Ayanna Irish
City Winery NYC presents Ayanna Irish live on Friday, October 9th, at 7:00 PM(opens in a new tab)!(opens in a new tab)
Born into a multigenerational family of Caribbean musicians, Ayanna Irish was immersed in music from the very beginning. Her talent revealed itself early, and by the age of five her parents enrolled her in piano studies, envisioning a foundation in classical training. At just six years old, she completed her first international examinations with the Royal School of Music in London. During this formative period, Ayanna also performed as part of a family quartet alongside her mother, father, and brother, opening major concerts led by her father and gaining invaluable stage experience at a remarkably young age.
Ayanna’s artistry is deeply tied to her cultural heritage. She recorded the official version of “Motherland,” the Montserrat National Song composed by her father, Dr. George Irish, further cementing her role as a musical ambassador for the island. In the United States, she became a familiar and respected voice, performing the U.S. National Anthem for the Brooklyn Nets on more than 20 occasions—an achievement recognized with a special award from the team in 2023.
Her career has spanned genres and global platforms. Ayanna has collaborated with Kanye West on a single from the Mission: Impossible soundtrack and makes an appearance in the Netflix Kanye West Documentary “Jeen Yuhs” and can be heard on Jadakiss’s track “Can’t Stop Me.” Her voice and presence have also graced some of the world’s most prominent stages, opening for artists such as Mariah Carey, Brian McKnight, Rod Stewart, and Ricky Martin at the Walmart Shareholders Concert in Arkansas, under the musical direction of the late Emmy Award–winning Katreese Barnes.
Despite personal tragedy, Ayanna’s resilience has remained a defining force. In 2000, she suffered the sudden loss of her mother, who was St. Lucian–born, and in 2004 survived a near-fatal car accident in New York City. Rather than halting her journey, these moments deepened her purpose. Legendary soul icon Patti LaBelle discovered Ayanna’s demo recording of “If Only You Knew” and invited her on tour. Night after night, Patti shared the stage with her during performances of the song, introducing Ayanna to audiences as “the future of music.”
Following the loss of her father, Dr. J.A. George Irish, on February 12, 2019, Ayanna once again channeled grief into creation. She released her debut R&B single, “All Or Nothing,” produced by platinum-selling producers Heatmakerz, marking a powerful new chapter in her career. Her momentum continued as she was invited by the Mayor of New Rochelle to headline the city’s first-ever New Year’s Eve concert in 2024.
In June 2025, Ayanna reached another milestone, headlining her first solo concert at the legendary City Winery NYC, which was a major success. As she looks ahead, her artistry continues to evolve. Her highly anticipated single “Dear Friend,” featuring Talib Kweli, has been released —further affirming Ayanna Irish as a voice of depth, legacy, and enduring musical impact.
🍽️ We provide food and beverage service directly to your table in the venue. Or, for an expanded menu and more relaxed experience, arrive early and enjoy a meal in our restaurant before the show. When dining in the restaurant, reservations are encouraged and can be made via Resy starting one month before the show. View Our Concert Dining Menu.(opens in a new tab)
Reserve your preferred wine by filling out this form(opens in a new tab) and have a bottle waiting at your table when you arrive at your show. No more waiting for your first drink! We will save your wine preference and have a bottle at your table for all future shows. When you want to change your wine, come back to this form and update your preference.
🎶 While we do not require a two-item food or beverage minimum, we strongly encourage it. Most ticket revenue goes directly to the artist and production costs, so food and drink purchases help support the staff, service, and atmosphere that make these intimate shows possible.
The good news: we think you’ll love the food and wine just as much as the show.
🍷 Members get 48 hour early access to new shows, pay no ticket fees, and earn points to exchange for complimentary tickets. Vinofile VIP+ members also receive many wine benefits. Add a membership to your cart during checkout to start saving now. Already a member? Make sure you are signed in to access your benefits. Become a Vinofile Member and enjoy the benefits today.(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)
