Singer and songwriter Paul Casey launches a four date tour of the North taking in Strule Arts Centre in Omagh on Friday, May 30, with other performances in Strabane, Derry and Coleraine.

Paul says, "I'm really looking forward to touring Northern Ireland again. I've just come back from supporting Chris Rea where I got my first chance to see and play in the Royal Albert Hall, London. Playing at home is always special and I can't wait."

Born in Co. Derry, Paul Casey displays an exceptional command of slide guitar. He has been compared to artists from David Gray to Damien Rice, Dave Matthews to Ben Harper, Gomez to Ryan Adams. However, Paul is an individual who makes up his own rules and carves his own niche when song-writing and recording.

Having finished his third album following hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed Slow Water, the new offering, entitled Blow Away The Clouds, presents 11 new tracks that switch effortlessly from lavish string arrangements to beautifully crafted acoustic songs.

Last year Paul was special guest on Chris Rea's Farewell Tour and performed Fool If You Think It's Over on Chris's Road to Hell and Back DVD. Rea took the apprentice under his wing after hearing a demo tape and has described Paul as "a talent like this comes along only once in a long while."

Recently, three of Casey's songs were used on the hit American Television series Wildfire, opening the door to a massive audience across the pond. This is combined with the prospect of a UK release in the near future for the new album. On the live scene, Casey is very much at home playing with a full band. The unassuming artist has performed on the same bill with artists such as Van Morrison, the John Butler Trio, Damien Rice and Gemma Hayes.

Tickets to see Paul Casey cost £12.50 and are available from Strule Arts Centre box office 028 8224 7831 or at www.struleartscentre.co.uk.