Monday, July 16, 2012

Athy Once again ................

Well, in spite of worries that the recession might have a negative effect on the weekend, Athy Bluegrass Festival celebrated it's 22nd year in style, and the crowds were up on last year ! Tony O'Brien and his team [ mostly his Family ! ] did a sterling job, and although they had decided to use the smaller of two possible rooms at the GAA Centre, the atmosphere proved to be electric [ acoustic, actually ! ] and listeners were treated to a great weekend of Bluegrass Music from Woodbine, The Niall Toner Band and Four Wheel Drive from Holland. Clem O'Brien also gave a standout solo performance on Sunday afternoon, with a display of his true understanding of the stylings of the late great Doc Watson. Also worth noting was the wonderful fiddling of Dessie Crerand from Donegal, who played a couple of sets with Woodbine. Four-Wheel Drive were their usual hardcors selves, with great vocals and superb instrumental skill. Overall, another memorable Athy Festival, and the result makes it look very likely that Ireland's longest-running Bluegrass Fest will be back in 2013 ........... My best, and only picture of the weekend shows the Grand Finale, with Four-Wheel drive on stage with guests, Tom Poole on Dobro, Richard Hawkins on Banjo, Clem O'Brien and Tony O'Brien on Guitars and Vocals, and various members of the Down and Out String Band.