Chris Chalmers & Joel Harkin

Chris Chalmers plays The Harrison Chambers of Distinction on Monday 26 October, this time with pedal steel guitarist Joel Harkin. It's a stripped-back set that pulls from the blues, roots and Americana traditions, with Chalmers' songwriting at the centre and Harkin's pedal steel filling in around it.

Chalmers comes to this after a run of sold-out solo shows and the release of Way Back Home, his debut album with The Souvenirs. The record has been well-received: Alan Harrison of Rocking Magpie described the songs as deeply personal, while Nigel Foster (Blues in Britain & Blues Matters) and Richard L'Hommidieu (Making a Scene) both called it an engaging listen that keeps the grit and heart of The 2:19 while letting the songs travel further. That's the sound you'll be hearing here—soulful vocals and the distinctive, sliding pull of the pedal steel.

Joel Harkin is a Belfast-based songwriter, producer and pedal-steel guitarist whose own work moves between folk, indie, country and alternative roots. He's also an NI Music Prize nominee, so he's not just playing along—he's a songwriter in his own right. Together they'll be playing an evening that spans blues, roots and Americana, with the pedal steel taking a prominent role.

The night is presented by Monday Club Events in conjunction with The Harrison Hotel, and it's set up as an intimate cabaret with tables and candlelight. Capacity is strictly limited to 30 seats, and there are no door sales, so you'll need to book in advance if you want to be there. Doors open at 8:00pm, and the music starts at 8:30pm.