Niall Hanna & Damian McKee – Double CD launch
Niall Hanna and Damian McKee are performing and releasing their upcoming solo albums at An Coire Arts Centre on Culture Night in September. Joining Niall and Damian are some of Ulster’s finest musicians including Liam Bradley (keys), Ciaran Hanna (whistles/concertina), Rachel McGarrity (fiddle/vocals), Chris McGlone (bodhrán) and Kieron Leonard (percussion).
County Tyrone native Niall Hanna burst on to the folk scene in late 2017 with his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Autumn Winds’ produced by Dónal O’Connor. The lough shore native has since performed on stages across Europe, Australia and beyond and has developed a fine reputation as one of Ireland’s finest young traditional singers, picking up a TG4 Gradam Ceoil (Amhránaí na Bliana / Singer of the Year) award along the way. Drawing from a strong musical lineage which includes the Hanna & O’Neill families, Niall sings both traditional and original songs, complemented by his unique style of guitar playing.
His new release ‘The Roving Journeyman’ features five new self-penned songs, alongside six traditional songs. Alongside Niall’s nylon string guitar-led arrangements, the songs are embellished with music from Ciaran Hanna, Rachel McGarrity and Damian McKee. Niall’s newly composed songs are inspired by his home, also drawing on local history and stories of the land.
Damian McKee was brought up in Dunloy Co.Antrim, and is a renowned accordion player who has performed on a myriad of stages across the world.
He has amassed a wealth of experience onstage playing with Beoga since 2002, in earlier years as part of Comhaltas tours, a brief spell stepping in to play with Solas, and more recently playing with folk singer, Niall Hanna.
For decades, he has taught music and remains dedicated to passing on traditional music to all generations.
Damian is a prolific composer with a wide repertoire of self penned tunes, many of which have been recorded during his time with Beoga. Together, over 22 years they have released several critically acclaimed albums, earning a shortlisting for a Grammy nomination, and touring globally with notable performances including the BBC Proms in the Park, the USA Billboard Awards and, in 2018, the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury with Ed Sheeran.
In 2024 Damian releases Moyola Cottage, his debut solo album of 10 original tracks. Moyola Cottage is written from the heart and inspired by home, family and memories, featuring tunes ranging from melodic slow pieces to moody marches and of course a plethora of reels, jigs and polkas, arranged with a bit of attitude.
Niall and Damian will come together for what is sure to be a wonderful evening of music and song.
