About this event
“Exquisite musicianship. My gig of the year.” ~ Ralph McTell
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, highly acclaimed recent albums to his name, BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Album nominee Damien thought it was high time to join forces with a musician he had long admired, Alison Krauss and Union Station banjo star, and multi-award winner Ron Block (winner of 14 Grammys and 6 Bluegrass Music Awards).
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.
Damian and Ron will perform tracks from their new album ‘Banjophonics’, alongside tracks from their hugely popular first album ‘Banjophony’, showcasing another masterclass in innovation and merging of two traditions to ground-breaking effect.
With a full band line-up, the banjo maestros are joined on stage by Scotland’s Duncan Lyall on bass and moog, and Ireland’s Stevie Byrnes on guitars and stomp. It’s going to be a banjo party!
“An inspirational album [Banjophonics] composed with sonic and cultural influences from both sides of the Atlantic, forging a new and innovative sound… exquisitely well played” ~ Gerry ‘Banjo’ O’Connor
Pre show suppers
Meals are served from 6pm. A two-course meal is just £13. Mains are £10.50. Desserts are £3.50. Each menu has meat and vegetarian options, and Lesley takes special dietary requirements into account. Advance booking is necessary. To book your meal, email lesleyskitchenltd@gmail.com or call 07525 622662.
