Here’s another report from Bob Perilla, who has arrived in Oman with the better part of his Big Hillbilly Bluegrass. They will be performing in the northeast African nation for two weeks for the US State Department, and sharing stories of their travels with us at Bluegrass Today.
Played our first gig in Oman at the Bait al Zubair Museum to a group of about 350-400 bluegrass fans, both old and new. Great to entertain folks who requested Merle Haggard and Bill Monroe, as well as folks who had never seen a mandolin or banjo. Master fiddler Jon Glik and Merl Johnson were knocking them dead.
After a great shopping trip to the 18th Century Muttrah Souk, we flew to Salalah for the Khareef festivaI in Dhofar province, where an estimated million celebrants are expected. Big Hillbilly Bluegrass hits the main stage at 9:00 p.m. Wish us luck!!!
Special regards to our dear confrere Ira Gitlin who was unable join BHB here due to an unforeseeable passport issue.
