Three distinctive voices from the North West share the stage at McGrory’s for an intimate night of original music. Donegal alt-folk songwriter George Houston brings haunting vocals and poetic lyricism that have earned international attention. Derry-based composer and pianist Neil Burns blends classical, jazz and folk influences in richly layered songs, while Malin indie-folk artist Marty Smyth offers reflective, heartfelt songwriting shaped by life between rural Ireland and London. A compelling evening of storytelling and song from three exciting regional artists.

Hailing from the depths of rural Ireland, alternative Donegal singer songwriter George Houston was raised on classic folk, pop and rock from his parents vast collection of cds and vinyl, always encouraged to play freely with instruments, George developed a natural timeless sound, a voice beyond his years and a songwriting style sprinkled with nostalgia.

Starting his music career in September 2020 with his bold debut single Boo Fucking Hoo, the track had instant local success pushing George to record his debut album Cold Toast at the young age of 19 followed by his second and third studio albums Undesired and Vehicular Suicide the following years cementing his distinctive sound with brooding vocals, airy harmonies and candid lyrics.

George has grown a large international audience from the viral reaction to his single In Aeternum Vive which was placed in Glastonbury’s longlist, as well as gaining the attention of acclaimed artist Declan McKenna who gave George his first play on BBC Radio One, and international legend Paul Weller, who invited George to open for his Irish and North American tour. 

George’s television appearances on Later… with Jools Holland, and The Tommy Tiernan Show, introduced his fourth album, TODC, catapulting him as one of the most promising up and coming Irish artists.

Neil Burns is a Derry-based composer, songwriter, pianist and producer. Having probed the outer limits of (pop) song form for many years as Comrade Hat, he broke out under his own name with 2025’s Golden Sunsets, a lush, layered album exploring Classical, jazz and folk influences and featuring legends of music based in the North West including The Henry Girls and Meilana Gillard, for which he received an award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to produce. He launched it to a packed Black Box as part of Belfast’s Brilliant Corners festival last year.

A fixture in the musical firmament of the area, he is known for his work as an arranger with the Inishowen Traditional Choir, co-director of the Inishowen Gospel Choir and frequent collaborator with Derry-based jazz vocalist Victoria Geelan.

After many years as a bassist and collaborator, a move to London inspired a new focus on solo material for indie-folk artist Marty Smyth from Malin, drawing inspiration from the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Justin Vernon, Jack Steadman & Adrienne Lenker. 

2025 saw the release of his first offerings as a solo artist, part of a collection of songs that chart a transformative time, moving from rural Ireland to the canals of London. 

“I was thinking a lot about legacy, about what’s left after we’re gone and what we have to show for all that we’ve learned and all that we know. I wanted to do something that future me might be proud of, nothing more, and I figured putting some songs out in the world might be a good start.”

Photo Credit: Shane J Horan