Dan Walsh

One of the UK's top banjo players and an accomplished singer and guitarist, Dan Walsh has been described as combining 'virtuoso playing and winning songwriting'. As well as six critically acclaimed albums and successful tours throughout the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, Dan has performed in the studio or on stage with such distinguished names as Imelda May, Joss Stone, Ward Thomas, Seth Lakeman and the Levellers. He is also a nominee for BBC Folk Awards Musician of the Year. Describing what Dan does is no easy task but at the heart of it is British, Irish and American folk music delivered with a healthy dose of funky grooves – all performed with his unique and dazzling take on clawhammer style banjo helping to challenge all preconceptions about the instrument. Add to all that poignant songs, astonishing musical departures and lively humour and the result is a truly memorable live show which has wowed audiences across the world from intimate seated rooms to huge dancing crowds in festival fields. Dan has performed at countless theatres, arts centres and festivals but also has extensive experience performing at all manner of functions such as weddings, wakes and parties. He began his career playing in pubs and thrived on the witty banter and lively atmosphere on such occasions! His repertoire is also very extensive - alongside his own material he has a wide range of numbers from folk, jazz, rock and pop and has frequently been booked by organisations such as Music In Hospitals and Live Music Now for his ability to respond to unexpected requests, seemingly plucking the words and music of songs he's never actually performed out of thin air! Finally, he is a firm believer in music and outreach and as a result performs extensively in nursing homes throughout the country. He plays concerts combining the best of well known material to stir memories with upbeat folk music to get feet tapping! Much of this work was done through the prestigious Live Music Now scheme which included a memorable residency at a Surrey care home which rekindled the musical and personal fire in former musician Glen Mason who was one of the residents. Dan’s song ‘The Song Always Stays’ was inspired by the experience and Live Music Now subsequently launched a campaign for music in care homes using the name of the song.