Bluegrass in a conflict zone
The Bluegrass Ireland Blog posted a sobering piece last week about the continuing unrest in Northern Ireland, and its impact on a bluegrass group based in Lurgan.
Sean McKerr and Mel Corry, members of The Tennessee Hennessees, were accosted by brigands on their way to a pub session on Thursday (9/17). Violence was breaking out throughout the town of Lurgan (just south of Belfast) in response to the jailing of three dissidents for plotting to murder police officers. According to press reports, at least five vehicles were hijacked and set on fire in an attempt to lure police into an ambush.
Showing both the indomitable spirit of the Irish, and of the bluegrass musician, McKerr managed to get a passerby to snap this photo in front of their burning van. He also posted this comment on the BIB site:
“We hope this photo will not deter visiting musicians. Although they burned our van out, the hi-jackers were very courteous and let us keep our instruments.”
Glad to know that the guys made it through in good shape. You can read the full piece on The Bluegrass Ireland Blog.
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A while back I posted about Buddy Merriam and Backroads - in Ireland. The band is currently in the middle...
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