Last month The 17th Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival presented a series of online concerts in response to the pandemic restrictions.
The free event is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belmont University Nashville where Northern Irish songwriters perform with award-winning North American artists.
Fans can watch the concert series, which features Brian Kennedy, Owen Denvir, Robb Murphy, Mundy and Benita Hill on the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival YouTube.
1. Brian Kennedy
@KennedySinger | briankennedy.co.uk
Irish singer-songwriter and author Brian Kennedy is a multi-platinum recording artist and one of Ireland’s most popular singers. In 2006 he represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Besides appearing as The Voice Ireland coach and radio host Brian wrote and published two fiction novels that were an instant success.
He received West Belfast Legend Award in 2019, the 2010 Ireland Meteor Lifetime Achievement Award for Music, and he was awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degree of Letters by the University of Ulster for his contribution to Literature and Arts.
Watch his performance >>
2. Owen Denvir
@OwenDenvir | owendenvir.com
Belfast-born Singer-songwriter Owen Devir has been releasing a trilogy of EPs: “Sticks”, “Stones” and “Bones”.
Exploring Freud’s personality theory, each part of the trilogy serves as a different trait. “Sticks” represents hesitancy and anxiety; “Stones” is a headstrong approach to life; “Bones” represents the balance between the two.
His lead singles “Ghost” “Stay” topped the “RTE Radio One Recommends” playlist and “This Could Be Love” was featured on several Radio Stations.
Watch his performance >>
3. Robb Murphy
@TheRobbMurphy | robbmurphy.com
Irish singer-songwriter Robb Murphy’s solo career began in 2012 with the release of his debut album: Take a Stand. It was his second studio album “Sleep Tonight” that thrust him into the limelight with Radio, Tv, and Live performances.
He integrates traditional Irish storytelling with elements of pop, country, classical, and folk music.
Watch his performance >>
4. Mundy
@mundyirl | mundy.ie
Founder of the independent record label Camcor Records and Irish Singer-songwriter Mundy has enjoyed gold and multi-platinum record sales in Ireland. He has been awarded ‘Best Male’ and ‘Most Downloaded Song’ for 2 years running for his version of “Galway Girl” he recorded with Sharon Shannon.
Mundy has performed with acts like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Waterboys, the Pogues, and more while he was invited to perform for President Barack Obama at the White House as part of their St.Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Watch his performance >>
5. Benita Hill
@BenitaHill | benitahill.com
American country and jazz singer/songwriter Benita Hill performed songs in nearly all genres, from country to rock, to gospel, and even Broadway and musical theater.
She has released seven original albums and toured as a background singer with the Allman Brothers, J.J.Cale, Conway Twitty, and others. Her songs have been recorded by Isaac Hayes, Crystal Gayle, Kirk Whalum, and Garth Brooks.
Benita’s newest original album NOIR is a collection of modern songs that highlight her as a modern and timeless songwriter and artist of depth, humor, and insight.
Watch her performance >>
To find out more about the event and a full list of performers go to belfastnashville.com