"He's not afraid to throw in some in folk, soul, reggae vibes, which in turn call to mind John Hiatt at his best." So says John Atkin of R2 Magazine giving Ben Reel 4 out of 5 star. Kilworth's Village Arts Centre is delighted to announce that a date has been secured with Ben and the band for Thursday, October 24.

Irish singer/songwriter Ben Reel released his 6th studio album on the 22nd April 2013 entitled 'Darkness & The Light'. It includes 11 brand new songs - the first record that he has recorded and produced in his own home studio in Co Armagh.

Since his debut back in 1999, each album has gone from strength to strength, touching on different styles of music from rock, soul, blues, alternative Folk/Americana and with the occasional injection of reggae.

In the last 10 years he has had numerous high profile TV & Radio appearances and airplay under his belt including Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 and has supported names like Jools Holland, Alabama 3, The Cranberries and appeared as a special guest at one of Hal Ketchum's shows in Dublin.

Over the last 5 years Ben has enjoyed successful tours in Europe, receiving rave reviews and attracting a growing fan base.

His band includes some of the finest musicians in Ireland, his brother in law Michael Black on drums, Ronnie O’Flynn on bass and Mick McCarney on guitar. With this line up they have built up a loyal underground following. Ben is often described as an ‘artist lying beneath the radar for way too long’.

In 2011 Ben played showcase gigs in Nashville & Memphis where he colloborated with some of Nashville's finest, David Olney and Sergio Webb. He co-wrote 'Heart Just Won't Heal' with Irene Kelley which was a radio hit in several countries with the help Airplaydirect.com which he has been number 1 for the last 4 months on their radio download rock chart.

Ben comes to play the Cork Jazz Festival but catch him on his way down at The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth on Thursday night, October 24. Tickets €15, now booking at the usual outlets or call 025-32227 or 087-6492514.

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