Showers don’t deter Midlands Music festival goers
Buoyed on by eclectic sounds of bluegrass and country classics festival-goers descended on the fields just outside Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
Donning stetsons and armed with foldable chairs, crowds began the singing on Friday night at the festival campsite which proved as much a place for after-show sessions as it was a residence for the audience.
On Saturday, Prison Love kicked off the festival with their mixture of bar stomping tunes and bluegrass music.
By the afternoon, Aimee Mann had kept the crowd’s attention with songs from her forthcoming album — expected out next January — as well as much-loved hits like One (Is The Loneliest Number).
The inevitable arrival of the rain did little to dent spirits as festival-goers had come prepared with rain gear and wellington boots.
A surprise break from the usual country sets was Raul Midon, whose rhythmic guitar and vocal beats left all in attendance in little doubt that this former backing singer was an artist whose profile would inevitably rise in the future.
He was followed on stage by Richard Thompson, whose political lyrics and fast finger-picking entertained the packed main tent. His poignant song about Iraq’s capital, Dad’s Gonna Kill Me, earned huge applause.
On the main stage outside, Steve Earle played a solo set belting out numbers like My Old Friend the Blues. He was joined at the end of his set by his wife, Allison Moorer.
Saturday night’s highlights were undoubtedly Kris Kristofferson and Christy Moore. Kristofferson went on to praise the audience for their spirit, which was evident in their appreciation for Sunday Morning Coming Down and the Pilgrim. Kristofferson later told concert promoters he was “moved” by the festival.
Yesterday saw Hothouse Flowers entertain in the afternoon sun with lead singer Liam O Maonlaoi introducing his new baby to the crowd.
The Blind Boys of Alabama started the final evening of the festival just before Gillian Welch held the audience captivated with songs from her newest album, Soul Journey.
The festival finished with the renowned Paul Brady and the legendary Glen Campbell.
