12/04/2026
As the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, organisers are
delighted to announce an exciting new addition to this year’s programme in association with
the Rolling Sun Book Festival.
Inspired by the Rolling Sun Book Festival’s engaging panel discussion format, the festival
will host its first-ever literary event on Friday, June 5th at 4:00 PM at the The Clew Bay
Hotel. Admission is €15, with tickets now available via the festival’s official website.
The discussion will be moderated by Nashville-based music writer Nancy Posey, who will
lead a conversation with three distinguished authors whose work explores the history and
cultural reach of bluegrass music.
Featured panellists include:
🎼 Kristina R. Gaddy, author of Well of Souls, which traces the banjo’s journey from
Africa to the United States, and Go Back and Fetch It, an exploration of how
traditional songs travelled and evolved into American old-time standards.
🪕 Pete Ward, whose book Bluegrass and Religion offers a comprehensive examination
of the deep connections between bluegrass music and religious traditions.
📀 Lee Bidgood, author of Czech Bluegrass, which explores the unique relationship
between Czech musicians, culture, and bluegrass music.
Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an
informal meet-and-greet with the speakers. Books by all featured authors will be available for
purchase at the event.
This special literary gathering marks an exciting expansion of the festival’s programme,
offering audiences a deeper insight into the stories, history, and global influence of bluegrass
