Peter Rowan to be honoured with Outstanding Achievement in Music Award at Your Roots Are Showing

NewsEvents

26 Aug

The award will be presented during the conference, which will take place from January 15th to the 19th 2025, at The Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney.

Peter Rowan, a Grammy Award winner and six-time Grammy nominee, has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over five decades. From his early days under the mentorship of Bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe to his influential work with the iconic band Old & In the Way, and his distinguished solo career, Rowan has made an indelible mark on the world of music.

Born in Wayland, Massachusetts, Rowan’s musical journey began in his youth, inspired by his musical family and the vibrant sounds of Boston's Hillbilly Ranch. He formed his first band, The Cupids, while still in high school, and after three years of college, he pursued a life in music full-time. Rowan started his professional career in 1963 as the singer, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter for the Bluegrass Boys, led by Bill Monroe, where he developed his distinctive style that blends bluegrass with a rich, bluesy edge.

Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rowan was involved in various rock, folk, and bluegrass projects, including Earth Opera, Sea Train, Muleskinner, and The Rowans, alongside his brothers Chris and Lorin. His work with Old & In the Way, alongside David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements, and John Kahn, produced the classic hit "Panama Red," which has since become a staple in American music.

Rowan's solo career has been equally noteworthy, with critically acclaimed albums such as "Dustbowl Children", "Yonder", and The "First Whippoorwill". His collaborations with other music legends and his relentless touring schedule have further solidified his status as a beloved figure in the music world. He continues to perform internationally as a solo artist and with various bands, including the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band.

The Outstanding Achievement in Music Award recognizes Peter Rowan's extraordinary contributions to music and his profound impact on the folk and bluegrass genres. This award marks a significant milestone for Your Roots Are Showing - Ireland’s Folk Conference, as it celebrates a true icon of the music world.

Your Roots Are Showing is dedicated to preserving and promoting folk music traditions in Ireland and beyond.

This year’s conference promises an unparalleled experience with over 100 live performances featuring both emerging and established artists. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with top industry professionals through a variety of panel discussions, workshops, and trade and gig fairs, designed to foster networking and professional development within the folk music community.

This annual event has quickly become a cornerstone for the folk music community, offering a platform for artists, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the rich heritage of folk music. Having attended last year, we can assure that this will be an excellent week of learning, networking and folk/traditional music.

The event will kick off with a special opening conference on January 14th, 2025, at The Gleneagle Hotel/INEC. The opening night will feature performances by renowned artists including Double Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner Rhiannon Giddens, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Peter Rowan, Kenny Sharp, Brown Liquor Music, Brendan McCreanor, Gerry O'Connor, Sandy Kelly, and 14 time Grammy Winner Ron Block, with more artists to be announced soon.