Folk Maestro Damien O’Kane at the Roe

Originally from Coleraine, Damien is an acclaimed musician whose new album Mystery Inch recently won an award at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2012. His banjo playing in particular has led him to being regarded as one of the finest Irish players on the scene today and he’s winning accolades as a singer, focusing on songs from his native Northern Ireland.

Best known for his work with Shona Kipling and Flook, Damien is also a full-time member of Kate Rusby’s band, accompanying her on international tours.

Damien left his home town in 2001 to study in England and has been performing ever since, quickly earning a reputation as a superb singer and instrumentalist. His banjo playing has been widely praised and with Shona Kipling, accordion player extraordinaire, he won a Folk Award nomination in 2007, driving demand for their live performances all over the world from Spain to Canada.

O’Kane has produced two acclaimed albums, Summer Hill and recently Mystery Inch, described by The Sunday Express as ‘a gorgeous record’, whilst BBC Music commented ‘what hits you immediately is the richness of O’Kane’s voice’.

Desima Connolly, Arts & Cultural Services Officer said, “We’re absolutely delighted to have been able to reschedule Damien’s performance. His banjo playing is regarded as second to none and his albums have gained him a growing international acclaim. He presents known and lesser known enchanting iconic songs of Northern Ireland to the wider world, with a contemporary energy and vibrancy.

“You’ll hear songs called Castlerock Road and songs about Sumemrhill Road in Aghadowey! Complimented by some superb musicians, this really is a night of stunning folk music not to be missed!”

Tickets cost £12 full, £10 concession and if you purchase tickets for both Damien’s show and the fabulous At First Light, who perform at the Centre on Friday 12 October, quoting Folk Offer, you can get each ticket for £8! Tickets are available from the Centre’s Box office on Tel: 028 7776 0650 or visit www.roevalleyarts.com for further information.