Derry's Brass Neck to host Scottish TikTok sensation Calum MacPhail this November on his debut tour

You knew Jimmy Shand and The Alexander Brothers, now there’s a new Scottish accordionist on the block ready to make his mark on Irish audiences this November. Highland-born artist Calum MacPhail is bringing his energetic blend of Scottish and Irish folk music to the Brass Neck, Derry on 6th November. Calum will also have a special guest slot on BBC Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan show as part of the ‘BBC Comes To Town’ celebrations set to take place in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh on Wednesday 6th November. 

Continuing to grow his presence on social media, Calum has received hundreds of thousands of views from fans on TikTok and recent radio airplay across Ireland for his hit song ‘Bonnie Wee Jeannie’. Calum was also special guest for Derek Ryan’s St. Patrick’s Day show in Glasgow and recently opened for The Tumbling Paddies.

Thanks to a viral moment this past summer in Donegal Town, Calum’s spontaneous street performance won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. The video of Calum singing his acoustic version of ‘Home To Donegal’ in the Donegal square this summer continues to gain thousands of views on social media.

“We had a wee hit about with some hurleys in Letterkenny and decided to just play ‘Home To Donegal’ in the square of Donegal Town. I brought the accordion with me on the trip with the off-chance we would get to play somewhere, and just decided to video a busking session in the street. We’ve had such a fantastic reaction online.” Calum said. 

Calum MacPhail grew up with a father who played Scottish and Irish folk tunes. His sight was always set on being a musician. Despite his Scottish roots, Calum’s love for Irish culture is clear. "I’ve always loved the accent, the craic, the sports and, of course, the songs. In fact, I probably sing more Irish folk songs than Scottish ones!"

Calum is now set to bring his debut tour to Belfast, Derry, Omagh, Moy and Enniskillen this November and finally has the chance to share his music live with Irish fans for the first time. Among the highlights, Calum is particularly excited to meet radio legend Hugo Duncan, who has been playing his song ‘Bonnie Wee Jeannie’ on BBC Radio Ulster. "I’m really looking forward to performing on BBC Radio Ulster’s live outside broadcast from Omagh and meeting Hugo—he’s some craic!"

Calum MacPhail’s debut Irish tour will see him perform in Auction Rooms, Moy on 3rd Nov, Hatfield House, Belfast on 5th Nov, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh (BBC Radio Ulster’s Outside Broadcast) on 6th Nov, Brass Neck, Derry on 6th Nov and Charlie’s Bar, Enniskillen on 7th Nov. For more info, follow Calum MacPhail on his social media channels or visit www.calummacphail.com. Calum MacPhail’s new song Róisín is available to stream from midnight on Friday 1st November.