The 21st annual Bluegrass Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, will run from Friday 31 August to Sunday 2 September, with some of the biggest names in bluegrass and old-time music. Throughout the weekend, multi-award-winning acts from the USA and Europe will perform in the festival marquee and at six stages set against the unique backdrop of the outdoor museum. This year’s lineup includes Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (USA), Don Rigsby & Midnight Call (USA), Mandolin Orange (USA), the Branchettes (USA), Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Old Man Luedecke (Canada), the Blue Grass Boogiemen (NL), Covered Grass (D), and the Toy Hearts (GB), as well as bands from all parts of Ireland: the Clew Bay Critters, I Draw Slow, the Watery Hill Boys, the Broken String Band, Northern Exposure, and the Knotty Pine String Band.
Open-mic sessions give up-and-coming bands the chance of fresh exposure. The photo above shows Cup o’ Joe, a young trio from Mowhan, Co. Armagh, together with chief festival organiser Richard Hurst (on left-handed mandolin).
A full press release is on the Bluegrass Ireland Blog. More information on events and pricing are here, where tickets can also be booked online or on the telephone booking line on 028 8224 3292. You can also follow the Ulster American Folk Park on Facebook and Twitter.
