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Dave Rooney: Jigjam (Band Members); Ryan McMullan

Pursuing the American Dream in an RV, The Black Donnellys (Dave Rooney and Dave Browne) embark on an adventure to set a Guinness World Record, playing 60 shows in all 50 US states in just 35 days. These rambunctious guitar-slinging, pint-drinking Irish immigrants connect with fans through music on an emotional whirlwind road trip full of friendship, original music, and laughter.

Join The Black Donnellys on their pursuit of the American Dream and a Guinness World Record. An Irish story: This is my home

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JigJam are a multi-award winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland. Blending the best of traditional Irish music with Bluegrass and Americana in a new genre which has been branded as ‘I-Grass’ (Irish influenced Bluegrass), their onstage energy along with their virtuosic musical ability has captivated audiences throughout the world.

Jamie McKeogh, Cathal Guinan and Daithi Melia all hail from Tullamore, Co.Offaly with Co. Tipperary born Gavin Strappe completing the quartet. All four members grew up immersed in Irish traditional music and culture which is reflected by the band collectively achieving over twenty All-Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann competitions. They have now developed their own unique style of music influenced by American Folk music whilst staying true to their Irish roots. Described as ‘The best Irish group so far in bluegrass’ this sharply dressed outfit deliver an energy-fuelled, foot-stomping live performance. All multi-instrumentalists, JigJam interchange between banjos, guitars, fiddles, mandolins and double bass onstage which creates an experience which is pleasing to both the eye and the ear.

JigJam have recorded two studio albums (OH BOY! 2014 & HELLO WORLD 2016) to critical acclaim as well as a live album (LIVE IN TULLAMORE 2017).

They have made a huge impact on the Irish American circuit performing as a headline act at all the major festivals including the world-renowned Tellruide Bluegrass Festival and Milwaukee Irish Fest as well as touring various parts of the UK and Europe.

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Ryan McMullan’s talent is a rare jewel in the crown of the current popular music scene. With a voice raw with story telling and filled with rich and varied tones, Ryan’s youth clearly doesn't deter from his ability to communicate story and emotion. Home to the likes of Foy Vance and Iain Archer, Northern Ireland is and always has been a hub of song writing talent. Ryan McMullan is no exception.

Hailing from Portaferry, a small seaside town in Northern Ireland, the 25 year old is a fresh new talent on the singer/songwriter scene. With a voice reminiscent of Paolo Nutini and early Tom Waits, Ryan has been putting in the necessary graft in local pubs for a number of years. With hugely successful recent support shows with Foy Vance and American alt-country rockers NEEDTOBREATHE, Ryan is fast gaining a reputation as an exciting talent. His debut EP Listen gives a taste of his musical ability and has been well received on these recent tours.

His voice and potential has recently caught the attention of other singer songwriters also born out of the grass roots Northern Ireland music scene. With their backing, Ryan’s craft of songwriting being harnessed and endorsed by some of the music industries biggest names (Gary Lightbody), Ryan’s future is certainly set to be a bright one.