At the beginning of March, the band Contraband - of which Richard Holland is a part - held a free concert at Littleton Village Hall, The Hallway, Littleton, near Winchester, Hampshire - in aid of the Red & White Appeal. The evening raised a healthy £704.63p for the appeal launched by Southampton Hospital Charity, to raise £2.2 million to create the transplant treatment centre of choice for teenage and adult patients with leukaemia and other blood disorders from Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Wiltshire, Dorset, West Sussex and the Channel Islands. The Appeal is named 'Red and White' in recognition of the particular importance of red and white blood cells for haematology patients. Contraband has been in existence since the early eighties; it evolved from a straight “hard-core” bluegrass band via a number of other influences (country, blues and acoustic folk) to its current rootsy approach to the music. Well known in the South of England, it is based in the Southampton area. For more information, please contact Richard on 01962 886581 or email him via r_dot_l_dot_holland_at_btinternet_dot_com

Richard also says the monthly pick that meets at the Golden Lion Pub, Alresford, on the last Tuesday of the month (next one is Tuesday 28^th April) is proving a resounding success. For information on the monthly picks - please email r_dot_l_dot_holland_at_btinternet_dot_com

There is a new session being held at the Bugle Pub - The High Street, Botley, Hampshire - on the first Tuesday of the month - organised by Kaj Warming. For more details please contact Kaj via kajwarming_at_hotmail_dot_com

Joe Locker kindly emailed “You may remember I mentioned the new(ish) group I'm playing with as well as New Deal String Band. Well, we've just put a little sampler on youtube, accessed via the website www.scorpweb.co.uk (DAVIS, LOCKER, & WINQUIST) with publicity info, or directly at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFOLsnHW__0 “

Joe also mentions “Our next London gig is Friday 3 April 2009 at The Musical Traditions Club: The King & Queen, 1 Foley Street, London W1W 6DL (junction of Foley Street and Cleveland Street). 8-11pm. Nearest tube: Goodge Street / Warren Street/ Great Portland Street. Parking OK after 6.30. Visit http://web.ukonline.co.uk/martin.nail/MusTrad/MTCintro.htm”

The excellent musical partnership of Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth has brought forth festival offers which should make it possible for them to return to the UK in August/September. If these dates are confirmed,, they will also be available in England/Wales from Tuesday - September 1 to Sunday - September 6 (and possibly beyond). So, if you would like the opportunity to have these superb musicians perform at your venue - please contact Loudon Temple at events_at_brookfield-knights_dot_com as soon as possible.

Saturday April 11 _at_ 8pm at The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre
11 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AF. Cost: £12/£10concs opening act: the Gene Clark Five! Tel: 01227 281174 Web: www.horsebridge-centre.org.uk Contact: Will Forrest (will_at_horsebridge-centre_dot_co_dot_uk) Tickets: From Venue. £12/£10 concessions.

Many thanks to Andrew Perry of the Chichester who emailed “Check out Dan Tyminski, Tim O’Brien, Abigail Washington, and The Wilders! -www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/music/celticconnections/2009/”

The next Boomswinger event takes place on Wednesday April 15th - when American folk legend Sara Grey appears at The Mackintosh Institute, 38 Keppoch Street Cardiff. Now living in Scotland, Sara will be joined for this show by her son, Kieron Means, who is based in the USA and Brighton fiddler Ben Paley. Expect a great selection of authentic North American Songs, Ballads and Blues. Check out their website sara_at_saragrey_dot_net . The organisers, John & Brenda, say “Tickets for this show are now on sale for 7GBP at The Spice of Life, 1 Inverness Place, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 4RU. Entry at the door will be 8GBP. Please note that, as this is a midweek night, the bar will close at 11pm with the band starting at 9pm. We would like to thank the Arts Council of Wales who are generously supporting this event through their 'Night Out' scheme.”

www.myspace.com/boomswingerbluegrassclubcardiff

Taube Marks kindly emailed “Good news. Our monthly Bluegrass meeting at the Duke of Monmouth is set to resume in April, as usual, on the last Thursdasy of the month. Simon (the banjo) and Joyce (JDT) Gibbard were able to talk with the new publican, Thomas,
last week . He seemed keen that we should continue meeting at the Duke as
usual. I understand that Thomas is Swiss and that he is hoping to provide good food at
the pub, reviving the policy of meals that was rather sorely missed in the last
couple of months. The pub is schedules to reopen on the first of April and if you want to support the pub, what better way than to stop by for something to eat soon (or before the session begins).” Please email Taube via taube_dot_marks_at_lang_dot_ox_dot_ac_dot_uk for more details.

Recently a Bluegrass and Old Time Session on began taking place on Wednesday evenings at Fox Lane Sports Club, Leyland, Lancsashire, starting at 8.30. Anyone interested contact Dave Wane on 01772 433712 or email dwane_at_blueyonder_dot_co_dot_uk

Thanks to Nigel Canter for advising me of a Bluegrass and Americana Session running on the last Friday of every month at the Victoria Inn (‘Knights in the Bottom‘), Chickerell, near Weymouth. Nigel says that the session kicks off at about 8.00 p.m…..and - please note: you don't have to be a 'stunning' Bluegrass musician, just enthusiastic and keen to learn or impart. The pub is on the left as you travel out of Chickerell towards Portesham on the B3157.

Contact Andrew Metcalfe a_dot_metcalfe340_at_btinternet_dot_com

Don’t forget the Orwell Festival takes place in Ipswich Suffolk - 24/25/26th April 2009 - with gigs on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and evening AND a Sunday morning Gospel Session and afternoon concert. According to the website www.orwellbluegrass.co.uk the festival’s ‘The Hallow Tree’ venue is close to Ipswich and has loads of space for picking, camping, drinking and concerts. Hallow Trees Camp Ground has fantastic facilities, with several large halls for picking along side smaller rooms for workshops and our huge Concert tent which will seat 500. Bands include;

For more information, please visit www.orwellbluegrass.co.uk

Contact John Yeaman 01482 871466 or 07768036095 or johnthebanjo_at_johnthebanjo_dot_karoo_dot_co_dot_uk

Geoff Bowers emailed that on Sunday 26th April - the exciting five piece USA band - Gold Heart will play the Comfort Hotel, George Street, Nottingham (city centre - 300yds up from the Fletcher Gate NCP Car Park). As usual, book in advance if you can - as tickets will cost £11. Door tickets are £13 so be early if you don't have a ticket. (Or even if you have for that matter!) Concert starts at 8:20pm through to 11:00pm-ish!!! Call Geoff on Tel: 0115 912 00 80 or email him via geoff_dot_bowers_at_ntlworld_dot_com

Pat McGarvey of Southern Tenant Folk Union emailed “ Break A Leg! - the old showbusiness maxim comes true...Yes, you've guessed it one of the band recently managed to break two bones in his leg whilst playing football...and that man is our normally football crazy Double Bass player Matt Lloyd...It was about two weeks ago and I think the match he was playing was also something to do with the Comic Relief fundraising day...so it was all for a good cause...no doubt that makes him feel alot better about it all... Seriously though this does mean that Matt can't make any of the gigs in April/May (my little brother John will be 'standing' in for him) which is a real shame and he'll be missed if for no other reason that we won't be able to find out how much he doesn't like the various meals we'll be eating together...that and the lack of his G-Star Raw fashion victim trainers will make the van a quieter and more contemplative place to be... So Matt's doing better now some time has passed - he's had an operation to insert some pins in his leg bones and some kindof nut/bolt looking thing...and he's out of the hospital so he'll be recuperating at home for a few more weeks before he can get out and about... If you'd like to send a get-well-soon message or just some general abuse about his beloved Chelsea FC then his email address is mattelloyd_at_hotmail_dot_com

For more information about STFU - please email southerntenant_at_yahoo_dot_co_dot_uk or visit http://www.myspace.com/southerntenantfolkunion

Sat 4 - Lake Marie - The Three Horseshoes, Knockholt, TN14 7LD

Sun 5 - Snakeoil Rattlers - Slim Jim's Liquor Store, 112 Upper Street, London, N1 1QN - 020 7354 4364

Mon 6 - Ben Paley & Tab Hunter - Brighton Acoustic Session - Lord Nelson, Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ED

Mon 6 - Bluegrass & Old Time music welcome at the White Horse Folk Club - Chris Liddiard 01435 864271 Bodle Street Green, nr Herstmonceux , BN27 4RE

Thu 9 - Foghorn Leghorn & the Coal Porters at The Betsey Trotwood, 56 Farringdon Rd, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 3BL - 020 7253 4285

Fri 10 - Easter Festival - Biggin Hillbillies - Howard Burton & The Off Chords, The Boom Sad Daisies, High Weald Ridge, The Grass Hoppers + Friends

Bluegrass-Plus Club - Netherne Athletic Club, Woodplace Lane, Coulsdon CR5 1NE

Sat 11 - Easter Festival - picking day Bluegrass-Plus Club - Netherne Athletic Club, Woodplace Lane, Coulsdon CR5 1NE

Sat 11 - the Coal Porters - Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre, 11 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AF [ £12/£10concs ]

Sat 11 - Biggin Hillbillies - Ardingly British Legion , High Street, Ardingly, Nr. Haywards Heath

To join Rick’s mailing list - please email him via richard_at_stjulians_dot_co_dot_uk or visit his website www.ricktownend.co.uk

Rick also kindly emailed to say that St Julian’s Club in Kent is putting on regular bluegrass and old-time music again, on the first Friday each month; most evenings will be open sessions hosted by the Kent Carters – musicians are always welcome. Rick also adds that a few special nights are coming up:

July 3 – The club’s contribution to the Sevenoaks Festival fortnight is a special appearance by London band Foghorn Leghorn, who went down a storm on their last visit some years ago.

August 31 (bank holiday Monday) is St Julian’s annual ‘Kentucky to Kent UK’ festival, which this year features especially - long-time friend Lilly Drumeva. Lilly lived and performed in the UK for some years; as well as being one of Europe's principal performing stars she does much behind-the-scenes work for the bluegrass scene, in particular liaising with the International Bluegrass Music Association's board in America. She has recorded many albums, solo and with her band 'Lilly of the West' who, in 1998, won the EBMA's best bluegrass band award, going on to showcase in the USA. She has worked with many of the world's top bluegrass artistes, including Marshall Wilborn and Jesse Brock of the Lynn Morris Band, who invited her to sing with them at a time when Lynn herself was unable to perform. In addition to her regular appearances she presents regular music shows on TV and radio in Bulgaria, and we are looking forward to hearing her sing again at St Julian’s.

April 9-10 Bluegrass-Plus Club – the Grasshoppers + artistes to be announced

August 1-2 Surrey Mini Bluegrass Festival - Chris Moreton, The Off Chords, Howard Burton, Wood, Wire, & Words, High Weald Ridge, Buffalo

August 31 Kentucky to Kent UK – Lilly Drumeva + artistes to be announced

September 11-13 Sweet Sunny South Festival - Carl Jones & Beverly Smith, The Kittyhawks, Robin Gillan

Each year, I hear great reports about the Coastline Bluegrass Music Event - and it appears that this year will be no exception! On behalf of the committee, Phil Mann email emailed “The Coastline Bluegrass Music Event is in it's 4th year, located on a beautiful working hill farm near LLandudno Junction in North Wales, just 1.5 miles from Junction 19 on the A55. Nearest railway stations are Llandudno Junction or Colwyn Bay. Camping facilities for tents, caravans and motorhomes (no electric hook-up) include an on-site caterer, an excellent fully stocked bar selling ‘real ale’ and fine toilet facilities including disabled, and 'hot' showers. We have an experienced team of stewards to assist with vehicle access etc. and our reception staff are on hand to provide all the information you'll need for a great weekend of Bluegrass music. We have a designated 'quiet area' if you don't fancy staying up for the many late night jam sessions. There are fantastic views across the Conwy Estuary from the campsite, and the sunsets can be truly breathtaking. Ticket prices have been held at 2008 rates and start at £35 for a full weekend including camping and admission to all concerts and workshops. Children under 16 are admission free if accompanied by a paying adult. Detailed ticket prices and contact information can be found on the website www.coastlinebluegrass.co.uk . Dogs are allowed, but must be on a lead at all times. CBME is an ideal event for families, and we encourage youngsters to learn to play with our 'Young Bluegrasser's' concert, and extended workshops. You can win a Martin guitar in the raffle too. The bands performing this year are '4 Wheel Drive' from the Netherlands, 'Toy Hearts', 'Chill Until Blue' and 'Jaywalkers'. Appalachian dance groups appearing will be 'Feet First' and 'Wicked Soles'.” Judging by the excellent feedback on the previous music happenings - it would be advisable to book as soon as possible to be ensured of a fun filled Bluegrass weekend.

Conwy presents the 21st International Bluegrass Music and Dance Festival on the 2nd to the 5th July 2009 Your Hosts; Highly Strung, present artists for the 2009 Festival including: Carter Brothers Band, Bononia Grass, The New Rope String Band, Brian Golbey, Britannia Band, Chill Until Blue, Chris Moreton, The Crocker Brothers, The Down County Boys, The Morris Boys, New Essex Bluegrass, Shake the Roots, Tin Box Mountain Band, Tom Hanway, and first time visitors; The Off Chords and Uncle Dave, - plus many other friends! For more information - please contact Gill & John Les (Highly Strung - the band…not their personalities) - on 01492 515921 - or 01492 580454 - or visit www.northwalesnluegrass.co.uk

Contact John Yeaman 01482 871466 or 07768036095 or johnthebanjo_at_johnthebanjo_dot_karoo_dot_co_dot_uk

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-2476527784878840197&hl=en

All players, dancers and listeners welcome….predominantly American fiddle and banjo genres……but who’s checking! The Retreat Pub, 8 St. Johns St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4EH. Tel 0118 957 1593 Contact colmdaly_at_ntlworld_dot_com for more details

Friday 24th April - Six Hands in Tempo - The Packhorse Folk Club Loughborough
http://packfolk.freeservers.com/diary.html www.sixhandsintempo.co.uk

Sunday 26th April - The Carrivick Sisters - 8pm at the Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge, South Devon
www.thecarrivicksisters.com

wildwoodflower_at_mountainmusic_dot_co_dot_uk This excellent club often organises fine concerts for overseas performers - so it’s certainly worth getting in touch with them to see what events they have planned.

Martin & Marianne Lucas of the Wildwood Flower Mountain Music Club are pleased to give you advance notice of an event taking place on Thursday, 30 April - featuring ‘Gold Heart’ ! They say “What a night this is going to be. We have been lucky enough to book ‘Gold Heart’, an award-winning bluegrass band with ‘fresh zest’! They are ‘revving up listeners and capturing hearts worldwide with their pure family harmony, solid lead vocals and energetic instrumentation’. The band features the three young Gold sisters (along with their father on double bass, and family friend on banjo). Their maturity in their brilliant sibling harmonies, song-writing, and instrumentation abilities, belie their young years (12 to 18).” For more information - please contact Martin & Marianne via telephone: 01237 472083 wildwoodflower_at_mountainmusic_dot_co_dot_uk”

More details: www.chuckandalbert.com

Many thanks to Roger Padfield who says “The Wilders July tour, (which includes 3 in Wales, at long last!!), is listed on their website….for those who don’t have time to visit the site (www.wilderscountry.com) the dates are;

Fri Jun 26: The Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, Ireland. www.seamusenniscentre.com
Jun 27: Cork Midsummer Festival www.corkmidsummer.com
Jul 1: Wexford Arts Centre www.wexfordartscentre.ie
Jul 2: The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim www.theglenscentre.com
Jul 3: The Black Box, Belfast www.blackboxbelfast.com
Jul 4: Earagail Arts Festival, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal www.eaf.ie
Jul 5: Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland www.harbourarts.org.uk
Jul 7: Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Fife www.attfife.org.uk
Jul 8: The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street, St. Andrews, Fife www.byretheatre.com
Jul 9: Eastgate Theatre, Peebles www.eastgatearts.com
Jul 10: Howden Park Centre, Livingston www.livingstonalive.co.uk/howdenpc.shtml
Jul 11: The Tolbooth, Stirling www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth
Jul 12: The Bongo Club, 37 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh www.thebongoclub.co.uk
Jul 14: Glasgow (venue tbc)
Jul 15: Universal Hall _at_ Eight Acres Hotel, Elgin http://findhorn.org/uhall/
Jul 16: Hebridean Celtic Festival, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis ww.hebceltfest.com/festival/
Jul 17: Jumpin Hot Club, The Cluny, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England www.jumpinhot.com
Jul 18: Larmer Tree Festival www.larmertreefestival.co.uk
Jul 19 (late morning): Larmer Tree Festival
Jul 19 (evening): Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Wales www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
Jul 20: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk
Jul 21: Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire www.boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk

Apr 11-14 Ulster Folk Park, Omagh, Northern Ireland BT78 5QY www.bluegrassomagh.com
Apr 19 Bournemouth Folk Club _at_ The Centre Stage, 14 Queens Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 6BE
Apr 23 Burnetts Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire, Wales SA68
tickets & info _at_ http://www.pembrokebooks.co.uk/burnettshill
Apr 25 New Radnor Community Hall, Hall Lane, New Radnor, Presteigne, Wales LD8 2TF
Apr 26 Wick Village Hall w/ The Buffalo Gals, Manor Road, Wick, Bristol, Somerset BS30 5RA
Apr 28 Malt Cross, 16 St. James’s St, Nottingham, NG1 6FG
Apr 29 Traveller’s Rest w/ Downtrodden S.B., 24 Derby Road, Draycott, Derby, DE72 3NJ
May 2 Ram Jam Club, 46 Richmond Road, Kingston, KT2 5EE
May 3 Honky Tonkin’ Sunday _at_ The Golden Lion, 88 Royal College St, Camden, London, NW1 0TH
May 5 The Luminaire, 311 High Road, Kilburn, London, NW6 7JR

http://www.thomasbaileymusic.com http://www.myspace.com/thomasbailey

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-Bailey/19595173616

Ful details can be found at the band‘s website: www.newropestringband.co.uk

Contact Andrew Metcalfe a_dot_metcalfe340_at_btinternet_dot_com

Corinne West’s tour runs from August 27th through September 26^th - and covers most of the UK including the Isle of Wight and the Cornish Bluegrass Festival. www.corinnewest.com

May 10-17, 2009, Old-Time Music Week with Dave and Time Bing, has space for a few more participants. Focus on banjo, fiddle and guitar technique, repertoire and ensemble playing. Other instruments welcome. See www.katelissauer.com for more information

October 3-10, 2009, Old-Time Music Week with Beverly Smith and Carl Jones, has space for several more participants. Focus on Mandolin, Fiddle, Guitar, singing, and writing tunes and songs. All instruments welcome. See www.katelissauer.com for more information.

The 2009 Maverick Festival will take place at the Easton Farm Park, Suffolk over the Independence Day weekend, 3^rd/4^th/5^th July. More info available from www.maverickfestival.co.uk Last year, they kept it ‘up close and personal’ and they liked it, so tickets will be strictly limited. Maverick says; "Friday night, at 7.00 pm we kick things off with our Welcome Jamboree, featuring four bands, in the Barn. Saturday we present music, dance, film and various workshops across FOUR stages, followed on Sunday morning by our traditional Gospel Brunch, guaranteed to raise the spirits and loosen the rafters….”

Please send a cheque with stamped, self addressed envelope to: Claptrap TV Ltd, Easton, Woodbridge, IP13 0EJ (No postage or handling charges!) www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk | www.maverick-country.com

www.myspace.com/goldheartbluegrass www.goldheartbluegrass.com

John is also involved with The Midnight Ramblers Bluegrass Band - whose UK Tour starts Friday 25th July. Dates are available from then up until 30th July - please contact John via secretary_at_scottishbluegrass_dot_com He is also helping Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa Bluegrass Band - their UK tour starts Thursday 24th September - with dates available www.waynetaylorandappaloosa.com …..again, please contact John via secretary_at_scottishbluegrass_dot_com

The Stairwell Sisters are touring Scotland during May:

www.stairwellsisters.com

Sara Grey wonders if there would be any interest in a weekend old time session at the Taybank Hotel in Dunkeld next June. She thinks it would be a good idea to have a nice cosy session up in Scotland....as there aren't many of those up in the wilds….and the Taybank is a great music venue. If there is enough interest she will discuss the matter with the Taybank landlord. There are lots of B&B's in the Dunkeld area - and probably plenty of camping, so Sara considers that it would be a good way for people to combine the weekend with a holiday. She points out that this would definitely not be a festival...just a weekend session. If you are interested in finding out more email her at sara_at_saragrey_dot_net

Fans of the Kruger Brothers www.krugerbrothers.com still have a couple of opportunities to see them;

For more details, please visit: www.krugerbrothers.com

Christopher Howard-Williams of the French Bluegrass Music Association - (FBMA) www.france-bluegrass.org has announced the following events talking place in France;
Bluegrass Masterclass Workshop on 11-12 April with Jim Hurst (guitar), Byron Berline (fiddlle, mandoline) and Alan Munde (banjo), at La Grange Rouge, near Macon.
The FBMA Spring Weekend meeting 29^th May-1^st June at the Leisure Centre at Mézière sur Couesnon, Ille et Vilaine, Britanny; for more info contact Philippe Chapuis - chaps35_at_gmail_dot_com

BANJOREE 2009 www.banjoree.com/frame-e.htm will take place from May 1st through 3rd - as usual in ESW in Hagen, Germany. The 5-string banjo players have a community all over Europe, a central meeting point for them being the BANJOREE in Hagen. The first BANJOREE happened in 2005 - now we are close to the third one in 2009! Again there are many Tutors with many exciting topics. There will be clawhammer tutors ranging from avant-garde to traditional, 3-finger styles from minstrel to progressive. Rank beginners will feel at home as well as the advanced. There will be a flatpicking guitar tutor from the US who is well known for his artistic "3-finger flatpicking" as well as for the guitars he builds. There will be banjo tutors from the land of 5-string banjos - namely America. - NEW! - There will be a mandolin workshop. - Also NEW! - The attendance fee will not be for individual workshops but for the whole event. This means that you can choose as many workshops as you want and learn many new things on whichever instrument you choose! You can watch the progress of our planning on the BANJOREE website www.banjoree.com/frame-e.htm. Keep coming by!.. and do not forget. Every 5-string banjo player wants to go to BANJOREE 2009. Even those who do not know yet. Therefore go out and tell them……

EWOB 2009 FESTIVAL: Check out this year's terrific programme at www.ewob.eu The concert programme and workshop schedule for the European World of Bluegrass Festival 2009 - the 12th annual EWOB Festival - are online now! The organisers say “We have a wonderful lineup of artists from the USA, Canada, and all over Europe that you won't want to miss. The EWOB Festival takes place as always in Voorthuizen, the Netherlands - this year on Thursday-Friday-Saturday, May 21-22-23. If you haven't visited the new EWOB Festival website, drop in ASAP! You can hear audio clips from all 48 tracks of the 10 YEARS OF EWOB double CD, read all about our unique event, and fall in love with European bluegrass. Please sign our Guestbook! European promoters: We have 42 great bands in Holland in late May, both American and European, many of whom are available and looking for any extra work in the dates around the EWOB Festival. If you can offer a job to a good bluegrass band, duo, etc., please contact us right away. It's an excellent opportunity for you to hire musicians who normally live too far away. Perhaps there are some folks who would like music for a private party or event - don't miss the chance to invite someone really special! If you are located far from Holland, you can look for bands that might be travelling near you on their way to or from the EWOB Festival. You can see where the artists are from and visit their websites by clicking their names in the EWOB Festival 2009 programme. www.ewob.eu

Do listen to the G2 Bluegrass Band, from Sweden, via www.myspace.com/g2bluegrassband - they really do have a great sound.

The Country Gentlemen - with Randy Waller, son of the founder-member Charlie Waller, will be touring Europe from 2^nd May - 9^th May. Dates include:
Sat. 2 May: 7^th International Bühl Festival, Bühl/Baden, Germany www.bluegrass-buehl.de
Sun. 3 May: Special concert at Théâtre Le Parc, Rue du Collège, Quartier du Plain Château, 74800 La Roche-sur-Foron, Haute Savoie, France, 5.00 p.m.; full details available from Christopher Howard-Williams +33 450 03 42 04, email; christopherhw_at_mac_dot_com or via the La Roche website www.larochebluegrass.fr/ under the heading - Roch'événements
Thurs. 7 May: Jicin, Czech Republic, 8.00 p.m.
Sat. 9 May: 10^th Spring Bluegrass Festival, Willisau, Switzerland www.bluegrass-willisau.ch

The Grange Rouge Bluegrass and French Folk Weekend, will be held June 13^th and June 14^th - with sleeping in hostel conditions. Bands play 30-minute sets. For more information please email lagrange_dot_rouge_at_wanadoo_dot_fr

Sincere thanks to Tony O’Brien and the kind people of the Athy Bluegrass Music Association - who emailed to say “Our festival is on W/end 9th-12th July with The Bluegrass Patriots (Colorado) and 4Wheel Drive (Holland) as headline bands. Full details on www.athy-bluegrass.com

The excellent La Roche Bluegrass Festival takes place over 30^th July-2^nd August at La Roche-sur-Foron, Haute Savoie (a truly beautiful location) - and features the EWOBA Band Contest with twelve bands from six countries; a further sixteen bands from Europe will also perform, along with Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain (USA), Sally & Chris Jones (USA), Bob Jones (USA; ex Blue Grass Boy) & Bononia Grass (I), Monogram (CZ), Acousticure (H), and Philippe Naudot (F) & Vodopad (Sk). The full programme can downloaded from the La Roche website www.larochebluegrass.fr/

Two years ago a group of devotees began a bluegrass jam session at the Celtic Cross pub in Barcelona - and now sessions are now held every two weeks Sundays, every two weeks, always in a diferent place in BCN, check out the web for more information). The link is http://web.mac.com/lluisgomez/iWeb/Barcelona%20Bluegrass%20&%20Old-Time%20/Welcome.html

L’Astrolabi C/ Martinez de la Rosa 14 20:00 to 22:00 www.myspace.com/lastrolabi

Homespun offers a wide range of lessons for beginning players in a variety of instruments. This week we're highlighting some of the courses that will give you a great foundation and will help you take your playing a step further. Just visualize yourself contributing to a camp sing, jam session, open mic night, church picnic - or just sitting on your porch singing and playing to the moon. Yes you can! Happy and Jane Traum say “We are excited to announce two new titles that are perfect for any beginner who wants to pick up a fiddle and start playing. Jim Wood carefully breaks down all the elements of good technique and teaches you how to play some the most famous tunes in the fiddle repertoire.” www.homespuntapes.com or email news_at_homespun_dot_com to request being added to their mailing list.

www.peachbottomfarm.com kindly emailed “I'd like to refresh memories and thank all who have expressed interest in or supported Peach Bottom Farm Fiddle & Strings Camp! and introduce P.B.F. to those who don't know about us. We are delighted about this years Instructors. Please, take the time to familiarize yourself with them. We are accepting 20 registrants this (our 5th!) year. JUNE 15 - 19 2009. Tuition includes 3 healthy meals, snacks and beverages each day.” The ‘camp’ will also have a Ceilidh/Barn Party/bar-b-que, concert by instructors, an evening at a local ‘CROOKED ROAD’ destination, nightly jams and other ‘surprises’ to celebrate it’s fifth anniversary. Accommodation include on site tent camping, reserved off-site R.V. camping, shared vacation rentals, a local hotel, bed & breakfast's, depending on your needs and/or budget. Peach Bottom Farm Fiddle & Strings Camp provides a fun-filled yet intensive musical environment for all ages and abilities. For more information about this event - located in two hundred pastoral acres, high in the Appalachian mountains of Southwestern Virginia - please visit www.peachbottomfarm.com - or email Patti via peachbottomfarm_at_yahoo_dot_com also for registration & accommodations.

International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) 2-time Instrumental Group Of The Year, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, will perform at ‘Bluegrass Returns To It's Roots’ in Owensboro, KY on April 3rd. In addition, the band will perform a special free concert in support of the International Bluegrass Music Museum. They will perform two shows at 4:40pm and 7:30pm for ‘Bluegrass Returns To It's Roots’ held at River Park Center in Owensboro, KY. In addition, Michael Cleveland will offer a fiddle workshop at 11:00am and Flamekeeper bandmate Jesse Brock will host a mandolin workshop at 12:00noon. In a show of support for the International Bluegrass Music Museum, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper will offer a free concert in the museum's theatre at 2:00pm followed by a ‘meet and greet’. Admission to the museum and concert is free with the purchase of a weekend pass to ‘Bluegrass Returns To It's Roots’…. otherwise, museum admission is $5 for Adults, $2 for children ages 7 and up and free for children under 6. Admission to the concert is included with a museum ticket. ‘Bluegrass Return To It's Roots’ is located at River Park Centre in Owensboro, KY with the International Bluegrass Music Museum in the same complex. For more information on these concerts, please visit www.RiverParkCenter.org and www.BluegrassMuseum.org. For more information on Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, please visit www.FlamekeeperBand.com.

Check out the new look, Official Rhonda Vincent web site at www.rhondavincent.com

The new site is in anticipation of Rhonda's next project on Rounder Records titled, ‘Destination Life’. The project features only members of Rhonda's band, The Rage, including new members, Aaron McDaris on banjo, Ben Helson on guitar; and Mickey Harris on bass, and Hunter Berry on fiddle…..band members for 8 years. The group is currently on tour, enjoying sold out shows coast to coast. This week the Martha White Bluegrass Express, will travel to 4/3 Weirdsale, FL, 4/4 Perry, FL, and 4/5 Columbia, SC. On Easter Weekend, 4/10 Bowling Green, KY; then 4/11 Nashville, TN for an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, and to host the first ever ‘Easter Presentation’ on the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. The Midnight Jamboree has broadcast 40 years, after the world famous Grand Ole Opry www.opry.com on 650 WSM Radio. Watch and listen LIVE via the Midnight Jamboree Web Site, www.etrecordshop.com/. Rhonda Vincent & The Rage celebrate Easter with their musical guests, ‘Next Best Thing’ www.nextbestthingband.com - and Signe Wiig Salvesen from Norway. Check www.rhondavincent.com for details!

As is the case every month, there is a large group of new contacts that can help you to gain more exposure for your music in the free Indie Contact Newsletter! To find out more email David Wimble - Editor of The Indie Contact Newsletter indiecontactnewsletter_at_rogers_dot_com or visit www.indiebible.com/ - also there is the Indie Venue Bible - that is updated daily. If you wish to view it - you will need to purchase access via http://www.IndieVenueBible.com -and have the opportunity to view the updated directory for one full year!

"It's my best attempt at not being too shallow," laughs The Infamous Stringdusters' Jeremy Garrett when you ask him about his first solo project, but don't take him at his word. Indeed, it doesn't take more than a moment's worth of listening to I Am A Stranger for anyone to realize that the young singer, songwriter and fiddler has accomplished much more than that. Debuting on March 31st as a Sugar Hill Records digital-only release, the album serves up a healthy portion of cutting edge bluegrass along with a few curves that will leave even the most jaded listener satisfied with the project's depth. Like bandmate Andy Hall, whose Sound Of The Slide Guitar earned the IBMA's Instrumental Album of the Year title in 2008, Garrett highlights his Stringdusters’ bandmates on a tasty selection of material while leaving plenty of room for contributions by a carefully chosen assortment of friends and colleagues who just happen to be among bluegrass and country's finest. "Honestly, the musicians were as big a part as the songs were," he says. "I envisioned how each song would go with particular musicians in mind, and there were songs I wanted to do but didn't because the musicians weren't right, and others that I added because the musicians fit them so well--like Julie Elkins on banjo, whom I've played with since we both lived out west, or Shawn Lane, who's one of the best mandolin players on the planet." For those already familiar with his career, the breadth, substance and spirit that pervade the set will come as no surprise. After moving to Nashville some seven years ago, Garrett swiftly ascended into the ranks of the city's busiest musicians, serving stints with Chris Jones and Ronnie Bowman while filling in with legends like Bobby Osborne before launching the Stringdusters with a group of like-minded colleagues. The group quickly jumped into the forefront of a bluegrass youth revolution with the release of ‘Fork In The Road’ (2007), earning the IBMA's Emerging Artist, Album and Song of the Year honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association for its compelling vocals--many featuring Garrett's wailing tenor--instrumental brilliance, engaging song choices and blend of taut, hard-driving precision with loose, funky jams. Grabbing a brief time-out from a hectic tour schedule, the group went back into the studio to produce last year's follow-up, ‘The Infamous Stringdusters‘, and then hit the road again. "This one became a super-intense passion for me," Garrett says, as he recalls working on his own album in between 'dusters tours. "Somehow holes opened up, and we recorded for a total of about five days, and wrapped it up at the beginning of December. By that point, I'd been concentrating on it so hard that I just took a break from it - but you know," he adds, "I listened to it again for the first time in a while not long ago, and I thought it sounded pretty decent." To which it only needs to be added, don't take his word on that either; whether a bluegrass, Americana or just plain good music fan, any listener will find that I Am A Stranger is one enduring introduction to the full breadth of one of the scene's brightest talents. Check out www.garrettgrass.com for more information.

4 Apr 2009 - Private Event West Palm Beach, Florida

10 Apr & 11 Apr 2009 - Station Inn Nashville, Tennessee

15 Apr 2009 - Mercy Lounge Nashville, Tennessee

17 Apr & 18 Apr 2009 - Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival Pittsboro, North Carolina

24 Apr & 25 Apr 2009 - Merlefest Wilkesboro, North Carolina

26 Apr 2009 - Stagecoach Festival Indio, California

29 Apr 2009 - Tennessee Shines Knoxville, Tennessee

2 May 2009 - The Fillmore San Francisco, California

3 May 2009 - Palms Playhouse Winters, California

22 May 2009 - Dr. Ralph Stanley’s Memorial Weekend Bluegrass Festival Coeburn, Virginia

28 May 2009 - Twilight Alive Kingsport, Tennessee

6 Jun 2009 - Georgia Mountain Roots and Music Festival Hiawassee, Georgia

21 Jun 2009 - Live Oak Music Fest Santa Barbara, California

5 Jul 2009 - Cityfolk Festival Dayton, Ohio

16 Jul 2009 - Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman Nashville, Tennessee

13 Sep 2009 - Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts Schaumburg

26 Sep 2009 - Flat Rock Music Festival Flat Rock, North Carolina

For more information about this excellent performer, please visit www.jimlauderdale.com or www.myspace.com/jimlauderdale

4 Apr 2009 - Lees-McRae College, Hayes Auditorium, Banner Elk, NC Banner Elk, North Carolina

23 Apr 2009 - Marvin Ridge High School, Waxhaw, NC Waxhaw, North Carolina

24 Apr 2009 - Merlefest 2009, Wilkesboro, NC Wilkesboro, North Carolina

2 May 2009 - Brock Performing Arts Center, Mocksville, N C Mocksville, North Carolina

8 May 2009 - Sheldon Concert Hall, St. Louis, MO St. Louis, Missouri

9 May 2009 - Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, IL Rockford, Illinois

18 Jul 2009 - Anderson Auditorium, Montreat, NC Montreat, North Carolina

24 Oct 2009 - Sunrise Theater, Southern Pines, NC Southern Pines, North Carolina

Summer camps for ages 10-12 at Maple Mount - Children, ages 10-12, will study music and explore nature at the June 8-13 Discover Music, Discover Nature, Discover Maple Mount camp at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. Children will learn about music native to Kentucky, take elective classes, go on nature walks, and listen to nightly performances by musicians leading the camp. The week concludes with a free public concert featuring Kentucky Folk Artist HEATH ERIC and Award-Winning Appalachian Folk Artist CARLA GOVER, AND the campers. The First 30 overnight earlybird campers can attend for $295. After May 7, cost is $395. Cost for commuters is $200. Visit www.discovermaplemount.org. Register by May 7.

From June 14-19, Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center will host Agri-Eco Camp 2009, also for children ages 10-12. This is an immersion experience in nature to help campers learn where their food comes from and how they can be good stewards of Earth. Each day has its own theme: Adventure, Farm, Solar, and Biology. Early bird campers can attend for $150 if registered by May 14. After May 14 the cost is $200. Fees includes meals, materials and overnight lodging. To register, please contact Kathy McCarty at 270-229-0200 or kmccarty_at_maplemount_dot_org Find more information at www.msjcenter.org or at

www.discovermaplemount.org

Hotel Reservations for the ‘2009 IBMA World of Bluegrass’ began on April 1st - so please call + 1-877-259-4716 to Secure your accommodations early....you won't want to miss this exciting week in Nashville! More than 2,000 hotel rooms at nine different downtown properties are available at discounted rates for the 2009 World of Bluegrass events. IBMA has strived to negotiate the best rates, at properties that offer the service and amenities our attendees expect, some discounted more than $100 per night. Beginning April 1st, reservations will be open to anyone planning to attend any part of the World of Bluegrass week. Reservations must be made through the Nashville Central Reservations Department. Please, DO NOT call the hotels or the IBMA directly for room reservations….as the special negotiated rates can only be accessed by calling the number below.
1. Call 1-877-259-4716 or 615-259-4700 (Call centre is open Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm central time).
2. Inform them you need reservations for the ‘World of Bluegrass’.
3.After March 31, available rooms will open to anyone calling to make a reservation.
Click Here; (http://e2ma.net/go/1854899762/1691089/62987802/goto:http://www.ibma.org/events.programs/wob/hotel_detail.asp) for a list of the hotel properties, starting rates and amenities. Additional reservation information can be found on the Hotels & Travel (http://e2ma.net/go/1854899762/1691089/62987798/goto:http://www.ibma.org/events.programs/wob/travel.info.asp) page of the IBMA website, including:
Minimum Stay Requirements/Deposits & Guarantees/Reservation Cancellations & Changes/Reservation Confirmation/Parking in downtown Nashville/Airport Info and more... Ticket sales will begin June 1 with complete pricing info and informational brochures available in late May. Don't wait to secure your accommodations however. Some properties and room types are in high demand so we encourage you to make your plans to attend at your earliest convenience. Bookmark http://www.ibma.org/ (http://e2ma.net/go/1854899762/1691089/62987794/goto:http://www.ibma.org/) now to keep up with the most up-to-date information throughout the summer. World of Bluegrass is your 2009 Stimulus! You still gotta pick!

Just on the heels of the release of their latest album, ‘Signs’, Special Consensus has planned a special Nashville day for April 24th. Greg Cahill and the boys will start the day off at XM-Sirius, recording a Studio Special with Kyle Cantrell. Shortly after, they'll head a few blocks over to Nashville Public Radio with Dave Higgs to tape for his syndicated Bluegrass Breakdown show. Later that evening, at 9pm, they'll be at the Station Inn for a live performance open to the public. The band is no stranger to busy schedules but they'll be running around all day so make sure to keep an eye out. www.pinecastle.com

Since forming five years ago, Spring Creek has emerged as the hottest young band among the newest generation of pickers in the Rocky Mountain bluegrass scene. In 2007, the Lyons, Colorado-based foursome rocketed onto the national stage when they became the only group to ever capture the band competitions at the Telluride and RockyGrass Festivals in the same year. Since those celebrated wins, the band has toured extensively, solidifying their status as lively and skillful performers. Spring Creek signed with Rebel Records last fall and will be unveiling their label debut, Way Up on a Mountain on May 5th. Way Up on a Mountain projects a sound that derives its inspiration from the soul of the Rocky Mountains but maintains its footing in the Appalachian hills and piedmont of the bluegrass heartland. Drawing from the same creative wellspring that produced traditional bluegrass bands such as Hot Rize and Open Road, the album bursts with a freshness that is guaranteed to earn Spring Creek a spot among Colorado's bluegrass innovators. Equally, Way Up on a Mountain demonstrates the band's keen mastery of traditional bluegrass and their deep respect for its Appalachian origins. The resulting product is a sound that is both traditional and original, daring yet indebted to the forefathers of bluegrass. Way Up on a Mountain is certain to win the hearts of listeners in the bluegrass heartland as well as those of the genre's ever-broadening fan-base worldwide. Please check out http://springcreekbluegrassband.com/ for more information about Spring Creek.

Don’t forget the 2ND ANNUAL DELFEST . MAY 22-24, 2009 . ALLEGANY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS . CUMBERLAND, MD. It’s - 3 Days . 3 Nights . Late Night Shows . On-site Camping . Kid's Area and Activities . Artist Playshops . Band Competition . Food . Drink . Art & Craft Faire . Plus More! next ticket discount deadline is this Monday, April 6. Discount three-day passes are $125 through Monday, April 6 or while this quantity lasts. DelFest two-day passes are $110 through April 6 (also while this quantity lasts). On-site camping is included in the price of your multiple-day DelFest pass. Three-day and two-day kids passes are also on sale now. Kids age 5 and under are admitted free! DelFest is a family-friendly event with a designated Family Camp and a Kid's Area that will offer a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages. Please go to http://delmccouryband.com/ for more information.

Minnesota band - Monroe Crossing are set to enter the studio to begin recording their 10th CD, Heartache And Stone. The project will feature new and original songs from fiddler Lisa Fuglie, a couple penned by guitarist Art Blackburn, and some fun and unusual covers. The CD should be out by June. Check out their website http://monroecrossing.com/ for more information at gig dates.

Belinda O'Hooley & Heidi Tidow ( UK )
For details on Adastra’s other artists - check out their NEW website....www.adastra-music.co.uk

The programme for the Beverly Folk Festival - that takes place 19^th - 21^st June 2009 - is almost complete now and details of the artists booked can be found on the festival’s website www.beverleyfestival.com along with other information about the activities over the weekend. With the ability to book online, those intending to attend the event can easily choose the type of tickets they are interested in purchasing. This can be from a full weekend ticket to one for a single event. Headline acts include one of this countries finest song writers, Billy Bragg along with the leading light in the New Folk genre, Seth Lakeman. Highlighting our Saturday Solstice Party Night will be nationwide festival favourites, Celtic Dance music idols, The Peatbog Faeries. Joining the party will be the legendary Lonnie Donegan Band featuring Peter Donegan , performing the songs and music of Peter’s legendary father Lonnie Donegan, and the UK’s only acoustic Ska Band, Skavolution. Three mighty bands for a truly magnificent party! For anyone wanting a GREAT weekend away – look no further, come and relax in the shadow of Beverley’s historic Minster and sample some first rate music and fine ales straight off the Yorkshire Wolds! Book NOW for that extra special deal and have extra money to spend on that fine Ale and great Festival Food over the weekend! The Beverley Festival will once again be supporting the charity the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT), when it takes place in June from 19 – 21^st. The festival, which brings to the town of Beverley some of this country’s best known musicians and performers as well as a wealth of rising stars and top international performers, looks set to be a Summer favourite for many festival goers. The festival will this year be developing its green field site (adjacent to its campsite and main venue at the Leisure Complex) in the Festival Village, in the shadow of the stunning Beverley Minster, to offer even more events for families and all age groups, with a broad mix of interests. The popular TCT Sessions will once again be being held in the Wold Top Tent, in the Festival Village, between noon and 7pm both Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21 June. The sessions were introduced to the festival program three years ago and are hosted by the organiser of Hunsley Acoustic Music sessions, Will Richardson. Will, a long time supporter of both the Trust and the Festival, was invited to host the sessions in aid of the charity and since 2007 and there has never been a shortage of musicians to take to the stage and entertain the happy crowds! A collection is made during the event and the proceeds are donated to the charity. Musicians from around the country are invited to play the TCT Sessions, donating their time and talent for the charity and to entertain the audience in the Wold Top tent This venue also has an unlimited supply of the fine WOLD TOP ale, a local brew. This year bands taking part in the Sessions over the weekend come from all over the country. West Yorkshire will be represented by groups The Durbervilles and the Hall Brothers with fiddle player John Carey. Scarborough based duo Stony, York group Union Central (who play tribute to Alison Krauss and Union Station) and Wigan based singer songwriter Jon Brindley will also be playing during the weekend. East Yorkshire is represented by Nick and Helen Stubbs and Tom Gorringe and Hull band Circus Envy will be making their debut appearance. The three sisters Charlotte, Emily and Eleanor Harding are back, better known as The Neumes, and they will finish the Saturday afternoon concert. Hurricane Geoff Watson, The Acoustic Project and the band Mean Eyed Cat which feature our sound engineers, Lynn and Anita Blakeston will be finishing off the weekend’s TCT entertainment. This year promises to be the best TCT Sessions yet! If you are at the Festival Village and have a few minutes to spare, why don’t you drop in to chill out enjoy the live music on offer. Don’t forget to drop a coin or two in to the bucket for the Teenage Cancer Trust which is doing so much to help youngster with this illness. Other headline acts booked at the festival include one of this countries finest song writers, Billy Bragg along with the leading light in the New Folk genre, Seth Lakeman. Highlighting our Saturday Solstice Party Night will be nationwide festival favourites, Celtic Dance music idols, The Peatbog Faeries. Joining the party will be the legendary Lonnie Donegan Band featuring Peter Donegan , performing the songs and music of Peter’s legendary father Lonnie Donegan, and the UK’s only acoustic Ska Band, Skavolution. Three mighty bands for a truly magnificent party! Many other artists will be appearing over the weekend from locally and around the world. For further details or to book online go to – www.beverleyfestival.com or contact our Festival Hotline on 01377 217569.

Vic & Tina Smith suggest that for all the listings of folk music, song club, dances, festivals in and around Sussex, have a look at http://whatson.brighton.co.uk/folk Most of the listings on the Sussex Folk Guide website are taken from the paper magazine, The Folk Diary.

Vic & Tina are also hosts for Folk At The Royal Oak, Lewes, East Sussex - Thursdays at 8.00 pm - tinvic_at_globalnet_dot_co_dot_uk or 01273 478124 - www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic Theykindly sent details of upcoming events;
Apl 9th MATT QUINN & TOM MOORE
Apl 16th HAZEL AND EMILY ASKEW
Apl 23rd CHRIS FOSTER
Apl 30th THE PALINKA BAND
May 7th CON FADA Ó DRISCEOIL
May 14th KEVIN & ELLEN MITCHELL
May 21st OLIVER MULLIGAN & BRENDAN McAULEY
May 28th KATHLEEN O' SULLIVAN & BILLY TEARE

Tina & Vic also mention Instrumental & Vocal Workshops at the Lewes Arms Folk Club, Lewes 2009. The workshops last a full Saturday or Sunday and the tutor performs at the
club in the evening. The remaining programme for 2009 is as follows:-
25th. April Craig Morgan Robson Way through the Woods
26th. April Craig Morgan Robson Vocal harmony
6th. June Kerr /Fagan /Harbron Fiddle /Bouzouki /Concertina
7th. June Kerr Fagan /Harbron Vocal harmony/Winter MS tunes
11th. July Will Duke Scan Tester's tunes
18th. July Bonnie Shaljean Harp
12th. Sept Tommy Peoples Fiddle
19th. Sept Jeff Warner Song accompaniment
10th. Oct Tim Edey Melodeon
14th. Nov Vicki Swan Scottish smallpipes
21st. Nov Tom & Barbara Brown Ballad forum
5th. Dec Billy Teare Storytelling
5th. Dec Kathleen O'Sullivan Irish song
The website for more details is www.lewesarmsfolkclub.org/LAFC/workshps.html or contact Valmai Goodyear on (01273) 476757 or email ValmaiGoodyear_at_aol_dot_com

16 May 2009 until 17 May 2009 - is ‘Folk in the Park’ 5th Annual Irish and Traditional Folk Music Festival at the Ulster-American Folk Park, in Castletown, Omagh, Co., Tyrone BT17 5QY, Northern Ireland Tel +44 (0)28 8224 3292. Celebrate traditional music, song and dance as the museum is transformed into a haven for musicians and music lovers. Stroll around the museum and enjoy performances from a host of internationally renowned acts or book tickets for the traditional ceilidh supper on Saturday 16th May. To book tickets for the Ceilidh Supper, please telephone 028 8224 3292. www.folkpark.com

The Cellar Up Stairs Folk Club; Venue: Exmouth Arms, Starcross Street, London NW1 2HR (on the corner of Cobourg Street, near Euston and Euston Square stations; parking is easy), on Saturdays at 8.15pm. Information: 020 7281 7700; http://hometown.aol.co.uk/cellarupstairs
Entrance: Members: £5, non-members: £6 (unwaged £1 less) except on nights marked , when it will be £6 and £7 (** higher price). Membership: £2 for the year. Access: The club room is up a short staircase. Resident performers: Peta Webb, Ken Hall, Gail Williams, Jim Younger, Bob Wakeling, Sue Williams, Frankie Cleeve

The countdown has begun and it's not long until the 45th Cambridge Folk Festival which runs from 30 July - 2 August 2009 at Cherry Hinton Hall www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

James Taylor will present a Cunard Command Performance aboard Queen Mary 2's June 19^th Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton. During the Crossing, guests will also have the opportunity to join a live Question & Answer interview where James will talk about his award-winning career and the Summer European Tour he and his band will begin after arrival in England. Guests are also cordially invited to attend a private post-concert reception with James Taylor. Don't miss this opportunity to see music legend James Taylor aboard iconic QUEEN MARY 2. Call Renshaw Travel toll free at 1-800-745-7753 or email info_at_jamestaylorcruise_dot_com for more details and to reserve your stateroom on this special Transatlantic Crossing. Renshaw Travel www.renshawtravel.com is the official travel agency of ‘Cunard Command Performance with James Taylor’.

Indigo Road www.indigoroad.net returned this year with their new double A side single. The band is the brainchild of producer Mark Herbert and features and every changing line up. The single received a fantastic response and made it on to numerous BBC regional playlist. Critically the single was also well received with Classic Rock Society magazine saying 'Mark Herbert's band continue with another very high quality release' and the Subba Cultcha site saying about the single 'Touching mix of melody, glimmering piano melodies and a waltz-like soul…'A new download single 'Monkey on the Bus' is released in May and the band creator Mark Herbert would like to make a call for musicians to join his project and help record a unique collection of songs and influences to create an album - any musicians would like to know more please contact Mark via www.myspace.com/theindigoroad

www.maverick-country.com – www.myspace.com/maverick_country

With everyone going crazy for these technological advancements there are many new additions to the country music society on the web. Maverick Magazine now has it’s space on www.nessmp3.com and www.digitalrodeo.com – both of these are fantastic interactive websites where you will find many new and amazing country talents – so please join up and say hi! There is a Maverick hour on www.ukcountryradio.com with Bob Preedy in the style of the podcasts playing some of the best artists featured in this month’s Maverick. So make sure you give it a listen the fourth Friday of each month at 8.00pm. The Maverick Myspace is also still getting bigger and bigger every day so if you haven’t dropped by to say hi, please do. The magazine team love to hear from their friendly subscribers and to hear your opinions of the magazine. They have over a 1100 friends on there now – many of them artists featured in the magazine who’d also love to hear from you…

May 8^th - Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Belfast, BT1 1LU, http://www.cqaf.com/

9^th May - Electric Palace, Bridport DT6 3NY http://www.electricpalace.org.uk/ 01308 428354 -

10th May - West Hill Hall Compton Avenue , Brighton , BN1 3PS http://www.myspace.com/westhill/ Booking Office 01273 606312 - doors open: 8pm TBC

13th May - The Globe Roath Cardiff CF24 3SE http://www.theglobecardiff.com/

14^th May - The Hawth Hawth Avenue Crawley RH10 6YZ www.hawth.co.uk/ Venue/box office tel: 01293 553636

15^th May - The Acorn Arts Theatre , Penzance, Cornwall , TR18 4BU www.acornartscentre.co.uk

16^th May - The Forge at Anvil Arts Basingstoke, Hampshire , RG21 7QR www.theanvil.org.uk/

17^th May - Wood Festival, The Isis, Iffley Lock, Nr Oxford , OX4 4EL www.thisistruck.com

Online booking only Other Ticket sales outlets www.wegottickets.com Ticket price/s: £55 for weekend

18^th May - Maverick _at_The Zebra Bar Maidstone , ME14 1BA , Kent , http://www.myspace.com/maverick_zebra/ Venue/Box Office no. 01622 744481

http://www.wegottickets.com/location/152 8/ - doors open: 7pm

http://www.crhmusic.com - doors open 7:30pm, £12

www.jumpinhot.com Venue: 0191 2304474 - doors open: 8pm

www.fallenangelsclub.com/ Venue/Box Office no. 0141 204 5151 or http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/ - doors open: 7.30pm

23^rd May - Ireby Festival - St James Church, Ireby CA7 1EA www.musicinireby.co.uk/

http://www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk/ Venue /Box office.: 0121 443 4725 - doors open: 7.30 pm

27^th May - Otley Courthouse Arts Centre Otley, Leeds , LS21 3AN http://www.courthouseproject.org.uk/

28^th May - Rothes Halls Glenrothes, Fife , KY5 9RD www.attfife.org.uk Box Office no. 01592 611101 - performance start: 7.30pm

29^th May - Woodend Barn Arts Centre, Banchory , Scotland , AB31 5QA www.woodendbarn.co.uk Venue tel.: 01330 825 431 - doors open: 7.30pm

30^th May - The Warehouse Theatre, Moray , Scotland , IV31 6TW www.thewarehousetheatre.co.uk

Venue/Box Office no: 01343 814004 or www.thebooth.co.uk - doors open: 7pm

2^nd June - The Musician, Clyde St , Leicester, Leicestershire , LE1 2DE www.themusicianpub.co.uk/

Venue contact no 0116 251 0080 Box Office: www.wegottickets.com/ - doors open: 8pm

4^th June - The Maze, The Forest Tavern, 257 Mansfiled Rd , Nottingham , NG1 3FT, www.themazerocks.comm and www.cosmicamerican.com Box Office 0115 947 5650 www.gigantic.com (ticket outlet) - doors open: 7.30pm

5^th June - The Iron Works Oswestry, Shropshire , SW11 2SP http://www.the-ironworks.co.uk/ Venue /Box Office no. 01691 679123 - doors open: 8.30 pm

Website: www.entshed.com/ Box Office 01234 269519 or 07818 493053 or via www.wegottickets.com - doors open: 8pm approx

7^th June - Half Moon, Putney, London , SW15 1EU www.halfmoon.co.uk/ Box Office 0208 780 9383 / 08700 600 100 (Ticketweb) - doors open: 8.30pm

9^th June - The Bluebell Inn, Hempstead, Saffron Waldon, Essex , CB10 2PD http://www.thebluebellinn.co.uk/ Box Office no 01799 599 199 - doors open: 8pm

10^TH June - The Met Market St, Bury, Lancs , BL9 0BW http://themet.biz/ Box Office no. 0161 761 2216 http://www.quaytickets.com/?Venue=68 - doors open: 7.30pm

11^th June - Norwich Arts Centre, Norfolk, NR2 4PG, www.norwichartscentre.co.uk Box Office no: 01603 660352 www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk - doors open: 7.30pm

12^th June - Selby Town Hall, Selby, Yorkshire , YO8 4AJ http://www.selbytownhall.co.uk/

13^th June - Exeter Phoenix, as part of Exeter Summer Festival Gandy Street , Exeter , Devon , EX4 3LS www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/ Venue/Box Office no. 01392 667080 Other ticket outlets www.wegottickets.com / www.exetertickets.co.uk - doors open: 8.30pm

14^th June - Merlin Theatre, Frome, Somerset , BA11 2HG http://www.merlintheatre.co.uk Venue/box office tel: 01373 465949 - doors open: 6pm (bar opens).

The Umbrella Factory is a steadily growing organization of artists of various disciplines and backgrounds, i.e. Poets, painters, sculptors D.J’s and animators etc., etc. Originally based in Exeter the Umbrella Factory makes its Ironworks debut on Thursday 2nd April - Doors 7.30pm £3 - at The Ironworks, Church St, Oswestry, Shropshire. Box office/ Booking Enquiries 01691 679123. The event will showcase spoken word poetry from local poets Ryan Jones, Emma Eccles and the Ironworks own Adi Evans - as well as music from The Innocent, Ed Crowley, and Kimwei. Plus, artwork from Mike Anit, and magic from Paul Dubek. Check out the Ironworks website for full listings and featured artists plus, news of other upcoming events www.the-ironworks.co.uk

USA artiste Rachel Harrington will be bringing her special brand of Americana/country/folk/soul music this side of the Atlantic during an extensive tour beginning on April 7^th - in the studio with the BBC’s Bob Harris….and ending on 28^th June at the Leigh On Sea Folk Festival. Check out www.rachelharrington.net

Deacon Blue, The Christians, Imelda May, Mungo Jerry, The Animals, Baka Beyond, The Blow Monkeys. Chris Difford from Squeeze, Albert Lee & Hogans Heros, Martin Joseph, Ed Tudor Pole, Magna Carta, Dave Sharpe & Mike Sweeny, Jackie Leven, Acoustic 2 Tone Theatre, AZIZ Ibrahim (ex Stone Roses), Mawkin:Causley, Acoustic Beatles,Henry Priestman & many many more. See the full line up at www.acousticfestival.co.uk 4 Stages & 4 Full Days of Familly enetertainment set in 92 acres of parkland in the grounds of stately Catton Hall, Catton, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire, DE12 8LN, situated 2 miles south of the A38 at Alrewas, between Lichfield and Burton upon Trent, on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. The Acoustic Festival of Britain is a familly friendly festival with Crafts, Food stalls, Bars, Fair Trade Childrens activities include juggling, drumming, art & football skills workshops. Large campsite catering for tents, caravans, campervans & a Tipi Circle. For further convenience the site has been re-arranged from last year. The events site and parking site have been swapped enabling you to drive directly onto the campsite and park right next to your tent. The events site will be nearer the The Stately House itself and surrounded by trees. The events site will also be more compact and cosy with craft stalls and food easier to access. The festival will also have 2 extra domes to include a cinema and a children’s tent to feature workshops. The will also be extra activities to suit all the family, workshops, soccer skills, cinema, food hall, breakfast café on camp site, comedy hour and a buskers stage. This opportunity is not to be missed!! Your £80 Earlybird Tickets entitles you to full access to the Festival arena from Friday morning until 12 midnight Monday, + 5 nights FREE camping and FREE car parking. You can arrive Thursday afternoon and leave Tuesday morning. Why not make a holiday of it, 5 days and nights for £80. This Earlybird Offer is only available during February and March, So Book Now at www.acousticfestival.co.uk

Entries are currently being accepted for the 14th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. Winning songs of the 14th Annual USA Songwriting Competition will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program ‘Acoustic Café’ as well as XM Satellite Radio. This is the first Songwriting Competition that gives airplay to the winning songs, giving deserving bands, songwriters the recognition and exposure they deserve. Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and music gear from sponsors such as Sony, D’Addario Strings, Ibanez Guitars, Audio-Technica, IK Multimedia, Cakewalk and more, making this the largest prize package for any annual songwriting competition. Many USA Songwriting Competition winners in the past have received recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television. 2008 Overall Grand Prize Winner Jordan Zevon was signed to New West Records and appeared on TV program ‘Late Night With David Letterman’. 2007 Overall Grand Prize Winner, Ari Gold, had his winning song ‘Where The Music Takes You’ hit #10 on the Billboard Dance Charts. 2005 First Prize winner (Pop) Kate Voegele was signed to Myspace/Interscope Records the year after she won and had her song at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. Darrell Scott, winner of the country category of the 2005 USA Song writing Competition had his winning song ‘Good Ol USA’ cut by award winning country singer Faith Hill and the song was renamed ‘We've Got Nothing But Love to Prove’. Also, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (Kensington, MD), winners of the Children's' music category of the 2005 USA Song writing Competition won a Grammy award in the Best Children's music album in the 2006 after winning the USA Songwriting Competition. Judges include A&R managers from record labels such as Warner, Capitol Records, Universal, BMG/SONY Music. Sponsors include Sony, Audio-Technica, Ibanez Guitars, D'Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Cakewalk, Sonicbids and Sam Ash Music Stores. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock/Alternative, R&B and Country. Entries are accepted from now through May 29, 2009. For more information, visit: http://www.songwriting.net

4/1/09 The Hugh's Room 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto ON - 8:30pm
http://www.hughsroom.com
4/2/09 The Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC http://www.theblacksheepinn.com
4/3 /09 Live at the Schoolhouse House Concert - Peterborough ON (705)743-9908 - 8PM
4/4/09 London Music Club, 470 Colburn St., London ON.
http://www.londonmusicclub.150m.com
4/5/09 - House Concert, Brooklin, ON, (905)655-5072 - 8PM
4/7/09 - Carden St.Café, 40 Carden St., Guelph, ON (519) 837-2830
http://www.cardenstreetcafe.ca

In the April 6^th edition - Billy Ray Cyrus talks with Country Weekly Magazine about family, his new album - and returning to Tennessee to shoot Hannah Montana: The Movie with his daughter, Miley. Billy Ray Cyrus notes that his new CD, Back to Tennessee, and the movie came at a good time for him, as he was longing to get back to Nashville and record some new songs. “I don’t spend near enough time in Tennessee,” says Billy Ray, who owns property outside of Nashville but lives mainly in southern California, “I wanted to go in and make some music and be real.” In the business for almost twenty years, the Grammy nominated artiste - from Flatwood, Kentucky - has more than proved his worth as a fine songwriter, musician, vocalist - and actor. Feeling it was now time to make another musical statement, he built time into his already hectic schedule and returned to Tennessee to dedicate himself to the creation of this new album. Back to Tennessee is an excellent, 14 track inspired eleventh album of hard-hitting songs, that also includes a couple of numbers featuring Miley Cyrus. The CD certainly won’t disappoint any dedicated BRC fans - and should definitely draw in a host of new ones - many of whom probably will know him as the real life - and on screen father of Miley Cyrus - alias Hannah Montana. Totally grounded, the multi-platinum selling Billy Ray Cyrus remains a true, honest ‘country’ performer who has found his way Back To Tennessee. The CD is available on the Hollywood Records Label - catalogue number 699 1222 www.hollywoodrecords.go.com/lyricstreetrecords/ www.myspace.com/billyraycyrus

According to Cowboy Troy’s myspace.com page - the number-one dining and dancing destination in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, the Wildhorse Saloon is looking to fill its top entertainment spot, and bands nationwide wanting to get noticed—and possibly get signed with a major recording label—in Music City are encouraged to audition. The world-famous Wildhorse Saloon has launched the World-Famous Wildhorse House Band Search Contest, and there’s no better time for bands to prove their stuff and vie for this highly coveted top spot. “The Wildhorse Saloon house band is one of the best gigs in the country,” said Ron Kerere, general manager for the Wildhorse Saloon. “Not only for the opportunity to open for national acts and play in front of a live crowd every night, but the Wildhorse band gets prime exposure, right here in Music City. Any talented band interested in catapulting their career should definitely consider joining this nationwide search.” Star Judges - ‘The World-Famous Wildhorse House Band Search Contest’ kicks off with the first of several live auditions happening at the Wildhorse Saloon, located on historic Second Avenue in downtown Nashville, at 6 p.m., Wed., April 22, 2009. A panel of music industry judges will be on-hand to pick the winning band. Confirmed judges for this kick-off audition are Ira Dean, one of the founding members of country act Trick Pony; Michael Knox, producer for such recording artists as Jason Aldean, Cross Dixon and the Road Hammers; and Jeff Howard, talent agent for Agency of the Performing Arts. Four additional live auditions will happen May 6 and 19, 2009 and June 3 and 17, 2009, with the finalist competition scheduled for July 1, 2009. Become Famous. The winning band will join the ranks of nationally known country acts Trick Pony, Ricochet and Lonestar, who all called the Wildhorse home before being signed to major music labels in Nashville. Contest winners will get the opportunity to open for a major national act at the Wildhorse, will be put into the live entertainment rotation at the venue and will also receive a two-hour showcase to perform in front of record label representatives and other industry insiders. The band search contest is open to the public. In fact, it is the crowd who helps the judges choose the winning band, so, to help the judges’ decision, bands should definitely bring their fans along. The Goods. The judges of the World-Famous Wildhorse House Band Search Contest will be looking for bands that can play a large repertoire of country and rock cover songs, plus an original selection, and that are energetic enough to get the crowd off their seats and onto the largest dance floor in town - line dancing, two-stepping and rocking to the great music. Each band will receive 20 minutes of audition time. Interested bands should send an electronic press kit to Kara Ryan at mailto: kryan_at_gaylordhotels_dot_com Rules, regulations and contest details can be found on the Wildhorse Saloon’s web site: www.wildhorsesaloon.com. Since opening in 1994, the Gaylord Entertainment-owned Wildhorse Saloon has played host to the top performing artists in all genres, including Alan Jackson, Foreigner, Bret Michaels, Sugarland, Ringo Starr, Rick Springfield and Craig Morgan. The club attracts more than 1.5 million music fans each year, creating one of the best atmospheres for bands to perform. For more information on any of the features at the Wildhorse Saloon, please call 615-902-8211 or visit www.wildhorsesaloon.com.

Check out www.frampton.com for an update on this excellent performer

Charlie Peacock, Amy Grant, Natalie Grant, Dan Haseltine, Barbara Mandrell and Rush of Fools are among the additional artists lining up to be a part of GMA Music Week April 18 to 22 in Nashville. They join a growing list of artists, speakers and industry leaders that are scheduled to participate in the five-day convention. In addition, GMA previously announced that Brandon Heath, Jars of Clay, Mandisa, Bart Millard, Francesca Battistelli, Point of Grace, Diamond Rio, Group 1 Crew, Meredith Andrews, BarlowGirl, Remedy Drive, Mark Schultz and more will be a part of GMA Music Week 2009. And, previously announced speakers taking part in GMA Music Week 2009 include Louie Giglio, authors Gabe Lyons (unChristian, Baker Books) and William P. Young (The Shack, Windblown Media), and financial experts Michael Q. Pink and Bethany and Scott Palmer. The Christian and gospel music community gathers every April in Music City for GMA Music Week. Artists, radio, retail, managers, agents, promoters, record companies, publishers, media, marketing and public relations professionals and others join together for artist performances, educational seminars, spiritual enrichment, and unparalleled networking opportunities. With all music genres represented including pop, rock, praise & worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern gospel, country, and more, GMA Music Week is the must-attend convention of the year for anyone doing business in or with the Gospel music community. All the confirmed details are available at www.gospelmusic.org. A discounted registration rate of $299 for GMA Members is still available until April 10. Registration for GMA Music Week 2009 is now available online at http://www.gospelmusic.org/events/summaryDetail.aspx?aid=9&pid=33.

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) have announced the final nominees for the Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year, to be presented at the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The nominees are Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram and Tony Wood. The recipient of the Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year will be named during the awards show on April 23rd at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The show is scheduled for live broadcast on the Gospel Music Channel, and tickets are now on sale to the public at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or at http://www.doveawards.com/.

And from the kind people at the UK’s New Christian Music - www.newchristianmusic,co.uk - come their Christian Music Charts;