Line-up complete for Derry Homegrown 2016

The line-up has been completed for the eagerly-awaited Derry Homegrown concert being staged at the Millennium Forum in the city in the New Year.

Since 2013, the Homegrown gigs have gone from strength to strength, showcasing the best in local musical talent.

This year’s line-up includes Paul Casey & Band, Ports and Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas.

Special guests are Eilidh Patterson, Eamon Friel and Prima String Quartet. Ports are a four piece band from Northern Ireland known for performing ‘emotionally literate rock’.

They consist of Steven McCool (bass and vocals), Mark O'Doherty (drums), Ryan Griffiths (guitar) and Conor Mason (piano).

After the release of their first demo ‘I’d Let You Win,’ the band received a flood of fantastic reviews including 'Flavour of the Month' and 'Ones to Watch' from BBC Introducing which resulted in extensive airplay from BBC Radio 1, RTE and countless others.

The foursome rose to prominence in Ireland after an exciting performance at 'Other Voices' Derry gig when they stepped in to replace Two Door Cinema Club.

After their memorable performance, they were asked to return to the Other Voices stage, this time at Wilton’s Music Hall in London along with Villagers; John Grant; SOAK and Imelda May. No stranger to the Forum, Paul Casey’s music has also been on the rise with many of his songs used in major TV shows “across the pond.” Eilidh Patterson is a singer/songwriter from Derry.

In recent years, she has performed in the US, Britain and across Europe, captivating audiences with her voice and songs.

She has released two albums (When The Time Comes and This Is Now) and is currently writing towards new projects. Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas are a seven-piece folk rock country pop punk blues band from the city and are notorious for their no holds barred rocking live shows full of original songs about life here, there and everywhere.

Paddy is often hailed as ‘Ireland’s Springsteen’, a badge he wears with diffidence.

The band released their third album ‘Laughter & Love’ earlier this year to a rapture of praise from critics and fans alike. Homegrown 2016 performs at the Millennium Forum on Friday, 15 January.

Tickets are now available from the Forum Box Office, telephone 02871 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.