Name: George Murphy
Start: 2026-08-18T19:30:00-05:00
Location: Blue Strawberry STL

“The most exciting vocal find in Ireland.” -Phil Coulter
George Murphy exploded onto the Irish music scene after his appearances on the RTE Television show “You’re a Star.” Just out of secondary school at age 17, he signed to Sony Ireland and his debut album ‘Dreamed A Dream’ went to No.1 in the Irish charts. Gorge is as gifted a storyteller as he is a singer. As a member of The High Kings, he toured internationally with them for two years, performing lead vocals on on classic ballads like “Raglan Road” and “Sweet Sixteen.” He has toured and collaborated with The Dubliners as a special guest. In 2019, he left The High Kings to front his own band, The Rising Sons. George is a much-in-demand headliner at festivals, and continues to perform in pubs and intimate listening rooms all over Ireland. His performance at Blue Strawberry features Sebastian McLaughlin on Banjo and Mandolin, and is comprised of George’s favorite trad Irish songs, as well as some originals.
Originally from Donegal, Sebastian McLaughlin is now a Long Island–based multi-instrumentalist specializing in Irish traditional music on tenor banjo and mandolin. He draws influence from Americana, bluegrass, folk, punk, rock, and blues. Coming from a musical family, he is related to renowned traditional musicians Martin Tourish and Ciarán Tourish of Altan. Originally rooted in rock and punk guitar, Sebastian discovered Irish music through bands such as The Pogues, The Popes, and the songwriting of Shane MacGowan. Those influences led him to the tenor banjo and helped shape a distinctive musical style that blends authentic Irish trad with the energy and attitude of punk and folk-rock. He has performed throughout the United States, Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland with bands including Duffy’s Cut, Streams of Whiskey, Dark Streets, East River Crossing, Mickey Finn’s, George Murphy, earning a reputation for energetic live performances and a unique crossover approach to traditional Irish music.