Internationally respected folk and blues musician, Jack Harris, will be performing in the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus next Tuesday (9 February).

The young singer/songwriter became a rising star after winning the prestigious New Folk Competition at the 2005 Kerrville Folk Festival, Texas, aged just 19 - making him the youngest winner.

Prior to his performance in the Octagon, Jack will lead two workshops on guitar and song-writing in the University on Saturday, 6 February.

The guitar workshop, with material from  basic finger-picking song accompaniment and tips on increasing dexterity and technique through to ideas for embellishing simple chord progressions, licks and fills across folk, blues and jazz, altered tunings and extended harmony, will have something to suit beginners, advanced players and levels in between.

In the song-writing workshop participants will receive advice and expert guidance on chord progressions, narrative song writing, using words and music against each other, writing 'hooks' and avoiding cliché.

Jack has been touring the world since his win at the Kerrville Folk Festival which attracts internationally respected singer/song-writers of various musical styles. Previous winners include folk legends, Nancy Griffith and Lyle Lovett

He has gone on to share the stage with some of the finest talents in contemporary folk music. He opened for Kate Campbell twice and for Austin based singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson and supported Texan singer-songwriter Eric Taylor in both the UK and the USA.

The young musician performs regularly around the UK and Ireland, has played extensively in the United States, and recently completed a tour of Northern Italy and Switzerland.  His debut album, Broken Yellow, was highly praised in song-writing circles.

Influenced by the old country blues masters and folk singers of the British Isles, his performances offer soulful, smoky vocals and intricate, finger-style guitar playing.

Tickets for the performance can be purchased in advance from the Cultural Development Office, Coleraine campus, or at the door on the evening.  For further information or to book please call Cultural Development on 028 7032 4449.