With the 19th festival successfully put to bed, the small hard-working commiteee, led by the indefatigable Uri Cohen, can be truly proud of their continuing success in staging what has developed into the best bluegrass and old time festival in Ireland. Once again, the festival managed to present some of the finest American and European acts in the genres, across the boutique Mayo town, with many free gigs for enthusiastic established fans who travelled from all over the globe, and also for the newer local fans who have been drawn into appreciating the music over the years.
The opening Thursday night gig, in the excellent Town Hall Theatre, featured The Cox Family (Louisiana) with their country gospel singing, and The Burnett Sisters Band (Tennessee) who truly impressed with their blend of high energy bluegrass, old time and country. The youthful multi-instrumentalist sisters can boast an Old Time Fiddle champion and a Folk Song champion in their midst, and their high energy set and sibling harmonies were quite stunning, as was the contribution of their English guitar player, Geary Allen.
Friday night was Old Time night - the line up started with Golden Shoals (US) on their first visit to Westport (having played at Omagh Festival previously). Next was a duo who have visited these shores on many occasions- Erynn Marshall & Carl Jones brought their Appalachian tunes, songs and lore (with Erynn even making a good stab at a few phrases in Irish!). The headliners are also no strangers to our shores - Sammy Lind (MN) is one of the top OT fiddlers in the US and his partner Nadine Landry (Quebec) brought her Cajun and old time songs and guitar to close the night with fiery passion.
Saturday featured a number of satellite events: The String Band Summit was an academic workshop (open to all) on the origins of string band music and featured representatives from East Tennessee State University, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, Middle Tennessee State University and artists from the US and Europe. The Cox Family gave a workshop on Harmony Singing to a packed room, and Sammy Lind led a popular fiddle workshop. As well as various organised and impromptu sessions around the town, the Red Room Mystery gig in Matt Molloy’s presented The Cox Family, Sylamore Special and Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road.
The main Saturday Night concert focussed on Bluegrass: openers Sylamore Special have come up through the bluegrass school programme in their native Arkansas, and they impressively combined bluegrass with old time influences, including a flatfooting demonstration from mandolin player, Gordon Parker. Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road left the audience in no doubt why they are one of the most talked about of the new breed of progressive bluegrass bands. Leaning towards jam bands at times, but also showcasing excellent storytelling songwriting, the genius of young Liam Purcell was obvious from the first chord. That musical genius was matched by that of his his band members Zack Vickers (banjo), Jacob Smith (bass) and Devin Jones (guitar). Finally, the traditionalists were rewarded by headliners Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, featuring an all new lineup. Temporarily missing one band member, Seth played mostly guitar (instead of his usual mandolin) but they nonetheless played a storming set.
Sunday featured a packed Gospel Hour with the Cox Family, and the annual Square Dance.
Bands on the free pub trail included Blue Weed (Italy), Whiskey Mash Band (Missouri), regulars The Rocky Top String Band (Mayo) and Old Baby Mackerel (UK).
The weekend wrapped up with exponents of Irish folk music, Jack Warnock & Eleanor Gaffney.
Next year will be the twentieth festival - start planning now for what will no doubt be an extra special weekend.
Review and photos by Eilís Boland