The line-up will feature around 35 bands over the course of 9 concerts, along with instrument and dance workshops and several open mic sessions.
Artists from the USA are the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band (pictured), the Claire Lynch Band and flatpicker Jack Lawrence, whilst British talent includes The Scoville Units, Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys, Monroe’s Revenge and the New Essex Bluegrass Band.
Besides bluegrass there will be plenty of other acoustic music on offer including a special concert (separately ticketed) on the Thursday evening featuring folk stars Show of Hands.
The festival takes place at Kemble Airfield, near Cirencester from 2nd to 5th September. Full details and ticket booking forms can be found at the Didmarton website.
The event is held in the village of Mickleham and featured artists this year include Pete Stanley and Brian Golbey, Chris Moreton, Wood Wire and Words, Howard Burton, High Weald Ridge, Buffalo and Ghost Town Showdown (pictured).
Picking starts at noon each day, with the concerts on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
Weekend tickets are £14, with day tickets available for £10. Full details of the festival including nearby accommodation options can be found at the event’s website.
The Toy Hearts have announced that they have successfully qualified to round 2 of IBMA ballot voting for Emerging Artist Of The Year 2010.
There will be one more round of voting before the final nominations are announced in mid-September. The IBMA Awards ceremony will be held on September 30th, in Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium - more details can be found at the IBMA website.
Singer and mandolin player Hannah Johnson tells us that the band “is extremely thankful to everyone who has voted for us to get this far and to those who continue to support us through the next stage of ballots. The Toy Hearts have the best fans and friends and we couldn’t have done it without them!”
The Toy Hearts will be touring the USA this autumn, including showcase performances at the IBMA World of Bluegrass event, in promotion of their upcoming release Femme Fatale.
Their travels will take in venues across England, Scotland and Wales, with stops including London, Glasgow and Pontypridd.
The Hobos hail from Prince Edward Island and describe themselves as a “swing, bluegrass, blues, and folk infusion”. Last year their debut CD won several awards including the East Coast Music Association’s Bluegrass Album of the Year.
The tour starts on July 16th - full details and links can be found on our calendar pages.
Britain’s very own Bluegrass Babies have released a new music video, this time their version of Orange Blossom Special.
They tell us, “After several months of rehearsal The Bluegrass Babies are finally happy with their latest video release: Orange Blossom Special! So whether you are two, three or ninety-three, jump aboard for some superb harmonies, lightning fiddle playing and guest appearances from friends old and new. Let the whistle blow, and get ready for a foot-stomping, hand-clapping good old time!”
The release of the video coincides with the launch of the Babies’ Facebook fan page, which features news, views and behind the scenes photos. Other videos from the group can be viewed on their YouTube channel.
Details of a new picking weekend in North Wales have been announced.
The Conwy Mountain Autumn Bluegrass Picking Weekend will take place in the village of Tal-y-Bont between October 1st and 3rd.
There will be concerts on the Friday and Saturday nights, with performances from Breeze and Wilson, Cousin Pearl, Britannia Bluegrass Band, Highly Strung, Rossendale Bluegrass Band and Conwy Mountain Bluegrass.
Workshops and an open mic will take place on the Saturday. Camping is available in the village and weekend tickets will cost £16. More info and advance tickets from Tom Degney on 01492 541175.
Virginian bluegrass band The Dixie Bee-Liners visit England in August for two dates.
They will be performing at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention in Oxfordshire on August 13th, then on August 14th they will be appearing along with UK acts The Coal Porters, Amy Harrison and Dolly and the Clothespegs at The Face Bar in Reading.
This second event is being run by promoters Cold Dog Soup who plan to make the day a mini bluegrass festival, with stalls, DJs and maybe a barbecue.
The band will return to the UK in early September to appear at the Ulster American Folk Park’s bluegrass festival in Omagh, as well as a few dates in the Republic of Ireland.
More details and links can be found on our calendar pages.
Performers this year include All Bells & Whistles (Czech Republic), Jeni Hankin & Billy Kemp (USA), Chill Until Blue, Chris Moreton, Papa Truck, Down County Boys and New Essex Bluegrass Band (pictured).
As usual, concerts will be held in the town hall and the marquee on the festival camp site. Weekend tickets are £60 with day tickets and non-camping options also available.
Banjo player Leon Hunt has launched a new look website at leonhunt.com.
The revamped site features news, gig listings, photos and music samples. You can also subscribe to Leon’s e-list to receive the latest updates, or make suggestions for places where Leon can perform or teach.
Leon’s full discography is listed on the site, and his recordings can be purchased online as CDs or digital downloads.
The festival will feature performances from Home Territory, Bluegrass Revue and The Dude Coopers (pictured). There will also be workshops and opportunities for picking sessions.
The event is held in the village hall with a bar, barbecue and other refreshments available. Weekend tickets are £23.
