Acclaimed Offaly band, JigJam back in the studio recording new album

ACCLAIMED Offaly bluegrass band JigJam is back in the studio, recording their upcoming album at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Studio in Nashville.

Brown extended the invitation to JigJam after meeting the group at a festival last year. The historic studio has hosted legendary artists including Kris Kristofferson, Larry Gatlin, Kacey Musgraves, Dwight Yoakam, and The Foo Fighters.

The upcoming project features a lineup of standout guest artists including Lindsay Lou, Sister Sadie, Johnny Mullenax, Rob Ickes, with more to be announced. The new music is being produced by Joe Egan, who has worked with Hozier, Gavin James, Bressie and more.

“Getting to record at such an iconic studio has been really special,” said lead singer Jamie McKeogh. “We’ve been delighted to get to record with some incredible guests. We can’t wait to share the magic with everyone soon.”

This marks a packed touring season for JigJam, whose 2025 summer schedule includes appearances at top-tier festivals across North America. Highlights include Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Blissfest, Blueberry Music Festival, and Walnut Valley Festival, among others.

The band recently played to a packed crowd at DelFest, sharing the bill with the likes of Sierra Ferrell, The Travelin’ McCourys, The Del McCoury Band, and The California Honeydrops.

JigJam Summer Tour Dates:

July 9 – St. Louis, MO – Whitaker Music Festival

July 11–13 – Harbor Springs, MI – Blissfest Music Festival

July 15 – Hastings-on-Hudson, NY – MacEachron Waterfront Park

July 17 – Kennett Square, PA – Longwood Gardens

July 18 – Oak Hill, NY – Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

July 22 – Boothbay Harbor, ME – The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor

July 25–27 – Dayton, OH – Dayton Celtic Festival

August 1–3 – Stony Plain, AB, Canada – Blueberry Music Festival

August 3 – Grande Prairie, AB, Canada – Jackpot Grill & Events Centre

September 18–21 – Winfield, KS – Walnut Valley Festival

When virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running naked through the wide-open fields of bluegrass/Americana JigJam is born. Bluegrass and American Folk music originated from the group’s home, and now JigJam is here to take it back!

JigJam made its Grand Ole Opry Debut in Nashville in March 2023 to critical acclaim receiving a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd on Country Music’s biggest stage.

The group was joined on the night by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Earle, Lauren Alaina, and many more. This Offaly and Tipperary-born band has started the first wave of attack in the new Irish invasion of Americana. ‘Foot stomping’, ‘high energy’ badassery is what you’re in for when you see this musical powerhouse live in concert.

Founding members from Offaly Jamie McKeogh (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 String Banjo and Dobro) were joined by Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo) in 2016. This year they are joined by Kevin Buckley (Fiddle) to make up this iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) quartet.

Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ and ‘sparkling, infectious’ these lads have been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival’ Bluegrass has its roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. iGrass and JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son.

For more information, visit JigJam.ie

READ NEXT: Offaly musician to present new music and chat show series on TG4

READ NEXT: Huge crowds attend opening of new Choices Store in Tullamore