Rock/Blues guitarist, vocalist and session musician, Grainne has been touring all over Europe, and
has recorded her debut album featuring ten originals. Influences evident range from Bonnie Raitt and Fleetwood Mac to The Stones and Dylan.
‘In the world of paperweight chick-rockers, Duffy is the real deal’ ... Henry Yates.
Paul’s edgy guitar playing (and a fine song- writing and vocal capability) gives the band their unique sound. Crowned ‘World-wide Guitar Player 2003’ his playing can only be described as energetic and dazzling. Backed by the talented Michael Black on drums and the magical Ronnie O’Flynn on bass (Sharon Shannon & Donal Lunny).
Also: early evening gig on Saturday for Teenagers in the Linenhall Arts Centre. Click here for flyer with details.

Kirsty (mandolin & guitar) and Mat (guitars & banjo) have made more impact on the UK roots scene than any other duo in the last few years. Kirsty has a mellow, soft voice and lyrics that pack a punch. Since supporting Suzanne Vega she’s received two BBC 2 Folk Award nominations and released 4 albums. Her songs on vagrancy and restlessness are driven by a desire to keep moving on. Her voice glides easily over a gently bubbling brew of her own and Mat’s accompaniment. Mat, a celebrated visual artist and multi-instrumentalist has a particular passion for American roots culture; from old-time appalachian banjo picking to 'beat' type writers and musicians.

John was voted Best British Blues Guitarist 4 times. ... a Blues Man through and through’... Paul Lamb. He has released a solo album and has played with many well-known US and UK blues acts including the Kingsnakes, Lowell Fulson, Louisiana Red, Eric Burdon and the Blues Burglars. Bill Sharpe - vocals & slide guitar, has sang with jazz-fusion and soul bands, with a real ‘Howling Wolf’ style blues voice. Ed Bowman is a blues drummer true and true and has played with Smokestack Lighting and Martin Fletcher's Usual Suspects. John (Captain) Morgan, an accomplished bass player, has performed with Paul Rose, Ray Stubbs R&B Allstars and No Dice.

?Front woman Fiona McElroy with her smoky voice sings the "dirty blues with soul". Mal Barclay (guitar/vocals), a former member of several indie- rock, folk, soul and jazz bands in Scotland, has a life-long passion for the blues. Joe Glossop (keys) has lots of experience gigging with blues bands. Big Andy Roberts (Bass) has had his fingers wrapped around the neck of a blues bass a long time. Rob Pokorny (Drums), with lots of experience playing jazz and funk, provides a steady and propulsive rhythm to the whole mix.

Before combining their prolific musical talents, Pat and Dermot had already performed at some of the top blues and roots festivals at home and abroad, having individually or as a duo supported or played alongside many of the greats, including Dr. John, Honey Boy Edwards, Champion Jack Dupree, Canned Heat, Steve James, Eric Bibb, Sam Mitchell and Homesick James. Their album "Backwater Blues" has received critical acclaim and Dermot, was winner of the "Irish Blues Challenge” 2005. Both have played gigs worldwide. "The hottest and most authentic blues duo in Ireland" ...Evening Herald.
"This is country blues as it should be played - spicy but economic slide guitar, great vocals, and a
lot of soul" ...Continental News.

From an early age Cara (vocals, flute & cajun drum) has been writing and recording with notable artists from a huge range of musical genres including David Holmes, LTJ Bukem and Corinne Bailey Rae. Her track "No Love Child" has been recorded by Corinne Bailey Rae and released on her new single and special edition CD. Cara has toured throughout the UK as a session and backing singer and solo artist. As a backing singer for Rhianna, she toured Japan and the UK,
supporting Jamiroquai and Beverly Knight. Keep'er Lit is her impressive debut album, acknowledging all that’s good about blues, folk, alt-country and rock. Cara is joined by the talented
Martin Shaw on Guitar.

Rooney, described as ‘an astounding bottleneck blues guitarist’, was looking for a pure blues singer for his ‘Sean Nós Meets the Blues’ project. He found an exceptional talent in Devine, whose distinctive voice has proved to be the perfect accompaniment to his tasty guitar work. Since Rose was introduced to early American and Gospel music, mostly through Dermot’s appreciation of same. Their twentieth century acoustic blues set has broadened to include both classic blues and more contemporary songs, with Rooney’s distinctive arrangements.

Shawn’s ability to combine undeniable playing singing, writing and recording, all with heartfelt emotion, has earned him the slot as one of the most compelling new artists on today’s roots music scene. His music has featured on many screen productions including ‘Dawson’s Creek’.
He was asked to play lead in Waylon Jennings band for the record breaking ‘Lollapalopza Tour’. He has just completed a CD “Live At Mozambique” from a Laguna Beach night hotspot. He is joined by a tight rhythm section of drums and bass featuring the legendary bass player Shawn Scott Jones - a journeyman musician who has played with a who’s who of funk, jazz, blues and rock and is always up for a musical challenge.

CD & Record Fair, sponsored by CRC FM.
From Abba to Zappa! Vinyl, CD’s, Videos and Tapes at sensible prices. Large collection of Early Jazz and Blues. Rare American releases/60’s/ Folk, Irish and American / British Rock - Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Stones, Beatles, L.P.s & singles. Punk, C & W. Progressive rock, big Traditional Irish collection.
www.robberyrecords.co.uk

Blues Ball

The Blues Ball (Sun. Adm e15, on 11.45pm sharp).
Pete Cummins & The New Fleadh Cowboys

With a colourful transient personal and musical life, spanning four decades,
and famous in Ireland for his stint with the Fleadh Cowboys, Pete has worked
with a who’s who of Irish and international musicians and has embraced the flexibility of the internet to reach and expand his ever-growing fan base.

Pete started his musical journey in his hometown, Dublin, in the beat clubs in the 60’s. After studying flute he became a member of Granny’s Intentions in London. Later he played with Donovan, helping him set up an Irish band and in the mid-70’s he started The Fake with the great Freddie White. He also spent time in India, gigging and also studying and practicing meditation. The end of the 70’s saw him and his family driving all over the US in an Oldsmobile Cruiser, eventually settling in Miami.In the mid 80’s he formed the notorious Fleadh Cowboys and had a Midnight at the Olympia residency for two years and was often joined by other performers turning up unannounced, including Mike Scott & The Waterboys and Nanci Griffith. The Fleadhs toured with The Pogues, supported Dylan and were also invited to guest with U2 on their tour.During the 90’s Pete duetted with Nanci Griffith on her Grammy winning album and played guitar on the final studio recording by Townes Van Zandt, No Deeper Blue. He also recorded and toured with The Chieftains and appeared and contributed a song to the Oscar winning movie, In The Name of The Father. He has also appeared in many other films. In 2007 Pete released Flowers in Baghdad which featured on numerous web stations, including Neil Young’s ‘Living With War’ website chart where it remained for months. Pete’s song I Lied to You had a number one hit on the soundclick.com website.Castlebar looks forward to the NEW Fleadh Cowboy’s performance, made up as usual by top-notch musicians: Pete Cummins - Guitar, Vocal, Harmonica. Tommy Moore - Bass, Vocals.
Ed Deane - Guitar, Lap Steel. Trevor Knight - Keyboards and Robbie Casserley - Drums.

After Dinner Blues, Cafe Bar, TF Sunday, 4pm
Cara Robinson and Kirsty McGee
?Back again after a number of years absence, thSunday After Dinner Blues in the TF Hotel (Cafe Bar), is the type of gig where anything could happen - starts at 4pm and could go on a while!

BLUES FOR YOUNGER FANS
Blues for younger fans:
(Advance booking essential 094 9023733)

Early Evening gig: Paul Sherry Band and Grainne Duffy, Linenhall Arts Centre, 8pm, suitable for 12-17yrs. Adm. €8. Adults @ €15 to be accompanied by teenagers!. Duration 1.5 hrs.
Once-off Saturday evening gig during the festival on the June Bank Holiday Weekend. The gig, in The Linenhall Arts Centre at 8pm, will feature the very talented Grainne Duffy and the Paul Sherry Band, who play a mix of blues and rock with unbelievable energy, passion and skill. Guitar Workshops (12-17yrs) on Sat 3pm. Duration: 1hr.Adm. €1o includes adm to evening concert at the Linenhall Arts Centre.

Hosted by Grainne Duffy and Paul Sherry and aimed at guitar players aged between 12 to 17 years, with limited or lots of experience, and with an interest in blues and/or rock music. Participants will have the chance to play at the live gig that evening with Grainne and the Paul Sherry Band. Places are very limited so early booking is advisable. Participants must bring their own guitar – acoustic or electric (please bring own amp if electric). Workshop duration is one hour and costs e10 which includes admission to the evening concert.
When booking for the workshop, please give your level of experience: beginner, moderate ability, or advanced player.

Early booking essential for both events – phone the Linenhall on 094 9023733