Kimmie Rhodes & Paul Brady to headline 13th annual Belfast Nashville songwriter's Festival
By Tara McLaughlin
Legendary Belfast born songwriter Paul Brady is set to join more than 100 artists in March next year for the Belfast Nashville Songwriter's Festival. He’ll also be joined on stage by American country singer Kimmie Rhodes and Irish performer Declan O’Rourke. The annual event is in its 13th year.
Among others joining them will be top Nashville songwriter Darrell Scott, Belfast blues star Kaz Hawkins, Bangor songwriter Sam Wickens and many acts to be announced in a packed ‘Belnash 2017’ festival.
The event will see 30 concerts featuring local, national and international artists in Belfast’s Clayton Hotel and the Empire Music Hall, from the 1st to the 5th of March 2017.
Panarts Director Colin Magee said the impressive line-up is a sign of Belfast’s musical development:
“When we started out 12 years ago to highlight creativity and musically gifted local artists, few could find a venue to perform their original songs,” he said. “Belfast is now brimming with music venues and world-class talent.”
“BelNash 2017 will feature many ‘Songwriters in The Round’ events, where we link emerging local artists with more established international award winning performers.”
Kimmie Rhodes, well known for her collaboration with Willie Nelson will also be returning to Belfast after her worldwide tour. She’s recently been recording with Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris and Trisha Yearwood.
2017 will also see some new faces, including Mac McAnally who will be performing two shows. With numerous hits to his name, Mac is set to be one of the many highlights of the Festival.
Alongside the thirty concerts, Belfast’s largest music industry conference, the Panarts Song Writing Convention, will host huge artists over two days who will share their song-writing skills with new and emerging local talent.
Music industry organisations such as PRS for Music, IMRO, BMI and Help Musicians NI will be on hand to answer questions about collecting royalties, copyright, income streams for artists and recording and selling music.
Panarts principal funder is the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, supported by Arts & Business NI and media partners Cool FM & Downtown Radio. Commercial sponsors; United Airlines, Clayton Hotel Belfast, Forestside Shopping Centre, Avalon Guitars, Dawsons Music Belfast and PRS for Music Foundation.
Tickets for the first six concerts, All Concerts Gold Ticket and the conference, 13th Panarts Song Writing Convention are on sale here or you can Telephone 028 9024 6609 or at the box office, Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, Donegall Sq North.