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Willie Drennan is a traditional musician, storyteller, poet and writer, who draws much of his material from the Ulster Scots cultural traditions of his native County Antrim.



He also travelled and worked extensively in Europe and North America, between 1976 and 1997.

  • His most recent achievements since returning to Northern Ireland include directing and fronting the Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra and associated folk bands in over 800 performances. 2001 to 2009.

  • Published 'Wee Book’ and accompanying CD published by Ullans Press.  2004

  • Producing thirteen CD recordings for the Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra Association.

  • Creating and developing an Ulster-Scots Youth/Schools Programme, 1998- 2009.

  • Researched and scripted stage show entitled Fae Lang Syne: the story of Ulster-Scots from ancient times to the present day, told through narration, music, song and dance.  Performed at 24 theatres/festivals.  2004-2006

  • Produced CD recording entitled 'Oor Wee Scuil' – ‘Sangs and Rimes for Weans’ for the Ulster-Scots Primary School Project at Stranmillis University, Belfast.   2003

  • Recitation of poems for CD recording.  Newtownabbey Borough Council's 'Sentry Hill Museum Project'.   2003

  • Presented several radio shows for BBC Radio Ulster's 'Kist O Wurds' programme.  2005-2008

  • Presented a series of 8 television shows for BBC NI called, 'A Dander with Drennan'.  2005-2008.  Background music composed/produced by Willie Drennan. Featured on RTE  TV documentary, ‘Cultures of Ulster’.  2005

  • Published book entitled 'Big Lang Danner' exploring cultural links with South West Scotland. Published by Ulllans Press 2007./p>

  • Created and scripted stage show ‘An Ulster Address to Rabbie Burns’.  Performed at 12 theatres/festivals in 2009.

  • Founded 'The Ulster Folk', a grassroots arts and culture periodical and website, July 2010.  Currently editor of this publication.

  • Recorded CD entitled 'Journey To Orion', by Willie Drennan Wired Up. This album is a new musical direction; fusing trad and roots with rock and blues. December 2011.

 

Venues/ Festivals include:

Toronto Storytelling Festival, Emory University in Atlanta, Cave Run Storytelling Festival in Kentucky, Morehead University, Frankfort Folklife Festival, Flight of the Earls Festival in Rome, Hammersmith Irish Centre, Manchester Irish Festival, Festival at the Edge, Eden Arts Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, Portpatrick Folk Festival, Seacat Storytelling Festival,  Wigtown Book Festival, Boyle Arts Festival,  National Museum of Ireland, University of Limerick, Maiden City Festival, Verbal Arts Centre, Ulster Storytelling Festival, Belfast Waterfront, Belfast Festival at Queens, Belfast Orangefest, Belfast Literary Festival, Belfast Children’s Festival.

                                            

                                
                                 
         
email: info@williedrennan.com or see details on CONTACT page.