The Jack Houston Band have reached the finals of Battle of The Folk Bands 2025. The competition will be held at Celtic Connections on January 18th in the Drygate Brewery at 1pm. Why not come along and join in the fun?
We asked Jack of The Jack Houston Band a few questions about the band.
Tell us about your band
The Jack Houston Band was formed following the release of Jack Houston’s solo debut album ‘ÓMÓS’ in 2023. Having met in the sessions of Glasgow, the group brings together musicians from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Northumberland, and Donegal.
Band members Megan MacDonald, Galen Brook, Nicky Kirk, and Eòghainn Beaton blend Irish and Scottish traditions, with Jack Houston’s compositions and style of playing deeply rooted in the fiddle music of Donegal.
Who are the band members
Jack Houston – Fiddle
Megan MacDonald – Accordion
Nicky Kirk – Guitar
Eòghainn Beaton – Bodhrán
Galen Brook – Mandolin
What are you hopes and aspirations for the band?
Jack Houston’s debut album ‘Ómós’ (the Irish word for tribute), pays homage to the people, places, and musicians that were important to him in his formative years in Donegal and Scotland. Using thoughtful arrangements and musical motifs, inspired by the cultural links between Ireland and Scotland, the Jack Houston Band aims to continue to engage audiences with their love of music as a powerful storytelling device.
Check out the band’s website.
The winners will receive a day in the GloWormRecording studio and a performance at Celtic Connections 2026. Battle of The Folk Bands is a Hands Up for Trad project. Read about the organisation and join our weekly Scottish music information email here.
If you would like to support the work of Hands Up for Trad you can do here.