In the first week of March the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, will celebrate it's 13th birthday, with a host of artists descending on the city the celebrate the art of song writing.
Over five days in March, more than one hundred local and international artists will perform a total thirty concerts at the Clayton Hotel Belfast and Empire Music Hall as part of the United Airlines Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival and Conference.
Making a welcome return to 'BelNash 2017' is one of Ireland's most successful performers Paul Brady, whose songs have been recorded by Tina Turner, Cher, Carole King and Eric Clapton. He is joined on stage by Declan O'Rourke and Nashville's Grammy nominated Darrell Scott – fresh from touring with Robert Plant in Band of Joy.
Gracing the stage at The Clayton are award winning Belfast artist Kaz Hawkins, Peter McVeigh and young rising star Ryan McMullan, fresh from touring with Foy Vance.
Also on their way to BelNash 2017 is Kimmie Rhodes, a firm favourite with Belfast audiences, who when not recording duets with Willie Nelson is touring the world or recording her own songs with Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris and Trisha Yearwood.
Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Mac McAnally will also make his debut at the songwriter's festival in March. Mac is one of Nashville's most prolific and successful writers, with several number one hits in the Billboard Charts for artists such as Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Sawyer Brown and Shenandoah. Mac's two shows are going to be a highlight for country music fans.
Panarts Director Colin Magee said: "When we started out twelve years ago to shine a spotlight on the creative and musically gifted local artists, very few could find a venue to perform their original songs. Now Belfast is brimming with music venues and world-class talent. BelNash 2017 will feature many 'Songwriters In The Round' events, our trademark style of performance at the festival where we link emerging local artists with more established international award winning performers."
BelNash 2017 runs from 01-05 March and tickets are available now from belfastnashville.com.
Soundtrack Of Your Life...
Date: 18/01/2017
