Sound of Belfast Festival: the Budvar Music Trail - Tessio & Piaras O'Lorcain

Recently nominated for Best Live Act at the 2025 NI Music Prize, ‘tessio’ are a singer-songwriter duo from Derry, - Callum Feeney and Jude McCandless.

They play acoustic guitars, sing close harmonies, write, record and produce their own songs.

Their main influences range from Simon and Garfunkel and The Everly Brothers to the La’s.

Described as having, “a skill for songwriting way beyond their years.” by Chordblossom, they have supported acts such as Billy Ocean, Hothouse Flowers, Muireann Bradley, Joshua Burnside, The 4 Of Us and played to packed out crowds at Other Voices and All Together Now, as well as the RTE Folk Awards 2024.

The duo released their self-titled debut album in December 2024 to much praise and acclaim, receiving consistent national airplay in the UK as well as Ireland across both BBC and RTE Radio.Piaras Ó Lorcáin is a sean-nós singer from Crossmaglen, County Armagh, recognised for his strong, controlled vocal delivery and clear, expressive ornamentation.

His singing is rooted in the Oriel tradition, with an emphasis on storytelling, phrasing and emotional depth.

He performs both unaccompanied in the traditional style and in ensemble settings.Alongside his singing, Piaras is a multi-instrumentalist, incorporating traditional instruments into band performances when required.

His musicality informs his vocal interpretation, giving him a confident presence whether performing solo or with groups such as The Railway Boys and Bláth na hÓige.Capacity is limited, so get down early.

You don’t want to miss this one!This event is 18+