MARIA BYRNE & RONAN LEONARD
Little Whelan’s • Wed 5th February 2025
MARIA BYRNE
“Absolutely beautiful version of a Genesis classic” – John Creedon, RTE Radio 1.
“Beautiful music”— Huw Stephens – BBC Radio 1
“Brilliant… gets better each time you hear it”— John Kennedy, XFM
“Incredibly catchy, absolutely gorgeous music”— Janice Long, BBC Radio 2
“Lovely songs… Greg James and I stand shoulder to shoulder in the Maria Byrne fan club”— Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
“Beautiful emotive music with captivating melodies” – Edith Bowman, BBC Radio
In 2006 Cork Irish Singer/Songwriter Maria Byrne began her musical journey in London. BBC 6 Music presenter Tom Robinson showcased her music.
Her cover of ‘Two Hearts’ by Phil Collins was featured on a national UK KFC advert.
Her original track ‘All You Need’ was chosen in 2012 to feature on the movie ‘Hot Potato’ featuring Ray Winstone and Colm Meaney.
Janice Long on BBC Radio 2 and John Kennedy on XFM invited Maria to perform live sessions.
Maria received national UK radio coverage thanks to Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2, Huw Stephens and Rob Da Bank on BBC Radio 1 and in Ireland Alison Curtis on Today FM and John Creedon on RTE Radio 1.
Her acoustic cover of Genesis hit ‘Follow You, Follow Me’ was featured on a national Bank of Ireland Ad campaign on TV/Radio and online. Maria also performed the track on Ray D’Arcy live TV on RTE 1 and on Sean O’Rourke on RTE Radio 1.
Last year Maria released a new EP ‘One More Day’. This raw collection of country infused songs explores one of life’s most vulnerable experiences – that of sudden loss.
Irish producer Karl Odlum (Mic Christopher, The Frames, David Kitt) has produced all of Maria’s recordings. She cites inspiration from Irish musical heroes such as Bell X1, John Spillane and Gemma Hayes as well as Americana/Folk heroes Gillian Welch and John Prine.
RONAN LEONARD
Ronan Leonard is a highly accomplished singer-songwriter. He’s toured extensively throughout Europe both headling shows and supporting a succession of musicians including Christy Dignam, Slim Whitman, Billy Joe Spears, Mick Hanley, Freddy White and Aslan.
Ronan has played many headlining festivals, large corporate events for clients such as Guinness and venues in Ireland and Europe including Whelan’s and The Bookmarket.
Ronan’s released 5 studio albums of original songs and has worked with legends such as P. J. Curtis, Dave Keary and Garvan Gallagher. Received extensive radio airplay including RTÉ 1’s Larry Gogan, Ronan Collins, John Creedon. The Pat Kenny show and ‘Open House’ on RTÉ 1 TV.
Ronan Leonard’s Acoustic Couch band
Garvan Gallagher is an incredible bass guitarist and double bass player. He’s contributed to many recordings as a player/producer, most notably Irish singer Mary Black, the soundtrack of Neil Jordan’s first film, Angel, and orchestral work including Liam O’Flynn’s The Brendan Voyage plus concerts with the RTE Concert Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Recording session work includes sessions for Carole King, Nancy Griffith, Bobby Whitlock, Philip Donnelly and John Prine. Garvan was also the Musical Director of the popular RTÉ children’s puppet series Bosco, writing and recording over 200 songs for the series.
Stuart Crampton was a highly regarded and popular guitar and piano teacher for 23 years in Greystones, 9 of those in Greystone Studios.
Jason Fox is a brilliant drummer and percussionist. Jason is the drummer with Zooropa, Dublin’s premier U2 tribute band – Known for their sold out electrifying performances.
Adam Agee on fiddle.
TICKETS
€15 available online from Whelan’s – 50c per ticket service charge applies.
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required
AFTER THE GIG
Whelan’s Silent Disco from 10:30pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best (€5 cover charge), plus Late Bar