Bluegrass Festival Hits the Right Note
Published: 23 August 2010
Organisers of one of Europe’s biggest Bluegrass festivals are looking forward to a weekend of some of the world’s best known Bluegrass bands.
From 3rd to 5th September, the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, County Tyrone will once again be host to the Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, now in its 19th year.
Pictured left is The Ulster American Folk Park’s Rachel Craig and Ann Irvine getting into the swing of Bluegrass with Richard Wayberry at the museum, click image to enlarge.
Three-time winner of Best Female Vocalist at the International Bluegrass Music Awards, Dale Ann Bradley, will be one of the headline acts at this year’s event. Dale Ann won the hearts of thousands when she performed at the Festival back in 2004 and she makes a welcome return to the Folk Park next month. Also headlining is renowned Appalachian musician and Grammy award-winner David Holt with his band The Lightning Bolts as well as former Emerging Artist of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Awards, The Gibson Brothers.
Organiser Richard Hurst said the Bluegrass Music festival continues to attract world-class performers. “We are delighted to announce a top line-up of local and international acts for the Bluegrass Festival. We have wanted David Holt to perform at the museum for many years and are delighted to be welcoming him for the 2010 festival. Dale Ann Bradley is a Bluegrass phenomenon in the U.S.A. and we are very much looking forward to her performances over the weekend.
“As well as afternoon performances throughout the museum and evening concerts in the marquee, we will once again be offering visitors instrument workshops, a Bluegrass Camp for Kids and the ever-popular McAuley Music Lectures. This award-winning festival offers something for everyone, all in the unique surroundings of the Ulster American Folk Park”, said Mr Hurst.
Other acts performing at the Festival include local bands Northern Exposure and Broken String Band as well as Czech Republic group Blackjack. Other bands from the United States include The Mighty Gospel Inspirations, Water Tower Bucket Boys, Cedar Hill and Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters.
The festival runs from 3rd to 5th September at the Ulster American Folk Park, part of National Museums Northern Ireland. For further information and full programme details, visit our what's on pages. Tickets for the evening concerts and weekend passes are now on sale and early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Prior booking for the instrument workshops and Bluegrass Camp for Kids is essential.
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