We just heard from Gary Ferguson, recently home from a three week tour in Ireland. He wanted share some news about a new project he has in the works.

After touring the past two years in Ireland with Janet Holmes and Colin Henry of Belfast, Gary has made it official. Ferguson, Holmes and Henry have started recording and will be touring again in Ireland in September under their new name. They will focus on the original material written by the three of them.

Gary and Janet play guitar, Colin guitar, banjo and resonator guitar, and Gary’s son Chris Ferguson is on bass. All three of the named principals are featured vocalists.

Ferguson says that they have plans for an EP, and perhaps a full length CD. He is working on getting them over here to the states for a bit of touring as well.

You can hear some of their music on the new Ferguson, Holmes and Henry MySpace page.

Gary Ferguson tells us that he is heading shortly for Ireland, his fourth consecutive July visit to the Emerald Isle.

He’ll have Colin Henry in tow on guitar and resonator guitar, joining Gary on guitar and vocals for the 11 day tour, running July 18-29. Irish vocalist and songwriter Janet Holmes will also perform with Gary and Colin for several shows.

Gary is excited for his Irish fans to get a chance to hear the music from his latest CD, Gary Ferguson and Friends – Live at Podunk, recorded at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival in Connecticut.

The tour stops are as follows:

• July 18 – Seamus Ennis Centre – Naul (w/Mick Hanly)
• July 19 – Saturday Connection with Charlie McGettigan
• July 19 – Bog Lane Theatre (w/Charlie McGettigan)
• July 20 – Ardara Bluegrass Festival – Ardara
• July 21 – McGrory’s – Culdaff
• July 22 – Rodden’s Bar- Buncrana
• July 23 – The Cobblestone – Dublin
• July 25 – Phil Murphy Weekend – Carrig on Bannow
• July 26 – Phil Murphy Weekend – Carrig on Bannow
• July 28 – McDaids – Midleton
• July 29 – Tadghin’s Bar – Ballylinan

Bluegrass singer/songwriter Gary Ferguson took a different approach for his most recent CD. Instead of hunkering down in the studio for days of intense recording, he enlisted the support of some friends -  top bluegrass performers all – and cut the tracks live at a festival show.

The result is Gary Ferguson and Friends – Live at Podunk, recorded at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival in Connecticut. Assisting on the CD are Mike Auldridge, Gail Wade, Ron Stewart, Emory Lester, Kene Hyatt and Marc Roy.

Audio samples and download purchases are available at DigStation, and info about mail orders can be found on Gary’s MySpace page.

Bluegrass singer/songwriter/guitarist Gary Ferguson and resonator guitarist David Miner are set to tour in Ireland from July 13-29, 2007. The tour will include concerts as well as workshops on Dobro and songwriting.

You can find dates, info and links to their Irish tour dates on Gary and David’s MySpace page, where promoters and venues can contact them about available dates during their visit.