The European Bluegrass Blog

Radio playlists

2012-02-09T16:54:00.000+01:00

Kabel 87.5 MHz - Omroep Venray - Ether 90.2 MHz:
Peelgrass Country Programme 2924 (5 Feb. 2012)
PeelGrass is now also broadcast on Huissentv (the Netherlands). The programme supports the European World of Bluegrass Festival, which will next take place on 17-19 May 2012.

Radio Vrolek, 107.7 MHz; local cable 105.5 MHz; Information TV-channel 2:
Country Music Round-up, Tues. 19.00-20.00, Sat. 12.00-13.00

Radio Free FM Ulm, UKW 102.6:
Americana* 414 (16 Jan. 2012), 415 (23 Jan. 2012)
Antistatic Country Time, 26 Dec. 2011
* Programmes in this series are broadcast live on Radio Free FM and Countrymusic24.com and are repeated on Countrymusic24.com on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. (European Continental time).
Antistatic Country Time can be heard on Radio Free FM's live streaming Digital Audio Lounge.

Butler's Boudoir Bluegrass, 26/7 Jan. 2012, UK Country Radio (Facebook)
Lynne Butler's Eurograss, week commencing 23 Jan. 2012, on Bluegrass Planet Earth at 9.00 p.m. British time, 4.00 p.m. EST

Playlists and links to streaming radio for the Swiss Bluegrass Music Association's radio show are on the SBMA website.

Coolradio 1, Ingolstadt: Hillbilly Gasthaus, 8 Feb. 2012, 8.00-11.00 p.m. (live every Wednesday; repeated on Sundays at the same times)

'Criffel Creek' playlists (22 Jan. and 5 Feb. 2012), Alive Community Radio (107.3 FM), Dumfries, Scotland; broadcast 10.00 a.m.-12 noon on alternate Sundays

New Acoustic Gallery newsletter, Feb. 2012

2012-02-09T12:59:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Oliver Waitze of the New Acoustic Gallery (NAG) in Solingen, Germany, for the NAG's February 2012 newsletter, which can be downloaded as a pdf format document, or viewed on the news pages of the NAG website.

Headline news item is the publication of transcriptions of all eleven mandolin duet pieces from the album by Caterina Lichtenberg & Mike Marshall (left).

Among the instruments and accessories now in stock are Alessi hand-made Italian tuning machines for mandolin (A and F style) and guitar (classical and steel-string), and Ohana ukuleles. Six new videos of performances at the NAG have been uploaded on YouTube. Photo below: Oliver Waitze and Jens Kruger jamming.

Oliver Waitze
New Acoustic Gallery
Neuenhofer Str. 122
42657 Solingen
Tel. +49 (0)212/2474007
e-mail

Svaťa Kotas Band in Brno, 12 Jan. 2012

2012-02-07T14:31:00.008+01:00

The award-winning, world-class banjo-player and bandleader Svaťa Kotas (SK) will be featured in the next issue of the EBMA's own magazine, Bluegrass Europe.

Lilly Pavlak (who took this photo) stayed longer in the Czech Republic than she had intended, so that she could see the Svaťa Kotas Band in concert at Brno on 12 January. Her report on the concert will appear in Bluegrass Europe #83, with her review of the career of Svaťa Kotas, founder (1983) of the band Fragment. His solo album Late at night (1993) was the first instrumental acoustic project in the Czech and Slovak Republics.

Read much more (with more photos from the concert) in Bluegrass Europe #83. The photo below (also by Lilly) shows Early Times, who opened for the Svaťa Kotas Band at Brno.

Eddie and Martha Adcock with Tom Gray in Europe, 15-24 June 2012

2012-02-07T13:51:00.004+01:00

Petr Brandejs reports:

The Czech Bluegrass Music Association is searching for additional gigs for Eddie and Martha Adcock with Tom Gray in Europe. Their gig at the Banjo Jamboree festival in Čáslav (90 km east from Prague) on 16 June is being negotiated, and they are available one day before - on Fri. 15 June, and then in the following period: Sun. 17-Sun. 24 June.

For more information contact CzBMA chairman Petr Brandejs by e-mail or mobile phone (+420 777122569).

See a Bluegrass Today feature on the foundation of the group a year ago from these legendary components.

Wagon Tales (UK) in Sweden, May 2012

2012-02-06T19:29:00.005+01:00

The Wagon Tales: Joe Hymas, Kate Robinson, Ben Somers, Lewis Cohen, Joe Auckland

Thanks to Ben Somers, bass player with the Wagon Tales (UK), for the news that in early May 2012 the London-based 'alternative bluegrass band' will be coming to Sweden, where the following shows are already scheduled for them:

4 May Kägelbanan at Södra teatern Mosebacke Torg 1–3, 116 46, Stockholm
5 May Pusterviksteatern, Gothenburg

The Wagon Tales are looking for more dates around this time. They can be contacted by e-mail or 'phone (Ben Somers, +44 7811 447486). Their EP (see cover image, right) is available from iTunes and emusic.

In 2011 the band had a very busy year, playing on some of the largest festivals in the UK; their EP was given much airplay, and they had the opportunity of playing alongside such US acts as the Wilders and the Deadly Gentlemen. More details, including enthusiastic quotes from reviewers and a tour schedule, are on the Wagon Tales' website. They are also on Facebook.

Your festival or event ad in EWOB 2012 guide?

2012-02-06T17:40:00.002+01:00

If you're interested to advertise your festival or event in the 2012 EWOB Guide please let us know, and send your ad (in pdf format, please) by 16 April to me by e-mail.

The ad prices are the following:

1/4 page: €200
1/2 page: €380
full page: €740

Thank you so much, and we hope to meet you all at EWOB 2012 in Voorthuizen, the Netherlands. Best wishes,

Pieter Groenveld

Keep up with EWOB on Facebook

2012-02-05T14:42:00.006+01:00

Thanks to EWOB Facebook administrators Pieter Groenveld and Ruud de Bruin for this news:

Did you know that, apart from its own website, the European World of Bluegrass Festival in the Netherlands has its own Facebook page? What better way to stay up-to-date, read last-minute updates, find interesting links, and have a possibility to share any EWOB-related news items?

Apart from festival-related information, we aim to provide information on upcoming events, misplaced instruments, workshops, etc., and hope this to be a regular meeting place for global bluegrass lovers.

Stay up to date by visiting and Liking our page. New items will then be instantly accessible and brought to your attention. Follow the 1600 people who have already done so and become part of the virtual EWOB family! We are looking forward to meeting you both in Voorthuizen and on Facebook.

The 15th European World of Bluegrass Festival takes place on 17-18-19 May 2012 at Voorthuizen, the Netherlands.

Mideando String Quintet available for bookings

2012-02-05T14:20:00.005+01:00

Stefano Santangelo (extreme right in above photo), mandolin player of the Mideando String Quintet (MSQ), reports:

I’m happy to introduce the Mideando String Quintet from Italy. Our acoustic music is performed by mandolin, octave mandolin, mandocello, violin, acoustic guitar, and electric bass. Our songs are usually arranged with five voices harmony. Our repertoire includes both our original songs as well as covers rearranged by the band to our personal style. We like to describe it as 'auteur Pop' with a bit of jazz and ethno music and with some bluegrass influences.

In May 2006 we won the first prize as 1# European Bluegrass Band at the 9th European World of Bluegrass (EWOB) Festival in Voorthuizen, the Netherlands. In this role, we were invited to represent European bluegrass at the IBMA 2007 World of Bluegrass in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

The song 'Talk about suffering', arranged by MSQ, was chosen for the official CD titled 10 years of EWOB. In the past years MSQ has won many other festival awards.

Their previous CD, Viaggio... ('Journey') was thought 'one of the best Italian CDs of 2005' by the La Difesa Del Popolo journal. Their latest CD, Tutte le Direzioni has had some very fine and good reviews by the following magazines: Chitarre, L’Isola Che Non C’Era, Jam, Strictly Country, FolkWord, SNMA News, Movimenti.prog, WolrdMusicSounds, La Brigata Lolli – Bielle.org: all the comments spoke of 'an excellent CD... very good music'. As well, the important Kataweb magazine nominated MSQ 'Artist of the Day' in December 2008.

During the past years Mideando played at various important music festivals such as the 40th Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival (Northern Ireland), EWOB Festival (Holland), EWOB Festival (Germany and France), Over Easy Bluegrass Festival (Switzerland), and Big Bear (Netherlands). In August 2008 the band were special guests at the Festival Europeen de Bluegrass Music in La Roche-sur-Foron, France, where they played 2009 too.

At the moment the band is working on a new CD to celebrate their 18 years of musical activity. It will be ready in June 2012. If you are interested in our band, you can look us up at our website. You can contact us by e-mail.

Stefano Santangelo
Via P. Vergerio n.6
35126 Padova, Italy
tel. +39 049 8021556
mobile +39 338 8227001
skype: mideando
facebook

Alan Lomax archives to be made available online

2012-02-04T15:30:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Pieter Groenveld of Strictly Country Records for drawing attention to this link to the article 'Folklorist’s Global Jukebox goes digital' by Larry Rohter in the New York Times.

Folklorist and ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax (1915-2002), born in Texas, sought out and recorded thousands of examples and varieties of music, song, dance, and speech in many countries. He gave incalculable encouragement and impetus to the folk music revival of the mid twentieth century, and was especially important in championing 'hillbilly' music (including bluegrass and old-time). His work is described on the websites of the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress and the Association for Cultural Equity.

His immense archive of material is now being digitised with a view to making all of it available online. Read the details here.

Sore Fingers 2012: 9-13 April

2012-02-02T23:59:00.007+01:00

John Wirtz of the Sore Fingers Summer School, Europe's premier instruction camp for the instruments of bluegrass and old-time music, announces:

Sore Fingers Week takes place at the usual location, Kingham Hill School near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, 9-13 April 2012, and promises to be another classic event with a stellar line up of bluegrass tutors and old-time tutors. The bluegrass classes are bursting at the seams. We have three bluegrass banjo classes with Richard Bailey, Danny Barnes, and Richard Collins!

With the old-time classes - Erynn Marshall (above left; fiddle) and Carl Jones (above right; banjo) - not enough people are booking up to make these courses pay. Surprisingly, Carl’s course still has a lot of vacancies. Erynn’s class is looking reasonable, but five or six more students would certainly give it a boost.

So, if you are intending to get up to Kingham this year, we look forward to receiving your booking form. And if you’ve never been before, you should give it a try. It’s probably one of the nicest musical experiences you will have.

Full details are on the website. Hope to see many of you at Sore Fingers Week 2012.

Danilo Cartia and Michele Anselmi in Rome, 3 Feb. 2012

2012-02-02T15:00:00.000+01:00

Danilo Cartia and Michele Anselmi will be perfoming bluegrass, blues, and ballads from 22:00 on Friday 3 Feb. 2012 at the 'Locanda Don Chisciotte', Via dei Sabelli 58, Rome, Italy. Admission is free.

Danilo Cartia Band website; MySpace
Facebook: Danilo Cartia; e-mail
ph. / fax +39 06 8273332; mob. +39 339 6908450

Banjo Festival - new camping and accommodation details

2012-02-02T13:34:00.003+01:00

Following their announcement (see the EBB for 19 Jan. 2012) that this year's Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival (20-23 Sept.) will be held in the new location of Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland, the organisers have issued a guide to accommodation and camping facilities in Tullamore, linked to other tourism services. Read the complete e-newsletter and start making your bookings for the 2012 festival!

Blue Maxx in concert, Rawhide in the studio

2012-01-31T13:08:00.006+01:00

Bluegrass in Belgium reports:

Come and enjoy a bluegrass concert with Blue Maxx (above) in Ekeren on Friday 3 February. That's this week! More details on the Bluegrass in Belgium calendar.

Rawhide are working hard (that might sound as a contradictio in terminis) on their new CD. It should be available to the rest of the world on 16 March, at their concert in Mortsel - also on the Bluegrass in Belgium calendar.

New Niall Toner single 'Tomorrow' available for airplay

2012-01-30T21:55:00.001+01:00

Hope River Entertainment (USA) reports that 'Tomorrow', the latest single from Irish singer/songwriter, bandleader, and broadcaster Niall Toner, is now available to radio stations via AirPlay Direct. The song is from Niall's coming album Onwards and upwards, scheduled for release on Pinecastle Records in autumn 2012, in conjunction with an NTB tour in the US. Pete Wernick comments:

I admire the way Niall’s deep affinity for bluegrass and American country music blends seamlessly with his Irish sensibilities. It makes him a uniquely appealing artist, and Pinecastle is lucky to have him.

Read the whole news report on Hope River Entertainment's news blog.

Music Contact: USA Roots Music Tour News, Feb. 2012

2012-01-30T20:03:00.000+01:00

In the latest Music Contact newsletter, Rainer Zellner and his team report that the lineup of US bands for the 4th Bluegrass Jamboree! Festival of Bluegrass and Americana Music (28 Nov.-16 Dec. 2012) will include Bearfoot, the Caleb Klauder Duo, and Audie Blaylock & Redline.

Other tours for 2012 include:

The Toy Hearts (GB; Bluegrass, Western Swing & Americana; see photo)
30 Jan. Neue Welt, 85049 Ingolstadt, 20:00
31 Jan. Kesselhaus, 83059 Kolbermoor, 20:00
1 Feb. Schloss-Cafe, 88471 Laupheim, 20:00
2 Feb. Haus International, 87435 Kempten, 20:00
3 Feb. Wodan Halle, 79098 Freiburg, 20:30
4 Feb. Restaurant Lerchenberg, CH-8046 Zürich, Switzerland, 20:00
5 Feb. Jufa, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland, 16:00
6 Feb. Private concert, 50935 Cologne (Köln), 20:00
7 Feb. Bottich, 75175 Pforzheim, 20:00
8 Feb. franz k, 72762 Reutlingen, 20:00
9 Feb. Jubez, 76133 Karlsruhe, 20:30
10 Feb. Alte Mälzerei, 99817 Eisenach, 20:00
11 Feb. Pfarrjugendheim am Apostelplatz, 44805 Bochum, 20:00
12 Feb. Kreuzkirche, 34119 Kassel, 18:00

Alecia Nugent (USA) - one of the leading women singers on the American bluegrass scene, with band
4 May Wodan Halle, 79098 Freiburg, 20:00
5 May Bürgerhaus, 77815 Bühl, 15:50
7 May D.A.I., 72072 Tübingen, 20:00
11 May Club Bastion, 73230 Kirchheim/T., 21:00
13 May Haus der Kultur, 84478 Waldkraiburg, 20:00
16 May Dorfgemeinschaftshaus Nümbrecht/Berkenroth, 51588 Nümbrecht, 20:00
19 May Schweizer. Landwirtschaftsmuseum, Burgrain, CH-6248 Alberswil, Switzerland, 20:00
24 May Ratssaal, 28816 Stuhr, 20:00
25 May Der Club, 42579 Heiligenhaus, 20:00

Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three (USA) - 'Acoustic blues, ragtime, and swing revisited'
26 Apr. Haus der Kultur, 84478 Waldkraiburg, 20:00
29 Apr. Waldhalle, 90530 Wendelstein, 20:00
1 May Neue Welt, 85049 Ingolstadt, 20:30
2 May franz k, 72762 Reutlingen, 20:00
3 May GZ Buchegg, Zurich, Switzerland, 20:00
4 May Foyer, Amerika Haus, 80333 Munich (München), 20:00

Covered Grass (D)
30 June Schlosshof Bonfeld, Innenhof, 74906 Bad Rappenau-Bonfeld

'Hillbilly Boogie', the Country and Roots broadcast on Free Radio Tübingen, can be heard online every Friday (21:00-23:00), with repeats the following Saturday at 3:00-5:00. Tell your friends! Call in: +49 7071 760 204.

Rainer Zellner
Music Contact
Roots Music Booking and Production
Saarstrasse 8, D-72070 Tübingen, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 7073 2250; fax +49 (0) 7073 2134; mobile +49 170 2134 999
UStID: DE146940684 (German Tax Number)
Media download; E-mail; YouTube

News from Scotland

2012-01-30T13:33:00.003+01:00

C. Paul Lyttle, organiser of the Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, reports that this year's festival will take place on 28-30 Sept. 2012. Bands taking part will include the Ballinger Family Band (USA), the Knotty Pine String Band (N. Ireland), New Redwing (Scotland), High Speed Grass (Scotland), the Down and Out Bluegrass Band (N. Ireland), and Grass Routes (Scotland). More details, including performance videos and other new features, are on the Moniaive website.

Paul also sends the first two playlists (22 Jan. and 5 Feb. 2012) for 'Criffel Creek', the new radio show from Alive Community Radio (107.3 FM) in Dumfries. The show, which runs from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon on alternate Sundays, consists of bluegrass, old timey, Americana, and gospel music. Listeners are encouraged to get in touch during the show and give Alive Radio feedback on the mix of music.

Rome Bluegrass Jam, Wed. 1 Feb. 2012

2012-01-28T21:37:00.000+01:00

Danilo Cartia reports that the next Rome Bluegrass Jam - including country, blues, and more - will be held on Wednesday 1 February 2012, at the Cantine Blues, Via della Batteria Nomentana 66/68, Rome, Italy. Admission is free!

Danilo Cartia website; MySpace; Facebook: Danilo Cartia; e-mail
ph. / fax +39 06 8273332
mob. +39 339 6908450

A bluegrass animation from Chicago

2012-01-28T16:03:00.008+01:00

Thanks to Paul of the Chicago string band Tangleweed for this message of comfort:

At this time of year it gets cold in Chicago and we start looking forward to the summer touring season. We had fun making this animated interpretation of the classic tune 'Fox on the town' and thought it would help you pass the time while you are waiting for the spring flowers to arrive. If you like the video let us know, we love hearing back from folks.

Tangleweed's fourth and latest album is entitled Please punch Richard for me.

Virginia Ramblers for Europe, summer 2012?

2012-01-28T13:46:00.008+01:00

The Virginia Ramblers (l-r: Jeff Vogelgesang, Donnie Shifflett, Charles Frazier, Zack Deming)

Thanks to Jeff Vogelgesang, mandolin player for a five-piece traditional bluegrass band, the Virginia Ramblers (USA), for news that the band are planning to book a 10-14 day tour in Europe/UK in the next year.

The Virginia Ramblers, who are EBMA members, work festivals, concerts, wineries, etc., mostly through Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Delaware, and have also played at the Grass Valley festival in California and on the famous Prairie Home Companion radio show. They have an open period in their booking calendar between 10 and 22 June 2012; other blocks may be available in late July and mid-August.

You can see and hear the Ramblers in performance on YouTube: some examples are the medley: 'Unfaithful' and 'Lotsalove'; 'Pleasant Hill'; 'Mississippi Sawyer'; 'Don't hurry me'; and 'The old crossroad'. A warm recommendation of their self-titled CD is on County Sales.

Promoters, festival and event organisers, and others interested in contacting the Virginia Ramblers can reach Jeff Vogelgesang by e-mail.

4th European Bluegrass Summit, Bühl, 2-4 Mar. 2012

2012-01-26T19:34:00.002+01:00

The 4th European Bluegrass Summit will be held on the weekend 2-4 March 2012, hosted by the city of Bühl, south-west Germany, which provides all facilities. The Summit was first held at Bühl in 2009, as an initiative by the International Committee of the IBMA, and has been held since then under the auspices of the European Bluegrass Music Association (EBMA), and this year's schedule includes the EBMA annual general members' meeting. The EBMA announces:

The summit is open to all, professionals and non-professionals, members and non-members of the European or other national associations, who think they may benefit from sharing ideas and best practices with like-minded people doing similar work in other countries. This includes fans, musicians, promoters, journalists, webmasters, national association reps, and anyone else with a personal, professional or organisational interest in bluegrass in Europe.

The programme includes a concert by two leading European bands. Full details, with facilities for registration and reserving accommodation, are on the EBMA website. Register online now to participate and to reserve your accommodation.

New website for La Roche festival

2012-01-26T13:42:00.003+01:00

Thanks to Christopher Howard-Williams of the France Bluegrass Musique Association for the news that the La Roche Bluegrass Festival at La Roche-sur-Foron, Haute Savoie, France, now has a new website. Its address remains the same as before. Christopher adds:

We are now taking applications to play at this year's festival. Information and forms to apply can be found on the website.

In addition to festival details, photos, and a documentary video, the new website includes information on the concert at La Roche-sur-Foron on 7 May 2012 by the award-winning Gibson Brothers (USA) - the only show they will give in France on this trip.

Irish member of IBMA Leadership Bluegrass 2012

2012-01-26T13:08:00.002+01:00

Ronnie Norton of Dublin, Ireland, who is active as a bluegrass photographer, critic, reporter, and radio presenter, will be the only member of the 2012 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass class to come from outside the USA. The Leadership Bluegrass programme aims to build up a network of people who have shared learning and communication related to the needs of the bluegrass community. The 2012 course will be held in Nashville on 8-10 March.

Ronnie presents the 'Lonesome Highway' internet radio show on World Wide Bluegrass; is a member of the Lonesome Highway website team; and as a photographer he covers major bluegrass events in Ireland, serving as 'staff photographer' for the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, among others.

Lynne Butler on the road - including Abaliget

2012-01-25T19:36:00.004+01:00

Lynne Butler (UK) sends the latest playlists for her 'Butler's Boudoir Bluegrass' and 'Lynne Butler's Eurograss' radio shows (see the EBB's separate 'Radio playlists' post), and adds:

Some dates for your diary: I will be touring with Allen Karl for a week over Easter. On the tour I will be doing a 20-minute solo support act during the first part of the evening (apart from the Henley-on-Thames gig, where I'll be the support act for the whole of the first part of the evening) as well as being his backing vocalist for the rest of the evening. Red Rock Country will also be providing support. So, if you wish to buy tickets please contact me and I'll point you in the right direction.

Allen Karl is very classic country, so for those of you who like the classic country sound you will enjoy Allen's show very much. I'll be playing a mixture of genres in my set.

4 Apr. The Clear Cut Country Music Club, Leeds Anglers’ Club, West Yorkshire
5 Apr. The Nightriders Country Music Club, Renishaw Miners’ Welfare Club, North Derbyshire
6 Apr. The Brook, Soham, Cambridgeshire
7 Apr. Harpsden Hall, Henley-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire
9 Apr. United Services Club, Widnes, Cheshire

[On all these shows Lynne will be backing/supporting Allen Karl.]

For an up-to-date calendar listing regarding my gigs either as a solo artist, with the Ukulele Club, my band, the George and Lynne Duo, or anythng else for that matter, please visit my website.

My band will be playing at Orwell Festival in May, and George and I will be at the Hungarian festival in Budapest on 10-12 August [see poster above], performing as well as doing radio coverage; so if some of you could get out there, it would be great to see you... I can't reiterate enough that all these festivals [the major bluegrass festivals throughout Europe] are safe and fun places to take a family.

Familiar faces in San Francisco, 10-19 Feb. 2012

2012-01-25T02:45:00.009+01:00

Thanks to Tanya Pinkerton for news of the 13th annual San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival. (10-19 Feb. 2012).

Over 30 shows at numerous small clubs around the Bay Area will feature some of the most talented musicians now on the Americana and roots music scene, many of whom are also well known in Europe from recent tours. These include the Kathy Kallick Band Quartet, the Foghorn Stringband, the Water Tower Bucket Boys, the Henhouse Prowlers, the Crooked Jades, and two acts from Rainer Zellner's most recent Bluegrass Jamboree! package tour: the Deadly Gentlemen and Cahalen Morrison & Eli West.

The festival features this year a band contest to bring out rising talent, together with its usual programme of workshops, jam sessions, kids' shows, Bluegrass and Old-Time in the Schools (assisted by the Chris and Warren Hellman Foundation), and the Saturday night old-time square dance. For more information, visit the festival website.

Danilo Cartia Band in Rome, 26 Jan. 2011

2012-01-22T12:43:00.002+01:00

Banjo- and guitar-player, singer, and bandleader Danilo Cartia reports from Italy that the Danilo Cartia Band will be playing bluegrass, blues, and ballads on Thursday 26 January at the Cantine Blues, Via della Batteria Nomentana 66, Rome. The show begins at 22:30; admission is free.

Danilo Cartia website; MySpace; Facebook: Danilo Cartia; e-mail
ph. / fax +39 06 8273332; mob. +39 339 6908450

'Old Time Musicians of Europe' website to close, 21 Jan. 2012

2012-01-19T19:48:00.003+01:00

Dick 'Ptarmigan' Glasgow of Northern Ireland will be obliged to close his Old Time Musicians of Europe website as from this coming Saturday, 21 January.

Dick, a multi-instrumentalist who plays the traditional music of north Co. Antrim as well as old-time music, announced on 7 January that because of the cost of running the site, he had had to appeal for donations from its users last year - only to find that he would have to pay extra for the privilege of collecting donations. He has kept it in operation for a further two weeks so that those interested in old-time music can make use of information and contact details from the site. Dick adds:

Thanks for your support and interest, and I trust you will carry on enjoying and promoting Old Time Music in your own areas.

Jesper Deleuran of the Danish old-time organisation DAFF has advised all members of the Old Time Musicians of Europe group to keep up their contacts by joining the associated Facebook.

London Fiddle Convention, 19 Feb. 2012

2012-01-19T17:18:00.006+01:00

The 20th annual London Fiddle Convention will be held on Sunday 19 February at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY.

The day includes workshops (from 1.00 p.m.), a fiddle contest, a session, and a concert (8.00 p.m.) with around ten fiddle players in many styles. Guests include Jyotsna Srikanth (Indian), Chris Dyer (Swedish Nyckelharpa), English String Band, Pete Cooper (English), Bob Winquist (bluegrass), Karen Ryan (Irish), and Chris Haigh (jazz). Full details are on the Fiddle Convention website.

Lynne Butler: new playlist arrangements

2012-01-19T16:55:00.004+01:00

Lynne Butler (UK) sends the playlists for her 'Butler's Boudoir Bluegrass' and 'Lynne Butler's Eurograss' radio shows (see the EBB's separate 'Radio playlists' post), together with this message to artists whose records she presents on air:

Due to high influx of work this year on top of my normal work, with loads of rehearsals in place as a consequence, and due to the fact that these radio shows are entirely voluntary, I am having to change the format slightly so that I can still do them and keep you all promoted! You will all get regular airplay, but the show that goes out on UKCountryradio.com will also go out the following week on Bluegrassplanetearth.com; so basically the shows will be repeated but to a different audience.

Because of this, however, it does mean that rotation for all of you will be on a slightly longer basis; but on a positive side, you will be getting high amounts of airplay in one week around the world. It works out, though, that the same show is not played in the same week. This week's playlists are a good example. Below is tomorrow's playlist for UKcountryradio.com, airing at 20:00 on 18 January and repeated at 16:00 on 19th; and then below that is the playlist for bluegrassplanetearth.com which has been airing since Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th, Wednesday (tonight) 18th, and 19th at 21:00 (this was the show that went out on UKCountryradio.com last Thursday). I hope this is as clear as mud to you all, ha ha! If you have any questions, do please stop by and ask.

With the festival season approaching, Lynne recommends UKBluegrass.com as a guide to events in Britain, and also gives links to

the wonderful European festivals: EWOB, La Roche, Budapest, Czech Jamboree, just to name a few! Fabulous family events with stunning scenery and hospitality at every single one - a must-see experience.

Lynne's e-mail newsletter includes much more useful information - contact her by e-mail to get on her mailing list.

Major festival moves to a new home for 2012

2012-01-19T14:20:00.004+01:00

The Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, founded in 2002, became at once a major factor in bringing leading figures in bluegrass, old-time, and related music to Irish audiences, in conjunction with Irish traditional and folk music. In 2004 the festival brought Earl Scruggs to Europe for the first time since the 1970s; above, Earl and his wife Louise are shown with the festival organisers Kathy Casey and Chris Keenan. The Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival became a member of the EBMA Festival Network in 2011, and Chris Keenan is a member of the EBMA board.

After ten years of holding the event in Longford town, the organisers of the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival announce today that the festival is moving to a new location - the town of Tullamore, Co. Offaly:

This move is seen as a positive step in making the festival more accessible with regards to location and in the form of accommodation, with a number of hotels, B&Bs, and camping facilities within the town's boundaries. Further details will be released shortly, including lineup, events, and relevant information about Tullamore and surrounding area.

We hope everyone will join us in Tullamore 20-23 September 2012, to celebrate the start of our second decade!

Hillbilly Hiccups (UK) at 5th Salon de la Country, 11-12 Feb. 2012

2012-01-18T14:48:00.006+01:00

The latest newsletter from Country France announces that a British bluegrass band, the Hillbilly Hiccups, will be appearing at the 5th Salon de la Country in Cergy Pontoise, France, on 11-12 February 2012.

The Hillbilly Hiccups, led by Percy Copley, consist of leading multi-instrumental musicians from the British bluegrass scene: Alice Coleman, Richard Collins, Ian Nicholls, and John Wirtz. With a repertoire that takes in a wide range of Americana including western swing and cajun, the band took part in last September's Didmarton Festival (UK).

New Country Rehab in Europe, 17-30 Jan. 2012

2012-01-17T17:04:00.006+01:00

Thanks to Shawna for this news on a highly talented Canadian band who begin a two-week tour in Europe tonight:

New Country Rehab, a Toronto band who successfully combine Hank Williams Sr. and Arcade Fire, are touring in Germany and the Netherlands and performing at Celtic Connections and in London.

NCR’s debut channels Hank Williams... adds a hipster glaze that’s more Arcade Fire than Lady Antebellum, and comes out sounding like Canada’s answer to recent Dylan collaborators, Avett Brothers and Mumford & Sons... (Nigel Williamson, UNCUT, Jan. 2012)

Fronted by lead singer/fiddle player John Showman (of Creaking Tree String Quartet and Foggy Hogtown Boys, and winner of the 2011 Clifftop fiddle competition in W. Virginia) and featuring James Robertson (guitar), Ben Whiteley (bass), and Roman Tome (percussions).

The band’s tour schedule is:
Jan. 17 Club Moments, Bremen, DE (recorded for German public radio NW)
Jan. 18 La Habana, Schneverdingen, DE
Jan. 19 Music Star, Norderstedt, DE
Jan. 20 Café 't Keerpunt, Spijkerboor, NL
Jan. 22 Cambrinus, Horst NL
Jan. 23 Frits Philip Muziekgebouw, Eindhoven, NL
Jan. 24 Q-Bus, Leiden, NL
Jan. 25 Burgerweeshuis, Deventer, NL
Jan. 26 Oran Mor opening for CW Stonekin at Celtic Connections, Scotland, UK
Jan. 27 Celtic Connections Festival Club
Jan. 30 The Wilmington Arms, Clerkenwell, London, UK

Official video link; website; Facebook; Twitter
Links to venue websites are on the band's tour schedule.

Marshall Monrad Band on national Norwegian TV with songs from their new CD, 16 Jan. 2012

2012-01-17T08:44:00.003+01:00

Thanks to Dagfinn Pedersen for more good bluegrass news from Norway:

Marshall Monrad Band, a well known bluegrass band at the Risør Bluegrass Festival, appeared on nationwide Norwegian TV2 as the special guests in 'Good Morning Norway' this (Monday) morning. Their second CD effort, Minerals & mud, hit the streets in Norway and Sweden today, with great reviews in the newspapers. It was released on the Rootsy.nu label (Sweden) and is distributed in Norway by Warner Music. They had a long interview about the band and their music, and they played live some songs from the new CD. You can see them here (if the TV2 link works):

Songs from the TV2 program: 'Railroad line' and 'Get off of this train': http://webtv.tv2.no/webtv/sumo/?treeId=1602&progId=587987

All songs are written by the band members, most of them by the band leader and singer, Bjoern Nilsen. Their first CD, The Marshall Plan, was released in 2009. Their bass player, Erlend Hoelland, also plays with the #1 European Bluegrass Band 2011, Lucky Lips.

Facebook; website; MySpace; ReverbNation
2012 MMB/ Rootsy.nu (ROOTSY 043)
Distribution Norway: Warner Music
Formats: DigiPack CD w/12 page booklet + DL (iTunes etc.)

Dagfinn M. Pedersen, Norway
EBMA board, coordinator National Representatives
IBMM board member
NoBMA board member
Risør Bluegrass Festival organiser
e-mail (EBMA)
e-mail (home)
Phone: Home +47 3715 4528; work +47 3715 0096; mobile +47 9700 0055
Fax: +47 3715 2022

Niall Toner signs with Pinecastle Records

2012-01-16T21:46:00.007+01:00

Irish bandleader, singer/songwriter, and broadcaster Niall Toner has joined the roster of artists on the prominent US bluegrass label Pinecastle Records. He will soon release a new single in Ireland, a song called 'Tomorrow', taken from his upcoming Pinecastle release - a new album of original material, due in autumn 2012 in conjunction with a US tour.

Niall's most recent release in the US was The sounds of the Blackstairs Mountains, featuring his tribute to the father of bluegrass, 'William Smith Monroe', which is still receiving extensive airplay on bluegrass radio. Niall writes:

I am thrilled and delighted to be the first Irish artist signed to Pinecastle Records. It's a dream come true for me, and an honour to be part of a label roster that includes many of my own musical heroes, like Jesse McReynolds and the Osborne Brothers. I look forward to working with Lonnie, Ethan, Matt, and the entire Pinecastle team. Onwards and upwards.

The Pinecastle press release includes tributes to Niall's achievement from Greg Cahill of Special Consensus (USA), Robert Weingartz, chairman and CEO of AirPlay Direct (Niall has the fastest rising bluegrass album in APD's history), and Paul Williams, songwriter and president of ASCAP. Niall's compositions have been recorded by many artists in and out of bluegrass, and in 2003 he was nominated for a Global Artist Award by the CMA. His radio show, Roots Freeway, is broadcast on Ireland's national radio station, RTÉ Radio 1.

Rob Ickes to perform and teach in Scotland

2012-01-16T12:04:00.004+01:00

Award-wining dobro player Rob Ickes (USA) will be performing twice this coming weekend (20, 21 Jan. 2012) as part of the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, Scotland.

He will also be available to give private dobro lessons during the weekend, which will be arranged on a 'first come, first served' basis. For more information, contact him by e-mail or through the contact page of his website. More details are on his e-newsletter.

Norwegian Grammy for best country CD goes to bluegrass band

2012-01-15T12:07:00.006+01:00

Dagfinn M. Pedersen reports that the Norwegian Grammy (Spellemannspris) for the best country CD in 2011 has been awarded to Onkel Tuka (photo above):

Yesterday was the big night for celebrating the Norwegian music industry. There were three nominees in the country class, and two of them are well known bluegrass bands.

Onkel Tuka from Halden sing in Norwegian and write much of their own material. They released their first CD in 1999, Geriljagress, a rocking experience more than bluegrass. In 2006 they started on a trilogy 'about God, Death, and Love', and then it took off. Their first trilogy CD, the one about God, was called Geriljagospel and recorded with a full bluegrass sound. It was released in 2006 and included translations of some of bluegrass's most beloved gospel standards. It was a great success and they toured churches and prayer houses all over Norway. In 2008 came their 'Death' CD, called Hotell Helmann, also to great reviews. Their last effort, the 'Love' CD that earned them a Grammy award for 2011, was named Hvit honning - 'White honey'.

Onkel Tuka can be seen at the Risør Bluegrass Festival almost every year and they are one of the most popular bands we have. Their front man, Haakon Ohlgren, is a true entertainer who makes the band an audience favorite. Their banjo player, Rino Silden, is a relative newcomer on the bluegrass scene but he plays like Earl Scruggs and Béla Fleck built into one. Their next project is a children's CD, hopefully before the 2012 festival. We know it will be something special. On their festival concerts they often have the stage full of children to be part of the fun.

Earlybird Stringband, the '#2 European Bluegrass Band' at EWOB in 2010 and 2011, and the most popular Norwegian band at the Risør Bluegrass Festival according to the audience votes, was the other bluegrass band nominated for the Grammy. To top it off, musicians in the third band, Ni Liv, have been known to play in a bluegrass band at the Risør festival a few years back. The bluegrass bands are certainly putting their mark on the country scene in Norway these days.

Danilo Cartia news

2012-01-14T19:30:00.005+01:00

Banjo- and guitar-player, singer, and bandleader Danilo Cartia reports from Italy that he and Leno Landini (on the right in the photo) were playing at the D.O.T Pub in Tarquinia, near Rome, from 22:00 on Friday 13 January.

The Danilo Cartia Band is playing tonight (Saturday 14 January) at the Bar Celestino, Via degli Ausoni 62, Rome, also from 22:00; admission free. Danilo adds that Waving Fish Music has announced the release of Racing aimless, an album of new songs by Texas-born, Netherlands-based singer/songwriter David Rodriguez, on which Danilo is one of the musicians taking part.

Danilo Cartia website; MySpace; Facebook: Danilo Cartia; e-mail
ph. / fax +39 06 8273332; mob. +39 339 6908450

Québec Redneck Bluegrass Project have Europe in view

2012-01-13T21:56:00.005+01:00

The Québec Redneck Bluegrass Project, consisting of five French Canadians and one Irishman, all living in China, are considering a tour in Europe later in 2012. They have so far released two albums, are recording another, and sing in French, English, Irish, and Chinese. Their music can be heard on Bandcamp, and there are several videos of performances by them on YouTube.

More information, including a detailed bio, can be read on the Bluegrass Ireland Blog.

19th Annual Picking Party, Leiden (NL), 14 Jan. 2012

2012-01-13T13:12:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Rienk Janssen for news of the 19th Annual Picking Party to be held at Leiden, the Netherlands, this coming Saturday (14 January 2012). This was first announced in September on Wim van de Weg's www.banjo.nl website as 'the place to be' for those who play and/or love bluegrass and old-time music.

Rienk himself will be there with a stock of records for sale. For further information, contact Adri Richter by e-mail.

The Coloradas (USA): in Europe soon

2012-01-10T21:43:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Roy Davis, agent and lead singer for The Coloradas, a USA-based bluegrass band, for the news that their new album has just been released in the US and is due for European release on 15 Feb. 2012 on the German Hometown Caravan label. Roy sends this release:

Roy Davis and Bernie Nye, the songwriting team that brought us the critically acclaimed 'Deadweight' (2009) and 'We are a lightning bolt' (2010), have teamed up with Maine-based and internationally renowned bluegrass musicians Joe Walsh (The Gibson Brothers), Amanda Kowalski (Della Mae) and Steve Roy (Laurie Lewis, Hit & Run Bluegrass) to bring us a collection of songs that combine traditional bluegrass and blues with modern-day stories of life's many concerns.

Several of these names will be well known to European bluegrass audiences (Amanda Kowalski, for example, was touring with Della Mae in Rainer Zellner's 'Bluegrass Jamboree!' in December); Roy himself spends a good deal of time in Austria, home of his fiancee; and the band expect to tour Europe in spring and summer 2012.

The Coloradas website; ReverbNation; Facebook; Twitter; YouTube

Bluegrass videos from Kusterdingen/Klosterhof, 5 Jan. 2012: and more to come

2012-01-10T13:41:00.006+01:00

Thanks to broadcaster, country music historian, and festival organiser Walter Fuchs of Bühl/Baden, Germany, for these YouTube links to performance videos from the bluegrass and old-time-music gathering at the Klosterhof Kusterdingen cultural centre on 5 January 2012.

The first includes short clips from the sets of several of the artists taking part - a full list of the lineup is given in the video's opening credits. The second is devoted to one lively number by the band Driftwood, with George Bähr (fiddle). Other performances at the event can be seen through YouTube links from these videos.

Update 11 Jan.: Thanks to Dieter Stoll of Horse Mountain, who sends the news:

... there will be more YouTube video coverage of the event - it's just that editing the videos (syncing the camera sound with the console sound, etc.), uploading them, and asking for publication permission is very time-consuming. But there's a whole lot more in the pipeline as we speak. Once everything has been uploaded and approved I will create a YouTube playlist for all clips, and post it on the GBMA and EBMA sites.

Bluegrass Europe: as good as its word - and better

2012-01-07T22:07:00.003+01:00

A week ago (30 December 2011) the editorial team of Bluegrass Europe, the official magazine of the EBMA, announced: 'We're confident our next issue should be sent out during the first week of the year.' They were as good as their word, and better: issue #82 (Jan.-Mar. 2012) was reaching subscribers within a few days of that announcement.

If you are not on the mailing list yet, but the sneak preview below makes you want it, make sure to join NOW through www.ebma.org/pay-membership or subscribe at www.bluegrass-europe.org/subscribe!

Here's what you'll find in there: Editorial - EBMA NEWS - Cover Story: 'More Than Just High Heels': The Toy Hearts - BluegrassDuinen - News Europe - CD Releases - The Observer - Swiss-Icelandic Connection - Katzenjammer - Namur Festival report - Concert & Festival Calendar - Banjo Camp Munich - News US - IBMA Showcases - Bluegrass Today: Chris Pandolfi - Earl Scruggs - Pete Wernick Interview - The Bluegrass Bass - EBMA's European Bluegrass Guide

Lynne Butler: new year and new playlists

2012-01-06T13:14:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Lynne Butler (UK), who sends new year greetings and the playlist for her 'Butler's Boudoir Bluegrass' radio show (see the EBB's separate 'Radio playlists' post).

This week's programme in the 'Lynne Butler’s Eurograss' series features part 1 of 'Rise of the ukulele' (see the EBB for 22 Dec. 2011); part 2 will follow next week.*

EBB editor's note: Ukulele enthusiasts should check out the website of Ukulele Ireland, especially for a two-part video documentary on a ukulele festival in Ireland in August 2011. The documentary was made by Alice Toner, designer of the Bluegrass Ireland Blog. Alice is also a niece of Ireland's 'godfather of bluegrass', Niall Toner.

New Year greetings from La Roche

2012-01-05T12:54:00.005+01:00

Thanks to Christopher Howard-Williams and Didier Philippe of the annual La Roche Bluegrass Festival at La Roche-sur-Foron, Haute Savoie, France, for their New Year greetings card, shown above. The photo by Sean O'Reilly shows the family atmosphere of an evening concert audience; the greeting (in case the EBB reproduction is not clear enough) reads:

La Roche Bluegrass Festival wishes you a very happy, healthy and successful 2012 and thanks you for your support and contribution to our event.

New Year greetings

2011-12-31T17:16:00.008+01:00

The European Bluegrass Blog thanks its friends for New Year's greetings, received from Lilly Pavlak (CZ/CH) with the above photo;

... from Danilo Cartia (left) in Rome, Italy, who writes: 'Buon anno a tutti i miei amici – Happy New Year to all my friends - Feliz Año Nuevo a todos mis amigos - С Новым годом всех своих друзей';

and from Olaf Gläsmer (right), the Grassroot Philosopher (D), who writes:

Zum Jahresende Euch allen einen guten Rutsch. Ich hoffe, Ihr hattet ein frohes Weihnachtsfest.

I wish you all a happy new year. I hope that you had a blessed Christmas.

... and sends this very seasonal YouTube link.

Finally, another photo from Lilly (below), which shows the kind of attitude we hope not to encounter in 2012:

Keith Colven

2011-12-30T16:10:00.004+01:00

Ron Stevens, of the Heart of England Bluegrass Venue in the English midlands, reports:

I am sorry to bring sad news at this celebratory time of year, but our friend Keith Colven passed away on Boxing Day 26 December 2011. Keith made a significant contribution to our music and was key in the formation of the band Country Life, went on to play briefly with the Acme, and was a founder member of Grass Style.

Keith's funeral will be held at 3.00 p.m. on 9 January 2012 at the Heart Of England Crematorium, Heart of England Way, Nuneaton CV11 6WZ (telephone +44 (0)2476 350646). There will be a celebration of Keith's life after the funeral for all those who would like to attend at The Barn Bowling Club, Kirkby Road, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8FQ (+44 (0)1455 843067). Flowers are encouraged.

Bluegrass Europe #82 - due out soon!

2011-12-30T13:10:00.001+01:00

We're happy to announce that we're confident our next issue should be sent out during the first week of the year. It was sent to the printers before Christmas and is in their hands now.
If you are not on the mailing list yet, but the below sneak preview makes you want it, make sure to join NOW through www.ebma.org/pay-membership or subscribe at www.bluegrass-europe.org/subscribe!

Here's what you'll find in there: Editorial - EBMA NEWS - Cover Story: The Toy Hearts - BluegrassDuinen - News Europe - CD Releases - The Observer - Swiss-Icelandic Connection - Katzenjammer - Namur Festival report - Concert & Festival Calendar - Banjo Camp Munich - News US - IBMA Showcases - Bluegrass Today: Chris Pandolfi - Earl Scruggs - Pete Wernick Interview - The Bluegrass Bass - EBMA's European Bluegrass Guide

New bluegrass radio programme on Alive Radio from Dumfries

2011-12-28T19:08:00.007+01:00

Thanks to Paul Lyttle, organiser of the Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, who reports:

Launching a new bluegrass radio programme tonight (28 December 2011) between 6.00 and 8.00 p.m. on Alive Radio from Dumfries, Scotland, UK! (You can get it on the internet.)

Starting in January 2012, Paul Lyttle from Moniaive will present a fortnightly bluegrass music programme on Sunday mornings between 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 noon. Bluegrass lovers: support this programme!

Merry Christmas from Portugal

2011-12-26T00:24:00.006+01:00

Thanks to Andre Dal Lentilhas in Portugal, for his Christmas greetings:

Desejo-vos a todos um Bom Natal e um óptimo Ano Novo.

I wish you all a great Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

More Christmas greetings are on the 'Wall' page of the EBMA's Facebook.

Christmas greetings from Lilly Pavlak

2011-12-24T14:09:00.002+01:00

Lilly Pavlak (CH/CZ) wishes all her many friends a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Merry Christmas from Andy Glandt

2011-12-24T14:05:00.002+01:00

Musician, songwriter, author, and former EBMA board member Andy Glandt (D) writes:

Me and my family wish you all a Merry Christmas and the best health for 2012.

Andy Glandt
Musician and Songwriter
www.andy.glandt.com
www.sousabanjo.com
www.myspace.com/andyglandt
www.myspace.com/duobarnstorm
www.youtube.com/singingbanjoman
www.youtube.com/sousabanjo

Buchautor
www.new-ebooks.de

+49-3641-331001
+49-172-941-3523

Merry Christmas from the Western Rim

2011-12-24T13:41:00.006+01:00

Lluís Gómez of the Barcelona Bluegrass Band sends Christmas greetings in the languages of western and southern Europe:

Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Bon Nadal i feliç any nou!
Zorionak eta Urte Berri On
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année
Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ur
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo

GrevenGrass announces 2012 lineup

2011-12-23T12:56:00.007+01:00

Oh My Darling (shown on stage at GrevenGrass 2011), who will be back in 2012

The organising team of the GrevenGrass Festival in Germany sends Christmas greetings and news of the preparations for the 4th festival (26-7 May 2012).

With the success of the 2011 festival, the capacity of the camp site reached its limits. The first 250 confirmed registrations for 2012 will have guaranteed spaces; arrangements are being made for more camp spaces nearby. The bands taking part represent a wide spectrum of bluegrass music. Those already booked include

Oh My Darling (CA)
G-Runs 'n Roses (CZ)
New Essex Bluegrass Band (UK)
Covered Grass (DE)
Looping Bros (DE)
(TBC) Grass Pistols (RU)

By the beginning of 2012 full details of all bands will appear on the GrevenGrass website. The team adds:

We look forward to seeing you again in 2012 on Pentecost or to welcome you as a new visitor in the GrevenGrass Family. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all. Let's hope that the clock will turn a bit faster until Pentecost. See you at 4th GrevenGrass Festival!

Many photos from the first three festivals can be seen on the 'Bilder' pages of the website. The GrevenGrass Festival, as a non-profit organisation, needs the help of sponsors. Donations are welcome and can be made through contact data on the festival website.

'American Bluegrass Music goes International'

2011-12-22T21:00:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Cybergrass, the original online bluegrass magazine, for the news (under the above title) that a new HD-TV show, 'Bluegrass Road', is scheduled to begin in early 2012, with the aim of broadcasting bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music to over 40 TV networks and millions of viewers across America and the world. The list of artists taking part is headed by Marty Raybon. Full details can be read here.

Dan Hays to take up new position

2011-12-22T20:57:00.000+01:00

Dan Hays, executive director of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) for the past twenty-one years, has been appointed to be the new director of the Franklin Theatre in the centre of historic Franklin, TN, south-west of Nashville. The Theatre has been recently restored, and its objectives include being the best 200-seat music venue in the world. Full details of the Franklin Theatre announcement can be seen here.

Dan has announced that he will be leaving his IBMA post in February 2012. The IBMA has received more than 60 applications for the position. These are being considered by a committee, who will present a short list to the IBMA board in January as the basis for a final choice (see Bluegrass Today, 20 Dec.).

The ukulele rises tonight! - with Lynne Butler

2011-12-22T13:48:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Lynne Butler (UK) for news and greetings; more details of Lynne's radio shows are on the separate 'Radio playlists' post:

Merry Xmas to you and a happy new year, and a big 'thank you' for tuning in over this last year. Listen and look out for the various programmes going on with UKCountry Radio and Bluegrass Planet Earth over the Christmas period (schedule below). Please also see attached information about the EBMA membership and don't forget to join the BBMA as well. Great advantages to doing so!

Tonight's programme is a two-hour documentary, 'The rise of the ukulele', featuring interviews, facts, fun, and brilliant tracks. I hope you enjoy. It is also being repeated tomorrow afternoon.

The schedule for the shows on UKCountry Radio is as follows:
22 Dec. 19:00 'The rise of the ukulele' (documentary)
23 Dec. 16:00 'The rise of the ukulele' (repeat)
24 Dec. 13:00 'Christmas in the Boudoir' (purely bluegrass Xmas songs/tunes)
25 Dec. 17:00 'Christmas in the Boudoir' (repeat)
27 Dec. 22:00 EWOB Festival highlights
28 Dec. 22:00 La Roche Festival highlights
29 Dec. 22:00 Didmarton Festival highlights
30 Dec. 22:00 Cornish Bluegrass Festival highlights

Some of these shows will be aired on Bluegrass Planet Earth; you will be notified of dates and times as and when I know them.

Bluegrass Jamboree 2011, Blog #7

2011-12-22T10:01:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Celia Woodsmith, who just sent in her 7th and last post giving some background information on the 20-day touring festival:

Finally after a long day of travel we have landed safe and sound on American soil. After 3 weeks of not really understanding what people are saying, I must admit no small amount of joy upon hearing and seeing English again. No slight to our German friends of course, we just need to get better at learning the language!! The prize to "The Most German Spoken Onstage" goes to Courtney, who saved the day by learning several key phrases.

Safely back home! (source: facebook.com)

The tour was both wonderful and exhausting. We managed to make it through without any serious meltdowns or break ups, which might I add is impressive for a group so large.We even incorporated a few new songs into the set, and tightened our sound overall. We ended on a high-note playing to an enormous crowd at the Albert Einstein Forum in Kaarst, Germany. We sold out of our CD's and were able to come home knowing that almost 400 Germans have taken a piece of us home with them. Hey Hey!

We do hope to be back as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Traveling to Europe was incredibly eye opening - perhaps we'll have a few days to sightsee this time!

Della Mae would like to thank Rainer and Ille Zellner for working so hard to keep the tour rolling, Werner Schutte for making us sound good and Gerda and Dieter for driving us all over tarnation! We had a fantastic time, and look forward to seeing all of you again.

For you folks stateside, Della Mae has just announced that we will be appearing at Telluride this summer! See you there.

Cheers,

Celia Woodsmith of Della Mae

Kruger Brothers in Zurich, 14 Dec. 2011

2011-12-21T14:57:00.019+01:00

Thanks to Lilly Pavlak, who sends this report and photos from Switzerland:

The incredible Kruger Brothers, originally from Switzerland, now living in North Carolina, came to Europe for four concerts between 10 Dec. and 17 Dec. to present Jens’s newest composition 'Appalachian Concerto' - a work for banjo, bass, guitar, and string quartet, in three movements.

Jens Kruger introduces the ensemble and the composition

Jens told us he was asked to compose music on the theme of emigration by the Ashe County Arts Council for a new work based on the musical culture of the Appalachian region. This was his romantic idea of the Appalachian and in particular the discovery of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachians by settlers to the region. The piece celebrated Appalachia – the history, the landscape, and the culture influenced by German, Irish, Scots, Jewish, Cherokee, among many others…

The Kruger Brothers are Jens Kruger (banjo), Uwe Kruger (guitar), and Joel Landsberg (bass). The UNI String Quartet [above, with Lilly in centre] from the National Theatre in Prague are Andréa Burianova (1st violin), Alexandra Kacafirkova (2nd violin), Mikolas Cech (viola), and Karel Urban (cello). The first concert was in Prague, Czech Republic, where the Brothers met the string quartet. As Uwe said, the concert there was phenomenal.

Ensemble and audience

I attended the one in Zurich [in the Kammermusiksaal, Tonhalle, 14 Dec.], their hometown. It was such a experience to see two German bluegrass/country musicians, raised in Switzerland, talking in Swiss German, with a Jewish musician from New York and four Czech musicians playing self-composed American music - I have no words to describe it! It was just unforgettable, beautiful experience that night. It made me think about the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák and his New World Symphony (1893).

Standing ovation

I hope for you all, you will have the opportunity to see them live one day, or at least to listen to this wonderful CD.

... acknowledged by the musicians

Danilo Cartia Band in Rome, Dec. 2011

2011-12-19T18:18:00.002+01:00

The Danilo Cartia Band (I) will be presenting bluegrass, blues, and ballads in the following venues in Rome during the last week of December 2011. All shows begin at 22:00.

27 Dec. 'Il Locale', Via Peralba 2/a
29 Dec. 'Ombre Rosse', Piazza S. Egidio
30 Dec. 'Cantine Blues', Via della Batteria Nomentana 66

Danilo Cartia Band website; MySpace
Facebook: Danilo Cartia; e-mail
ph. / fax +39 06 8273332; mob. +39 339 6908450

Bluegrass Jamboree 2011, Blog #6

2011-12-18T15:33:00.003+01:00

Thanks to Celia Woodsmith for Blog #6 about the 20 day long touring festival, the Bluegrass Jamboree 2011:

Prague in 1 hour at 6am? I’m not saying it was totally satisfactory, but it helped to scratch the itch. All five of the Della Mae women woke up at 5:30 and walked down to, and over the Charles Footbridge, which was built in 1359. People were walking to work in the pre-dawn chilly air and the spires and domes of the downtown historical area were backlit against the horizon. Now I know why so many people told me that I would absolutely love Prague- I have to go back when I have at least 5 days to spare.


Carl's bridge in Prague at 6 a.m.

The show in Prague was wonderful, probably the biggest crowd yet. It will never cease to amaze me that there is a devoted crowd of bluegrass lovers in the seemingly most random parts of the world. So many times I see people singing along to tunes like “Head over Heels” and “Columbus Stockade”. If only Mr. Monroe could know the ripples he created….
Last night in Dortmund Jenni Lyn was able to play a banjo built by Tom Nechville who coincidentally introduced us when we played the international suite at IBMA. It’s so cool to bump into familiar faces all over the world. Tom’s banjo had a wooden tone ring, which made the banjo much lighter and sounded awesome. Thanks Tom!

At this point in the tour we only have three shows left. I remember thinking on show 5 that we would never make it through. Now I am starting to feel nostalgic, everyone on the tour has been fun to travel with and we have formed more or less a family unit. Fortunately for us, and all you travel savvy folks, we will all re-unite again at Wintergrass this February! We’re excited to be on the roster.

Only one more blog post for us on this tour! See you stateside folks J

Celia Woodsmith

4 Wheel Drive to return to Ireland for Athy 2012 festival

2011-12-17T22:46:00.003+01:00

Multi-award-winning band 4 Wheel Drive (NL/D/B) will top the bill at the 22nd Athy Bluegrass Festival, to be held at Athy, Co. Kildare, from 13 to 15 July 2012.

The Athy festival, founded in 1991, is the longest-running annual bluegrass event in the island of Ireland. Tony O'Brien, director of the festival since 1998, first booked 4 Wheel Drive in 2001, the first of many appearances the band has made in Ireland. More details are on the Bluegrass Ireland Blog.

BJG ensemble in Rome, 20 Dec. 2011

2011-12-16T10:57:00.002+01:00

Danilo Cartia reports that the BJG (bluegrass, jazz, gospel) roots music ensemble will be performing in concert at the Tempio di Adriano Piazza di Pietra, Rome, Italy, on Tuesday 20 December at 20:00. Admission is free.

BJG members include Daniela Velli (vocals), Piera Pizzi (vocals), Silvia Manco (vocals, piano), Cristiana Polegri (vocals, sax), Danilo Cartia (vocals, 5-string banjo, guitar), Mario Caporilli (trumpet), Eric Daniel (sax), Michael Supnick (trombone), Gianluca Galvani (bass tuba), Leonardo Petrucci (acoustic guitar, mandolin), Alessandro Valle (dobro, pedal steel guitar), Marcello Sirignano (violin), Alberto Contri (guitar, dobro, mandolin, artistic direction), Enrico Cresci (guitar, musical direction), Francesco Puglisi (bass), and Andy Bartolucci (percussion). See also the EBB for 14 November. In the photo above Danilo can be seen (in coloured shirt and with banjo) standing to left of centre.

Danilo Cartia website; MySpace; Facebook: Danilo Cartia; e-mail
ph. / fax +39 06 8273332; mob. +39 339 6908450

Toy Hearts in Germany and Switzerland, Jan.-Feb. 2012

2011-12-15T12:29:00.006+01:00

Thanks to the Music Contact agency, we can now give full details of the forthcoming tour in Germany and Switzerland by the Toy Hearts (GB), mentioned in yesterday's post on the EBB.

Full details of the band (in German) appear on the Toy Hearts page of the Music Contact website, together with a selection of ten promo photos and a downloadable press release in German.

27 Jan. Beavers Museum, 63897 Miltenberg, 21:00
28 Jan. Der Bock, 68159 Mannheim, 21:00
29 Jan. Clubheim, 89269 Voehringen-Illerberg, 18:30
30 Jan. Neue Welt, 85049 Ingolstadt, 20:00
31 Jan. Kesselhaus, 83059 Kolbermoor, 20:00
1 Feb. Schloss-Cafe, 88471 Laupheim, 20:00
2 Feb. Haus International, 87435 Kempten, 20:00
3 Feb. Wodan Halle, 79098 Freiburg, 20:30
4 Feb. Restaurant Lerchenberg, CH-8046 Zürich, Switzerland, 20:00
5 Feb. Jufa, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland, 16:00
6 Feb. Private concert, 50935 Cologne (Köln), 20:00
7 Feb. Bottich, 75175 Pforzheim, 20:00
8 Feb. franz k, 72762 Reutlingen, 20:00
9 Feb. Jubez, 76133 Karlsruhe, 20:30
10 Feb. Alte Mälzerei, 99817 Eisenach, 20:00
11 Feb. Pfarrjugendheim am Apostelplatz, 44805 Bochum, 20:00
12 Feb. Kreuzkirche, 34119 Kassel, 18:00

Rainer Zellner
Music Contact
Roots Music Booking and Production
Saarstrasse 8, D-72070 Tübingen, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 7073 2250; fax +49 (0) 7073 2134; mobile +49 170 2134 999
UStID: DE146940684 (German Tax Number)
Media download; E-mail; YouTube

Bluegrass Jamboree 2011, Blog #5

2011-12-14T15:00:00.003+01:00

Celia just sent in the 5th installment of the festival's exciting 20 day long tour:

We have just crossed the boarder into the Czech Republic heading toward Prague. Everything is covered in a thick milky mist, and it’s hard to see the countryside. Last night we played in Lutherstown, which is in East Germany. The smaller towns we have played in have been almost like walking into a set of a movie, the cobblestones, massive churches and the Christmas decorations add a very magical feel to the tour. It’s hard to believe that we are lucky enough to be on this adventure.
The feel in East Germany is different than in the south or west. The wall fell only 20 years ago and life for all Germans changed drastically. I’m told that East Germans are still distinctive in certain ways, which I have not learned to identify (besides some interesting Hairstyles!). Werner spent the better part of the morning giving us a history lesson. He was 19 when the wall fell and remembers very well the happenings of that period.
We are on our 12th show tonight in Prague. The shows have continued to go well, fluctuating here and there but remaining steady overall. We have sold almost all of our CD’s and are having to potentially gamble on sending another box. It’s a good problem to have- but one that requires a lot of strategy as to when the box might arrive. We’re going to be on our third shipment of 1,000 units when we get back to the states! I Built This Heart has been doing better than ever imagined.
It seems that through all the repetition we are learning to be a tighter and more responsive band. We are honing in on rhythm and dynamics. Having a show every night is a good way of getting to know your band-mates. Remember, as this formation in Della Mae we aren’t even a year old!


Carl's bridge in Prague at night

After all this time with the Deadly Gentelmen and Cahalan & Eli I’m going to go through some serious music withdrawal. All the men have been wonderful to tour with and amazing to listen to. Be sure to check back for some pictures from Amanda, we’re staying out late tonight to explore Prague! Let the mischief begin….
Celia

Bluegrass Jamboree 2011, Blog #4

2011-12-14T14:05:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Celia of Della Mae for the 4th instalment of her blog about the Bluegrass Jamboree 2011:

10th December 2011: After going on several 8-hour bus trips we have learned to love the bus. Bus time is free time. Most people pick instruments, sleep, write or listen to music. Courtney, who is still a student at Berklee just wrote her final ten page paper! I don’t know how she does it amidst all the chaos.

The audience in Schaffhausen, Switzerland (photo: Amanda)

We are currently heading up from the south to the middle of Germany, passing prime Hop growing territory. Only a couple more days until we make the long journey to Prague! In other exciting news we are now guest bloggers on the EBMA (European Bluegrass Music Association) blog. What an honor! Thanks for inviting us to share our stories.

The show last night (Harmonie in Bonn) was amazing- I would even venture to say the best one yet. The crowd was rowdy and was the most age diverse audience we’ve had. We managed to sell a record 40 CD’s! In fact, everyone on tour has been selling far more CD’s than imagined. We came here with 240 and have had to ship another box to meet us in Bonn, which is close to Cologne. We can’t thank our fans enough for helping us to sell as many as we have. It is making Della Mae a more viable living for us, which is an enormous blessing.

Tonight is the 10^th show! We have reached the halfway mark almost all in one piece. A couple instrument snafus here and there, but at least everyone is in good condition and spirits. We are all looking forward to traveling to Prague the day after tomorrow. At least a couple people are planning on pulling an all nighter just to see the city before we drive back into Germany. Yes, we’re crazy, but would you have it any other way?

In final news, today was Jenni Lyn’s birthday and as a surprise we stopped at the Haribo Gummi Bear factory in Bonn. You can practically inhale the sugar in that place! We plan on celebrating more when our sugar crash subsides.

Cheers to all you Bluegrass fans at home, can’t wait to see you in the New Year! We’ll bring home some Schnitzel for you.

Celia (of Della Mae)

European bands on Bluegrass Today

2011-12-14T13:56:00.006+01:00

In the last two days, two prominent European bluegrass bands have received prominent coverage by American writers on Bluegrass Today.

On 12 Dec. a substantial review appeared of On the other side of the city, the latest CD by the Downtown Ramblers from Sweden. The reviewer, David Morris, wrote: 'the music is everything good bluegrass is supposed to be – precise, powerful, and packed with emotion.'

On 13 Dec. John Lawless published a feature on the Toy Hearts (GB), based on a major interview with guitarist Sophia Johnson, and focusing on how the band have recently developed their longtime affection for western swing, so that it now forms the second set in their live shows. Their fourth album, now in preparation, includes percussion and pedal steel guitar, with Sophia playing her 1958 Gibson ES 125 archtop.

The Toy Hearts will be touring in Germany and Switzerland from 27 Jan. to 12 Feb. 2012. Read more about their tour plans for 2012 here.

Ruth Moody in Britain and Ireland, Jan.-Feb. 2012

2011-12-14T11:20:00.003+01:00

Ruth Moody, born in Australia and raised in Canada, was in Europe in May 2008 with the Wailin’ Jennys (see the EBB, 14 Mar. 2008), of which she is a founder member. She is also former lead singer of the Canadian roots band Scruj MacDuhk, which became the Duhks, and she has appeared many times on the radio show 'A Prairie Home Companion'.

Thanks to G Promo PR for the news that she will be in Britain and Ireland for a tour lasting from 13 January to 9 February 2012, fitting in with the release of her solo album The garden. She is also taking part in the 2012 Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. Full details can be found on her online tour schedule.

Bluegrass and old-time music in Britain: on video

2011-12-13T13:58:00.005+01:00

Banjo-player John Breese (UK) has compiled a 26½-minute video documentary 'Bluegrass & old-time: an exploration of the music in the UK' as part of work for his Master's degree at Southampton University. It is one of the videos on the Bath Bluegrass School's YouTube channel, and can be watched here and on the UKBluegrass.com website.

The British Bluegrass Music Association supported the making of the documentary, and - in addition to plenty of picking and singing - major figures from bluegrass and old-time music in Britain can be seen and heard, giving their views on the scene, how they came to it, and where it is going. A prominent place is given to the Sore Fingers Summer Schools, one of Britain's main gifts to the bluegrass world.

New Acoustic Gallery products

2011-12-12T12:39:00.003+01:00

Thanks to Oliver Waitze of the New Acoustic Gallery (NAG) in Solingen, Germany, for the latest NAG e-newsletter, listing instruments available for Christmas 2011. This can be downloaded as a pdf document. The list of banjos, mandolins, guitars, and related instruments includes a Gibson B15 and a Martin D-28 (shown left), both dated 1968. Details can also be seen on the NAG website, in English or German.

Oliver Waitze
New Acoustic Gallery
Neuenhofer Str. 122
42657 Solingen, Germany
Tel. +49 0212/2474007
e-mail

BE #82: final deadline for gig and concert dates 15 Dec. 2011

2011-12-10T13:53:00.006+01:00

Angelika Torrie, chief editor of the official EBMA magazine Bluegrass Europe, sends a renewed invitation to bluegrass bands and bluegrass event producers in Europe to send in all dates for public gigs and concerts between 15 January and 31 May 2012 not later than 15 December 2011 for inclusion in BE #82 (Jan.-Mar. 2012).

Bluegrass Europe regularly carries Europe's leading Bluegrass Concert and Festival Calendar and the European Bluegrass Guide. Dates can be added to the calendar by downloading a spreadsheet through a link on the advertisements page of the EBMA website. It can then be sent to the BE editorial office by e-mail. Angelika adds:

If you don't get Bluegrass Europe in your mail, but you would like to, please consider a subscription at only 25EUR/yr. Get it online here. We also have some space available for advertisements...

And please check out EBMA's website - we have many things bands could be interested in. For example, if you are an active member of EBMA, you are entitled to a free listing in every issue of Bluegrass Europe in EBMA's Bluegrass Guide, and the same goes for the respective section on our homepage.

European Bluegrass Music Association (EBMA)
Postal address: European Bluegrass Music Association
Holeerain 29, CH-4102 Binningen, Switzerland
e-mail

Bluegrass past and to come in Switzerland

2011-12-10T09:55:00.005+01:00

Kent Miller of the Swiss Bluegrass Music Association (SBMA) reports:

The Swiss bluegrass scene can look back on a very successful and pleasant last quarter of the year. The outdoor festivals were blessed with good to excellent weather, which is obviously the key to good attendance and wonderful long afternoons and evenings of music. The local jams and concerts continue to thrive in various places and with various concepts.

The SBMA is working on its second 'Beginners Jam Book' of songs that an aspiring bluegrass picker should know. The Krüger Brothers were in their homeland again in December to perform the 'Appalachian Concerto' with the UNI Quartet, members of the National Theatre Opera, Prague. The Jamboree came to Schaffhausen near the German border in early December. This year's concept of featuring young, positive groups with loads of talent impressed many of the more knowledgeable concertgoers.

The SBMA Fan Fest, better known as the smallest imitation of the Nashville event with the best door prizes this side of the Mississippi, provided a lot of fun and showcases of some of the newer bands that we will be hearing more from in the near future. The 17th General Meeting of the SBMA marked a changing of the guard in the officer corps with Toni Nötzli taking over as president. As is the case with many mature associations and clubs, the challenges and choices of the next couple of years will be formidable and many.

We are already looking forward to regional concerts with Swiss bands and the Toy Hearts [shown above at a US festival; note Swiss flag] in the early months of the year.

Happy Trails,

Kent Miller (e-mail)
Swiss Bluegrass Music Association: SBMA
056 443 32 78
Bluegrass Radio Show 19:00 Sundays, 15:00 Mondays
e-mail

Women of banjo 2012 calendar now available

2011-12-09T19:51:00.005+01:00

Thanks to Pieter Groenveld of Strictly Country Records (NL) and the European World of Bluegrass (EWOB) Festival, for a reminder that US photographer Darwin K. Davidson, who specialises in photos of bluegrass musicians, has produced a 2012 calendar entitled Women of banjo. Full details are here.

Darwin Davidson, who attended the EWOB Festival 2010 and subsequently published an account of the Festival in the IBMA e-newsletter, International Bluegrass, writes:

Word has been getting around about my fun project for the year and I wanted to make sure you all know about it too. It's the 2012 'Women Of Banjo' calendar. It features twelve (yes... 12) of bluegrass's female banjo players.

You probably know most of them, but maybe not all. Well, here's your chance to have all of them keep you company all year long. Just follow this link to a special page on my website. That is where you will find all the information about the calendar, and how to order one (and hopefully more than one) for yourself and your loved ones. They will definitely make wonderful Christmas gifts.

'Hillbilly Gasthaus' opens its doors

2011-12-09T19:08:00.003+01:00

As announced on the EBB a month ago, veteran country music radio presenter Walter Fuchs (above; photo by Klaus-Peter Maier) is back on radio. The first live three-hour show in his new weekly series, 'Hillbilly Gasthaus', was broadcast by the Ingolstadt station Coolradio 1 on Wednesday 7 December 2011 from 8.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. 'Hillbilly Gasthaus' presents lots of bluegrass, hillbilly, Americana, Tex-Mex, Cajun, and acoustic swing. Each Sunday evening, the Wednesday live programme will be repeated at the same times. Walter writes:

The first program was a big success. Many happy folks mailed me and I have now quite a lot to do to answer and play requests.

The playlist for 7 December can be seen here. Future lists will be accessible through the weekly EBB post of radio playlists.

Welcome to Celia Woodsmith of Della Mae as a temporary blogger

2011-12-09T15:12:00.001+01:00

Photo by Paul Janovitz
http://www.pauljanovitz.com/

Currently on a 20-day non-stop tour in mostly Germany with the Bluegrass Jamboree! touring festival, Celia has been posting on the Prescription Bluegrass Blog. As their adventures might be interesting to our readers, too, we invited her to join our team temporarily. Enjoy!

Angelika Torrie

Celia's first three posts on the Prescription Bluegrass Blog can be read here: 1 Dec.; 3 Dec.; 8 Dec..

German violin-making dynasty celebrated in Bluegrass Unlimited

2011-12-07T15:36:00.008+01:00

In the December 2011 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine, Dick Kimmel (above right) contributes an article on a nine-generation dynasty of German violin makers, with special reference to the last member, (Kurt) Lothar Meisel, born in 1929 in Klingenthal, near the Czech border.

Lothar Meisel qualified as an assistant violin maker before leaving Klingenthal in 1949, working subsequently in West Germany, in England, and finally in the USA, where he settled in Minnesota (Kimmel's home state). He made over 240 instruments, which are highly regarded; some are played by American old-time and bluegrass fiddlers. A collection of his instruments is in the National Music Museum, University of South Dakota, in Vermillion, SD. He also co-authored a history of the luthiers of his family (see photo above left).

Lothar Meisel made his last violin in 2005 and died on 22 September this year. Obituaries can be found on the internet. Dick Kimmel (who as chairman of the IBMA international committee encouraged the developments that led to the founding of the EBMA), has performed bluegrass and old-time music many times in Europe.

All prepared for 10th International Bühl Bluegrass Festival

2011-12-06T15:20:00.002+01:00

Walter Fuchs reports from Bühl, Germany, that journalists from newspapers and radio stations in France, Switzerland, and Germany attended the press conference on 22 November to launch the 10th International Bühl Bluegrass Festival, to be held on 4-5 May 2012. Full details of the lineup and the programme schedule are on the Festival website. Posters and flyers are printed, and advance ticket sales started on 28 November. (See also the EBB for 23 Nov.)

Press reports on the festival include the example below. The photo above shows (l-r) Wolfgang Jokerst (head of Bühl cultural office), Hans Striebel (mayor of Bühl), Angelika Torrie (EBMA chair), Friedrich Hog (GBMA chair), Walter Fuchs, and Petra Ewert (Bühl public relations office). Herr Striebel has been mayor of Bühl throughout the Festival's history, and this was the last Festival press conference in which he would take part. Walter writes: 'It was a moving moment.'

Walter resumes his broadcasting career tomorrow (Wednesday 7 Dec.), when his first 'Hillbilly Gasthaus' programme will be broadcast on Coolradio at 8.00-11.00 p.m. (see the EBB for 7 Nov. 2011).

Update 14 Dec.: The following message has been received from Jerry Samples, a member of the board of directors of the Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival at Cashmere, in the state of Washington, USA. Jerry (whose festival will take place in 2012 a month after the festival in Bühl) writes:

I will be attending the Buhl festival in May 2012. I'm looking forward to having a great time.

In the opinion of the EBB editor, this is a pretty safe bet.

Danilo in Mexico

2011-12-06T13:36:00.004+01:00

Banjo- and guitar-player, singer, and bandleader Danilo Cartia from Rome, Italy, was a featured artist at the 2nd Countryfest Internacional Mexico, held on 2-3 December 2011 in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico. Videos of performances at the festival can be seen on YouTube.

Danilo Cartia website; MySpace
Facebook: Danilo Cartia
e-mail; ph. / fax +39 06 8273332; mob. +39 339 6908450

Munich Bluegrass Friends to receive a Bluegrass Foundation grant in 2012

2011-12-02T12:41:00.000+01:00


Two members of the Girlie Band performing in 2009, photo courtesy of Thomas Betz

The Foundation for Bluegrass Music has just announced the grant recipients for 2012 which honor the legacies of Carlton Haney and Hazel Dickens. Congratulations to EBMA member Munich Bluegrass Friends, who will receive $2,500 as recipients of one share of the Hazel Dickens Artistic Development Awards. Based in Germany, the association will use their grant to establish a Bluegrass Youth Fund which will provide instruction for young people interested in learning to play bluegrass instruments in a band format. The Munich Friends organization formed in 2009, with the goal of building the bluegrass community in their region by teaching children and teens to play and improvise, how to arrange a song, how to put a set together for a band, how to book and advertise a concert, emcee and presentation skills, and more. Grants up to $400 Euros per person will pay for individual and group lessons for a year.

[read entire article at IBMA]

Angelika Torrie, chairperson of EBMA is very happy to see this committed organisation in Europe receive funds to develop their programme, which is vital to the future of bluegrass music in the nearer and farther environment. It is an acknowledgement of the work done outside of the US. In addition, Angelika encourages any similar initiatives and projects and is interested to learn about them in order that EBMA may support them with the means available.

Jana Mougin on new Rural Rhythm Christian single

2011-11-29T17:32:00.003+01:00

Jana Mougin, best known in Europe as bass player and lead singer with the fine Slovak band Fragment, is the featured lead singer on the new Christmas song 'Little did they know', written by Rick Lang and released as a single on the Rural Rhythm Christian label (USA).

Also on the recording are Melonie Cannon (harmony vocals), Randy Kohrs (resonator guitar), Todd Parks (bass), and Chris Brown (drums), while Jana's husband Stephen Mougin played guitar, sang harmony, and arranged and produced the recording.

Radio programmers can download the song free at AirPlay Direct.

BJG in Milan, 29 Nov. 2011

2011-11-28T17:19:00.008+01:00

Danilo Cartia reports that the BJG (bluegrass, jazz, gospel) roots music ensemble will be performing in concert at the Blue Note, Via Pietro Borsieri 37, Milan, Italy, on Tuesday 29 November at 21:00.

BJG members include Daniela Velli (vocals), Piera Pizzi (vocals), Silvia Manco (vocals, piano), Danilo Cartia (vocals, 5-string banjo, guitar), Mario Caporilli (trumpet), Franco Consaga (sax), Michael Supnick (trombone), Gianluca Galvani (bass tuba), Leonardo Petrucci (acoustic guitar, mandolin), Alessandro Valle (dobro, pedal steel guitar), Marcello Sirignano (violin), Alberto Contri (guitar, dobro, mandolin, artistic direction), Enrico Cresci (guitar, musical direction), Francesco Puglisi (bass), and Andy Bartolucci (percussion). See also the EBB for 14 November.

Danilo Cartia website; MySpace; Facebook: Danilo Cartia; e-mail
ph. / fax +39 06 8273332; mob. +39 339 6908450

New demo by Acoustic Processing Unit

2011-11-28T13:41:00.007+01:00

Thanks to Tölgyesi Péter of the Hungarian Bluegrass Music Association (HuBMA) for the news that the Hungarian band Acoustic Processing Unit (left) has released a new demo. The four songs include 'Ez a világ…', based on Hungarian traditional music.

They will use the new recording in their applications to take part in the next EWOB and La Roche Bluegrass Festival. The demo can be heard at the band’s web page. Front and back covers are shown above.

Sacred Harp in St Giles Church, Prague

2011-11-27T11:54:00.004+01:00

This weekend (26-7 November 2011) the first Sacred Harp all-day singing meeting to be held in the Czech Republic is taking place in the St Giles Church, Prague (Husova 234/8, 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město). Sacred Harp singers from Germany, Ireland, Poland, the UK, and the USA are taking part, and Aldo Thomas Ceresa, a Sacred Harp singer from New York, is conducting a workshop. Admission is free, and the event is open to all. More information is on the Sacred Harp Poland website.

Sacred Harp music has been an important influence on bluegrass harmony singing. The sound was recently brought to wider audiences by the soundtrack of the motion picture Cold Mountain. In mid October 2011 Aldo Thomas Ceresa conducted a Sacred Harp workshop in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which was strongly supported by the Shape Note singing community in Cork, southern Ireland.

EWOB 2012: application deadline 1 Dec. 2011

2011-11-26T15:59:00.004+01:00

Thanks to the organising committee of the European World of Bluegrass Festival at Voorthuizen, the Netherlands, for this reminder:

EWOB-2012 Application DEADLINE December 1, 2011. Don't miss it!!

All musicians and bands, take part in the 2012 EWOB (European World Of Bluegrass) on May 17-18-19 in Voorthuizen, the Netherlands. Go to this page to apply. We're looking forward to seeing you there.

See this information, and much more, also on the EWOB website and Facebook.

Bluegrass Europe #81: worth the wait

2011-11-26T11:38:00.000+01:00

The European Bluegrass Blog (EBB) editor reports:

This is old news for all EBMA members and subscribers to Bluegrass Europe magazine; but as the rest of the world heard in mid October that issue #81 would be delayed, it's time for the good news that the issue was sent out to everyone before the end of October. The additional good news is that the contents (as our chief editor promised) made it well worth waiting for. I got some useful tips out of the 'Bluegrass bass' article, and I'm not even a bass player...

Editorial ¦ EBMA NEWS ¦ European Award Winners 2011 ¦ The Observer ¦ BluegrassDuinen - News Europe ¦ CD Releases ¦ Cover Story: Bill Monroe - if it wasn't for him ¦ Concert & Festival Calendar ¦ Bluegrass Jamboree 2011 ¦ CD Reviews ¦ East Meets … Bluegrass ¦ The Bluegrass Bass ¦ Richard Weize ¦ Bluegrass in Germany ¦ News US and more ¦ IBMA Awards 2011 ¦ Remembering Liz Meyer ¦ EBMA's European Bluegrass Guide ¦ EWOB - It's time to Apply!

The next issue of Bluegrass Europe (#82: Jan.-Mar. 2012) will appear early in the New Year.

Lynne Butler: December highlights

2011-11-24T13:17:00.007+01:00

Lynne Butler (UK) sends the playlists for this week's shows in her 'Butler's Boudoir Bluegrass' and 'Lynne Butler’s Eurograss' series (see the EBB's separate 'Radio playlists' post). Lynne adds:

This week’s shows are equally packed with fabulous music from the European bluegrass community as well as in 'Butler’s Boudoir Bluegrass' there is a section featuring other bluegrass music from around the world.

Coming up at Christmas are the highlights of all the festivals this year that I have been able to attend, including the Didmarton and Cornish festival highlights. Also 'The rise of the ukulele' - a two-hour documentary by myself on the uke and its popularity, and how it’s making its mark on the bluegrass scene. It will feature live tracks and interviews from the International Ukulele Club of Sonning Common and Jess & the Gents as well as some lovely extras thrown in!

Also coming up and NOT TO BE MISSED is the Living Advent Calendar to be held in Henley on Thames - it‘s all for charity and a lot of fun - take a look at the website each day from 1 December to see who will be behind which window! Full of surprises and fun. Each performance will be recorded and videoed so that EVERYONE can enjoy the festive fun around the world. Please pass on this link. I can tell you that my son George and I will be performing on one of the days and so will Sam Brown’s International Ukuele Club of Sonning Common! But when? You’ll have to keep your eyes on the website!

The schedule for the shows on UKCountryRadio.com are as follows:

19:00 on 22 December - The rise of the ukulele (documentary)
16:00 on 23 December - The rise of the ukulele (repeat)
13:00 on 24 December - Christmas in the Boudoir (purely bluegrass Xmas songs/tunes)
17:00 on 25 December - Christmas in the Boudoir (repeat)
22:00 on 27 December - EWOB Festival highlights
22:00 on 28 December - La Roche Festival highlights
22:00 on 29 December - Didmarton Festival highlights
22:00 on 30 December - Cornish Bluegrass Festival highlights

Some of these shows will be aired on Bluegrass Planet Earth; you will be notified of dates and times as and when I know them.

10th International Bühl Bluegrass Festival, 4-5 May 2012

2011-11-23T13:56:00.006+01:00

At a press conference yesterday it was revealed that Bühl, the 'Bluegrass City' on the edge of the Black Forest in south-west Germany, will present a special programme in May 2012 for its tenth International Bluegrass Festival.

The Festival - the major annual bluegrass event in Germany and one of the leading bluegrass festivals in Europe - was founded as a one-day event in 2003 and extended to two days in 2009. The coming Festival (4-5 May 2012) presents three acts from North America - the award-winning Gibson Brothers (USA), Alecia Nugent (USA), and Oh My Darling (Canada) - and three from Europe: G-Runs 'n Roses (CZ), Bluegrass 43 (F), and Tabea Anderfuhren (CH) with Bluegrass Stuff from Italy, who appeared on the first Bühl bluegrass festival.

Full details of programme times and ticket prices are on the Festival poster (left; click on the image to enlarge it). More details of bands, personnel, etc., are given in the Festival flyer.

An evening in the village

2011-11-23T12:36:00.003+01:00

Banjoist Jake Schepps (USA) has released a new album, An evening in the village: the music of Béla Bartók. On Bluegrass Today, David Hollender, banjo-player and professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, reviews the CD (together with two audio tracks and a video of a recent performance of music from the album). Hollender points out that among classical composers who have made use of folk music, Béla Bartók was the first who did not 'fix' the traditional music to make it fit classical conventions. He adds:

The CD also includes a single tune that deserves mention. 'Cousin Sally Brown' is not by Bartók. It is an American fiddle tune. What is interesting is how much it has in common with the Eastern European tunes. It drives home the point that American and Eastern European folk music have more things in common than the number of things that divide them.

Read the review, listen to the audio samples, and see if you agree.

Downhill Bluegrass Band kick off the first 'Möklinta Bluegrass Hayride'

2011-11-21T20:59:00.004+01:00

Downhill Bluegrass Band, one of Sweden's most prominent and respected bluegrass bands, initiate a wintertime festival in Sweden. Along with Torsåker Bluegrass Association, organiser of Sweden's biggest bluegrass festival, Torsåker Bluegrass Festival, they make an attempt to establish an event that takes place indoors in winter time. The first occasion is on 26 November at Möklintagården, close to Sala, in central Sweden.

The release of Downhill's fourth album, A grasshopper's lament, is receiving great reviews from the US media as well as from European ones, and the band will be headlighting the evening. They also perform along with Appalachian Roots (USA) in Stockholm on 24 November.

Irish national radio to broadcast documentary on Bill Monroe, 29 Dec. 2011

2011-11-18T19:24:00.004+01:00

'From Rathgar to Rosine: a pilgrimage to find Bill Monroe', a one-hour radio documentary presented by Niall Toner and produced by Aidan Butler, will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1, the Irish national radio station, on Thursday 29 December 2011 at 2.00 p.m.

The title indicates Niall's fascination with Bill Monroe since first hearing his music in Rathgar, Dublin, in the late 1950s. In September 2011 Niall and RTÉ Radio 1 producer Aidan Butler travelled to the 10th Annual Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival at Jerusalem Ridge in Kentucky, near the Monroe homeplace in Rosine, and spoke with as many of Monroe's friends, relatives, neighbours, admirers, and band members as they could locate. Compiled from many hours of recordings, this one-hour documentary tries to unlock some of the mystery behind the enigma and the genius that was Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music.

More details are on the Bluegrass Ireland Blog. The photo above was taken by Niall Toner in the dressing room at the 1975 Belfast concert by Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.

East-West: new band, new demo

2011-11-17T19:17:00.001+01:00

A newly formed bluegrass band from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, East-West, has a new demo out.

East-West is a band from Slovakia and the Czech Republic founded in 2011. They play mostly modern bluegrass music influenced by other genres like folk music, new acoustic music, jazz, etc. Their set list contains original songs and instrumentals as well as innovatively interpreted covers of some well known songs. Although the band is quite new, the musicians are well established personalities in the European bluegrass music scene.

Filip Baťo (banjo) is a very talented multi-instrumentalist. He teaches banjo at bluegrass workshops. Filip recorded his own CD with original compositions and played with the very successful Slovak band Meantime.

Michal Vavro (guitar, vocals) is a great musician who also deals with classical and folk music. He played with the famous Slovak band Fragment, and recorded two CDs of his own compositions with the 'Acoustic Colors' project. Michal is a very sought-after guitar teacher at bluegrass workshops.

Ondra Kozák (mandolin, vocals) is another multi-instrumentalist in the band. He plays guitar with the band Fragment, and played guitar and fiddle with the successful Czech bands Kreni and the Petr Brandejs Band. Ondra regularly teaches guitar at bluegrass workshops; he recorded two instructional guitar DVDs.

Erik Banič (upright bass, vocals) is a very talented bass player who originally played mandolin and guitar in many bands. He also plays bass with another Czech-Slovak bluegrass band, Who´s Your Daddy.

The new recording EAST-WEST: DEMO 2011 can be downloaded directly here. You can also hear it on the 'Music' page of the band's website, or on their Facebook page.

Eastern Station: new CD Trust/Bizalom

2011-11-17T08:21:00.006+01:00

Tölgyesi Péter of HuBMA sends news from Hungary:

Eastern Station has released its new album, Trust, which is also available fully in Hungarian, titled Bizalom.

From the band: Eastern Station’s Trust (36:24’) had been released recently by the Hungarian Hunnia Records. In its usual and by now personal style, Eastern Station gives us what we have valued the most in them. The album has its version in the Hungarian language, and the English one is somewhat unusual, since Eastern Station wanted us to be able to relate lyrics to the Hungarian language which is thought to be so much sophisticated and difficult to learn. Some songs have therefore been represented twice on the album, some only in Hungarian – however, everything is easy to comprehend when one follows the lyrics booklet which is generously part of the album.

Bluegrass news in Italy

2011-11-17T03:26:00.008+01:00

Red Wine with their new bass player, Lucas Bellotti

Martino Coppo has sent us some news from Italy:

Red Wine is happy to introduce its new bass player, Lucas Bellotti, a young and very talented musician from Genoa (Genova). Despite his age Lucas has already an impressive experience in different music styles, including classic music, jazz, rock, and now bluegrass.

The band is currently working on a new recording project, to be released in 2012, and on a US West Coast tour in late February 2012, ending up at the Wintergrass Festival in Washington State. For 2012 RW is also working at its annual Bluegrass Party, which will be moved to a bigger and nicer theatre in downtown Genoa (more info to follow).

Blue Dust is a new bluegrass band from Milan (Milano). Members are:
Perry Meroni (guitar, vocal)
Dino Barbè (banjo, baritone vocal)
Josh Villa (mandolin, tenor vocal)
Ignazio Sanfilippo (upright bass)
Tonino Spezzano (guitar)

Veteran band Bluegrass Stuff from Milan has a new lineup:
Massimo Gatti (mandolin, vocal)
Maurizio Lodi (guitar, vocal)
Ruben Minuto (guitar, vocal)
Dario Lantero (banjo, vocal)
Icaro Gatti (bass)
Colm Murphy (fiddle)

Il Cancello del Cinabro is a nice music club in Genoa, featuring live music and occasionally bluegrass. Chris Jones & the Nightdrivers and the Italian band 0039 (ex Bononia Grass) played there in October and November 2011, while Red Wine is scheduled to play on 21 January 2012.

Lilly of the West: Swings & heartaches

2011-11-15T12:50:00.004+01:00

Lilly Drumeva reports from Bulgaria:

Lilly of the West is working on the finishing touches of the new album Swings & heartaches. The release is scheduled for January 2012. Special guest on the album is Slovak mandolin virtuoso Michal Barok (29 Strings, Meantime). Here is a preview of the cover; more news to come on my website.

Swings & heartaches includes eleven songs, in two parts. The 'swings' are lively, up-tempo songs from the 1940s/'50s, featuring two Patsy Cline hits ('Gotta lotta rhythm in my soul' and 'Walkin’ after midnight'), one by Hank Williams ('Lovesick blues'), two old Western Swing standards ('My window faces the south', 'I’m gonna sit right down and write myself a letter'), and a modern swing ('Who knows what tomorrow may bring').

The 'heartaches' are beautiful ballads with strong lyrics. One is a Johnny Cash/June Carter duet ('If I were a carpenter'), another is an Everly Brothers’ classic ('Crying in the rain'); a modern nostalgic song by Juice Holland and Sam Brown ('Valentine moon'), and two Bulgarian folk melodies ('Brala moma' and 'Malka moma').

On 11.11.2001 Lilly of the West performed together with American bluegrass and old-time dance band Mountain Quickstep. The concert took place in the Studio 5 club, Sofia, and was organized by the cultural department of the US embassy. Mountain Quickstep is currently on tour in Moldova, Macedonia, and Kosovo.

Videos, photos, and a full diary of Mountain Quickstep's tour can be seen on the band's website.

Danilo Cartia: Blue Frets and BJG

2011-11-14T23:51:00.005+01:00

Danilo Cartia (I) reports that he and the Blue Frets acoustic music quartet will be playing on Saturday 19 November at 20:30 in the 'Four Green Fields', Via Costantino Morin 38, Rome, Italy. Admission is free.

Danilo also brings his long experience as a singer, 5-string banjo player, and guitarist in bluegrass music to another project: BJG Roots Music (see photo below). The letters stand for 'Bluegrass, Jazz, Gospel', and BJG Roots Music is a sixteen-piece orchestra comprising some of the best Italian and foreign bluegrass, jazz, and gospel musicians, including members of the Danilo Cartia Band. The repertoire traces the roots of the three genres, interpreted with great respect for tradition but in a pleasantly unusual way.

Danilo Cartia website; MySpace; Facebook: Danilo Cartia; e-mail
ph. / fax +39 06 8273332; mob. +39 339 6908450

Advertise in Bluegrass Europe!

2011-11-14T20:43:00.002+01:00

If you...

perform in a band or as a solo artist,
organise a festival,
run a venue, instrument supply shop, or recording studio,
or offer any product or service that would be of interest to bluegrass enthusiasts throughout Europe,

... your advertisement should be in the next issue (#82; Jan.-Mar. 2012) of Bluegrass Europe, the EBMA's own magazine.

Don't lose time - the deadline is getting close. Contact EBMA board member Chris Keenan by e-mail or fill in this form online.

What's new in the Czech Republic

2011-11-14T17:47:00.006+01:00

Petr Brandejs reports from the Czech Bluegrass Music Association (CzBMA):

It seems that CzBMA again succeeded in getting a major sponsor for the Banjo Jamboree: the wood processing company LESS. Last year it allowed the organisers to invite Don Rigsby, this year the Canadian band Oh My Darling has been booked for Friday 15 June, and the CzBMA board keeps searching for another headliner for Saturday.

Bluegrass and banjo enthusiasts are looking forward to the show of Kruger Brothers with the Czech classical UNI Quartet playing Jens's classical compositions on 10 December. The show is being organised by the luthier Jarda Prucha.

Just two days later, on 12 December, there will be a stop of the Bluegrass Jamboree in Prague. This time organised by another instrument maker, Rosta Capek, at the same venue - Theatre Koppernik.

A new CD of the band Reliéf is out. The band nevertheless seems to keep the name of it as a secret, as it cannot be found on their website...:-).

Over 19,000 people have seen the Saturday night show of the 6th Bluegrass Workshop run by Petr Brandejs and Jindra Hylmar, which took place in the village of Male Svatonovice in the Czech Republic on 14-16 October. Top Czech and Slovak instructors (including steel guitar and ukulele!) + 130 participants left this three-day event on the Sunday afternoon.

Next workshop by Petr Brandejs will take place in Novy Jicin (CZ) on 16-18 March 2012.

Risør Bluegrass Festival relocates

2011-11-14T13:28:00.005+01:00

Risør Bluegrass Festival celebrated its 10th year anniversary this year. It has always been held at a beautiful 'horse ranch', located on the banks of a true wilderness lake. This farm is not able to host the bluegrass festival in 2012 and it is being moved to a new location. But fear not: it is a truly a magnificent place they have found, an old mill by a waterfall, now used as a state-of-the-art sound studio for many well known bands. Black metal bands, that is, not bluegrass. Norway is well known for its black metal bands, and the owner of the sound studio is touring worldwide when he is not producing, writing songs, or teaching music or sound engineering. He has a farm nearby, where he hunts deer, elk, and moose and serves a variety of wildlife dishes at his own festival.

It is truly a scenic setting for the Risør Bluegrass Festival, and the organizers really look forward to working with 'The Mill' and creating an very special festival next year. The recipe is:

Workshop: July 9th-12th, four days with top international instructors in banjo, mandolin, guitar, dobro, fiddle, bass, and harmony singing, and not to forget: the BandLab

Festival: July 12th-14th, three days with 30+ bands, including some of Europe's best, children concerts and music tent, church concert and more

Concerts start at noon and end at 2.00 a.m., jamming encouraged at all times. More info will be on the festival website (www.risorbluegrassfestival.no) in the near future. Contact Dagfinn Pedersen (e-mail).

The photo shows the waterfall and the 'swimming pool'; just 40-50 metres behind the stage. A nice place to cool off between the sets on a lazy, warm July day. Best regards,

Dagfinn M. Pedersen, Norway
EBMA board, coordinator National Representatives (e-mail)
IBMM board member
NoBMA board member (e-mail)
Risør Bluegrass Festival, organiser
Home: +47 3715 4528; work: +47 3715 0096; mobile: +47 9700 0055

Press conference (22 Nov.) on 10th Bühl Bluegrass Festival

2011-11-11T18:45:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Wolfgang Mark of the press office of the city of Bühl, in Baden, south-west Germany, for the news that a press conference on the 10th Bühl Bluegrass Festival (4-5 May 2012) will be held at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday 22 November 2011 in the Friedrichsbau, Neuer Trausaal, Friedrichstraße 2, 77815 Bühl. Parking is available in the Tiefgarage P6 Volksbank (1 hour free).

If you will be attending as a media representative, or wish to receive the press package, contact Wolfgang Mark at Stadt Bühl Pressearbeit, Hauptstrasse 47, 77815 Bühl; tel. +49 (0) 72 23) 935-282, fax -289; e-mail.

Rawhide in Antwerp, 13 Nov. 2011

2011-11-11T12:52:00.003+01:00

Rawhide at this year's Picnic Festival at Namur, Belgium

Bluegrass in Belgium announces that the multi-award-winning Rawhide will be performing in concert on Sunday 13 November at 15:00 in De Zoltjes, St Paulusstraat 29/31, Antwerp (Antwerpen, Anvers). Entry: €3.

Appalachian Roots in Britain and Sweden, Nov. 2011

2011-11-10T20:02:00.007+01:00

Appalachian Roots (Ira Bernstein and Biley Baugus; USA) are currently playing a tour in Britain that began on 4 Nov. 2011 and will finish on 20 Nov. They will then travel to Sweden for the following two dates:

Thurs. 24 Nov. Södra Teatern, Stockholm
Fri. 25 Nov. SS Marieholm, Gothenburg

All their shows are sure to display their mastery of old-time fiddle, banjo, guitar, ballad-singing, fiddlesticks, and Appalachian dance. More details are on their tour schedule.

Front Page Bluegrass News comes to Ireland!

2011-11-10T17:51:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Front Page Bluegrass News (USA) for the news that Ireland's RTE Radio 1 will begin airing the news to bluegrass fans on Niall Toner's popular Roots Freeway Radio show, beginning on 3 December 2011. Listeners will be able to hear the news between 11.00 p.m. and 12.00 midnight every Saturday to keep up-to-date on all that's newsworthy in bluegrass.

Front Page Bluegrass News, syndicated from America, was founded in January 2011 by long-time broadcaster Brian McNeal. It is the radio extension of McNeal's popular Prescription Bluegrass Blog attached to his own bluegrass music programme, and is the only syndicated radio news programme of its kind for bluegrass. Front Page Bluegrass News is delivered free to radio affiliates two times a week, and in addition to US radio stations it is already heard on four stations in Canada and two more in the Netherlands.

Read the full Front Page Bluegrass News press release here.

Brian McNeal and Niall Toner