www.musicnetwork.ie

“We Banjo 3 are terrific. There really isn’t a better way to say it. Wonderful musicianship of the first order. Best of all, they are different.” Bill Margeson, Irish Music Writer

“… a talented trio that combine virtuosity, class, energy and an indefinable magical element”.   Carl Corcoran, Presenter, The Blue of the Night
RTÉ lyric fm

This September sit back and watch the sparks fly as We Banjo 3 – virtuosos Enda Scahill, Martin Howley and David Howley - take you on a rollercoaster ride through banjo history from ragtime to reels. Featuring three tenor banjos, mandolins, tenor guitars, guitars, banjolin and David’s vocals “with soul beyond his years”, We Banjo 3 combine Irish music with Old-Time American, Ragtime and Bluegrass influences, revealing the banjo’s rich legacy from its roots in African and minstrel music through to the Irish traditional sound pioneered by Barney McKenna. Music Network tours provide a wonderful opportunity to see some of the world’s foremost musicians at affordable prices in venues around Ireland, and are presented in association with RTÉ lyric fm.  Music Network is funded by the Arts Council. Further information from (01) 671 9429 or www.musicnetwork.ie.

Up to now, the banjo has been to some extent an unsung instrument, but when the remarkable We Banjo 3 hits the vellum and virtuosity takes flight, any doubts about this fascinating instrument are swept aside in a wave of verve and sheer joie-de-vivre.

Winners of the Music Network Young Musicwide Award, the trio from Galway - Enda Scahill, and brothers Martin and David Howley - play with swing and soul, effortlessly combining the best of Irish and Bluegrass banjo music, mining the rich vein of the American Old Time tradition and thoroughly reinventing the banjo band sound. Their first Irish tour comes hot on the heels of their performance at the Milwaukee Irish Fest, North America’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture.

Collectively, We Banjo 3 has been at the forefront of Irish banjo playing for two decades. Their competitive success is unrivalled, Martin holding seven All Ireland titles, Enda four, while David holds All Irelands in banjo and accompaniment. Enda, a former member of the award-winning Brock McGuire band, has guested with the Chieftains, recorded with Ricky Skaggs, and toured with Frankie Gavin and Stockton’s Wing.

Plans for next year include collaborating with Nashville-based Chessboxer, featuring Ross Holmes and Matt Menefee who have worked with giants such as Mumford and Sons, Jerry Douglas, and Old Crow Medicine Show.  Earlier this summer, We Banjo 3 with Fergal Scahill collaborated on a track with ChessBoxer and members of the Black Eyed Peas for the upcoming Electro Country project.

The trio release their début album, Roots of the Banjo Tree, in September to coincide with the Music Network tour. The album is a fascinating musical journey through the intertwined traditions of Irish, Old-Time and Bluegrass banjo music and song highlighting their virtuosic technique and interweaving harmonies and soulful song. Available at www.webanjo3.com.

On Tour:  Friday 7 September GALWAY (Roisin Dubh, doors 8pm), Tuesday 11 September DUBLIN (The Coach House, Dublin Castle, 8pm), Wednesday 12 September BRAY (Mermaid Arts Centre, 8pm), Thursday 13 September CASTLEBAR (Linenhall Arts Centre, 8pm), Friday 14 September NEWBRIDGE (Riverbank Arts Centre, 8pm) Sunday 16 September TRALEE (Siamsa Tíre, Town Parks, 8pm), Thursday 20 September  ATHLONE (Athlone Folk Club, 9pm), Friday 21 September TULLAMORE (Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival), Sunday 23 September CLIFDEN (Station House Theatre, 10pm), Friday 28 September BAILE MHÚIRNE (Ionad Cultúrtha, 8:30pm), Saturday 29 September TIPPERARY TOWN (Tipperary Excel Centre, 8pm)

Full details at www.musicnetwork.ie

For Listings Editors

Music Network Presents
We Banjo 3 (Ireland)
7 - 29 September 2012
Enda Scahill (banjo), Martin Howley (banjo), David Howley (banjo, mandolin, guitar and vocals)

Friday 7th September Galway*
Roisin Dubh, doors 8pm
Free admittance
www.roisindubh.net/
Promoted by We Banjo 3

Tuesday 11th September Dublin
The Coach House, Dublin Castle, 8 pm
Tickets €15/ €10/ €40 (Family)
Booking Tel. No. 01 6719429 or online at www.musicnetwork.ie
Promoted by Music Network

Wednesday 12th September, Bray
Mermaid Arts Centre, 8 pm
Tickets €16 / €14
Booking Tel. No. 01 2724030 / www.mermaidartscentre.ie
Promoted by Mermaid Arts Centre

Thursday 13th September, Castlebar
Linenhall Arts Centre, 8 pm
Tickets €16 / €14
Booking Tel. No. 094 9023733/ www.thelinenhall.com
Promoted by Linenhall Arts Centre

Friday 14th September, Newbridge
Riverbank Arts Centre, 8 pm
Tickets €15 / €12 / €40 (Family)
Booking Tel. No. 045 448327 / www.riverbank.ie
Promoted by Riverbank Arts Centre

Saturday 16th September, Tralee
Siamsa Tíre, Town Parks, 8pm
Tickets €16 / €13
Booking Tel. 066 7123055/www.siamsatire.com
Promoted by Siamsa Tíre

Thursday 20th September Athlone*
Athlone Folk Club, 9pm
Tickets €15
Booking Tel. 087 311 9514
Promoted by Athlone Folk Club

Friday 21st September Tullamore*
Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival
Tickets €135 - 3 Day Combo Ticket (Concerts & Workshop)
Booking www.ticketmaster.ie/
Promoted by the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival

Sunday 23rd September, Clifden
Station House Theatre, 10 pm
Tickets €12 / €10
Booking Tel. No.  095 21699
Promoted by Clifden Arts Society

Friday 28th September, Baile Mhúirne
Ionad Cultúrtha, 8:30pm
Tickets €15 / €10
Booking Tel. 026 45733
Promoted by Ionad Cultúrtha

Saturday 29th September, Tipperary Town
Tipperary Excel Centre, 8pm
Tickets €12 / €8 (for children up to 16 years)
Booking Tel. No. 062 80520 / www.tipperary-excel.com
Promoted by Tipperary Excel Centre

*This concert is not part of the Music Network tour

For media queries and photographs, please contact: Louise Walsh, PR & Marketing Manager, Music Network: (01) 671 9429 or pr@musicnetwork.ie

Louise Walsh

PR & Marketing Manager
Music Network
The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2
01 6719429  www.musicnetwork.ie