Exploring Life & Business with Alan O’Hare of Black Deer Festival

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan O’Hare.

Hi Alan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Black Deer is more than just a music festival. It’s more than an appreciation of a musical genre. Black Deer is a celebration of a way of life. A way of life rooted in, and respectful of, the cultural heritage of America – a movement that’s become known as ‘Americana’. Americana is a world that at times can be gritty and raw, with a rusty edge. Yet also effortlessly cool due to the passionate sub-cultures that exist. Most important of all, is that it’s a world in which anything less than authentic isn’t tolerated.

Americana truly is a phenomenon, and something not just referenced in music, but also in the fields of art, film, fashion, design, and an overall style of living. It is this authentic, 360-degree view of Americana that will be yours to experience at Black Deer. Allowing you to get in amongst and understand the way of life of Americana’s passionate sub-cultures: From custom-bike builders who live for the growl of a fine-tuned engine on the open road; to master makers using selvage denim, leather, and other authentic materials to make timeless wares; chefs who cook earthy, wholesome food on natural flames; to of course, musicians – who tell their story best when sung around a campfire with friends both old and new.

It’s a culture that is the best of a bygone rural age, made relevant, right now. And importantly, one that’s accessible to all.

So, if you’re a fan of bluegrass, folk, blues, and country. If you find vintage letterpress posters beautiful. If you yearn for the great outdoors and crave the smoky tastes of ‘slow and low’ barbecue cooking. And if you’re after authentic good times, with a family-friendly vibe – then Black Deer, is very much a festival for you.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Two years of covid-related cancellations meant the road for this independent festival has been anything but smooth!

But, thanks to the support of staff, the wider industry, and of course our loyal Black Deer community, we’re still here, improving our offering and footprint each and every year.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Black Deer, you’ll be dropped into a musical melting pot. Once inside, you’ll hear sounds that pull from the worlds of Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Roots, and Blues.

Simply, Black Deer is where a diverse bunch of passionate roots-inspired artists, sing the truth. Showing you what Americana & Country truly is, where it came from, and where it’s heading.

On the main stage is where established artists invite you into their world. Creating moments that’ll live long in yours.

Across the accompanying stages, the rawest of new talent introduces itself – forcing you to take note. Acts, that in time, you’ll realize just how lucky you were to have seen, them so early on in their career.

Yet it’s not just on the stages where music will live. Live music will be scattered throughout Black Deer’s spectacular outdoor setting.

Whether it’s intimate, or impromptu performances springing up and catching you off guard. Buskers playing in car parks, and on festival walkways. Or a band jamming in the saloon bar, while you share stories with friends.

Wherever you are, music will be on hand, setting the perfect scene.

What matters most to you?
Black Deer is on a mission to bring the real Americana & Country music, and way of life, to the UK – expressed through a unique music festival. Black Deer is a festival born from passion and built from experience – thanks to its founders, who are no strangers to the festival and events scene, having produced and directed some of the UK’s most loved featuring legendary Americana artists like Neil Young, the Eagles, and Bob Dylan. And for whom, Americana and country music has become a lifelong love affair.

It is this compelling blend of passion, experience, and love, that has shaped a festival vision unrelenting in its quest for staying true – true to the communities, cultures, storytellers, and memories that make up this most authentic of worlds.

At Black Deer then, you’ll find the best of a bygone rural era, made relevant, right now. Wholesome food & drink, artisan wares, and custom-built motorcycles are just some of the things – in addition to the music – paying homage to the cultural heritage of America.

But more so, Black Deer is a community. A community is accessible to all. A community providing opportunities to all (such as the deserving students of Supajam who have their own stage). And importantly, a community inspiring to all (the motivation behind the Young Folk part of the festival).

Black Deer is a celebration of a way of life that is both timely and timeless.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blackdeerfestival.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackdeerfest/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackdeerfest/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackdeerfest
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyakG1HtbkcCBM0mKtenw5A
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/user/pkitug929hwgyvmg9cg6wopxg?si=hc2QJYwQTSW5n1Wosow81A&nd=1