Damien O'Kane & Ron Block Band with special guests Mike McGoldrick & Aoife Scott

‘Exquisite musicianship’ – Ralph McTell

Songlines ****

The Times *****

RnR *****

BANJO BROTHERS

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  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 Ron  Block (14 Grammy’s and 6 Bluegrass Music awards and that’s just for starters ). 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 on their most recent release. On  this years September & October tour 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. 

They will also be joined by guests, master whistle, flute and pipes player Michael McGoldrick and Irish singer Aoife Scott for a one off show at The Irish Cultural Centre on 14th October! One not to miss… So what to expect? It’s going to be a banjo party! 

‘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…Anyone that likes Irish and  American roots music will love this record.’ – Ricky Skaggs