After the inevitable hiatus of the past three years, Bluegrass Omagh returned for what should have been a joyous celebration of its 30th anniversary, on 28 & 29 May 2022. The festival was the brain child and labour of love of Richard Hurst and his band of merry men and women, all of whom worked at the Ulster American Folk Park (part of the National Museums of Northern Ireland- NMNI), the perfect location for what evolved into, perhaps, the best bluegrass festival in Europe. Over the 29 years during which he was the main organiser, Richard built up connections with key personnel in the US (especially N Carolina), Canada and Europe, enabling him to consistently attract the top bluegrass and old time acts to this little corner of the island. In fact, the festival became so well known and appreciated by the bluegrass fraternity in the US that it was nominated for the prestigious IBMA Event of the Year in 2015.
With the prospective retirement of some of the regular staff, NMNI decided to farm out the production for 2022 to Snow Water Ltd. On the positive side, the weather was mostly favourable for an outdoor event and there were some decent bluegrass and old time acts. Slocan Ramblers (Canada) were most impressive - not only do they have the bluegrass chops but they were inventive and progressive in their attitude and approach to the music, even if they were unfortunately programmed for the graveyard slot on a cold Saturday night, by which time most people except a few hardcore fans and stragglers had left. Seth Mulder & Midnight Run (USA) were slick and entertaining, all competent players of hard driving bluegrass with a modern edge, with attempts at slapstick humour. It was heartening to see our very own Northern Irish family bluegrass combo, Cup O’Joe, on the bill. The Agnews (Tabitha on banjo, Benjamin on bass and Reuben on guitar) grew up attending this festival and have gone on to perform all over Europe and the US to acclaim. They are currently augmented by Tabitha’s husband, the accomplished American mandolinist David Benedict, formerly of Mile Twelve. Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno (USA) are a young duo steeped in old time music (see our review of their stunning self-titled debut album in 2021) and they entertained fans, both old and undoubtedly new, with their beautifully crafted original songs and instrumentals. Cork-based Long Way Home, comprising mandolinist Kylie Kay Anderson (Utah) and dobro player Owen Schindler (NL), were also on their first visit and their blend of bluegrass and roots music impressed. Aaron Jonah Lewis (USA) had played here previously with the Corn Potato String Band and he attracted many to enjoy his playing and educating about early American music, on fiddle and banjo. The Broken String Band (NI) are well known to regulars, and were the only local or Irish bluegrass band to play at the event.
Considering the absence of an A-list bluegrass band on the bill, and the inexplicable inclusion of local folk and rock/country covers bands, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that the majority of the regular faithful Irish and British bluegrass fans stayed away this year. Ticket prices also rose by 66%. Most attendees always welcomed the inclusion of a few local folk acts on the bill, but not on the Main Stage at peak times when there was little or no alternative to chose from. Another big disappointment expressed by many punters was the absence of the usual compère, Frank Galligan, who was the heart of the event, with his wit, eloquence and, above all, his deep knowledge of and passion for the music and its purveyors.
Two Northern Irish bluegrass musicians (and characters, in the best sense!) Mel Corry (banjo) and Geordie McAdams (fiddler and storyteller) have sadly passed away since the last festival but their absence was barely mentioned. There were only three stages this year, instead of the usual five or six, and there was unfortunate sound bleed from the very loud Main Stage, which marred the audience enjoyment of the acts on the Log Cabin Stage. Food concessions were limited and there were long queues at peak times, with the burger van even running out of chips on Saturday evening. Camper vans were no longer being allowed to park overnight, and there were complaints of long waits at night for the shuttle bus to the designated camp grounds at the Rugby Club. Many attendees didn’t appreciate being asked to have their bags searched for alcohol (by outside security staff), something which is unprecedented at what has always been a family friendly, safe and peaceful festival. It remains to be seen if this formerly renowned festival has a future and, indeed, there are rumours of alternatives for 2023. Let’s hope that the goodwill and transatlantic friendships forged over the past thirty years will not all be lost.
Report by Eilís Boland