COPPER ROSE

Copper Rose is an Irish folk band based in Northern Ireland. Founded in 2023 the group are known for their melodious arrangements.  They masterfully blend the intricate tones of traditional and contemporary folk songs to create their own progressive acoustic sound. With a wealth of experience and talent, they truly showcase traditional Irish music at the highest level. 

 

Their unique style, coupled with natural lively performances has given them a growing presence in the acoustic music scene across Ireland playing alongside Cherish the Ladies, Gino Lupari, Bow Brothers, The Whislin’ Donkeys, Fergal Scahill, Ryan Molloy, More Power to your Elbow, Phil Coulter and Malachi Cush. 

  The 5-piece line- up individually and collectively have achieved All Ireland successes and have travelled internationally with their music. Sinead Willox (Vocals) brings a unique style with her powerful and distinctive voice. In 2017, she began performing as a solo artist. Her first live performance was described by Tumble and Folk magazine as a ‘Sublime Act: often singing in her own accent, weaving story and song with natural affinity.’ Recently appeared on the BBC Northern Ireland documentary ‘Talkin’ Tay’ with her version of the classic Auld Lang Syne. Her crystalline vocals blend effortlessly with the harmonies of band members Damian Cullen and Clare McCrystal. 

  Multi-instrumentalist, Damian Cullen (Piano. Banjo, Fiddle & Backing Vocals) brings a wealth of experience across Traditional Irish, Rock, Classical and Country genres. He is a member of the Celtic rock band, ‘More Power To Your Elbow’ and has played with a variety of other artists, which has taken him all over the world. He has been involved with the Bardic Theatre group for almost 30 years and has been Musical Director for many musicals. Damian’s sensitive playing creates the ultimate melancholic tone for this emerging group. 

  Gerard Thompson’s (Guitar) rhythmic drive and is an electric addition to the band. With roots in both Irish Traditional and Bluegrass music, his unique style brings new life to some of the classics. Gerard has performed with some of the finest musicians; Arty McGlynn, Cathal Hayden, Brian McGrath, Alan Kelly, Finbar Furey, Ralph McTell, Stevie Dunne, Damian O’Kane, John Joe Kelly, Bernadette Morris, Special Consciences. Gerard was the first guitarist to win an All-Ireland Fleadh title for guitar accompaniment. Joining his first band in 1992 (Stone the Crows), Gerard progressed to the double bass with Lurgan’s local bluegrass band, The Dusty Millers and performs regularly with them. 

  Eimear Graham – (Accordion) is no stranger to performing, hailing from the highly talented musical Graham family. Her superb accordion playing, and intuitive talent provide the fairy dust the band’s performances. Eimear has competed successfully at All Ireland level in various competitions, travelling throughout Europe with numerous music and dance groups. Eimear has been teaching music extensively since the age of 14 and thoroughly enjoys encouraging her pupils to reach their full potential. 

  Clare McCrystal – (Fiddle & backing vocals) is a Traditional Music Powerhouse and brings another layer of exquisite and tasteful playing to this unique quintet! In addition to her highly accomplished musicianship she is also a teacher, arranger and tireless promoter of the music establishing the School of Music, Scoil Trad Torrent, Donaghmore in 2016.

  She has organised and promoted the excellent “Tunes For Change,” a 10 year series of concerts featuring Ireland’s top performers of music. More recently, she has dedicated her efforts in memory of her late father John O’Neill, in the annual ‘John O’Neill Festival’. This has become a signature event in Co. Tyrone. She is a founder member of Celtic Rock band “More Power to your Elbow” with whom she has toured extensively over the past 30 years, to widespread acclaim. 

The opportunity to experience this unique band is not to be missed.