Omagh migrates to Co. Wexford?

Well - not quite. But if something prevents you from being in Omagh, Co. Tyrone, on the first weekend in September for this year's 19th Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, don't give way to despondency. Two splendid American bluegrass bands from the Omagh lineup will be appearing in the space of two days shortly after Omagh, at Colfer's Pub, Carrig-on Bannow, Co. Wexford.

The indispensable John Murphy has booked Cedar Hill (above) to perform on Wednesday 8 September and Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters (featuring Roger Williams on dobro) on Thursday 9 September.

Cedar Hill from the Ozarks are as solid a traditional band as can be found, while Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters are among the cream of a prolific New England bluegrass scene. Both these bands will be a real treat for an audience, and John Murphy deserves applause and every support for giving the south-east a chance to see and hear so much good bluegrass in the space of two days.