Bluegrass with High Plains Tradition in Kilworth on Monday

On Monday night next (bank holiday Monday), when High Plains Tradition from Colorado will perform in Kilworth Community Centre, it will be 25 years to the day, that the first Bluegrass band (5 For The Gospel) graced the stage of The Village Arts Centre.

Though the venue will be different as the Arts Centre is temporarily closed, the music will again be top notch. High Plains Tradition have become firm friends with Kilworth audiences in the intervening years and one of the most popular in that genre, so Monday night’s performance will be a real celebration.

John Nyhan who has been repsonsible for introducing Bluegrass music to Kilworth and indeed to numerous venues around the country, says of the band: “The High Plains Tradition are wonderful pickers, great entertainers and fabulous vocalists. The band consists of Doug Elrick (mandolin/vocals), Steve Gilmore (guitar/vocals), Bobbie Vickery (fiddle/vocals), Kenny Pabst (bass/vocals) and Ron Lynam (banjo/vocals).

“Over the past 25 years there have been great nights of Bluegrass in Kilworth. I want to especially mention the visit of JD Crowe and the New South to Kilworth in August 1999. It was his 1975 album, ‘JD Crowe and the New South – Rounder 0044’ that copper fastened my interest in Bluegrass, like thousands of others, when I heard it in 1976. And what a thrill it was for me to bring him and his band to Kilworth for two nights in 1999.

“A special thanks to you the audience for your loyalty and constant support for live Bluegrass music in Kilworth over the last 25 years. Thanks too of course to the staff at the Arts Centre who do it all on a completely voluntary basis – the incredible Liam Howard, his wife Maureen and the wonderful Molly Abernethy. Thanks a million for all your work and dedication. It is very much appreciated.

“My hope is that there will be a packed hall on Monday, May 1st to celebrate the 25th anniversary.”

To book, call 087 792 1771  or 087 649 2514. Tickets are available in Kilworth at Cotter’s Bar (025-43615) and at bthe Avondhu offices in Fermoy and Mitchelstown.