New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Aardvark Records) - Mention the city of Liverpool and thoughts immediately go to the Beatles. If Aardvark Records has its way, such thoughts will also include the acoustic singer songwriter Steve O'Connor.
Aardvark Records is pleased to confirm that Liverpool-based performer Steve O'Connor will be performing live in New York City in April. Following the success of his single 'Hail Caledonia' in America, Steve will be appearing as part of the The Art and Music of Scotland event hosted by the St George's Society of New York. He will also perform during Tartan Week and at an evening hosted by the New York Caledonian Club. These dates will be the singer-songwriter's first live performances in America.
O'Connor came to the attention of Scottish Americans when his acoustic pop-rock single "Hail Caledonia" was heavily promoted by George A Campbell, the 76th Chief of the New York Caledonian Club, who picked it up and put it on the influential American organisation's new website. It is the only music entry on the club's website. Campbell was so taken with the single he has been personally promoting it to other American Scottish societies. "I want to give special thanks to Steve O'Connor for giving us permission to play his wonderful tune," Campbell said.
Since its release in January, the single has enjoyed heavy rotation on Celtic and Folk music radio stations in the UK and North America. It has also become something of an unofficial Scottish national anthem amongst Scottish Americans, much like 'Danny Boy' amongst Irish Americans.
It comes as little surprise then that his first performances in New York are much anticipated.
Signed to the UK independent record label, Aardvark Records, 2007 saw O'Connor's debut album 'The Reach' enjoyed around the globe. Aardvark Chairman, Andrew Reeve, said: "We hear stories of how patrons of Scottish American bars and pubs stand and sing along to the song. It's something I would love to see!"
To hear 'Hail Caledonia' online, visit: https://www.last.fm/music/Steve+O'Connor/_/Hail+Caledonia
Details for the events are:
31 March 2008: The Art and Music of Scotland; an evening hosted by The St George Society of New York. Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Venue: The National Arts Club,
Address: 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC. Entry: $20 reservations required. Please contact: Rebecca Kubu: email [email protected] or call 212-682-6110
2 April 2008: Scottish evening hosted by the New York Caledonian Club. Time: 7.30pm, Venue: Connolly's Pub and Restaurant at the Klub 45, Address: 121 West 45th Street (bet. 6th Avenue & Broadway) NYC Entry: $15, Please contact: George Campbell: email [email protected] or call (212) 662-1083
4 April 2008: pre-parade Ceilidh (part of the New York Tartan Week). Time: 7pm til late Venue: Abigail Adams Auditorium Address: 417 East 61st Street, NYC Entry: $20 Please contact: George Campbell: email [email protected] or call (212) 662-1083
Steve O'Connor was born and raised in Liverpool, a cultural, charismatic city with a rich and famed musical heritage.
Steve has travelled extensively in his life, which has helped him to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures and traditions of the world. With musical influences such as Dan Fogelberg, Jackson Browne, the Eagles and, of course, The Beatles - to name but a few - this held him in good stead for the musical journey that lay ahead.
It wasn't until he moved to the highlands of Scotland, however, that his natural gift for song-writing began to manifest. This ancient land steeped in a music legacy all its own provided inspiration, both visual and spiritual. It was here that Steve taught himself to play guitar and subsequently write his own music and lyrics. After several fruitful and memorable years in Scotland, he returned to Liverpool where he continued to nurture his talent for song writing. His words and melodies captivate and enchant, while his warm and genial manner, coupled with his native Liverpool wit, engage his audiences in live performance. He has learned his craft well. While Steve takes his musical influences from both sides of the Atlantic, he remains a contemporary singer-songwriter with his own style.
