Damien O'Kane & Ron Block

Prepare to be mesmerised by the extraordinary collaboration of Damien O’Kane and Ron Block, two of the most innovative banjo players and resonant singers in the world. With their acclaimed albums Banjophony and Banjophonics (what a gobful!) and a thrilling third album, Banjovial, out October 2025, these virtuosos unite Irish tenor banjo and 5-string bluegrass banjo in a sound as exhilarating as it is unique.

Damien O’Kane, renowned for his work with Barnsley songstress Kate Rusby, is a maestro of Irish traditional music whose dazzling precision and melodic brilliance place him among the finest tenor banjo players worldwide. Ron Block, famed for his work with Alison Krauss & Union Station, brings soulful depth, rhythmic innovation, and unmatched artistry to the 5-string banjo. Together, their styles intertwine in an electrifying blend of technical mastery and heartfelt expression.

From the first notes of Banjophony to the pinpoint picking of Banjovial, their albums and live shows redefine what banjos can do, rooted in tradition yet boldly modern. Their arrangements burst with energy, intricate interplay, and a palpable shared passion. Both are not only world-class musicians but also distinctive singers, adding warmth and texture to their already remarkable sound.

Critics and fans alike hail this collaboration as a revolution in acoustic music. O’Kane and Block prove the banjo is not just an instrument of tradition but a vehicle for limitless creativity and joy. Experience their brilliance live on tour with a stellar band: Scotland’s Duncan Lyall (bass, moog) and Ireland’s Steven Byrnes (guitars, percussion). Step into the world of Co-operating Banjos, where boundaries dissolve and musical magic begins.