Belfast Nashville Festival, with its wide range of entertaining events, was well underway by the time Ashley Campbell and her band took to the stage on Thursday night. However, that did not phase Campbell, as she entertained the crowd at the 14th BelNash Festival in Belfast.
Support act Owen Denvir, a local singer-songwriter, opened for the daughter of legendary country artist Glen Campbell, with an impressive setlist. Showing off his clear talent and passion for songwriting, as well as exhibiting a wry, Northern-Irish sense of humour, Denvir eased the crowd into the intimate gig effortlessly. He is a star in the making, and we wish him luck as he travels to Nashville next week!
L-R: Shannon Campbell, Ashley Campbell and Eli Bishop
After her amazing support act, Campbell took centre stage, backed by her brother Shannon on guitar and her fiddle player, Eli Bishop. Campbell really captivated the audience with not only her humour and charm, but her honesty in telling the stories behind her songs.
Highlights included her new single, “New Year”, as well as “Carl and Ashley’s Breakdown”, which showcased her impeccable ability on the banjo. Campbell did not forget to pay homage to her late Father, playing renditions of “Gentle on My Mind”, as well as “Wichita Linemen”, both met with rapturous applause by the audience. A particular highlight of the night for us was when she sang her song “Remembering” which she wrote after the passing of her late Father.
Overall, Campbell gave a raw and emotional performance, which drew the audience in, and portrayed her honest songwriting – we can’t wait for her to return to these shores!
