This week sees the return of a special week of events celebrating Belfast’s special link with Nashville, a link that goes back over 20 years. That connection has evolved to include music, cultural and educational exchanges, tourism and business development in both cities.
Below is a list of whats going on, where and when!
Wednesday 12th June
Explore your Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors
Monday 10 – Saturday 15 June
Ulster Historical Foundation,
31 Gordon Street,
BT1 2LG
This is the perfect first step towards research success for budding family history researchers and genealogists. Spend three days learning from experts and delving into the Public Record Office Northern Ireland (PRONI) archives, followed by three days of tours or assisted research in PRONI – the choice is yours! Course fee applies For more information visit
Andrew Jackson: the first Scotch-Irish President
Wednesday 12 June
12.30pm – 1.30pm
Discover Ulster Scots Centre,
1-9 Victoria Street,
BT1 3GA
Come along to the launch of a new touring exhibition by the Ulster Scots Agency on the life and times of Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States and Nashville’s most famous son. Jackson, whose parents journeyed to America from Boneybefore outside Carrickfergus, was the first of 20 US Presidents with roots in Ulster. Admission: Free For more information call 028 9023 1113
Summer in the Sister City
Wednesday 12 June
6pm – 8pm
St Anne’s Square,
BT1 2LP
8pm – 9pm
Oh Yeah Music Centre,
15-21 Gordon Street,
BT1 2LG
Tickle your taste buds with some great Tennessean food at St. Anne’s Square and enjoy live music performances right around the corner in the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Cathedral Quarter. Experience Belfast and NI produce, married with some of Nashville’s favourite dishes – a true Sister City collaboration. Taste the real deal! Admission: Free to St Anne’s Square. Food available to buy. £5 admission to Oh Yeah Music Centre, includes a Nashville dessert. For more information visit www.nashvilleinbelfast.com
The Country and Gospel Show
Wednesday 12 June
8pm – 11pm
Belfast Waterfront,
2 Lanyon Place,
BT1 3WH
Join six of Ireland’s top country music stars Billy McFarland, Crawford Bell, Curtis Magee, Mick Flavin, Owen Mac and Robert Mizzell for a magical night of country and classic gospel music. Tickets: £25
Clara and Haakon
Wednesday 12 June
8pm – midnight
The American Bar,
65 Dock Street,
BT15 1LF
Clara and Haakon are an old-time and country and western duo from Floyd, Virginia influenced by a wide range of traditional music, making their performance a colourful platter of ballads, instrumentals, yodels, sea shanties and country songs. Admission: £10 at door For more information call 028 9074 3964 or visit www.americanbarbelfast.com
THURSDAY 13TH JUNE
The Nashville Experience at Deane’s
Thursday 13 June
5pm – 10pm
Deane’s Meatlocker,
28-40 Howard Street,
BT1 6PF
Deane’s Love Fish,
28-40
Howard Street,
BT1 6PF
Deane’s Deli Vin Café,
44 Bedford Street,
BT2 7FF
For one night only, Deane’s Meatlocker, Deane’s Love Fish and Deane’s Deli Vin Café and Bistro will all be offering Tennessean themed dishes to celebrate Nashville in Belfast and our Sister City ties. For bookings go to www.michaeldeane.co.uk
Jessica Pearson and the East Wind
Thursday 13 June
8pm – 11pm
The American Bar,
65 Dock Street,
BT15 1LF
Canadian born storyteller Jessica Pearson has a voice like melting honey on a summer’s eve. Accompanied by the melodic bowing of Pat Bigelow on the stand up bass and sweet fiddle playing by Maddy O’Regan, The East Wind’s debut EP ‘Grave and Garden Songs’ blends folk, roots and East Coast bluegrass. Tickets: £10 at door For more information call 028 9074 3964 or visit www.americanbarbelfast.com
Sister City Summer Songwriters’ Symposium
Thursday 13 – Friday 14 June
10am – 4pm
Oh Yeah Music Centre,
15-21 Gordon Street,
BT1 2LG
Learn from and progress your songwriting skills with Grammy nominated folk musician and songwriter John McCutcheon and NI music legend Tommy Sands on this two day intensive songwriting workshop. Tickets: £75 Cost includes workshop tuition, songwriting collaboration and admission to the Sisters in Song performance on Friday 14 June. Book online at www.nashvilleinbelfast.com
FRIDAY 14TH JUNE
Other Voices Belfast
Friday 14 – Saturday 15 June
The Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts,
Duncairn Avenue,
BT14 6BP
Acclaimed arts festival and TV series Other Voices makes a welcome return to Belfast. This marquee event will feature sets from some of the most exciting and internationally renowned performers on today’s music scene. The weekend will also include workshops, advice clinics and mentoring sessions for aspiring young musicians. Admission: Free
Sisters in Song
Friday 14 June,
7pm – 9.30pm
Oh Yeah Music Centre,
15-21 Gordon Street,
BT1 2LG
An inside look into the world of songwriting…up close and personal. Join us for a series of intimate musical performances featuring work created by our symposium musicians, hosted by international artists John McCutcheon and Tommy Sands. Tickets: £10. Free admission for symposium musicians. Book online at www.nashvilleinbelfast.com
The Rising, Niamh McGlinchey, Katee Kross and The Amberjax
Friday 14 June,
8pm – 11.45pm
The Belfast Barge,
1 Lanyon Quay,
BT1 3LG
The Rising, Niamh McGlinchey, Katee Kross and The Amberjax showcase brand new contemporary country music. Performing original songs, all three artists will present their unique take on the music of Nashville that has inspired them. Tickets: £8 Book online at www.skiddle.com
Fountain Folk Session
Friday 14 June
9pm – midnight
The Fountain Bar,
16-20 Fountain Street,
BT1 5ED
Join us for an evening of traditional and contemporary folk music and song. Admission: Free
SATURDAY 15TH JUNE
‘The Country Bears’ Film and Music Workshop
Saturday 15 June
12noon – 1.25pm (film)
1.25pm – 2.25pm (workshop)
Strand Arts Centre,
152-154 Holywood Road,
BT4 1NY
Bring your teddy bear along for a special free screening of the 2002 American family musical comedy ‘The Country Bears’ (Cert.U) produced by Walt Disney Pictures. Booking advised. Then at 1.25pm join in a kids’ Nashville music workshop with Dan Leith. This event is suitable for children 5years+ Tickets for children’s workshop £3, accompanying adults go free. To book, go to www.strandartscentre.com/film-clubs
John T Davis: Heart On The Line
Saturday 15 June
4pm – 6pm
Queen’s Film Theatre,
20 University Square,
BT7 1PA
Spend an afternoon in the company of John T. Davis, internationally recognised documentary filmmaker from Holywood, Co Down (best known for ShellShock Rock which explores NI’s 70’s punk music scene). John’s long fascination with the American West is reflected in his acclaimed road film Route 66. Heart on the Line chronicles the lives and dreams of preachers, hobos and Nashville songwriters. John T. Davis is also an accomplished singer songwriter who regularly performs in Belfast with his band the Skyranch Boys. The screening of Heart On The Line will be followed by a short musical performance – one you won’t want to miss! Tickets: £5.50 Book online at www.queensfilmtheatre.com
The Last Supper and Songfest
Saturday 15 June
6.30pm – 7pm Cocktails and appetisers
7pm – 8pm Dinner
8pm – 10pm Concert
St Anne’s Cathedral
Donegall Street,
BT1 2HB
We welcome you to share this Nashville in Belfast 2019 evening together in a place where we “enter as strangers, leave as friends.” Enjoy Tennessean food by Monell’s owner Michael King, served family style at communal tables. Complete this unique evening with music from Grammy nominated John McCutcheon and Northern Ireland’s Tommy Sands, to remind us of our Sister Cities bond. Filming may take place during this event. Tickets: £42 (Meal and concert) £30 (Concert only – only available on concert day)
Sing! Belfast
Saturday 15 June
7.30pm (Doors open at 6.30pm)
SSE Arena,
2 Queen’s Quay,
BT3 9QQ
Join Keith and Kristyn Getty and friends accompanied by the New Irish Choir and Orchestra. The Gettys are joined by their band of virtuosic instrumentalists, fusing celtic, bluegrass, americana, modern and classical music along with cultural dance. An evening that unites tradition and innovation. Tickets: £19 – £49 To reserve your seats, call the Box Office on 028 9073 9074 MondayFriday: 10am – 6pm, Saturday: 10am – 3pm, Sunday: Closed. Special group offer: £5 discount per ticket for groups of 20 or more. www.gettymusic.com/singbelfast
SUNDAY 16TH JUNE
Nashville in Belfast Cookery Demos
Sunday 16 June
10.30am and 1.30pm
St George’s Market,
12-20 East Bridge Street,
BT1 3NQ
Watch Nashville chef Michael King (owner of Monell’s) cook up some of his famous Southern Fried Chicken at St George’s Sunday market. Learn about the key ingredients and components to authentic Tennessean cooking – and get a taste for it! Admission: Free For more information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/markets
Emma Wallace and Friends ‘In the round’
Sunday 16 June 8pm
The Sunflower Pub,
65 Union Street,
BT1 2JG
Join Belfast singer songwriter Emma Wallace in a night of original music and storytelling with some of Ireland and the UK’s best songwriters. A Nashville style ‘in the round’ format – in association with Slice Audio. Tickets: £10 Book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk
