The still very busy blogger Richard Hawkins reports that WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour will be visiting Dublin, Eire, this summer. The popular American radio and TV program, presented by folksinger Michael Johnathon, will be taping a double broadcast at the National Convention Centre in Dublin on Thursday, July 18 focusing on the Irish influences on the bluegrass, Americana and Appalachian music styles.
The first broadcast will feature the connection between Irish traditional music and American bluegrass, featuring Niall Toner and We Banjo 3.
The second broadcast will celebrate the legacy of Ireland’s rich musical heritage and feature Irish music legends Mary Black and Paul Brady with more to be announced.
Michael Johnathon says ….
“Music is such a wonderful, beautiful expression between generations and cultures. So much of America’s music, especially Kentucky bluegrass, shares its roots in Ireland. Originally, Bill Monroe was playing Irish fiddle tunes on his mandolin. Eventually, that became bluegrass music and it has become a very popular, global art-form.”
Any interested artists, songwriters, bluegrass bands and acoustic musicians who can be in Dublin on 18 July can submit their work for consideration on the WoodSongs broadcast. Only artists and/or their management/PR/Record labels can submit to the broadcast.
Woodsongs‘ Radio Affiliate Liaison officer and Technical Assistant Bryan Klausing says …..
“We are looking for some additional artists for the broadcast. Suggestions are welcome. They must be from Ireland. Specifically, we are looking for an amazing kid (6 to 15) from Ireland that can pick like Bela, Sam, Chris, Sierra Hull, etc… If you know of any kids like that, please e-mail me their contact info. A YouTube clip would be most helpful.”
Send an e-mail to radio@woodsongs.com with a brief bio and description, including websites and links.
The broadcast event is part of The Gathering – a year-long series of events initiated by the Irish people to draw its sons and daughters back to the Emerald Isle in celebration of its unique culture.
The all-volunteer WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour was first broadcast 11 years ago as a way to celebrate grassroots music on a global level. The program airs on 509 radio stations around the world including Dublin City FM in Ireland, the American Forces Radio Network (173 nations and every military base and US Naval ships at sea), and public television coast-to-coast in USA and online.
