Experience the electric atmosphere of a spectacular concert in the park!
American & European performers of the highest calibre will thrill audiences with their musicianship, professionalism and devotion to American folk music during our unique evening concerts.
Saturday evening’s headline act is the award winning Steep Canyon Rangers. First formed in the stairwells and kitchens of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, The Rangers are the current International Bluegrass Music Association’s 'Emerging Artist of the Year'. They have built a reputation as a powerful, engaging quintet seasoned by constant touring.
Featuring the tight harmonies of Jessica, Megan and Rebecca Lovell, The Lovell Sisters from Calhoun, Georgia will headline the Friday evening concert. For the music lover, this is simply bluegrass, folk, country, and contemporary music played and sung with youthful enthusiasm, to say nothing of prodigious talent!
Our evening concert line-up will also include two premier European acts; Sunny Side from the Czech Republic and Red Wine from Italy. Both bands are former festival favourites supplying a true classic sound that guarantees a great stage show.
Friday Evening Concert
| Lovell Sisters | USA |
| Sunny Side | Czech Republic |
| Jeff & Vida | USA |
| Toy Hearts | England |
Saturday Evening Concert
| Steep Canyon Rangers | USA |
| Red Wine | Italy |
| Bluegrass Experience | USA |
| Malpass Brothers | USA |
Guaranteed to stir your soul, this is music not easily forgotten!
Vintage country & gospel legends The Malpass Brothers direct from Goldsboro, North Carolina will showcase the gospel element of bluegrass & American folk music at this year’s festival. Brothers Christopher and Taylor will provide the amazing harmony vocals supported by their father Chris Malpass on the upright bass.
Stroll through the museum for a lazy afternoon of top-class music in spectacular surroundings!
Discover the world of old-time and bluegrass music as acts from across the world turn the grass blue at the Folk Park. With a unique mix of international and home-grown talent, the afternoon sessions offer something for everyone from bluegrass music enthusiasts to those just seeking a day out with a difference. This year enjoy warm-up sessions taking place across the park on Friday afternoon helping to extend the festival atmosphere even further! Performing against the stunning backdrops of the museum’s exhibit buildings in 2007 will be:
| Steep Canyon Rangers | USA |
| Lovell Sisters | USA |
| Malpass Brothers | USA |
| Bluegrass Experience | USA |
| Carter Brothers | USA |
| Jeff & Vida Band | USA |
| Boxcar Preachers | USA |
| Red Wine | Italy |
| Sunny Side | Czech Republic |
| Toy Hearts | England |
| Carmel Sheerin & The Bluegrass Ravens | Ireland |
| Woodbine | Ireland |
| Rough Deal String Band | Ireland |
| Knotty Pine String Band | N. Ireland |
| Broken String Band | N. Ireland |
| Northern Exposure | N. Ireland |
| Professor Jack Bernhardt [Lecture Series] | USA |
Spend an hour in the company of master musicians and improve your playing skills in the bluegrass tradition. We are pleased to announce that we have secured three of our extremely talented American artists to assist us in the delivery of these workshops. Steep Canyon Rangers, Nicky Sanders will be on hand to share his expertise on the playing of the fiddle in bluegrass music whilst Tommy Edwards and Stan Brown of Bluegrass Experience fame will gladly pass on tips galore in the playing of guitar and banjo. There is no additional charge for these workshops. Demand for places is high so in order to guarantee quality there are only 8 places available at each session. Please telephone 028 8225 6307 to make your booking. Participants who do book a place should arrive at the main Visitor Centre at 10.45am on the Saturday morning.
Click here to download a more detailed Information Sheet on the Instrument Workshops.
In memory of our good friend Tony McAuley, this year’s lecture series will once again be delivered by Professor Jack Bernhardt from North Carolina. Jack is an expert on American folk music and for the past four years he has delighted followers of old-time and bluegrass music with his informative and entertaining presentations. Local collector and folk music enthusiast Rodney McElrea will also be on hand to assist Jack during the weekend lectures.
Growing in popularity each year, we are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for young people to participate in fun-filled, informative instrument and vocal workshops which might start them on the road to playing bluegrass and old-time music! Charles Pettee from Asheville, North Carolina and his long time friend John Currie will lead this year’s programme with a fresh approach to learning bluegrass music. With over 25 years touring experience with professional bluegrass group The Shady Grove Band, Charles’ love and mastery of southern string music have made him a sought-after performer in educational settings for over twenty years. He will be on hand with his mandolin and guitar whilst John Currie who possesses a wealth of knowledge about Southern ‘old-time’ music will assist any young folks who would like to learn more about playing the 5-String Banjo and the Fiddle.
Classes will take place on Saturday morning and afternoon commencing at 11.00am whilst on Sunday the sessions will be in the afternoon only commencing at 2.00pm. Places are limited therefore booking is essential. Please telephone 028 8225 6307 to make further enquiries.
Click here to download a more detailed Information Sheet on the Bluegrass Camp for Kids.
