A BANJO and vocal group from Galway are undertaking a US tour next week before coming home for a 12-night Irish tour which will include the launch of their new album.

We Banjo3 – Enda Scahill from Rahoon and brothers Martin and David Howley from Ardrahan – play a rollercoaster ride through banjo history from ragtime to reels. Their Irish concert kicks-off in Dublin on Tuesday September 11, while closer to home, they will play the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Thursday September 13 and the Station House Theatre in Clifden on Sunday September 23.

However, before they embark on their Irish tour, they will launch their new album. Roots of the Banjo Tree, in the Roisin Dubh in Galway City on Friday September 7.

Featuring three tenor banjos, mandolins, tenor guitars, guitars, banjolin and David’s vocals, We Banjo 3 combine Irish music with Old-Time American, Ragtime and Bluegrass influences, revealing the banjo’s rich legacy from its roots in African and minstrel music through to the Irish traditional sound pioneered by Barney McKenna.

Their first Irish tour comes hot on the heels of their performance at the Milwaukee Irish fest, North America’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture.

Collectively, We Banjo 3 have been at the forefront of Irish Banjo for two decades. Martin holds seven All Ireland titles and Enda has won four, while David holds All Irelands in Banjo and Accompaniment.

Enda, a former member of the award-winning Brock McGuire band, has guested with the Chieftains, recorded with Ricky Skaggs, and toured with Frankie Gavin and Stockton’s Wing.

Plans for next year include collaborating with Nashville-based musicians Chessboxer, featuring Ross Holmes and Matt Menefee who have worked with giants such as Mumford and Sons, Jerry Douglas, and Old Crow Medicine Show.

Earlier this summer We Banjo 3 with Fergal Scahill collaborated on a track with ChessBoxer and members of the Black Eyed Peas for the upcoming Electro Country project.