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A night of the very best of traditional Irish music is in store for Newry in August with Kila, one of Ireland’s most innovative and exciting bands sharing the bill with singer and trombonist Matt Benson, a member of George Ezra's band providing an eclectic mix of soul, jazz, R&B and folk.
Narrow Water Events in conjunction with Iur Cinn Fleadh are bringing the gig to the historical Newry Town Hall on Saturday 23 August as part of the 2025 Iur Cinn Fleadh. Tickets can be bought at www.eventbrite.co.uk
Kila
Formed at school in Dublin’s late 1980’s, Award-winning band, Kíla have a unique ever-evolving sound, rooted in tradition, yet inspired by a myriad of influences and ideas from all around the world.
Kíla’s eight members come from the differing musical backgrounds of traditional, classical, and rock. Often defined as contemporary Irish World music, the band fuse the effects of their own melodies and Irish lyrics, Irish folk instruments such as whistles, fiddles, Uilleann pipes, bones and bodhrán with djembe, congas, drums, mandolins, brass, and acoustic/electric/ bass guitars.
The result is a fresh blend of freewheeling instrumentals, furious jigs, and primal rhythms that transcend the traditional boundaries of Irish music.
Kíla have worked extensively in TV and film. In 2020 they won the IFTA for Best Original Score for the soundtrack or Arracht (TG4). Their most notable collaborations have been with French composer Bruno Coulais on the soundtracks for Cartoon Saloon’s three Oscar-nominated animated films The Secret of Kells (2010), Song of the Sea (2014), and most recently for Wolfwalkers (2020).
Matt Benson
Matt Benson hails from Rostrevor and the musician has been fortunate to play trombone, sing and play piano with an eclectic mix of musical talent from many different walks of life including George Ezra's band.
Benson is a genre-blending musician whose soulful brass lines and heartfelt vocals have taken him from global festival stages to the intimate studio spaces of his debut solo release.
A seasoned trombonist, Benson has spent over a decade touring and recording with a diverse array of artists including Bad Manners, Sam & The Womp (with whom he recorded the platinum-selling single “BomBom”), and even legends like Brian May and Coolio.
Since 2017, he has been a core member of George Ezra’s touring band, performing on the world’s biggest stages including Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, the Brit Awards, Royal Albert Hall, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Benson’s solo work showcases his rich musicality and emotional depth, blending elements of soul, jazz, 60s R&B and folk. His upcoming debut album Sit Back Down Again (2025) is a deeply personal project shaped by grief, memory, and resilience, including a moving tribute to his late sister. Recorded at Camden Studios in Dublin with producer Cian Boylan and a handpicked band of session players, the album places Benson’s warm vocals and brass arrangements at its core.
Known for his expressive playing and generous stage presence, Matt Benson is carving out a unique space where brass meets storytelling—bringing intimacy and energy in equal measure.
Check out more info about Iur Cinn Fleadh at www.iurcinnfleadh.com
