The festival is named in memory of Irish musician Johnny Keenan, who died in 2000.
Highly regarded among his fellow musicians as a master banjo player, Johnny was a multi-instrumentalist who easily turned his hand to fiddle, low whistle, uilleann pipes, guitar, and more. But he did favour the banjo, as it had posed the biggest challenge of all. Anyone watching Johnny play would have thought the banjo was the easiest instrument though, as Johnny played with such ease and the music flowed. The festival will take place in Longford town from Thursday September 25 to Sunday September 28 and will see the town transformed into a haven for musicians and music lovers. There are jams, sessions, busking, and concerts. Music is available in abundance all weekend long; on the streets, on the 'Market Square' stage (in the centre of town ), in the pubs and in the nightly concert venues.
Some of the best known musicians in the world have appeared at the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival and past performers have included Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Tony Trischka, Hayseed Dixie, Guy Clark, Kieran Goss, Paddy Glackin, Dervish, and the late great fiddler Sean Maguire.
There are also master class workshops available for musicians of all levels.
This year's line-up is as impressive as ever. The festival is hosting guitarist extraordinaire Peter Rowan. An early member of the legendary Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, Peter Rowan is appearing for the very first time with a full bluegrass band. Peter is also one of the workshop tutors.
Also from the USA will be Tony Trischka with his Grammy nominated Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular. Trischka is one of the most innovative banjo players in the world, with Bela Fleck one of his most ardent fans and followers. Pete 'Dr Banjo' Wernick is one of the top instructors in the USA, regularly running Banjo Camps throughout the country. The Carter Brothers, members of the legendary Carter Family, will dazzle the audience with their intricate guitar/banjo picking and incredible vocal harmonies. And Texan, singer/songwriter Tom Russell will surely deliver an intense, emotionally charged performance.
Irish performers include Altan, one of the hardest working and touring Irish bands in the world, who will no doubt leave the audience breathless with their energetic and exciting repertoire. Dolores Keane, perhaps the most recognised and well loved ballad singers in the country, will make a very welcome concert appearance. The Dubliners' beloved banjo man Barney McKenna will surprise the crowd with his own choosing of banjo picking and singing, reaching both the Irish traditional and bluegrass plateaus. At The Racket, an exciting group featuring the playing of banjo and fiddle player John Carty will surely keep the momentum as they open the Sunday night concert. And no Banjo Festival would be complete without Ireland's best loved and internationally renowned banjo innovator, Gerry O'Connor.
There will also be performers from various countries, including the Netherlands, Canada, England, and the Basque region of Spain.
Tickets and weekend passes are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, and online at www.ticketmaster.ie
For further information log on to www.johnnykeenan.com
