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Hello AmeriCeltic Reader,

• On Friday, November 6th, at 7:00 PM the Tannahill Weavers continue their Fall tour, in Redding, CA, with 6 more West Coast cities to follow. (See Below)
• On Friday, November 6th at 7:00 PM, the United Irish Cultural Center hosts The Charlie O’Leary Story. All these events happen at the UICC’S large facility in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• On Friday, November 6th, at 7:30 PM, Irish-Amerian band Solas will perform at Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, CA, followed by four more shows on the West Coast. (See Below)
• On Saturday, November 7th, at 6:00 PM, it’s the 161th Saint Andrews Society of San Francisco Annual Banquet & Ball at United Irish Cultural Center, in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, November 7th, at 7:00 PM, the new Bay Area based Irish band Glúin plays a house concert at Cope-a-Cabana in San Jose, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, November 7th, at 7:00 PM, Eamonn Flynn’s new band, Dublinesque, continues their tour of the West Coast at Occidental Center For The Arts in Occidental, CA, with four more West Coast shows coming. (See Below)
• New! Linn Phipps hosts two song events on Zoom each month. On Friday, November 13th, at 11:00 AM, Scottish Gaelic singer Linn Phipps hosts Srùbag, a Gaelic singing session, with special guest Christine Lawless. On Saturday, November 14th, at 10:00 AM Pacific, Linn hosts Siansadh/Learn Gaelic Song. Both are accessible from anywhere Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Friday, November 13th, at 12:00 PM, the Yachats Celtic Music Festival returns with 3 days of the best of the West Coast in idyllic Yachats, OR. (See Below)
• New! On Saturday, November 14th, Scottish Gaelic enthusiasts will meet at 1:30 PM in the covered patio near Playback Coffee at the San Pedro Square Market in San Jose, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, November 21st at 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM, it’s the The Misfit and the Mean One Scottish Dance show at the Starbright Theater in Campbell, CA. (See Below)
• New! On Tuesday, November 24th, at 7:00 PM, the Irish Christmas in America holiday show begins their live, in person tour at the Gallo Center For the Arts, in Modesto, CA, with six more West Coast stops to follow. (See Below)

• On Fridays, from 5:00 PM on, Pub Scouts, plays great tunes at Duffy’s Tavern in Chico, CA. (See Below)
• There are several monthly Chantey Sings hosted by San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. On the 1st Saturday of the month from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in person at the Maritime Museum in San Francisco, CA. On the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of the month, another in-person Chantey Sing is held at the Mare Island Coal Sheds in Vallejo, CA. Lastly, on the 4th Saturday of each month, at 11:00 AM, the San Francisco Virtual Chantey Sing at 11:00 AM happens Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Sundays, from 12:00 PM Pacific (8:00 UK) time / Maria Hawthorn Boyle hosts the Loch Down Folk Club, timed so friends from the US and Canada can all join in, Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Sundays, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, there is a Turf in the Bog performance at Yosemite Wine Tails in Oakhurst, CA. (See Below)
• On the last Sunday of each month, join Alexandra Annen for a Irish traditional instrumental music session at Sayla Music Academy in Lodi, CA. (See Below)
• On First Sundays, Grass Valley based Three Times Through plays at Grass Valley Brewing Company in Grass Valley, CA, plus several other weekend dates around the Gold Country of California. (See Below)
• On the first Sunday of the month, from 11 AM – 1 PM Pacific / 2 PM – 4 PM Eastern time, Lynn Noel hosts the Mermaid’s Tavern Ballad sing-around, online via Zoom from her home studio. (See Below)
• Beginning Sunday, April 5th, and on the 1st Sunday of every month, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, the Savage Craic Irish session performs at The Mad Dog in the Fog, 1568 Haight St., San Francisco, CA. See Details
• On 2nd Sundays at 5:00 PM, 1st Thursdays at 8:00 PM, and other Thursdays at 8:30 PM, Irish Dance – San Francisco Bay Area organizes Irish set dancing in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• Phoenix Folk Ltd. was established in 2009 by Maurice Condie, Adam Holden & Marina Dodgson to promote participation and performance in folk and acoustic music, song and dance across the North East of England, and since the COVID lockdowns, they have expanded into the online world. Currently, they host three weekly online events on Zoom, happening at 8:00 PM UK / 12:00 PM Pacific on Monday’s, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Mondays at 9:00 AM Pacific and Wednesdays at 3:00 PM Pacific, moreGaelic hosts Scottish Gaelic language events live on Zoom. (See Below)
• On Mondays, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM Pacific Time, Mark Wallis & Alix Sandra Huntley-Speirs host the Moosehead Traditional Irish Music Session, a participatory online Irish instrumental music event, timed so our friends from Ireland and the UK and join in. Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Mondays, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM Pacific Time, Irish born Maureen McNally hosts the Ag Teacht Le Cheile Irish Session, a participatory online Irish music event timed so our friends from Ireland and the UK can join in. Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Mondays, from 6:00 – 7:15 PM at her home in Sebastopol, CA, Suzuki Cady gives Irish Music Classses for All Instruments. (See Below)
• Steel Bonnet Brewing Company offers beer, street grub and Scottish attitude as well as Celtic music and events in Scotts Valley, CA. (See Below)
• On Mondays, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM, the Celtic Arts Center offers beginner level Irish classes online via Zoom and a full evening of Celtic in-person music and dance at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood, CA. (See Below)
• On Wednesdays, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM Pacific Time, Tony Becker, hosts the Trans-Atlantic Session, an online traditional music event, featuring a mix of instrumental and vocal performances, timed so participants from Ireland and the UK can join in. Later on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM Pacific, Tony hosts the Pacific Evening Session. (See Below)
• On Wednesdays, John Whelan conducts his free Play Along Sessions: Tune Learning at 3:00 PM Pacific and Taking Time at 4:00 PM both Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On the 2nd Wednesday of each month, at 7:00 PM, Irish American Writers and Artists West’s Lori Cassels hosts a salon of local artists at Slainte Pub in Berkeley, CA. (See Below)
• Every Wednesday, at 8:00 PM Los Angeles based Stepwise, a young traditional band born of the COVID Pandemic by founders Liam Lewis and Olivia Breidenthal, performs at Griffins of Kinsale in South Pasadena, CA. (See Below)
• The Philo-Celtic Society offers four full quarters of multiple free classes focused on learning the Irish Language, and some quarters include classes in Irish Song. Fall Quarter 2024 classes began in mid-September and run through December, and include a Children’s Reading Class. All are accessible to everyone everywhere, Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Wednesdays, at at 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern / 5 – 6:30 PM Pacific, and again on Thursdays at 8 – 9:30 PM Pacific / 11 – 12:30 AM Eastern, Autumn Rhodes teaches Irish Session Repertoire for All Instruments online via Zoom from San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• On 1st Thursdays, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Pacific Time, multi-instrumentalist Michael Eskin hosts the The Ould Sod Virtual Irish Sessions, the best and most popular participatory online Irish traditional music event. (See Below)
• On Thursdays, at 6:00 PM Pacific Time, One Eyed Reilly plays at The Delta King Bar & Grill in Sacramento, CA, and can be heard at several other venues in the Sacramento Valley. (See Below)
• On third Thursdays, at 6:00 PM, Phillip Taylor leads a Irish/Scottish tune learning session at the Strum Shop in Roseville, CA. (See Below)

• Co-Founder Cecilia Fabos-Becker’s e-book Ancestry & DNA: Beyond the basics, is available for download now! (See Below)
• On Fridays from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, (Pacific time) as well as Mondays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Tuesdays – Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Online or In-Person, Oakhurst, CA born Cedar Dobson is offering lessons in all types of Irish whistles from Gandharva Loka World Music Store in Central Dublin, Ireland. Cedar is also gathering donations on gofundme to produce physical CDs of her new album, Decade. Click here to make a donation. (See Below)
• Wm. Glen & Son and their Whisky Shop offer all manner of Scottish goods, from Kilts to Whisky, from their shop in downtown San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• Slainte Pub continues to provide a proper Irish Pub experience at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. (See Below)
• Now in their 3rd year, Willow on the Green, operated by friend of the family Alex Sinclair and located on 9th Avenue in San Francisco, CA, is especially convenient to Golden Gate Park, and caters to the park revelers, offering a unique array of ready to eat culinary delights. (See Below)
• Well known Flying Scot and all round traditional musician David Brewer has launched his online music lessons, accessible to anyone, anywhere Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• The Starry Plough is now open everyday, with all the events it’s many long term customers had before the pandemic, in Berkeley, CA. (See Below)
• Music and Dance have returned to the cherished San Francisco, CA Celtic cultural institution, The Plough and the Stars, now open from Wednesday through Sunday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM. (See Below)
• Sport your Celtic heritage! AmeriCeltic offers a colorful array of items, each emblazoned with the AmeriCeltic logo. (See Below)
• The Celtic Tea Shoppe, in San Jose is your source for Celtic and Celtic inspired carry-out fresh baked foods, confections and rare teas. (See Below)
• With an extensive selection of instruments and instructional material from around the world, Lark In The Morning in Berkeley, CA is open for in person and online sales and lessons. (See Below)

Scan our feature articles below, or as always, you can click here to check the full listings on our website.

Every Saturday, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, there are Irish Traditional Music Fast Sessions in the UICC’s Emerald Pub. On Saturdays, at 4:00 PM, join us for Seisiún Saturday, a night of shared tunes, tradition, and community.

On the First Saturday of every month, there are free, Irish Traditional Music Slow Sessions in the UICC’s Members’s Room.
Email Matt Moore for details.

Youth Music Classes are ongoing at UICC-SF. On Mondays, drumming classes at 5:00 PM, on Wednesdays for fiddle at 7:00 PM and on Thursdays at 7:00 PM for tin whistle and bag pipe classes. They are gauging interest in button accordion classes, and organizing a youth ceili band. These music classes are offered in partnership with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann, Cooley Keegan Branch, and scholarships are available to defray the cost of tuition. For info., email class instructor Dan Cotter terrimaverick@yahoo.com or call him at 650-784-9347, or email organizer Liam Reidy lreidy@irishcentersf.org or call him at 415-860-1854.

The United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco (UICC-SF) operates a large event facility serving the Irish and other Cultural communities, in the Sunset District near the San Francisco Zoo. Thanks to our hard working small staff and dozens of volunteers, the UICC Wawona Gates Outdoor Dining has operated a bustling outdoor dining space under a 1,800 square foot open-sided canopy since January 2021, and offers indoor events in their St. Francis Room as well as their spacious Saint Patrick’s Room!

UICC website
UICC Facebook Page

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Tannahill Weavers

The Tannahill Weavers, from Scotland, bring Traditional Celtic music at its best!

In the late 18th and early 19th century, Scottish Highlanders were being driven from their lands and into the burgeoning Lowland factory systems. This brought two distinct cultures together, the mystic Celtic culture of the North and the old Anglo/Scots culture of the Lowlands. They were married by the double-barreled shotgun of necessity and the Industrial Revolution. But this forced union brought forth a cultural heritage which, thanks to people like Robert Burns and Robert Tannahill, outlasted the worst of the Industrial Revolution.

It married the mystic beauty of the Celtic music to the coarse, brawling, but vitally human music, poetry, and ballads of the Lowlands. It is precisely this strangely moving yet lustily stirring quality that the Tannahill Weavers have captured in their arrangements of Scotland’s traditional music and songs. Their material is traditional, but as good musicians should, they have transformed it and brought it into the modern world, vitally alive and kicking. A show not to miss!

These Weavers have been THE stand out among Scotland’s premier traditional bands, for over 56 years, weaving the beauty of classic melodies with the power of modern rhythms. The Tannahill Weavers’ diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, haunting ballads and a good dose of humour. Their new album Òrach (“Golden” in Gaelic) was released in 2019.

Tannahill Weavers videos:
Gordon Duncan Set (recorded by Ceòlmhor at the Piping Live festival):
https://youtu.be/O_uCtdMec7Q

Johnnie Cope (recorded at the Paisley Arts Centre):
https://youtu.be/AOU0DHxm1eI

The group features founding member Roy Gullane on guitar and lead vocals, founding member Phil Smillie on flute, whistles, bodhrán, harmony vocals and bodhran, Alistair McCulloch on fiddle, harmony vocals, and Iain MacGillivray on highland bagpipes, fiddle, whistles.

‘The Tannahill Weavers – properly harnessed – could probably power an entire city for a year on the strength of last night’s concert alone. The music may be old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll.‘ — Winnipeg Free Press

Tannahill Weavers Info:
www.tannahillweavers.com |
tannahillweavers@aol.com |
https://www.facebook.com/tannahillweavers

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Solas

‘Solas‘ means ‘light’ in Irish. Solas began in New York City in 1995 and went on to become one of the most acclaimed Irish-American bands of its generation.

For more than 30 years, Solas has taken the traditions of Irish music and given them a fresh, energetic sound, mixing fiddle, flute, whistle, accordion, guitar and vocals with influences from folk, bluegrass and Americana.

Founding member Séamus Egan co-wrote the music that became Sarah McLachlan’s hit ‘I Will Remember You,’ while fiddler Winifred Horan is an All-Ireland champion fiddler and award-winning Irish step dancer.

This is an amazing group of musicians, and seeing Solas live is something special.

Moira Smiley – lead vocals
Alan G. Murray – guitar + vocals
Seamus Egan – banjo
John Williams – button accordion + vocals
Winifred Horan – fiddle

In this video, Solas plays “Tell God and the Devil” live from The Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho. https://youtu.be/_-VvEXm4C8M

Website: https://solastheband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/solasmusic/

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Saint Andrew’s Society Annual Ball

Saint Andrew’s Society of San Francisco has the best ceilidhs and is thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated 161st Annual Banquet & Ball, a signature event known for its Scottish cultural significance.

Join us for this event at the United Irish Cultural Center for an evening of Scottish heritage, music, dance, and community in a fun, family-friendly setting!

This year, we’re refreshing the format to create a more relaxed, lively celebration while keeping the traditions we cherish. Scottish attire is encouraged—think kilts, weskits, sashes, and tartan flair. (We’re giving the Prince Charlie jackets the night off.)

Guests will enjoy:
• Buffet-style dinner featuring hearty fare
• Live music throughout the evening
• Scottish Ceilidh Dancing with a professional caller
• Plenty of social dancing for all experience levels

All of this in a warm, welcoming atmosphere open to members, friends, families, and the wider community – The Banquet & Ball is open to everyone. 

Dancers under 12 are FREE. Your attendance supports scholarships, cultural programming, and charitable initiatives that strengthen Scottish heritage across the Bay Area.

We look forward to sharing a spirited night of dancing, music, and fellowship with you.

Click here for FULL DETAILS.

The Saint Andrews Society of San Francisco welcomes you to share in this exceptional celebration, embracing tradition, philanthropy, and cherished memories at the 161st Annual Banquet & Ball. Together, we elevate Scottish culture and extend support to those in need.

Saint Andrews Society of San Francisco Website: https://saintandrewssocietysf.org/

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Gluin

Gluin is an Irish band from all over the San Francisco Bay Area. Glúin is the Irish Gaelige word for ‘generation’ which is reflected with 4 generations in the band! The band features multiple vocalists, fiddle, bodhran, guitar, and bouzouki.

Shea Gaier: located in the east bay, Shea has 27 years of fiddle playing experience, and has been singing since childhood as well. She grew up playing in sessions in Los Angeles county with her mother and was taught fiddle by Jan Tappan and Kira Ott. Shea has a particular interest in the northern traditions of Irish music, particularly the Donegal, Oriel, Tyrone, and Fermanagh styles. Her first album called ‘The Strawberry Beds’ is out now. Outside of music, she is a Community Health worker and Wellness Coach.

Peter Kwangjun Suk: located in the South Bay, Peter grew up in Pennsylvania and developed interest in Irish music as a student at Dartmouth when he was 19. He plays whistle and bodhran and qualified for the Fleadh Cheoil in Enniscorthy for over 18 tin whistle in 2000. He also taught tin whistle at the Riley school for Irish music from the late 90s to the early 2000s. Outside of music, he has been coding since he was 11 years old.

Ben Wise: Located in the East bay, Ben has been playing guitar and has been singing for a few years. He was inspired to dive into the tradition by listening to ‘The Dubliners’. He likes singing pub style songs and he is an aspiring animator.

Drew Bagdasarian: Located in San Francisco, Drew plays the bouzouki. He also plays guitar and played bluegrass and rock and roll before starting Irish music. Outside of music, he is a business owner and enjoys traveling.

Their 1st Album, The Strawberry Beds, is available on Bandcamp: https://sheagaier.bandcamp.com/album/the-strawberry-beds

Website: https://gluinmusic.com/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GluinMusic
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Gl%C3%BAin-Music-61590474660512/
Instagram: @gluinmusic
Email: Shea Gaier sgaier@usfca.edu

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Eamonn Flynn forges his own brand of Irish soul, and his new quartet, Dublinesque,brings his deep soul and gospel roots together with the Irish music traditions he was raised on.

The band brings together three talented Bay Area Irish traditional musicians: fellow Irishman Félim Egan (The Black Brothers) on accordion, local favorite Darcy Noonan on fiddle, and from the Basque Country, Spain, Hector Bragado on banjo.

The band’s new album, Dublinesque, is now available for preview or purchase on Bandcamp. It includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads.

Along with old standards and original new songs, this performance features lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, accordion, banjo and piano and takes a memorable glimpse into the past and present of Ireland’s capital. You will meet a cast of her characters through the years – from street poets to ladies of the night, rebels to street traders, the nobility to the denizens of Dublin’s infamous tenements. Through it all the indomitable spirit, pride, and wit of Dublin not only perseveres but triumphs.

Dublin-born singer-songwriter/pianist Flynn got his start with The Commitments, a hit film about an Irish soul band, and has since worked with American blues and R&B stars Elvin Bishop, Maria Muldaur, Evelyn Champagne King, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters), The Ray Charles Project, and many more. He also kept a hand in Irish music playing with Shay and Michael Black and Finbar Furey and has played piano and organ for many years at San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church.

Eamonn says:
‘Dublinesque is my attempt to recreate the kind of parties we had in my parents’ house, growing up in Dublin,’ explains Flynn. ‘There’d be neighbours and friends, and it would always end up as a sing-song/jam session. Everyone would participate – if you couldn’t hold a tune, you’d perform a ‘recitation’ or tell a joke! This is also my chance to play with some of my favorite musicians and recreate those parties!

‘There was never any delineation between genres of music – whether it was Irish tunes and ballads, soul music, or a Beatles song,’ he emphasizes.

Website: https://eamonnflynnanddublinesque.com/

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On the Second Friday of each month, Linn Phipps hosts a Srùbag Gaelic singing session online via Zoom. Linn always invites a Special Guest to add an exciting new element to each occurance – check the box at left for full details. For this one we welcome Dr. Christine Lawless as our special Guest.

Christine Lawless

Dr. Christine Lawless has had a career performing as soloist, and/or choir member for a number of Chicago-area churches, including Holy Name Cathedral, St Francis Xavier in LaGrange, and Mary Queen of Heaven in Elmhurst. Christine began a life-long interest in singing Irish traditional songs as principal soloist in a series of Irish historical plays (Celtic Tracery) at St. Thomas More Church in the 1980s.

Lawless won her first Midwest Fleadh in 1988 in Ladies English Ballads and was a finalist in the All-Ireland singing competition that same year in Kilkenny. In 2025, she won all 3 singing disciplines (English Singing, Irish Singing, Lilting) at the Midwest Fleadh.

Today, Christine teaches traditional Irish Singing to group classes at Chicago’s two Irish Cultural Centers, and to private students via Zoom. She has coached 9 students over the past 2 years to win the Midwest Fleadh, and qualify for the All-Ireland.

Dr. Lawless created the Chicago Irish Singers performance team in 2024, and serves as its Executive Director. The team performs at cultural centers, Irish Fests, libraries, pubs, schools, fundraisers, retirement homes, and private events.

When not singing, Dr. Lawless has had a distinguished career as a cardiologist.

Srùbag has become an ambassador for Gàidhlig and Celtic languages and we all enjoy joining in the Srùbag adventure, whether occasional or regular. As usual everyone who wants to join in to listen to or to sing a Celtic language (Scottish/Irish Gaelic, Breton or Welsh) song is very welcome, as are ceilidh songs so we can all join in.

There are a lot of pre-recorded ceilidhs out there – we wanted to create a space for sharing Gaelic songs live online. Scottish and Irish Gaelic songs are welcome, as are songs from the wider Celtic family such as Breton songs. We have a monthly Guest singer and additionally the song turn goes round the virtual ‘Room’. Please drop in and bring your own Srùbag (cuppa) and a song, or drop in to listen. Please see our Facebook page or contact me at linnphipps@gmail.com for the Zoom link and/or more information.

Our clocks have changed so our evenings in the UK and indeed all of Europe are now much darker and more wintry, and I’m looking ahead to our next Siansadh on Saturday November, 14th, 6:00 PM UK with Heire Bannag. Also known as Duan Nollaig, this is an ancient Scottish Gaelic Christmas and New Year chant/carol from the Western Isles (Hebrides) of Scotland.

Please see attached sheet from Canasg site with links to their tune sheet and midi file, also a link to the song as recorded by Fiona Mackenzie for her Album of the same name. I’m also attaching a simple sound file of myself saying the words and singing the song.

Our Christmas Ceilidh (and Xmas song or any song or verse you have learnt from Siansadh) will be on Friday, December 11th 6:00 PM UK time – all December Saturdays are going to be Choir Concerts/family birthdays being the way it all falls just this year, sorry.

Link for both is our usual recurrent link and our flyer is attached:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87386315441?pwd=coFKaoN22jbSz6vJKGfT1uVLEYHlI8.1
Meeting ID: 873 8631 5441,
Passcode: 799058

ZOOM plays tricks re dates – please ignore any date & time info it flashes up!!!!!**

Linn Phipps

Linn Phipps is a Royal National Mod Medallist having won the Silver Pendant (the highest solo singing prize for learners of Scottish Gaelic) in 2008, along with many other national Gaelic song competitions.

For the past several years, Linn has hugely enjoyed participating as a Regular in Zoom sings around the world, now over 1000 folk and shanty sings, from Western to Eastern USA, through to Ireland (including An Goilin and SEAC), UK, Brittany, Paris and Australia.

Linn Zoom-hosts two monthly, free Zoom meetings: Learn-Gaelic-Song session and Srùbag, a monthly Gaelic/Celtic language sing based in Edinburgh. She has contributed to many folk festivals, both in person and online, from the USA to Australia. Linn maintains several Youtube channels featuring solo songs, as well as collaborations with Australia, Gaelic songs ‘Cho sean ris na cnuic’ and ‘Tha mi duilich, cianail, duilich’, and ‘Amazon’ (about the burning rainforest).

Linn has issued 5 CDs: ‘Andes to Antarctica’ (live-recording from on-ship in Antarctica), Leth Linn (re-issue), Salute to Rona Lightfoot (double CD, Rona’s life and piping stories, Rona’s piping songs and piping of the tunes/ pibrochs, all on Linn’s Website to listen or buy. Linn’s latest CD, Sillertides, is co-singing project with Doug Huggins in Colorado. It is available on bandcamp at sillertides.bandcamp.com, and the launch concert is available on the Sillertides’ Youtube channel at https://bit.ly/3hzmYNC.

Email Linn LLPhipps@aol.com
Check Linn’s website: https://linnphippsfolk.co.uk for more details.

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Now in its third decade of bringing world-class Celtic music to the idyllic Oregon coast, the Yachats Celtic Music Festival festival returns with a variety of free and ticketed concerts featuring a stunning lineup of musicians, vendors, workshops, and more.

Enjoy the music of Solas, Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter, Dallahan, Marco Caturegli, É.T.É , Caroline Keane & Tom Delany, If You Must Know, Cantrip, Biddy on the Bench, and Kevin Carr, our 2026 Piper on the Point.

Check out the Festival Website: http://yachatscelticmusicfestival.org

Check out the Festival Schedule

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Bay Area Scottish Gaelic

Cofaidh ‘s Cabadaich ann an California!

Calling all Bay Area California Scottish Gaelic learners! Ciamar a tha sibh? Come to a meetup for Bay Area Scottish Gaelic learners in San Jose. These Meetups are informal with conversation and singing in Scottish Gaelic. This time, we will meet at San Pedro Square Market in the covered patio near Playback Coffee.

Thig ‘nar measg, gabh cupa do chofaidh neo thì, agus gabh a’ sàs ‘s a’ chòmhradh! Come along, have a cup of coffee or tea, and join in the conversation – and maybe a song or two.

Reach out to bayareagaelic@gmail.com for more info. Bidh fàilte ro na h-uileadh! Everyone welcome.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2885661495145171/
Email Ceana: bayareagaelic@gmail.com

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Sponsored by the San Jose School of Highland Dancing, The Misfit and the Mean One is our annual holiday Extravaganza and Fundraiser!

Join us for a whimsical double feature where unlikely holiday heroes take the stage! From guiding Santa’s sleigh through a stormy night to stealing away Christmas cheer to a snowy peak, it’s a holiday adventure bound to make every heart grow three sizes.

Featuring high-energy Scottish Highland dancing, traditional country dancing, and live bagpipes—this is one festive celebration that will go down in history.

Also at the event before the show and during the intermissions: Bake Sale and Scottish Raffle (Cash, Checks, and Credit Cards Accepted)

• Dancers from the San Jose School of Highland Dancing
• Professional Solo piper Bruce Cotter
• The Macintosh Pipe Band
• Red Thistle Country Dancers

Website: https://www.sanjosehighlanddance.com/

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Irish Christmas in America

Now in its 21st season, Irish Christmas in America brings together world-class musicians, singers, and dancers in an intimate and engaging performance rich in history, humor, and boundless energy. Pensive ballads, lively instrumentals, and thrilling Irish dance, plus evocative photographic images, create an enchanting start to the holiday season.

Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil / That Night in Bethlehem, sung by Caitríona Sherlock
The Wren’s Nest with Caoimhín Ó Fearghaíl on Uillean Pipes

Produced and lead by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada of the award-winning Irish group Téada, this year’s family-friendly performance features 2 new multi-instrumentalist / singers. Jack Warnock from Maghera, Co. Derry as well as Laura Jo, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Longford, Ireland.

The cast also includes Gráinne Hambly, Irish Harp, Concertina, and Caoimhín Ó Fearghaíl, Uilleann Pipes, Flute with lively instrumental tunes and thrilling Irish old-style dancing by Samantha Harvey, this is a holiday celebration to remember. This family-friendly performance offers a view into some of the rich historical traditions of the Emerald Isle.

The show was originally conceived to share traditional, if sometimes unknown, seasonal Irish customs in a heartfelt demonstration of how music kept early Irish immigrants close to home as they made their way in the new world and powerful photographic images provide a backdrop to rich historical traditions of Ireland.

Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas, as the finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you a fun-filled start to the holiday season.

Check out the Website: Irish Christmas in America

‘Lively and reflective…a powerful evocation of the season‘

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Pub Scouts

The Pub Scouts, an Irish band, plays every Friday (30+ years) at Duffy’s Tavern, Chico, from 5pm-8pm.

A Chico Tradition for over 30 years – Great Tunes – Good Friends – Cocktails and Pints

pubscouts@mac.com

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SF Virtual Chantey Sing on Zoom

The San Francisco Chantey Sing is a beloved Bay Area musical tradition. Chanteys are the work songs of seafaring, dock labor, fishing and rowing, are one of the most compelling ways to celebrate our maritime heritage. International and multi-cultural in scope, they tell stories of life in long-ago History, but resonate today with tales of bravery, fear, international port of call, and of longing for a better life.

NPS Ranger Casey Fenton says:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park currently offers three chantey singing events per month.

• San Francisco: The event is held on the first Saturday of the month from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM at 900 Beach St, the Maritime Museum, 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA.
• Mare Island: The event is held from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM on 2nd or 3rd Saturdays, in person, at Mare Island Shipyard in Vallejo, CA. The events hosts two concurrent sings, one aboard the historic 1895 schooner, CA Thayer, as well as one in the coal sheds due to accessibility and occupancy concerns aboard CA Thayer. Reservations will not guarantee you a spot aboard the ship, but we will be trying to give everyone a chance to sing in the hold. If you would like to volunteer to assist with the event, please reach out to erin_conner@nps.gov. There is parking available at Mare Island. Public transportation is difficult, but possible and will require a 2.5 mile walk from the Vallejo Transit Center. There are two restaurants at Mare Island. Mare Island Brewing Company is at the Coal Shed. The Quarters Coffee House is half a mile from the ships. We will have bottled water available.
• Virtual: the virtual sing is held on the fourth Saturday of the month from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Pacific time Online via Zoom. Virtual Singing participants, who have signed up for performing slots in advance, will share their favorite songs, either accompanying themselves on traditional instruments, or a cappella. If not leading a song, no registration necessary. givebutter.com/ChanteySing activates on 4th Saturdays at 11:00 AM, where lead singers will be in the “Hollywood squares” (gallery view) and you can sing along from home! Visit https://maritime.org/events-home/chantey-sing for complete details, including links to an online signup sheet, instructions for lead singers, and some suggested virtual backgrounds (just in case your bunk isn’t completely ship-shape). You’ll need a good internet connection, and should be prepared to have fun!

For more information, please email casey_fenton@nps.gov or visit NPS.gov/SAFR. If you would like to attend one of the in person events, reservations would be appreciated at casey_fenton@nps.gov.

Donations to the Association are always welcome, especially during the events. https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoMaritimeNHP

The San Francisco Chantey Sings became a park program in 1981, led by it’s founding Park Ranger Dave Nettell from 1981 to 1989 aboard the Schooner C.A. Thayer and the square-rigged ship Balclutha. Over the years, the sings popularity, led by Park Rangers, required them to be held in a larger venue, and, up until Covid, were held aboard the historic ferry Eureka, garnering 100 to 200 people monthly.

If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating folk music tradition, the Park Maritime Research Center’s Chantey Pathfinder has links to books, music and scholarly journal articles at https://go.nps.gov/chanteyinfo.San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park includes a fleet of historic ships, Visitor Center, Maritime Museum, Maritime Research Center, and the Aquatic Park Historic District. Visit the Park online at http://www.nps.gov/safr

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Turf in the Bog

Eric Owens is an Irish flute player.

Eric Owens Says:

Every Sunday I play jigs and reels solo or with friends for 4 hours in the large room in the Yosemite Wine Tails wine bar. I’m joined by a bodhran player approx 25% of the time, but I also play with other friends as well as all across California under the name Turf in the Bog to include my musician friends from around the state.

Many such gigs have a completely different lineup, with some regulars as well depending on the location and venue. Last year we played the Kern County Scottish games, Oakhurst Harvest Festival, Tradfest West, Rock the Gates, Fairfax Irish Music Festival and many more events.

Some of these events can be viewed at my YouTube channel (see below).

On Saturdays, I attend the session at the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco. All levels are welcome and audience is welcome as well.

Eric Owens woden.eric@gmail.com
YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@ericowensflute

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Let’s Learn Irish is an online Irish community, providing daily classes, conversation sessions and workshops for learners throughout the world. First established by Dr. Ronan Connolly in Washington DC in 2009, the Let’s Learn Irish story of ‘the online Gaeltacht’ has resonated with a global online audience. Let’s Learn Irish is now the largest provider of online Irish courses and comhrá sessions for learners.

The Let’s Learn Irish online community was developed at University of Galway, Ireland to support Irish learners throughout the world.

They provide daily online classes, comhrá sessions and community workshops, and weekly courses for all levels. Learners from all over the USA and further afield attend these classes, and since all sessions are video recorded, many more learners follow along in their own time and/or timezone each week. If you want to attend one of our Cúrsaí, but are unable to attend the live sessions, then you can still join us by following our video recordings! Use coupon ‘VideoOnly’ at the checkout for a 25% discount.

The upsurge in interest in the language, and the success of the Oscar-nominated ‘An Cailín Ciúin‘, marks a watershed moment. On their website, there are links to learner profiles, articles and news from their community. Their Press page provides further insights into their story and online activities.

Links:
YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/letslearnirish
Courses: LetsLearnIrish.com/cursai
Press: LetsLearnIrish.com/press/
Articles: LetsLearnIrish.com/ailt/
Learner Profiles: LetsLearnIrish.com/member-profiles/
About: LetsLearnIrish.com/about
Contact Info: LetsLearnIrish.com/contact/
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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One Eyed Reilly

One Eyed Reilly is a genre-bending Celtic/Americana rock band from Sacramento that blends dynamic originals with Celtic rock, Americana, and energetic, innovative versions of Irish and Scottish trad. One Eyed Reilly’s original songs draw on musical influences from Irish folk to Celtic punk with occasional unexpected nuggets ranging from the likes of Bob Dylan, John Prine, Tom Waits, Wilco or the Old Crow Medicine Show. This musical mash-up forms the perfect beer-and-whiskey drenched milieu for a good time night out at the Pub.

For a One Eyed Reilly sample video, Tipperary Blood, Click Here.

More on One Eyed Reilly on their website.

One Eyed Reilly is:
• Rick Meagher, lead vocals/acoustic guitar
• Geith St John Fraser, fiddle; harmony vocals
• Aaron Hendel, bass & electric guitars
• Tim Kurteff-Schatz, drums/percussion

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Maria Hawthorne Boyle

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Three Times Through

Three Times Through is Gale Peach, Jeff Peach, Greg Mirken and Margie Mirken. We are a colorful funky kinda Celtic string quartet. We re-imagine and blend traditional and modern tunes and songs with hammered dulcimer, bodhran, concertina, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, fiddle and guitar. The emphasis is on eclectic Celtic music; spirited instrumentals, engaging vocals and haunting melodies.

People stop, stare, and ask us, ‘What is that instrument?’ Whether you’re a devoted fan of Celtic music or simply curious to experience its enchanting allure, Three Times Through invites you to join them for an unforgettable musical experience.

People often don’t realize they love Celtic music until they hear it, and the mashups are only adding to the popularity. Our a cappella vocals transport you to the North Sea, the Caribbean, or to a remote village pub in County Clare

Watch a video of the Band here: https://youtu.be/ZUq7MxtpUfM

For more on the band, check their website, www.threetimesthrough.com, Three Times Through Facebook page, Three Times Through YouTube Channel or email Jeff Peach at jwpeach@gmail.com

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The Mermaid’s Tavern

The Mermaid’s Tavern is the moniker Lynn Noel gave the online folk sings she began when the COVID pandemic began and as of March, 2026, Lynn still hosts a monthly Ballad sing on the first Sunday of each month, online via Zoom.

The time slot for these sessions is a bit inconvenient for those in South Asia, (11:30 PM – 1:30 AM in New Delhi), and in Australasia, (4 – 6 AM Monday morning in Sydney), but for participants in the rest of the English speaking parts of the world it is daytime or evening on Sunday: 11 AM – 1 PM in the Pacific Time Zone / 2 PM – 4 PM Eastern / 7 PM – 9 PM in Ireland and the UK.

David Kidman is a regular participant from Yorkshire, UK. David says,

The sessions are well steered, with no idle chat and yet there’s always time for a cordial welcome. The host’s respect for the participants goes hand-in-voice with the sense of mutual trust that this engenders. Singers therefore experience a feeling of being valued, not least for adding value to the shared experience.

Lynn has undertaken a significantly larger role in the ‘new online music community’. Lynn Noel says,

We connect and coach participatory audiences, session leaders, and performers pivoting to digital to create and cultivate online community.

For details and links, check out The Mermaid’s Tavern website, and then check out the rosters to see who joins us and what we sing, and join the mailing list for links to more online sessions.

Tips and patrons keep us on the air and releasing new music on Bandcamp, so thanks for your donations toward studio services.

More details on Lynn Noel’s personal website

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Savage Craic Irish Session

We are an open Irish traditional session in San Francisco. We meet every Sunday at various venues for music and fun. Everyone is welcome!

Facebook Page: Savage Craic on Facebook

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Irish Set Dancing

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go partner dancing in Ireland? Well, set dance events have been happening in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years, and more recently, Irish Dance – San Francisco Bay Area has been continuing that tradition.

Set dancing is the social form of folk dancing. It is NOT the performance style dancing you may have seen on ‘Riverdance’, rather, set dancing is very beginner friendly, but engaging enough to appeal to experienced dancers. So whether you are an experienced dancer looking to try something new, or an absolute beginner who wants to give dancing a try, set dancing may be for you.

If you would like to see what set dancing looks like, here are a few example videos:
• Dance: Polca an Ri – Clare Lancers

• Dance: Clare Meserks – Sona Sól

Set dancing may look complicated if you have never done it before, but it is fun and the moves and patterns become easy to do with a bit of instruction.

On second Sunday of every month, Yevgeny Binder leads an Irish set dance class followed by dancing to live music at O’Reilly’s Pub in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Lessons at 5:00 PM sharp and dancing 6:00-9:00 PM. Beginners welcome and encouraged! No partner needed. The environment is very friendly to newcomers. RSVP required: https://sundays.irishdancesf.com

No prior dance experience of any kind is necessary. You don’t need to bring a partner – there will always be one available – but feel free to take one (or more!) along. You can wear any clothes and shoes that you’re comfortable dancing and sweating in, as dancing can be quite a workout. Removable layers are suggested, and flat shoes are recommended over heels.

Admission is only $10 per person.

If you are not yet a set dancer but are curious, their ‘Meetup’ group is the easiest way to get started: https://www.meetup.com/irishdance. If you are already a dancer, you too should join the Meetup group to get updates on upcoming events and stay in touch with other dancers.

Thank you for supporting over three decades of Irish dancing in the Bay Area!

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Established in 2009, Phoenix Folk exists to promote performance and participation in folk music, song and dance. We offer regular folk sessions, events and ensemble opportunities, both in the North East of England and online. Additionally, we provide a range of resources aimed at helping people to engage with folk music as both participant and listener. We put participation at the centre of all that we do, and aim to provide a comfortable space where musicians of all levels of ability can experience the joy of making music with others, extend their repertoire, challenge themselves and be inspired.

On Mondays, Maurice & Marina host a Play Along tune session leading mostly Irish Traditional Music tunes at a steady pace.

On Tuesdays, Maurice & Marina host a ‘Folk Singaround’, featuring mostly (but not exclusively) folk and traditional tunes and songs from the British Isles and North America. This regularly includes acappella and self accompanied songs, tunes, poems and readings from many attendees.

On Thursdays, Maurice & Marina host another ‘Play Along’ tune session, leading lots of Celtic tunes at full speed. They have a particular interest in Northumbrian music and see their online presence as a great opportunity to share local tunes with musicians from outside the region/outside the UK.

Phoenix Folk Website: https://phoenixfolk.co.uk

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Since 2021, More Gaelic has been supporting Scottish Gaelic learners beyond the classroom with online and in-person conversation circles, game sessions, book clubs, Gaelic swag like stickers and t-shirts in the Scottish Gaelic language, and Gaelic content on Instagram and TikTok. Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig!

Dé Tha Dol, weekly on Wednesdays, at 3:00 PM Pacific.
Scottish Gaelic Conversation
Come speak Scottish Gaelic with a friendly group of learners! We meet on Zoom for an hour on Wednesdays. Gaelic conversation is a great way to practice and improve your speaking and listening skills. All levels of Gaelic are welcome. For more information and to register visit https://www.moregaelic.com/dol
Registration: To receive the link, register on the Google form here: https://forms.gle/uHeYpuJzj2vgdX1b6

An Sàs, weekly on Mondays, at 9:00 AM Pacific.
Gaelic Co-working session.
Come on Mondays and be a part of the first ever online Scottish Gaelic co-working session!
In a co-working space, each person brings a bit of their own quiet work to do and uses the energy of the group to help focus, stay on task, and get things done. You can bring whatever task you choose, anything from work emails, books to read, or socks to fold.
After a quick hello, we settle in for 45 minutes of independent work. At the end of 45 minutes, we check in and have a quit chat before going on our way until next time.
Registration: To receive the link, register on the Google form here:
https://forms.gle/cjPqFRUoBpHiYzsR9

Join the newsletter to get details about future events, language classes, song workshops, and game sessions https://www.moregaelic.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moregaelic/
Website: https://www.moregaelic.com/
Email: Ceana hello@moregaelic.com

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The Moosehead Session

Welcome to the ONLINE ZOOM Moosehead Traditional Irish Music Session! Hosted by Mark Wallis & Alix Sandra Huntley-Speirs.

All are welcome to attend to play, and/or listen and enjoy!This is a traditional Irish tune instrument session only, Read More …

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89155330559?pwd=NHF4aTU0TSsxd01aUVdNbXhoODRGQT09
Meeting ID: 891 5533 0559
Passcode: tunes

Please also join our Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/trad.irish.music.session

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Welcome to the Ag Teacht Le Cheile Irish Session! Hosted by native Irish singer Maureen McNally, this Traditional Irish Tune and Song Session meets every Monday at 11 PM Ireland/UK | 6 PM Eastern | 3 PM Pacific, online via Zoom.

All are welcome to attend to play, sing, and/or listen and enjoy!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://link.americeltic.net/atlc

Long time participant Cornelius (Connie) McEleney passed on in early 2023, but we still have his playlist, with lyrics and recordings of Connie singing 33 of his Irish songs to learn ourselves. Cornelius McEleney Collection.

Please email questions to:¢â‚¬Å¡‚ maureenmcnally6@gmail.com

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Suzuki Cady

Irish fiddle player, singer, and teacher Suzuki Cady brings a dynamic mix of acoustic Irish and American folk music to San Francisco Bay Area venues, and now she is teaching others to learn the same!

Suzuki has room for 2 more folks to join her current session at $30/week. A new 6-week Session Starts February 24 ~ $150

Suzuki says:
Discover the hypnotic melodies, pulsing rhythms, and worldwide customs of traditional Irish music! Classes are held at a private home in Sebastopol, California (address provided upon signup). *We have room for a couple more folks to join the current class session at a $30/week rate.

Learn to play captivating tunes and build your repertoire! Have fun and build a musical community in the process. We will focus on learning tunes by ear, which is part of the folk tradition. Please bring a recording device to class.

Website: https://www.suzukicady.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/suzuki.cady
Classes Webpage: https://www.suzukicady.com/irish-music-class-for-all-instruments
Email Suzuki: suzukicady@gmail.com
Call Suzuki: 415-302-9658

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Steel Bonnet Brewing Company offers beer, street grub and Scottish attitude. This family owned and operated craft brewery produces small batches of beer in a range of styles, from traditional cask conditioned British ales to robust stouts and porters to hop-forward American West Coast IPAs. As with a large number of professional craft brewers, our roots are firmly embedded in home brewing. From owner Donald Cramb’s college days brewing in a bucket (which also served as a laundry hamper), to brewing 5 gallon partial mash batches in our kitchen, to most recently brewing 20 gallon batches in our garage on our custom built angle iron system. While we have now transitioned to commercial brewing, we attribute much of our brewing style and beer characteristics to our home brew roots.

The cozy taproom is smallish, but they have outdoor seating tucked behind the building, under a large tree and the surrounded by redwoods with room for their rotating array of food trucks and pop-ups. This ‘beer garden’ includes a dedicated stage used for live musical performances and events. It is dog-friendly and kid-friendly, easy to maneuver around for the physically challenged. You can bring your own food or there’s usually a different food truck outside for you to order from.

This fine establishment has become the ‘go to’ venue for Celtic and other music events in the Santa Cruz mountains and beyond. For Example, twice monthly, they host a Celtic Circle music session, and there have been lots of bands performing there. Check their Facebook Page or Instagram Page for regular updates on events there.

https://www.steelbon.net/
https://www.facebook.com/SteelBonnetBrewing
https://www.instagram.com/steelbonnetbrewing
(831) 454-8429
info@steelbon.net

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Every Monday night the Celtic Arts Center offers a free introductory Irish language workshop online via Zoom for complete beginners that starts at 7PM and TraditionalCelticmusic jam session in the Lounge – Musicians and singers are welcome!

Check out the full details on their website here: Online Beginners Irish Language ClassMondays, 8PM. This beginners level emphasises on pronunciation, lower level grammar and basic conversation practice. Classes are FREE for first-timers and Celtic Arts Center members. The current term began on Monday, February. 5th, 2024, but they are still accepting new students. Email James Murphy at language@celticartscenter.com with any questions.

In addition, CAC hosts many in-person events at the Mayflower Club, 11110 Victory Blvd., in North Hollywood, CA. On Monday, October 28th, at 7:00 PM Celtic Arts Center, presents Samhain 2024, A Celtic New Year Celebration and Hallowe’en Party at The Mayflower Club! Check out the details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/907760217385097. They also host a half-dozen more annual Festivals, starting with Saint Patrick’s Day, and continuing through the Celtic Year. Check out the venue website here: https://mayflowerclub.com

Weekly, on Mondays, they host several social events, beginning at 7PM with an in-person Irish Traditional Music Learners session where musicians can learn and practice traditional Celtic tunes. At 8PM there is a free Irish ceili dance workshop for both beginner and intermediate level students. All that is followed by the Center’s famous traditional music seisiun where singers and musicians from all across the L.A. area gather to play and share their love for the music of the Celts. There is no admission fee for performers or audience members and everyone is welcome to participate or just listen and watch. You may also hear the recitation of a Celtic-themed poem or even a joke told in Irish! The Center has seen many of its young members, traditional Celtic musicians and performers grow into accomplished performers who successfully tour and compete both in the U.S. and internationally.

Check out the Celtic Arts Center Website

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The Trans-Atlantic Session on Zoom

Tony Becker of San Jose, California hosts this Trans-Atlantic Session for all interested parties on Wednesdays, at 7:00 PM Ireland and UK time, 3:00 PM Eastern or 12:00 PM Pacific in the USA.

Later that same evening, from 11:00 PM Eastern or 7:00 PM Pacific Time, Tony hosts the Pacific Evening Session, timed to for participants on the West Coast of the US and across the Pacific Ocean.

Both are a participatory online music events via Zoom.

Click here to Join the Zoom Meeting!

Each of these two sessions is open for a couple of hours to all who play or sing traditional music and with the obvious limitations of Zoom in that only one musician can play at a time but we go round the ‘room’ and take it in turns – no pressure though and the baton can be passed if you just want to listen.

On a good day we have a variety of tunes with instruments from pipes to melodeon, banjo to fiddle and an equal number of songs, with some from other cultures and languages like Irish or Scottish Gaelic! The participants are very friendly and we welcome everyone – it can be a good way to pick up any of the above! The only criterion is we try to have some of the offerings in Celtic traditional genre(s).

Please come along if you can!

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John Whelan

Seven-time All-Ireland Button Accordion Champion John Whelan is one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players. John was raised in the vibrant London Irish music scene of the 1970s, and learned his craft from such legends as Lucy Farr, Roger Sherlock, Paddy Taylor, Mick O Connor and his teacher Brendan Mulkaire. Along with his All-Ireland Championships, he was twice awarded musician of the year from the Irish Music Association. He has over 15 CDs and has performed on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. John’s music has been featured on such TV shows as ‘Sex in the City,’ ‘History’s Mysteries’ and ‘History Detective.’ John performs with the John Whelan Band and has also teamed up with his old pal Brian Conway forming the group Gailfean, which also features M†â€™‚¡irtin De C†â€™‚³g†â€™‚¡in and Don Penzien have released their first new CD. For over a decade, John has performed ‘Monday’s with John’ every Monday evening on his Facebook Profile.

Every Wednesday, live on Zoom, John hosts two free, play along style events: a ‘Tune Learning’ workshop, and after a break a ‘Taking Time’ slow session, both of which regularly draw attendees from around the world (see box for times).

This is also a great opportunity for learning new tunes, as everybody except the session leader (John) will be muted while they play. Unlike an in-person session, you can noodle along to your heart‚¢¢â‚¬Å¡‚¬¢â‚¬Å¾‚¢s content, and nobody will ever know unless you tell them.

Check them out here: http://johnwhelanmusic.com/slow-session. We send out a tune list and Zoom link for them on the same mornings. Email John at whelanbx1@me.com to get on the list or for more details.

Get more details on John’s Facebook Page or John’s Website

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On the second Wednesday, of each month at 7:00 PM, the Irish American Writers and Artists West, hosted by Lori Cassels, will conduct another in-person salon at the authentic Irish pub, Slainte Oakland in the historic Jack London Square district, of Oakland, CA.

Sign ups are available now. Please submit your email to to Lori Cassels lcassels@aol.com.

Click here to RSVP mailto:lcassels@aol.com

After a short introduction sizzle reel about Irish American Writers and Artists the host will introduce the organization and the talent that will share their work.

IAW&A Artist Salons are a curated collections of artists: musicians, writers, playwrights, poets, and filmmakers that share their talent.

Click this link for all the latest information on the IAW&A Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IrishAmericanWritersAndArtistsInc and be certain to visit the IAW&A website, https://iamwa.org.

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Stepwise

Traditional Celtic folk duo Stepwise, Liam Lewis (mandolin, guitar, fiddle, voice) and Olivia Breidenthal (fiddle and voice) performs a mixture of traditional Irish songs with tight vocal harmonies and traditional Irish tune sets. Olivia is a practitioner of the Galway fiddle style with influences including Kevin Burke, the Kane Sisters, and Liz Carroll.

In 2022 they completed a new album of original music, Stepwise.

Click to watch a video of Stepwise performing Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still: https://youtu.be/geC8snZoqqM

Seeking a safe and socially distant place to meetup and play tunes, Stepwise was created very organically in the park; purely because it was too much fun to play so many good tunes together and not share it with an audience.

Together, Olivia and Liam’s instrumental arrangements feature intricate twin fiddles or groovy rhythm guitar fit for a traditional Ceili or the discerning ears of an Irish-enthusiast audience.

Check their Website.
Check their YouTube Channel.
Check their Facebook Page.
Email Stepwise:stepwisemusic@gmail.com

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The Philo-Celtic Society

The Philo-Celtic Society offers four full quarters of multiple free classes focused on learning the Irish Language, and some quarters include classes in Irish Song. Fall Quarter 2024 classes began in mid-September and run through December, and include a Children’s Reading Class. All are accessible to everyone everywhere, Online via Zoom

With so many different classes running at once, the school is organized using an online Group membership method. Unlike in-person classes, there is a separate Group.io webpage for each particular Class. The use of separate Groups.io webpages for administration functions avoids having the teachers directly collect and email reminders to every student. Join the particular Group.io ‘Group’, then ‘sign in’ to that particular webpage, and you are registered to attend that class.

To attend class, students simply point their browser at the Class webpage, and then open the Zoom link posted there. Since the meetings are video recorded, they remain accessible on Groups.io along with class materials, and if a student misses a class, they can always review these posts and ‘catch up’.

Here is a document that will guide you, step-by-step, through the registration process on Groups.io: Getting Started Guide (PDF)

The Basic Level ‘Starting to Learn’ class in the Irish language happens on Fridays. ‘Starting to Learn’, taught by Jerry Kelly, is suitable for Absolute Beginners — This is where you start. https://groups.io/g/philo-startingtolearn.

Spring Quarter classes begin the first week of February. Check on the many other Irish language classes available on their Groups.io Messages webpage here: https://groups.io/g/philo-celtic-society/messages. Follow the links and sign into your class(es), and spread the word !!!

Current classes are also summarized on the Philo-Celtic Society Main Groups.io webpage: https://groups.io/g/philo-celtic-society

Check the Philo-Celtic Society Website: https://www.philo-celtic.com

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Autumn Rhodes

Autumn Rhodes was raised in a rural Indiana household full of Irish music. At the age of 12, Autumn got a tin whistle for a birthday present and a year later was performing professionally

Shortly after, Autumn progressed to the flute and concertina and learned from master players such as Laurence Nugent, Kevin Henry, and John Williams. Autumn is equally renowned as a singer in the Sean-nos style of Irish tradition.

Autumn plays wooden flute, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, and concertina in several bands, including Buncrana, Soltre, Bardic Apostles, Slaggy Maggie, Meitheal, Mira, Na Cailini, and a few others, in styles including traditional Irish, jazz, classical, Breton, folk, and Bulgarian/Romanian music.

Autumn says:
Join us for a weekly drop-in Irish tune learning class for all instruments. The only requirements are for you to have an instrument that can play in D, a little bit of experience playing Irish music, and an internet connection.

I have more than 20 years of experience teaching students of all levels. Join my class for all instruments and learn classic session tunes along with technique, ornamentation, and phrasing. We will be mostly learning by ear, but I’ll provide sheet music and recordings.

On my website, https://sites.google.com/view/irishtuneclass,
I’ll be posting tunes, sheet music, recordings, history, and other resources. It’s a work in progress at the moment, but you can e-mail me with questions: autumn@cei.li (yes, it’s a real email address). Stay tuned (pun 100% intended).

$15-20 suggested donation (but nobody turned away) via PayPal, paypal.me/concertinachick or @Autumn-Rhodes on Venmo, or CashApp $ConcertinaChick, Apple Pay, or other.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/irishtuneclass
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/irishtuneclass
Email Autumn: autumn@cei.li

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The Ould Sod Virtual Irish Traditional Session

On the first Thursday of each month, multi-instrumentalist Michael Eskin hosts the The Ould Sod Virtual Session.

These are easily best and most popular online instrumental sessions in the world. The music is 95% Irish traditional dance tunes and the participation level is massive!

The Zoom meeting detailed information is posted on Michael’s website:

Get the Zoom Link

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Our friend Phillip Taylor is hosting an Irish/Scottish Instrumental Tune learning session at the Strum Shop in Roseville, CA. We are a group of Irish/Scottish instrument learners supporting one another’s musical growth and knowledge of Celtic tunes. Advanced musicians should be aware and bring their patience as well as their instruments. Newer musicians are welcome, but we are not instructors…

Phil says:
It’s a learning session, meaning we have a stable list that changes slowly to allow people to practice between sessions. It is slower than a normal session, and we hand out written music and may practice the same song more than once at different speeds. You can contact me at phillipetaylor@yahoo.com

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The Plough and Stars Irish Pub, is known around the world for hosting incredible Irish music and pulling beautiful pints of Guinness since 1975. Since then, it has evolved to host live music every night of the week, except Monday, including all genres of music; Bluegrass, Country, Rock, Zydeco, acoustic Americana, and of course, Irish Traditional.

Over the years The Plough and the Stars in San Francisco has hosted many well-known musicians from Ireland and around the globe, but the COVID pandemic and related public health restrictions put a stop to all that for over a year. The resulting business losses threatened to put The Plough out of business permanently, but a sustained community crowdfunding effort helped keep it going, and now it appears to have emerged intact.

Sean Heaney says:
Music and Dance at the Plough are back. See the boxes for the latest details or check our website or just drop by for a pint!

Check for the latest updates:
The Plough and Stars Website
The Plough and Stars Facebook Page

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Debbie and Mark Nagle

We Are Open!

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant, is a bustling SoMa spot with delicious food offerings to choose from. Large beer selection, wine menu and cocktail list to feast from.

This local Irish Pub brings the culture of Ireland to San Francisco, offering a full bar, Happy Hour specials, and a full Irish restaurant menu, including favorites like Fish And Chips and our signature Spicy Potato Bites which go with any style of sport, music or fun.

Says Publican, Mark Nagle:

Good health to you all and look forward to seeing you back at The Chieftain soon! — Mark Nagle

For the latest happenings, check the Chieftain facebook Page, or call 415-615-0916, or email Mark Nagle at mark@thechieftain.com or check www.thechieftain.com.

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