Damien O’Kane & Ron Block

SUN 3 JUL 2022 8pm | Hearn Recital Room

What do you get if you cross an American bluegrass banjo and an Irish tenor banjo? In the case of Damien O’Kane and Ron Block, you get a spectacular debut album, Banjophony, which is probably nothing like you could imagine.

With two bold and acclaimed recent albums to his name – the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Best Album’ nominated Areas of High Traffic and Avenging and Bright – Damien O’Kane thought it was time to join forces with a musician he had long admired – Alison Krauss & Union Station’s banjo star and multiple award winner Ron Block (no less than 14 Grammy awards and six International Bluegrass Music Awards to his name for starters).

Widely regarded as two of the greatest exponents of the instrument they have collaborated to create what is arguably their own genre. A union of transatlantic cultures, which melds two different styles and approaches to the banjo with captivating effect.

A real treat for banjo lovers worldwide, they tour the UK and Ireland in July 2022, with full band, to showcase another masterclass on tenor and bluegrass banjos and how their respective traditions meet and unite in perfect and thrilling harmony. GET READY FOR A BANJO PARTY!!

“Both incredibly acclaimed musicians in their own right.” Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

“I was utterly blown away by these guys. Exquisite musicianship. My gig of the year.”
Ralph McTell

“I challenge banjo non-believers not to be moved by this transatlantic banjo union.” Lynette Fay, BBC Radio Ulster

TICKETS: £14
Running Time: approx. 110 mins including interval