the Mercantile Hotel, Dublin, on Tuesday 15 February.

After an Irish tour last summer, including appearing at the Omagh festival, the STFU revisited Ireland in October for a special live performance of their song ‘No work today’ on 'The View' on RTE – see footage here. The band recently won the title ‘Americana Artist of the Year' at the British Country Music Awards, voted by readers of Maverick Magazine. Their third album, The new farming scene, has won widespread critical acclaim in Ireland and the UK.

Based originally in London and now in Edinburgh, Southern Tenant Folk Union is a seven-piece band, most of who come from the Scottish folk music tradition: Adam Bulley (mandolin, guitar), Jenny Hill (double bass), Carrie Thomas (fiddle, vocals), Chris Purcell (guitar, vocals), Ewan Macintyre (percussion, harmonica, vocals), Jed Milroy (guitar, banjo, harmonica, vocals), and Pat McGarvey (banjo, vocals). Here are their February dates in Ireland:

Wed. 9th: Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets £13; box office + 44 (0) 28 8224 7831

Thurs. 10th: Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets £10/£8 concs; box office +44 (0) 28 7083 1400

Fri. 11th: Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal; 8.30 p.m. onstage; tickets €15; box office +353 (0)74 913 1840

Sat. 12th: Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets €15; box office +353 (0)71 985 5833

Sun. 13th: Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets €15/€12 concs; box office +353 (0)21 481 2790

Mon. 14th: Kilworth Village Arts Centre, Co. Cork; 8.15 p.m. onstage; tickets €15; bookings/info: John Nyhan +353(0)87 792 1771

Tues. 15th: Mercantile Hotel, Dame St, Dublin 2 + guests; 8.00 p.m. doors; tickets €15 from www.oldflattop.com, Ticketmaster Outlets or WAV 1890 200 078

Wed. 16th: Arnie & Sharon's, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets £10; bookings by e-mail or +44 (0)774 7120659 (call after 6.00 p.m. only)

Thurs. 17th: St John’s Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets tbc; box office +353 (0)68 22566

Fri. 18th: Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards, Co. Down; 8.00 p.m. doors; tickets £8; box office +44 (0)28 9181 0803

Sat. 19th: Market Place Theatre, Armagh; 8.30 p.m. onstage; tickets £15 (or £27 including Cajun dinner); box office +44 (0)28 3752 1821

‘Those harmonies, especially a cappella, are glorious, and the playing is out of the top drawer too’ (Keith Bruce, Sunday Herald)

Mountain Music Entertainment represents the NTB

As recently reported, the Niall Toner Band is now represented in the USA by the Mountain Music Entertainment agency, which has a distinguished roster of American bluegrass artists.

Mountain Music Entertainment has now issued a release about the band for US bookings, with the image shown on the left and a link to a video documentary on the band. Read the whole release here.

Weber Big Sky mandolin stolen

Franz Elsener reports from the Musikhaus Saitensprung in Schaffhausen, Switzerland:

On January 29 this Weber Big Sky mandolin was stolen out of our store. The serial number is 161301, the case and warranty card is still in our storage room. In case you’ll see this mandolin anywhere, please let us know.

Franz Elsener
Musikhaus Saitensprung
Unterstadt 27
CH-8200 Schaffhausen
Tel. 052 625 81 11
Fax 052 624 86 68

The Wiyos at Clonmel World Music, 14 Apr. 2011 - and on tour

Thanks to Gerry Lawless for the news that on Thursday 14 April Clonmel World Music presents the Wiyos (USA) at Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; doors 8.00 p.m., bands on stage at 9.00 p.m. sharp. Tickets €15 from Premier Music Centre, Clonmel; 'phone 052 61 29811.

The Wiyos, from New York, are Michael Farkas (harmonica, washboard, kazoo, banjo, vocals), Teddy Weber (multi-instruments, songwriter, vocals), and Seth Travins (songwriter, bass, guitar). Their sound resembles one of the old string bands heavily influenced by blues and jazz - especially as played by Spike Jones & the City Slickers. They have toured widely in North America (including seven weeks as openers for the Bob Dylan Show), France, the Netherlands, and the UK, and appeared in the BBC television documentary 'Folk America: hollerers, stompers and old-time ramblers'. Audio and video samples of their performances are on their website.

The Wiyos appear in Ireland at the close of a tour beginning in Britain on St Patrick's day. The Clonmel World Music show is followed by three others in Ireland:

Fri. 15 Apr.: Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford town, 7.30 p.m., €15/13
Sat. 16 Apr.: Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.00 p.m.
Sun. 17 Apr.: The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, 8.30 p.m.

Clonmel World Music's opening show for the 2011 season, on 27 Jan., was sold out well in advance. For more info, see the CWM website or contact Gerry Lawless by e-mail.