
Show Notes
Two banjos, two musical worlds, and one very special friendship!
This week on Music at Madden's, Lynette Fay is joined in the Snug by banjo legends Damien O'Kane and Ron Block, bringing together the worlds of Irish traditional music and American bluegrass.
From Damien's early days growing up in a musical family in Coleraine to Ron's journey from a California music shop to playing alongside Alison Krauss & Union Station, the pair share the stories behind their lifelong love of the banjo.
They chat about how their unlikely musical partnership began, the making of their three albums, the magic of recording live, and why two banjos are better when they're cooperating rather than duelling!
There's plenty of laughter along the way, but also some honest reflections on the changing music industry, the challenges of streaming, the importance of supporting musicians, and the family, friendships and experiences that have shaped their careers.
A conversation full of music, memories, laughter and a whole lot of banjo!
🎶 Music at Madden's – wholesome chats with members of the traditional music family from Ulster and beyond.
New episodes every Monday.
🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube.
❤️ Like, comment and subscribe
More from Music At Maddens Podcast
Lynette Fay is back in the snug at Madden’s for Episode 55, joined by one of Ireland’s most distinctive and celebrated traditional singers, "Karan Casey".Karan chats to Lynette about her journey through Irish music, from growing up in Waterford to her time in New York and her years as the lead singer of "Solas", before establishing an acclaimed career as a solo artist.They talk about the songs and stories that have shaped her, the importance of using music to tell meaningful stories, and a life spent performing and collaborating with musicians around the world.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Music at Madden’s for more conversations from the heart of Belfast’s traditional music scene.
Music at Madden’s - On the Road!
In this episode of Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay is joined by South Armagh historian, poet and storyteller Una Walsh and her nephew Aodh.
Eagrán speisialta d'Oíche Chultúir A Culture Night Special
This week on Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay is joined in the Snug by siblings Fra and Nan Fee for a conversation full of music, memory, family and song.From growing up in County Tyrone with music woven through the house, to singing harmonies in the back of the car, school shows at the Academy in Dungannon, and finding their own paths through theatre, folk, Broadway, the West End, the Scottish islands and beyond, Fra and Nan reflect on how song has kept them connected to home and to each other.They talk about the power of performance, the influence of family, Irish music abroad, Fra’s shows, Nan’s Kate Bush-inspired performances, and why music continues to offer belonging, community and a way back to yourself.Recorded upstairs in Madden’s Bar, the home of trad in Belfast City.