A new venture + plans for Temple Bar Tradfest 2019 in Dublin, Ireland

I started blogging more than a decade ago because I have always loved to write. I can say it’s one of my passions. We all know I’m also quite passionate about travel. Now I get to bring another of my passions into the fold: music. I’ve written here before about music and how I will, and do, travel for shows and festivals. So, imagine my elation at being able to merge all of these passions to start a new blog. This may not be news to some of you, but I am the proud founder, writer, and editor of the brand new Roots Music Rambler travel blog. The focus of the new site is discovering the roots of music through travel. The 3 main objectives are:

1. Travel to the places that inspire, or have inspired, singer/songwriters of the roots-music genres.
2. Travel to places where traditional music is ingrained in the cultural identity.
3. Trace the journeys of specific instruments and music styles to identify their influence in today’s music.

Roots Music Rambler officially launched in October of 2018 and already I have big news to share. In meeting objective #2 listed above, I will travel to Dublin, Ireland, in January to cover Tradfest 2019! Tradfest is “Ireland’s largest festival of traditional music and beyond” and will take place January 23-27, 2019. This is huge, friends! I had to really work to turn this opportunity into reality. I drafted a proposal and communicated with festival officials via phone and email. Ultimately, they graciously agreed to sponsor my travel to Dublin so I may share Tradfest with all of you.

Tradfest coverage will not be limited to Roots Music Rambler. As I will be in Dublin for an entire week, I plan to experience much of the city and discover family-friendly attractions and activities to share here. In fact, Tradfest includes an entire program specifically for the children. Tradkids offers crafts, workshops, and opportunities for kids to try various instruments. Furthermore, some of Dublin’s most historic sites serve as performance venues. Instead of theaters and clubs built specifically for live music, performances will be in places like Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

In the weeks leading up to my departure for Ireland, I will be sharing much more about Tradfest here, on Roots Music Rambler, and on both blogs’ social media channels. Once Tradfest gets underway, coverage will only amp up. I do hope you’ll be along for the ride!