Stars to shine for bluegrass at the Brindley

Oct 9 2008 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE region’s first ever bluegrass and roots music festival gets into full swing at The Brindley tomorrow.

The centre is playing host to national and international artists including the USA’s Tony and Ben Ellis.

Tony Ellis is a veteran of Bill Monroe’s early 60s edition of the Blue Grass Boys.

Their style combines elements of bluegrass, 18th Century parlour music, minstrel banjo, Irish, ragtime and more.

Accompanied by his son, and guitarist Bill Ellis, Tony is set to present what organisers have labelled “an epic patchwork of American music”.

Other artists include Baker’s Fabulous Boys and John Dowling, a former young folk musician of the year and the first European to win the National USA banjo championship in Winfield, Kansas.

Bluegrass is a sub-genre of American country music and has gained a loyal following outside the States.

The festival runs throughout Friday and Saturday and weekend tickets are £20 adults and £10 for the under 15s.

For Friday evening only, or for Saturday only until 4.30pm, tickets are £7 adults and £3.50 for the under 15s.

For Saturday evening, prices are £10 adults and £5 for the under 15s.

For tickets call 0151 907 8360 or visit www.thebrindley.org.uk to see the complete programme.