Damien O’Kane is an award winning, well-renowned Irish folk musician and singer now living in Barnsley since his marriage to Barnsley folk songstress, Kate Rusby. When Kate’s father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2012, Damien was compelled to do something to raise both awareness and money for the cause.
When we reported the first event back in 2018 Damien said that the event was “hopefully the first of many where we can raise awareness of this disease, through the power of music, in this case folk music. Raising awareness of any cancer brings all cancers to the fore. Music brings people together, this creates discussion and further encourages people to think more about particular issues. For the event, I’ve invited some of the best folk musicians and singers on the folk and acoustic scene right now”
Now in its 6th year, the unforgettable weekend of music and generosity at FOLK CANCER, a special folk music event hosted by Damien and held at the historic Penistone Paramount, Penistone, on Saturday, November 23rd, and Sunday, November 24th, will continue to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research and Cancer Research UK Northern Ireland.
The event kicks off on Saturday Afternoon: with exciting performances by new local band Common Culture who have been raising the roofs (or more big tops) off festivals all over the UK. Following them will be local veterans The Hunch with their intriguingly crafted classics and soul searching ballads which shine with five-part harmonies and instrumental virtuosity, along with some audacious humour! Headlining the afternoon is the rising star Katherine Priddy, who has recently supported the legendary Elbow. Her captivating voice and compelling songs promise to set the perfect tone for the weekend.
Continuing into Saturday evening: you will be able to enjoy the multi-talented trio Jaywalkers, known for their virtuosic brand of Americana. The evening will culminate with a performance by the Barnsley Nightingale herself and headliner, Kate Rusby, whose enchanting, angelic voice and heartfelt storytelling have earned her widespread acclaim from superstar fans such as Ricky Gervais , Ruth Jones, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and my not so superstar son, who took me along to one of her Christmas performances and now has her latest CD playing in his car !
On Sunday afternoon, :there will be an extra special double-headliner show featuring The Young’Uns, known for their heart-on-the-sleeve storytelling, beautiful lyrics, warm harmonies, and relentless repartee. Following them is the inimitable Welsh singer and guitar powerhouse Martyn Joseph, whose energetic and passionate performances create a huge, far-reaching sound with just one man and his guitar.
Concluding the weekend on Sunday Evening: is one of the most exciting duos in the folk scene, Michael McGoldrick & Tim Edey. McGoldrick, recently touring with Mark Knopfler, is regarded as one of the world’s best flute and whistle players. He will be joined by guitar maestro Tim Edey, making this collaboration a breath taking and unforgettable experience.
Finally, the event will close with a performance by Eddi Reader of Fairground Attraction, one of folk music’s most revered singers and characters. Awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to singing, Eddi with her band brings joyous life to songs from the traditional to the contemporary with a good smattering of laughter along the way.
The weekend is more than just a concert series; it’s a celebration of music, community, and hope.
You can secure your tickets now for FOLK CANCER at Penistone Paramount on November 23rd and 24th, this year – and be part of an event that promises to be musically enriching and deeply meaningful. Prepare to be moved with laughter and happy tears as top class musicians come together for a noble cause.
Tickets are £35 per Adult, £20 per Child for each concert and are available from :
Penistone Paramount
Shrewsbury Road
Penistone
Tel: 01226 767532
Or click here: www.penistoneparamount.co.uk/liveevents.
