Coming Next - Damien O'Kane and Ron Block Band
Damien O'Kane and Ron Block Band
Thursday 22nd October
Banjo Besties – UK & Ireland Tour
St Johns Place
This October, two of the most influential banjo players in modern acoustic music unite for a landmark tour across the UK and Ireland. The Banjo Besties Tour brings together Damien O’Kane and Ron Block with their band — artists whose work has redefined the possibilities of the banjo within their respective traditions. Melding bluegrass and Irish traditions, and Americana, this is a collaboration that pushes boundaries while honouring deep musical heritage. Expect exhilarating musicianship, intricate interplay, and a live performance that is as emotionally powerful as it is technically stunning. Both Damien and Ron are not only masters of their instruments, but also exceptional vocalists — each bringing a distinctive voice shaped by their own rich traditions. From soaring harmonies to intimate, heartfelt delivery, their singing adds a powerful new dimension to an already compelling musical partnership. Damien O’Kane’s ground-breaking approach to Irish folk and traditional music and of course his leading role with Kate Rusby and her band meets Ron Block’s unmistakable sound — honed through decades at the forefront of American bluegrass, including his work with Alison Krauss & Union Station. Together, they create something truly innovative: a seamless blend of styles that feels both timeless and strikingly new. NOT duelling banjos, much more co-operating banjos! Having already captivated audiences at many venues and some of the UK’s most prestigious festivals — including Celtic Connections, HebCelt and Cambridge Folk Festival — the band brings a proven track record of unforgettable live performances to this highly anticipated tour. Supported by a stellar band of world-class musicians, the Banjo Brothers Tour is more than a concert — it’s a bold and inspiring celebration of creativity, collaboration, musical excellence and craic. Whether you’re a devoted fan of roots music or discovering it for the first time, this is a rare opportunity to witness two pioneers sharing one stage.
£2.50 from each ticket is donated to St John’s Place charity and Salisbury Hospice charity.
If we have any tickets left on the night they will be for sale on the door at £20
The Whileaways Thursday 12th November 2026
The Whileaways
Thursday 12th November
Salisbury Rugby Club
Critics have counted Noriana Kennedy, Nicola Joyce and Noelie McDonnell “among the finest singers in the country” and their music “deceptively simple and deeply affecting with stunning melodies and harmonies” (Hot Press Magazine)
Their beautifully crafted original songs and tightly woven harmonies have garnered high praise from the music press both at home in Ireland and abroad.
The band “hollers for a chance to be heard in a live setting, so rich is its lyrical tapestry” (Irish Times)
This accomplished trio of songwriters came together in 2012 , having each recorded and toured extensively before joining forces as The Whileaways.
They have released four critically acclaimed, award-winning albums since then, touring prestigious festivals and venues worldwide over the past decade.
Irish and UK audiences will also know The Whileaways from their sell-out Bird on the Wire tours, a collaboration with singer Pauline Scanlon celebrating the music of Leonard Cohen.
The Whileaways eagerly anticipated fifth album will be released in September 2026.
Prepare to be spellbound!
£2.50 from each ticket goes to Salisbury Hospice Charity.
If we have tickets left on the night they will be available to buy on the door at £20
Celebrating The Irish in Salisbury Tuesday 8 December
Geraldine Cotter
Geraldine Cotter, Eamonn’s sister, is a well-known teacher, researcher and performer on both the tin whistle and piano. She has published three best-selling tutors for tin whistle and piano the most recent oneRogha, a tune book with accompanying play-a-long CD. She has recorded on over 20 CDs including her second solo album, Ré Órga which was released in 2024. In 2017 she was honoured with the MórGlór award for her contribution to traditional music in County Clare.
Maeve Donnelly
Maeve Donnelly is an internationally acclaimed Irish fiddle player hailing from East Galway. Maeve started learning the fiddle from a young age, and grew up immersed in the region’s rich musical heritage. She now lives in County Clare.
Maeve won the prestigious All-Ireland Fiddle Competition when she was only 9 years old. Her early success and passion for Irish music led her to win two more All-Ireland fiddle titles, and the Stone Fiddle Competition in County Fermanagh. Maeve was the youngest member of the 1976 American Bicentennial group that toured the US in 1976.
Eamonn Cotter
Eamonn Cotter, originally from Ennis and living in Kilmaley for over 40 years, is an acclaimed flute player, flute maker, recording artist, composer, and teacher. A member of Shaskeen since 1989, he has toured extensively across Ireland, Europe, the UK, and the USA. He has taught at leading festivals including the Willie Clancy Summer School and Catskills Irish Arts Week, recorded acclaimed solo albums, featured on major TG4 productions, and in 2026 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Corofin Traditional Festival for his outstanding contribution to traditional music.
Conor Connolly
TG4 Young Musician of the Year for 2019, Conor is a button accordion, piano player and singer from Clarinbridge, Co. Galway. He hails from an area steeped in Irish music that produced legendary players like Joe Cooley and the late Joe Burke.. He cites many varied sources and inspirations like Cooley, Burke, Tony McMahon, Charlie Harris and pipers like Willie Clancy, Séamus Ennis and Seán McKiernan along with the great Sligo fiddlers from the early 20th century.
Last year’s “Celebrating The Irish in Salisbury” event at Salisbury Rugby Club was a great success, so we’re delighted to say that we will be hosting a second!
Join us for a night of music from County Clare.
Traditional Irish musicians Eamonn Cotter (flute), Geraldine Cotter (piano), and Maeve Donnelly (fiddle) all visited us last year. They will be joined this time by Conor Connolly on box. Support is from Salisbury’s own “More Christy”.
We’re very pleased to be joined by Sean Duggan who will be giving a short speech on growing up in Salisbury in an Irish family. Sean was awarded an OBC in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours List in recognition of his 40 years of service dedicated to mental health service delivery.
Do you have any photographs that you can share with us to display on the night? Any pictures of Irish families (maybe Christmas ones?) or The Old Manor welcome. You can email them to imotsalisbury@gmail.com or contact us if you want us to scan the originals.
We are very grateful to Salisbury Culture for their help in funding this concert.
Find out more about IMOT Salisbury
About Irish Music On Tour Salisbury
Irish Music on Tour (IMOT) Salisbury is a not for profit organisation that brings the cream of Irish musicians to the cathedral city, and raises money for local charities.
Founder Finbarr Sheehan held his first gig in 1991 with Four Men and a Dog. Over the years many amazing musicians have visited Salisbury, including luminaries such as Altan, Lunasa, Lankum, Stockton's Wing, De Dannan, Sharon Shannon, Daoiri Farrell, Mary Coughlan, Eleanor McEvoy, Paddy Keenan, Matt Molloy, Dermot Byrne and many many more.
Supporting Salisbury Hospice
The main charity we support is Salisbury Hospice. Over the years we have raised more than £6000 via ticket sales and collections at live events.
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