Omagh Music Festival – Arty McGlynn’s Legacy Lives on

The Strule Arts Centre saw packed performances over the weekend welcoming members of the McGlynn and Kearney Families, friends and musicians from near and far with over 600 attendees to Omagh Music Festival.  Delivered by Our Music NI and proudly supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, this year’s festival was dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most influential musicians; The late Arty McGlynn [1944 – 2019].

In a career spanning seven decades and multiple genres of music, Arty performed throughout the world with a who’s who of musical icons such as Van Morrison, Paul Brady, John Prine, Makem and Clancy, Mary Black, Matt Molloy, Planxty, Liam Og O’Flynn and innumerable others. Arty recorded and toured with Van Morrison for many years. The first recordings he made with Van were on ‘Inarticulate Speech of the Heart’ (1982). ‘Have I told You Lately, (That I Love You)’ from 1989’s ‘Avalon Sunset’ features Arty on guitar and remains one of Van’s best-known songs.

He was equally at home playing traditional music, blues, jazz, country, and rock music. While he was a master of all those styles, with the release of his seminal album ‘McGlynn’s Fancy’ in 1979, he more or less invented a place for acoustic guitar in Irish traditional music. Arty also produced many albums during his career, such as the 1989 album by Mick Hanly, as well as ‘Lead the Knave’, Arty’s first album with his wife Nollaig. which featured Arty on Fender Telecaster on three tracks.

Such was the breadth and depth of Arty’s musical mastery, that two separate concerts were held on successive evenings. ‘Our Music NI’ Event Organiser Paul Maguire commented “the huge respect that Arty enjoyed was reflected in the musicians who performed over the weekend with many more worldwide, who would happily have joined them onstage.”

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chair, Cllr Barry McElduff said:

“It was a real privilege for me personally as Chair of the Council to open this year’s Omagh Music Festival honouring the extraordinary legacy of Arty McGlynn. We have struck on something brilliant and authentic with our annual festival in Arty’s hometown.

Arty’s contribution to Irish music was and is immeasurable, and the festival was a fitting tribute to his talent, influence, and enduring spirit. The performances, stories and shared memories over the weekend truly captured the essence of what Arty McGlynn meant to so many, both locally and internationally.”

The landmark concert held on Friday 7 November, celebrated Arty’s love of Traditional Irish Music featuring performances from Shane McAleer, Eamonn McElholm and Ryan O’Donnell followed by Arty’s wife Nollaig Casey and son Jerome.  Nollaig delighted the audience with her unique strong performance style showcasing exceptional skill and graceful expression both in slow airs and lively tunes.

The evening continued with performances from Nollaig’s sister Maire Ni Chathasaign and the formidable guitarist Chris Newman followed by the legendary Matt Molloy accompanied by John Carty and Brian McGrath.

Saturday began with a guided tour with Declan Forde, exploring Omagh’s rich musical heritage starting at Strule Arts Centre before a short town walk.  Attendees were delighted with stories of Arty and Nollaig from friends who’d known them a lifetime and a special exhibition in the Roof Top museum featuring some of Arty’s instruments and albums.  This included Arty’s 1962 Fender Stratocaster that he used this on many recording sessions including those for Paul Brady’s ‘Hard Station’ album, (1980) together with his D’Angelico Jazz guitar, bought in New York City 2016 and Arty’s Yamaha FG-180, bought in New York City circa 1970 and used on Arty’s 1980 debut solo album, ‘McGlynn’s Fancy’. That album is widely regarded as a masterpiece and remains the blueprint for traditional Irish Music guitar, both as a melodic solo voice and in the rhythmic accompaniment role.

The afternoon continued with two screenings, one ‘Arty McGlynn: Guitar Player Omagh’ provided by UTV and discussion with Declan Forde, celebrating Arty’s life and legacy, the second provided by TG4 ‘Remembering Arty McGlynn’ saw rare footage, performances and interviews with Arty, Jerome and many people who worked and performed closely with Arty.

The hospitality venues enjoyed hosting musicians and visitors who travelled to Omagh to hear more, soak up the atmosphere, and immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival. The town was alive with music and storytelling, echoing Arty’s influence and the warmth of the community that gathered to honour him. From impromptu sessions to heartfelt conversations, the weekend was a testament to their admiration for Arty and how he was able to and continues to connect people across generations and geographies.

Saturday night’s concert focused on Arty’s love of Country, Blues, Rock, and Jazz and featured some of Ireland’s most accomplished musicians including local musical legend Brendan Quinn.  The evening was opened by Mark McCausland and Jerome who performed a selection of the songs and tunes they played together over the years with Arty including a beautiful version of ‘The Blackbird’ one of the best loved tracks from ‘McGlynn’s Fancy’

As a young musician Arty was inspired by American jazz artists such as Wes Montgomery’s, and formed a jazz combo that played in McCanns bar in Omagh for many years under the name ‘Grooveyard Shift’, a wordplay on a Wes Montgomery track.  This love of jazz was reflected in a performance with Jerome, and Paul Maguire on guitar backed by former Van Morrison Band alumni Nicky Scott on double bass and drummer Liam Bradley with Rod McVey on keyboards.

Brendan Quinn was warmly welcomed to the stage by the band joined by Brendan’s son Stephen on drums. Brendan gave a particular nod to the ‘The Kicking Mule’, his joint project with Arty and shared stories of the times they spent together.

The evening continued with the dynamic duo Cathal and Stephen Hayden on fiddle and banjo joined by Seamie O’Dowd followed by performances from the ground-breaking ‘Causeway’ Album recorded by Arty and Nollaig featuring Nollaig Casey, Jerome McGlynn, Rod McVeigh, Eamon Mc Elholm, Cathal Hayden, Liam Bradley, Nicky Scott, Cathal, and Stephen Hayden.

Local singer, songwriter and storyteller Tom Sweeney, whose rich musical heritage spans from his grandmother Sarah Makem to his uncle Tommy of the Clancy Brothers, expertly compered the Omagh Music Festival concert weekend and guided audiences through a heartfelt celebration of the legendary Arty McGlynn providing stories, poetry, and anecdotes.

The evening was ended with a rapturous performance when all musicians returned to the stage for the finale showcasing a magnificent performance from everyone with Nollaig and the Hayden Brothers mesmerising centre stage.

This was a very special weekend of music, memories, and heartfelt tributes to one of Ireland’s most influential musicians who continues to inspire many more musicians. His legacy will live on.