Annual Omagh Music Festival pays tribute to Arty McGlynn

THE Fifth Annual Omagh Music Festival will take place from November 7 to 9. This year’s event includes two highly anticipated concerts celebrating the career of one of Omagh’s most celebrated and successful musicians, the stellar guitarist Arty McGlynn.

The event opens on Friday, November 7, with 'The Many Sides to Arty Mc Glynn – Side One'. The concert is headlined by Matt Molly, John Carty and Brian McGrath and will focus on Arty’s position as a virtuoso and innovator in the field of Irish traditional music. The concert also features Nollaig Casey and Jerome McGlynn, Chris Newman and Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Eamon McElholm with Shane McAleer.

On Saturday, November 8, 'The Many Sides to Arty Mc Glynn – Side Two'; will celebrate Arty’s love of Country, Blues, Rock and Jazz. Arty performed with Ireland’s most accomplished musicians including local musical legend Brendan Quinn performing on the night, backed by former Van Morrison Band alumni Nicky Scott on bass, Liam Bradley on drums with Rod McVey on keyboards and Jerome Mc Glynn on guitar. Brendan recalls the halcyon days of the ‘The Kicking Mule’, his joint project with Arty.

The concert will also include performances from the groundbreaking ‘Causeway’ album recorded by Arty and Nollaig and will feature Nicky, Liam and Rod, with Nollaig and Cathal Hayden on fiddles and Jerome McGlynn on electric guitar.

Arty always relished playing with the anarchic, elemental force which is Mark McCausland who revisits some of the songs they played together.

As well as two unmissable concerts, enjoy a walk through the Roof Top Museum where you can read about the history of the showbands and Arty McGlynn including an opportunity to see some of his instruments and photos on display.

Saturday, November 8 at 11am will also see, local historian Declan Forde leading the Omagh Music Heritage Walking Tour beginning at the Strule Arts Centre with a nostalgic exhibition on the town’s vibrant 1960s showband era before exploring key musical sites across Omagh.

Later, at 2pm, the Strule Arts Centre will host a free screening of Arty McGlynn: Guitar Player Omagh, a 1993 documentary honouring the renowned Omagh-born guitarist whose influence helped shape the sound of Irish traditional music, courtesy of NI Screen.

Members of Arty’s family met with local councillor and chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Barry McElduff, at the programme launch.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “Arty McGlynn was a musical pioneer and genius whose influence reached far beyond Omagh. This festival is a fitting tribute to his legacy, showcasing the depth of his talent and the respect he earned across genres. The council is proud to organise the Omagh Music Festival this year and every year now. I commend all those involved in bringing this year’s programme based around Arty McGlynn’s outstanding musical contribution to life.”

Omagh Jazz and Big Band Festival member Paul Maguire who is coordinating Omagh Music Festival added: “It is an honour to be involved with Nollaig and Jerome in organising these events. These will be landmark concerts and a fitting tribute to one of Omagh and Ireland’s greatest musicians”.

To book your tickets visit: www.struleartscentre.co.uk or Telephone box office on 028 8224 7831. Tickets £22. Special Offer: book both nights of Omagh Music Festival for £40.

This event is sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.