The five-string banjo is often associated with Appalachian music, but its reach has always extended beyond one place. In Ireland, the banjo is traditionally heard as the four-string tenor banjo, a cornerstone of Irish folk music. This playlist celebrates the banjo in Ireland and Northern Ireland, but focuses instead on five-string banjo players, highlighting Irish and Northern Irish artists who are bringing bluegrass banjo into folk, Americana, and contemporary acoustic settings. The tracks here feature musicians working across traditions and genres, using the banjo as a bridge rather than a boundary.
For us, The Foreign Landers, this playlist is closely tied to our own story. Our songs, woven throughout the playlist, reflect life lived between Northern Ireland and the U.S., and the relationships, faith, and sense of distance that shape that experience. In a small way, that mirrors the five-string banjo’s own journey across time and place. Our new album, Made to Wonder, is our expression of these ideas; including our music alongside these other innovative artists helps frame our transatlantic sound within a much larger conversation.
Alongside our music, you’ll hear boundary-pushing banjo work from artists like Flook, JigJam, Damien O’Kane, Ron Block, I Draw Slow, Brian Finnegan, and NÁVA, each offering a different answer to the same question: What does bluegrass banjo become when it’s rooted in Irish soil?
The result is a playlist that honors tradition while continuing to move forward. We hope you enjoy. – The Foreign Landers
“Made to Wonder” – The Foreign Landers
The title track from our new album, this banjo-centric song is about stepping away from noise and busy-ness to find true rest and belonging in Christ, whose yoke is easy and burden light. Featuring Tristan Clarridge (Crooked Still) on cello, adding depth and resonance.
“Road to Errogie” – Flook
There’s something infectious about Flook’s craftsmanship and energy – especially when five-string banjo enters the mix, played by the incredible Leon Hunt of the UK. A major influence on our sound.
“Gold Mine” – I Draw Slow
Irish-based and deeply rooted in both Appalachian and Irish traditions, this clawhammer-driven track blends heritage with heart.
“Johnny’s Peacock / The Red-Tailed Hawk” – The Foreign Landers
Two original tunes deeply informed by Tabitha’s heritage, joined by John Doyle, Brian Finnegan, and Cathal Murphy, bringing Irish tradition and bluegrass energy together.
“John D. McGurk’s (The Heartbeat of St. Louis)” – JigJam
JigJam seamlessly bridge U.S. and Irish folk scenes. Irish banjoist Daithí Melia delivers powerful five-string work on this fun, high-energy track.
“Mario Kart Rides Again” – Ron Block & Damien O’Kane
Two banjos – five-string and four-string – done right. Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station and Damien O’Kane of the Kate Rusby band make for an unxpected delightful pairing. Here is a playful, virtuosic track from their album Banjovial that’s near to Mario Kart-loving hearts.
“Pictures” – The Foreign Landers
Led vocally by David with Tabitha on banjo, this original song draws on our own experience of long-distance dating. “Pictures” captures the quiet weight of distance – and how old photographs can briefly collapse time and place. The unconventional role of banjo on this track is one of our favorite sounds on the new album.
“Marga’s” – Brian Finnegan
A must-include from the County Armagh master himself, featuring Crooked Still with Greg Lizst on five-string banjo. Both four-string and five-string banjo shine in this expansive, genre-blurring piece.
“The Thrifty Wife” – Ron Block & Damien O’Kane
Another Ron and Damien double-banjo banger. Their three collaboration albums are essential listening when talking about banjo in Irish music. Bonus mando moments from Sierra Hull seal the deal.
“Traveler”–The Foreign Landers
Narrated from the perspective of Tabitha’s parents back in Northern Ireland, “Traveler” reflects on growing older, separation, and the tenderness of loving someone from afar. Another unconventional banjo track that we loved making.
“Magic Box” – Nava
Irish Americana and folk meet Persian influences, led by Ireland’s Paddy Kiernan on five-string banjo. A rich example of cross-cultural musical exploration.
“Hope” – Cup O’Joe
Featuring Tabitha’s two brothers (alongside David and Tabitha), this title track from Why Live Without blends Northern Irish roots with progressive Americana.
You Gotta Hear This! We’ve got bluegrass, Americana, folk, and so much more for you in our weekly roundup of new music and premieres.
Kicking us off, Western North Carolina bluegrass greats Balsam Range dust off an old track, “Virginia Girl,” from member Caleb Smith’s archive solo album for their own rendition – with a special “vintage” banjo solo added in. From just down the mountains in upstate South Carolina, bluegrass and roots duo the Foreign Landers share their lovely new song, “Smell the Rose,” which reflects on the good, simple gifts we all receive while walking through life (if we’re open to receiving them!).
Elsewhere in our collection, another folk-Americana duo, Oliver the Crow, return with new music for the first time in a few years, offering a new video for “Burn It Down,” a song about finding redemption in starting over, starting fresh. And Rachel McIntyre Smith – who has been sharing a mini-series of cover song performance video collaborations on BGS over the past few weeks – unveils an impeccable cover of Kacey Musgraves’ “Slow Burn” with fellow artist Sammi Accola joining in.
Don’t miss Natalie Del Carmen singing “El Cortez,” an energetic country-folk song about spending time with her father and the rarity of still enjoying first-time experiences as an adult, when such firsts are much more common as a child. You’ll also hear singer-songwriter Jared Dustin Griffin fingerpicking and growling through “Shovel,” a new track that meditates on sacrifices and all you can gain from the labor of putting yourself aside.
Bringing us vibey indie roots rock, Liam Kazar contemplates “The Word The War” on his new single from his upcoming album, Pilot Light. You can watch the video for this musical exploration of loneliness and the journey (rather than the destination) below. And finally, from all the way across the globe, the High Street Drifters of Melbourne, Australia, introduce their down-under bluegrass to BGS with “Words for Leaving,” a song about distance, longing, and goodbyes – sweet and bittersweet.
It’s a stout collection this week and we’re excited for you to get to it. You know what we say every time– You Gotta Hear This!
Balsam Range, “Virginia Girl”
Artist:Balsam Range Hometown: Haywood County, North Carolina Song: “Virginia Girl” Release Date: September 5, 2025
In Their Words: “In 2013, I was putting together some tunes for a solo album. Patton Wages was my first call to help me with his killer banjo playing. I first met Patton at Everett’s Music Barn in Suwanee, Georgia, around 2005 and I immediately was a fan. We became friends and stayed in touch. He became Balsam Range’s first call if Marc Pruett ever needed to miss a gig and Patton always filled Marc’s great picking with greatness of his own.
“I wrote ‘Virginia Girl’ in March of 2013 and it was slated to be on my solo album along with “God Knows,” “The Touch,” a few more originals, and a few standards. Patton, Aaron Ramsey, Adam Steffey, and Nicky Sanders helped me create the album. I’ve sat on the tune and the album since 2013, frequently revisiting it when Balsam Range needed a tune to add to one of our albums, but ‘Virginia Girl’ has remained unused for 12 years… until now! Balsam Range recut the tune and I had an idea to see if we could fly Patton’s original banjo cut from 2013 to our new 2025 cut and it worked flawlessly, as if it were meant to be. Our engineer Clay Miller at Crossroads Studios in Asheville, North Carolina, worked his magic and did such an awesome job! Patton, I’m honored that you agreed to this and I’m honored to be your friend! We hope you enjoy ‘Virginia Girl.'” – Caleb Smith
Track Credits: Caleb Smith – Acoustic guitar, lead vocal Tim Surrett – Upright bass, harmony vocal Patton Wages – Banjo Marc Pruett – Banjo Don Rigsby – Fiddle, harmony vocal Alan Bibey – Mandolin
Natalie Del Carmen, “El Cortez”
Artist:Natalie Del Carmen Hometown: Los Angeles, California Song: “El Cortez” Album: Pastures Release Date: September 12, 2025 (song); January 30, 2026 (album) Label: Torrez Music Group
In Their Words: ‘”El Cortez’ was written for my dad, so I knew early on that I had to get it right. Last holiday, I gambled with him in Vegas for the first time at the El Cortez Hotel. It was such a fun time together. When you’re young, your first experiences go over your head because everything is a first. But then you become an adult and the pool of opportunity to have first experienced memories gets smaller. I have more respect for my parents now than I ever could have understood as a kid. It’s about getting familiar with all the ways you feel rich in life that really don’t involve money.” – Natalie Del Carmen
Track Credits: Natalie Del Carmen – Vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo Nick Antonelli – Bass Amelia Eisenhaeur – Fiddle Jordan Ezquerro – Organ Tanir Morrison – Drums, percussion Amelia Eisenhauer – Percussion
The Foreign Landers, “Smell the Rose”
Artist:The Foreign Landers Hometown: Travelers Rest, South Carolina Song: “Smell the Rose” Release Date: September 12, 2025
In Their Words: “‘Smell the Rose’ was written with our good friend Danielle Yother as a reflection on the good gifts we’re given in this life – things like music shared with friends, laughter around a campfire, sunsets, or driving down a beautiful highway with the windows down. Those moments are full of beauty, but they also slip away with time. In writing this song, we wanted to capture both the joy and the ache of that truth. For us, it points to something deeper: a reminder that while all good things here fade, they’re signposts that lead us to the one source of lasting love and beauty – God himself. Our hope is that this song encourages listeners to savor those fleeting gifts while also looking beyond them to the greater hope we have in him.” – The Foreign Landers
Artist:Jared Dustin Griffin Hometown: San Francisco, California Song: “Shovel” Album:The Perseverance of Sisyphus Release Date: September 26, 2025 Label: First City Artists
In Their Words: “‘Shovel’ was born in the heat of July 2020, my hands fumbling through unfamiliar fingerpicking patterns until the song unearthed itself. The melody came slow, like digging through hard earth, and the lyrics followed in a single, fevered afternoon. It’s a meditation on sacrifice – how we bury parts of ourselves for something greater and the toll that takes. In the shadow of calvary this song wields its own blade, turning over the soil of belief and what it costs.” – Jared Dustin Griffin
Track Credits: Jared Dustin Griffin – Guitar, harmonica Heather Little – Harmonies Fergal Scahill – Fiddle, mandolin Nathan Alef – Piano Matt Greco – Piano, organ Dave Campbell – Banjo Frank Swart – Bass Derrick Phillips – Drums
The High Street Drifters, “Words For Leaving”
Artist:The High Street Drifters Hometown: Melbourne, Australia Song: “Words for Leaving” Release Date: September 3, 2025
In Their Words: “‘Words for Leaving’ began its life at a lonely bus station in between where I was headed and who I was saying goodbye to. We wanted the track to carry that bittersweet feeling, balancing lyrical tenderness with the bluegrass pulse moving you down the road. Every instrument is a part of the dialogue, echoing the goodbyes we say to loved ones knowing that loving someone always carries the possibility of losing them. Being in Australia, so far from much of the rest of the world and with so much distance between places and people, gives this track a weight I think a lot of people will connect with. The push and pull between heartache and hope.” – Justin Vilchez, mandolin
Liam Kazar, “The Word The War”
Artist:Liam Kazar Hometown: Chicago-raised, Brooklyn-based Song: “The Word The War” Album:Pilot Light Release Date: November 7, 2025 Label: Congrats Records
In Their Words: “I can’t say I know exactly what the word is, what the war is. Utter loneliness at the mountain top, perhaps? Not that I’ve ever been there. Something close to knowing and loving the path, not the destination. Poor sleepless queen and her sleepless nights alone, but whatever, that’s her problem. Get me to the riff!” – Liam Kazar
Video Credits:Directed, produced, and edited by Austin Vesely. Kevin Veselka – Director of photography Featuring Emily Neale.
Artist:Rachel McIntyre Smith and Sammi Accola Hometown: Oliver Springs, Tennessee Song: “Slow Burn” Latest Album:Honeysuckle Friend (Deluxe) Release Date: September 10, 2025 (video); June 27, 2025 (deluxe EP)
In Their Words: “I have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Sammi Accola at writers rounds over the years, but we had never hung out one-on-one until this recording. I truly felt like we became friends during this session. I think that’s evident in the video. We got lost in the groove of this Kacey Musgraves classic and had so much fun with it. This is the final video in the three-part series with BGS as part of You Gotta Hear This, but the Honeysuckle Friend Sessions continue on my YouTube channel!” – Rachel McIntyre Smith
“I love how naturally it came together – Rachel and I had a completely different song in mind, but the moment I saw the Kacey Musgraves vinyl on her living room wall and we started talking about the mutually loved album, the choice felt easy. ‘Slow Burn’ is just the best – gorgeous, full of harmonies, and somehow both light and grounding. In the middle of a hectic week, it was the perfect song to play. A reminder to slow down, appreciate the people in our life, and laugh at lines like, ‘Grandma cried when I pierced my nose,’ relishing our twenty-something years. I love collaborating with Rachel and celebrating the power and simplicity of a great lyric.” – Sammi Accola
Video Credits: Filmed and edited by Rachel McIntyre Smith.
Watch more Honeysuckle Friend Sessions on BGS here and here.
Oliver the Crow, “Burn It Down”
Artist:Oliver the Crow Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Burn it Down” Album:A Feather in a Hurricane Release Date: September 5, 2025 (single); November 28, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “‘Burn it Down’ is a song about starting over – a song about building something great and how that sometimes means taking down whatever’s in its place. To illustrate this point, this is my fourth rewrite of a song using this same chorus. Over many years of scratching out verses and starting over, my life itself became a bunch of fresh starts. Maybe this is what led to the final version you hear today – one of the more stripped-back and bare songs from an album of mostly larger, fuller production.” – Ben Plotnick
Track Credits: Ben Plotnick – Fiddle, songwriter Kaitlyn Raitz – Cello Anthony da Costa – All other sounds, producer
Video Credit: Kaitlyn Raitz
Photo Credit: the Foreign Landers by Nicole Davis; Rachel McIntyre Smith and Sammi Accola courtesy of the artists.
Artist:Cup O’Joe Hometown: County Armagh in Northern Ireland Latest album:In the Parting Personal nicknames (or rejected band names): Mug O’Tay
Answers provided by Tabitha Agnew
Which artist has influenced you the most … and how?
I would have to say that it would be Alison Krauss! Her solo recordings and recordings with Union Station have been some of the most impactful recordings for me. The first introduction to bluegrass music that I remember hearing was “Every Time You Say Goodbye” from Now That I’ve Found You: A Collection. Her releases have swayed within the bluegrass/country/gospel realms and I’ve been enjoying her music for years.
What’s your favorite memory from being on stage?
One of my favourite moments being on stage with COJ was probably getting to play at IBMA in North Carolina back in 2017 in a lineup with our good friend Niall Murphy on fiddle. It was a hoot! Glancing around on the workshop stage representing the international scene and trying to not get too nervous when we saw legends and some other top pickers walking by!
What rituals do you have, either in the studio or before a show?
I try to have had at least one cup of sharp black coffee before a show and lots of water! (Both are definitely needed!) Yep, I know it sounds like a cliché, but I definitely run on coffee!
Which elements of nature do you spend the most time with and how do those impact your work?
This question has really made me stop and think, but I think I can safely say that trees are a big source of inspiration that impact our songwriting. Two songs off the new album refer to the concept of change happening as quickly as the changing of the leaves on the trees in each new season. Currently living in the countryside of County Armagh is a big source of inspiration in general, with rolling green hills and plenty of apple trees (County Armagh is “orchard county”).
Since food and music go so well together, what is your dream pairing of a meal and a musician?
Oooh! What a tough tough question! After getting to know Mr. Ron Block, I would have to say that I would pair him with a Scottish Cheese board (with Rough Scottish Oatcakes). I think that’s a pretty 10/10 combo in my opinion and I think he would totally be okay with that!
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announced the nominees for this year’s Special Awards and Momentum Awards.
The Special Awards nominees are selected by specially appointed committees made up of bluegrass music professionals who possess significant knowledge of that field. The recipient of each award is decided on by the Panel of Electors, an anonymous group of over 200 veteran bluegrass music professionals selected by the IBMA Board of Directors.
The 2018 Special Awards nominees are:
Graphic Design
Drew Bolen & Whitney Beard: Old Salt Union by Old Salt Union Lou Everhart: A Heart Never Knows by The Price Sisters Richard Hakalski: Portraits and Fiddles by Mike Barnett Corey Johnson: Sounds of Kentucky by Carolina Blue Karen Key: Big Bend Killing: The Appalachian Ballad Tradition by Various Artists
Liner Notes
Craig Havighurst: The Story We Tell by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Steve Martin: The Long Awaited Album by Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers Joe Mullins: Sounds of Kentucky Grass by Carolina Blue Ted Olson: Big Bend Killing: The Appalachian Ballad Tradition by Various Artists Peter Wernick: Carter Stanley’s Eyes by Peter Rowan
Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year
Larry Carter Michelle Lee Steve Martin Alan Tompkins Kris Truelsen
Print Media Person of the Year
Derek Halsey Chris Jones Ted Lehmann David Morris Neil Rosenberg
Songwriter of the Year
Becky Buller Thomm Jutz Jerry Salley Donna Ulisse Jon Weisberger
Event of the Year
Bluegrass on the Green – Frankfort, Illinois County Bluegrass – Fort Fairfield, Maine Emelin Theatre – Mamaroneck, New York Flagler Museum’s Bluegrass in the Pavilion – Palm Beach, Florida FreshGrass Festival – North Adams, Massachusetts
Sound Engineer of the Year
Dave Sinko Stephen Mougin Gary Paczosa Tim Reitnouer Ben Surratt
The Momentum Awards recognize both musicians and bluegrass industry professionals who, in the early stages of their careers, are making significant contributions to or are having a significant influence upon bluegrass music. These contributions can be to bluegrass music in general, or to a specific sector of the industry. The Mentor Award, in contrast to the other Momentum Awards, recognizes a bluegrass professional who has made a significant impact on the lives and careers of newcomers to the bluegrass industry.
Starting with recommendations from the IBMA membership, nominees are chosen through a multi-stage process by committees made up of respected musicians and industry leaders in the bluegrass world.
The 2018 Momentum Award nominees are:
Festival/Event/Venue
Anderson Bluegrass Festival – South Carolina Farm & Fun Time – Virginia Hovander Homestead Bluegrass Festival – Washington Red Wing Roots Music Festival – Virginia SamJam Bluegrass Festival – Ohio
Industry Involvement
Megan Lynch Chowning and Adam Chowning Justin Hiltner Kris Truelsen
Mentor
Daniel Boner Cathy Fink Scott Napier Jon Weisberger Pete Wernick
Band
Cane Mill Road – Nort Carolina Man About a Horse – Pennsylvania Midnight Skyracer – United Kingdom The Trailblazers – North Carolina Wood Belly – Colorado
Vocalist
Ellie Hakanson (Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, Greg Blake Band) Will Jones (Terry Baucom & the Dukes of Drive) AJ Lee (AJ Lee & Blue Summit) Evan Murphy (Mile Twelve) Daniel Thrailkill (The Trailblazers)
Instrumentalist [three are chosen in this category]
The 2018 Special Awards are sponsored by the California Bluegrass Association and Homespun Music Instruction, while the 2018 Momentum Awards are sponsored by the Bluegrass Situation.
The recipients of the 2018 Momentum Awards will be presented with their awards at a luncheon on Wednesday, September 26, and the recipients of the 2018 Special Awards will be presented with their awards at a luncheon on Thursday, September 27 in Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event.
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