Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £16.50 | Theatre
What do you get when an American bluegrass banjo and an Irish tenor banjo join forces? In the case of Coleraine’s Damien O’Kane and California’s Ron Block… Fireworks!
A spectacular sound like nothing you could ever imagine, a union of transatlantic cultures melding two styles and two approaches creating a life-affirming, uplifting, truly captivating effect. With two bold and highly acclaimed recent albums to his name, the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Album nominated Damien thought it was high time to join forces with a musician he had long admired, Alison Krauss & Union Station banjo star and multi-award winner (14 Grammy’s and 6 Bluegrass Music awards, and that’s just for starters) Ron Block.
Widely regarded as two of the greatest exponents of the banjo they have collaborated to create arguably their own genre, Banjophony, something never heard before; subtle, awe-inspiring, energetic and majestic. They also happen to be highly regarded vocalists in their fields and illuminate that in their most recent release.
During their visit to Brewery Arts, they’ll perform tracks from their new album Banjophonics, alongside older tracks from their hugely popular first album, showcasing another masterclass in innovation, and moulding of two traditions to ground-breaking effect.
With a full band line-up, the banjo maestros are joined on stage by Scotland’s leading ‘Bass Man’ Duncan Lyall on bass and moog and Ireland’s Stevie Byrnes on guitars and stomp.
What to expect? It’s going to be a banjo party!
“Exquisite musicianship” Ralph McTell
★★★★ Songlines
★★★★★ The Times
★★★★RnR
“Inspirational…new and innovative sound…exquisitely well played…The energy, groove and technique will inspire musicians of any genre” Gerry ‘Banjo’ O’Connor.
“I really like this project a lot. It’s incredibly well played and recorded, nice surprises with the guests!! Anyone that likes Irish and American roots music will love this record.” Ricky Skaggs
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Audio Description (AD) is available in Screen 1. Infrared audio system is available in both Cinema Screens 1 and 2. Induction loops (T) are in place in the Theatre, please ask for assistance on the door.
Some live events may carry strict age restrictions, these are outlined on our website. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult at all times during evening events.
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