September 25th - 28th, 2008
www.johnnykeenan.com

As the summer rolls on, the days of autumn grow nearer. September marks the 7th annual Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival and as in previous years, the lineup comprises the very best Irish traditional, American bluegrass and folk music.

Some of the highlights of this year’s festival include ALTAN, BARNEY McKENNA, and a very rare appearance by DOLORES KEANE. Altan play relatively few concerts inside of Ireland, so their appearance presents an opportunity for fans at home to see this hard working band. Dolores Keane has been relatively quiet musically of late, so her performance on the Banjo Festival stage will be greatly anticipated. Already, the response has been very positive and enquiries for tickets has been substantial.

Having BARNEY McKENNA appear at the festival presents a unique opportunity to see the Dubliners’ star perform in his own right, among his most ardent fans. Barney’s repertoire consists of a combination of traditional, folk, and Americana. He picks away on his banjo, sings, and tells great stories. Also, this year Barney joins the ranks of workshop tutor at the festival and there is no doubt that some of the visiting musicians will wish to attend his class, hoping to get some insight into the long successful career of this master.

Workshops at the festival will include Irish tenor banjo, 5-string banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass, singer/songwriter, and more. Most of the top performers of the weekend will double as workshop tutors, including Gerry O’Connor, John Carty, Peter Rowan, Tony Trischka, Thom Moore, Pete Wernick, etc. etc.

Concert lineup for the Banjo Festival:
From Ireland:
Altan
Dolores Keane
Barney McKenna
Gerry O’Connor
At The Racket
Thom Moore & Seamie O’Dowd
Niall Toner Band
Rough Deal String Band
Woodbine

International:
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band (usa)
Tony Trischka Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular (usa)
Tom Russell (usa)
Don Rigsby (usa)
Pete & Joan Wernick (usa)
Carter Brothers Band (usa)
Ross Nickerson (usa)
Ranch House Favorites (netherlands)
Lluis Gomez Quartet (spain)
Hungry Hill (canada)

For Further Information:
WEEKEND PASSES AVAILABLE VIA www.johnnykeenan.com
or by calling: 087-281-7825 (international: +353-87-281-7825).
Nightly tickets will be available via www.ticketmaster.ie or at all Ticketmaster outlets