Multi award winning bluegrass legend Ron Block, who has won 14 Grammys during his illustrious career, joins forces with Coleraine born musician Damien O’Kane for The Nashville Connection this Friday, October 14, on the main stage at Monroe’s Live. This double headliner also showcases the musical stylings of Aoife Scott - the Irish Post Folk Artist of the Year.
These featured artists celebrate the best of bluegrass, banjo, and song, weaving the story of folk and country through lyrics and melody. It is set to be a night of rousing rhythm, as the tenor and bluegrass banjos of Damien O’Kane and Ron Block collide. Not only has Ron Block won multiple Grammys for his work, but he is also the holder of six International Bluegrass Music Awards, and a Country Music Association Award.
His world-renowned musicianship features on albums by Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley among others. And he made an appearance in the Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou, while featuring on the multi-platinum soundtrack. More recently, he toured in 2015 with Willie Nelson.
With such accolades to his career, the collaboration of the Southern Californian Ron Block and Northern Ireland’s Damien O’Kane in 2019 culminated in a fresh new sound on their well-received first album Banjophony. Inspired by their success and connection to one another musically, they have completed their second album Banjophonics, embarking together on this UK and Ireland tour.
From starting out as part of the family clan at the age of 13, to being recognised as one of the UK’s most exciting folk artists, Damien works with musicians of such calibre as KT Tunstall and Kate Rusby. O’Kane reached a career highlight this year with a festival show at Glastonbury. Together, O’Kane and Block are a powerhouse of banjo and bluegrass beats.
Like O’Kane, Aoife Scott hails from a family steeped in music and traditional song. Daughter of the renowned Frances Black, Aoife is forging a name in her own right, bringing a contemporary sound to the Irish scene. With a powerful voice graced by the stylings of the famous Black family, she champions the role of women in traditional music.
Doors open to The Nashville Connection double headliner gig at 7:30pm this Friday, October 14.
Tickets cost €22.50 plus booking fee at www.monroeslive.ie
