John has something to Bragg about

John has been performing since he was 14, and long before he had his own set list of original songs, his favourite covers were Billy Bragg songs - ‘New England’ and ‘To Have and Have Not’.

“It’s incredible when you get a chance to play on stage with someone you’ve been inspired by – now when I sing ‘New England’ the lyrics sound true “…I’m 22 now, but I won’t be for long.” I just hope Billy likes some of my songs as much as I like his!” laughed John.

John began his music career at the Lisburn School of Music, with guidance from Music Matters owner Stephen McLoughlin.

Now studying for a Masters in Music and Sonic Art at Queens University, John is a regular performer at Northern Ireland venues and is delighted to be in the Belfast-Nashville festival programme for the fifth year running.

“The festival just gets better each year and I’m looking forward to seeing old friends who I’ve played with in the past like Nanci Griffith and Aaron Shanley.”

The show on February 24 kicks off at 8pm in the Crescent Arts Centre and John and Billy will be joined on stage by Shauna Tohill from Magherafelt.

John’s latest single ‘Get Over Yourself’ was selected for the playlist by Radio Ulster, Cool FM and Citybeat, and was critically acclaimed by music journalists. He is now firmly established as one of Northern Ireland’s most talented young singer songwriters.

Tickets are available online from www.belfastnashville.com and from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 9024 46609.