Bluegrass Ireland, the Irish Bluegrass Blog, is reporting some additional show dates for the Buddy Merriam and Back Roads tour that starts today in the UK.

Please note that a number of dates have been added to the tour by Buddy Merriam & Back Roads (USA) which begins on 12 January and comprises eighteen shows in this island, as well as some in Britain.

Buddy Merriam and Back Roads is a traditional bluegrass band from New York. Buddy has been in the business a long time and has picked with a large number of bluegrass greats. At one point, I had hoped to be with the band on guitar for this tour, but with my recent wedding and obligations at the studio, it just wasn’t possible. I talked to Buddy yesterday as he was preparing to leave for Ireland and I thought I’d share his comments with you.

Brance: So Buddy, who will you have on this tour with you as band members?

Buddy: I’ll have Ernie Sykes on bass & vocals, Gary Oleyar on Fiddle & vocals, Will Solomon on guitar & vocals and from Lurgan, Northern Ireland Mel Corry on 5 string & vocals. Should be a great tour- wish you were joining us but I understand there was a lot going on for you.

Brance: What is it like for a traditional bluegrass band from the US to tour in the UK?

Buddy: This is my 2nd tour of Ireland (this time Scotland & England also) we had a great time last trip and I’m excited to share our hard driving bluegrass music with the folks over there. They really turned out for us last time and it looks like we’ll have 21 shows plus several radio shows including a couple BBC broadcasts. Looking forward to seeing all my Irish bluegrass friends again and making a lot new ones. We’re also looking to do more touring overseas as all the band members are full time so we can do it.

Brance: Any new product you didn’t have last time you were over?

Buddy: My new CD, Live at the Vail- Leavitt Music Hall, celebrating my 25th year in bluegrass with Back Roads just made it here for the tour. So we’re excited about that.

Be sure to visit BackRoadsBluegrass.com for updated tour information.