Press Release

Blackstairs Blues Festival 2007
13 August 2007

All systems are go for this year's Blues Festival on the weekend of the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd September. Headlining the Festival are the Hi-Tones, an eight piece swing and blues Band from Dublin. They will perform at Movita's at the witching hour of midnight. It is a ticketed event and ten euro will gain you admittance to what will be a night to remember.

Also playing over the weekend are Cold Shot, headlined by local musician, David Flynn. A reunited Band of amazing ability is the Bleedin' Blues from Cork, which is a five piece outfit. Dermot Byrne, who needs no introduction, will be featured in three venues. Will Killeen, who played here last month in Coleman's of the Market Square is back again.

Brian Meakin, a regular in Enniscorthy, with a huge fan base is also here for the Festival. King Biscuit, with Guitarist, Richard King, makes up the final line-up. The Gigs are in Holohan's, The Bailey, Doreen's, The Antique Tavern, Treacy's Hotel, Kavanagh's, Shenanigans and Coleman's and possibly Toss Kavanagh's.

A previous visitor to the Enniscorthy Festival, Dermot Byrne, is Ireland's foremost roots and blues performer and a prolific songwriter. He has taken his authentic style of blues to top Festivals in Europe and the United States. Playing fingerstyle slide guitar and harmonica he is a regular performer on the club and festival scene and his music has received critical acclaim in the music press.

Acts Dermot Byrne has played with or supported include legendary names such as Sam Mitchel, Eric Bibb, Homesick James, Boy Edwards, Steve James, Long John Hunter and Byther Smith. Byther Smith performed in Enniscorthy at the 1995 Blues Festival.

In 2005 Dermot Byrne came first in the finals of the Irish Blues Challenge (solo/duo) and subsequently performed at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He has done gigs in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and performed on the world famous King Biscuit radio show in Helena, Arkansas.

Seán Doyle, for Monica Carty P.R.O. who in on holidays.