hey there my name is gavin ferris. for the past while i have been running a night on the first monday of every month in la boca, a restaurant in belfast ireland. as a way to further promote the night, venue and the artists i have decided to take a track from each artist who has performed and promote it through soundcloud. if you wish to contact any of the various parties involved ie myself, the venue or the artist you may do so through the following links. thank you and if you are ever in belfast and its the 1st monday of the month come check us out.

(myself)
gavinferrisband@hotmail.co.uk
www.facebook.com/instrumentalextremist
www.soundcloud.com/instrumentalextremist

(la boca)
www.facebook.com/labocabistro

(facebook group)
www.facebook.com/groups/unsingedmusicalshowcase

Wookalily are quirky, in a good way. Folk-gothic troubadour tales, new-time mountain music, glorious melodic hooks and a drum kit which guarantees purists cover their ears. Five women (Adele, Sharon, Lyndsay, Lou and Clair): too girly to be a beat group, too funky to be a folk group, too good to miss.
 
More info here: www.wookalily.com

Originally an Irish traditional player, In 2007, after being inspired by other guitar players such as Antoine Dufour, Tommy Emmanuel, Thomas Leeb and more famously Andy McKee, Gavin adopted a more percussive style of playing incorporating other forms of music such as rock, metal, flamenco, jazz and blues while still trying to hold on to his traditional roots.

This unusual blend of musical styles has culminated in a unique and exciting sound tipified by rhythmic grooves, deep, driving bass, intricate percussion and distinctive melodies. 


To date Gavin has performed in many high profile music venues such as the Ulster Hall, the Black Box, the Queens Hall (Newtonards),  and has performed alongside guitar legends such as Duo Frank Vignola, Vinny Raniolo, Preston Reed, Chris Woods Groove and Gary Lutton.


To date he holds the record for being the only person in the history of the Ards International Guitar Festival to be invited back 3 years in a row.


In 2013 Gavin was approached by Dr John Catherwood of Catherwood guitars about designing and building him his own signature model. Working closely with the Catherwood team theh designed a totally unique instrument suited to Gavin's playing. The new guitar premiered at the 2014 Ards International Guitar Festival.

This year Gavin has been featured on Sky arts Guitar Star programme, won best individual at the 2015 Banbridge buskfest, has had a special feature in Culture hub NI as well as the Belfast telegraph online, founded the Belfast Guitar Society, has been featured regularly on Radio Ulster 's arts extra, made his debut at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe and has just returned from his first Scottish tour.

"Gavin's unique style brings a whole new dimension to going to see acoustic music.  For those who play, his intricate techniques are admired and for those who don't, well, they're just mesmerised"
Tina Calder, Editor, BAM Magazine (www.bamni.co.uk)

Gavin plays with an unstoppable groove and has a formidable stage presence that you cannot help but take notice of. -gary lutton -sky arts guitar star winner / online magazine.

Donna Mc Laughlin is following