Balla in Mayo will become the bluegrass capital of Ireland this weekend, when it plays host to the ninth annual festival. Uri Kohen from the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, is once again putting his expertise behind the venture in Balla.

The Munich String Band from Germany will play The Old Woods on Friday and Mannion’s on Saturday (10pm each night). Texas country/folk duo Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay, bring their Irish tour to a close with a gig at The Old Woods on Saturday at 8pm.

The Big Muddy from Dublin play The Old Woods on Sunday at 8pm, while the ever-popular Woodbine band from Kildare will entertain the patrons in Mannion’s Bar. Colonel Bullshot Rides Again, fronted by local Balla man Tom Lyons, will play the closing session on Bank Holiday Monday at 8pm in Mannion’s Bar. A warm welcome awaits all bluegrass music lovers in Balla over the holiday weekend.