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Celtic Colours Fest
9 LiveStream Concerts

Friday, October 16th through
Saturday, October 17th
3:30 PM PDT (7:30 PM ADT)

Live Streamed!

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Livestream Concert Details

Friday, October 9th – Celtic Colours Unusual Suspects
Saturday, October 10th – O’er the Mountain
Sunday, October 11th – Thanksgivin’er
Monday, October 12th – Celtic Caberet
Tuesday, October 13th – Close to the Floor
Wednesday, October 14th – Holding Sand
Thursday, October 15th – Guitar Summit

Friday, October 16th – The Legacies of Jean & Eileen
Saturday, October 17th – 30 and Thriving
All 9 remain available until October 31st!

Join the Concert

Cape Breton Island is often called the 8th Celtic Nation, and 2026 will mark their 30th Annual Celtic Colours International Festival. For those of us who cannot attend in person there, they livestream nightly concerts free of charge during the festival from October 9th to October 17th, 2026, and these broadcasts remain available on demand until the end of the month!

This wonderful festival in Cape Breton livestreams one concert per night, starting at 7:30 PM ADT (3:30 PM PDT); the streams are usually available for viewing until the end of October. In past years, they would only reveal which concert was being streamed on the day of the concert – this year, they have published the list in advance, so you can plan ahead. Click here to see details of the 9 concerts which will be livestreamed: https://celtic-colours.com/schedule/?type=livestream

The first show will be on Friday, October 8th at 7:30 PM ADT (3:30 PM PDT), and there are dozens of in person performances scheduled right through the finale on Saturday, October 16th at 7:30 PM ADT (3:30 PM PDT). Check the full schedule here: https://celtic-colours.com/schedule.

Celtic Colours Live Streams 10/9-10/17
Celtic Colours YouTube Channel
Celtic Colours Live Stream Page
Celtic Colours Website.

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4th LTA
Jughandle Campout

Friday, October 16th 9:00 AM — Monday, October 18th

Jug Handle State Natural Reserve in Caspar, CA

Lark Traditional Arts is pleased to announce the return of our Jughandle Campout, at the Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center in Caspar, CA on the Mendocino Coast. The campout will be “an informal gathering of Lark-minded individuals”, intended to supplement our regular camp with a smaller event that is more financially and physically accessible. It will be a mostly acoustic, world folk music campout that will include some volunteer workshops, lots of jam sessions, optional hikes to the nearby beach, and one or two organized dances.

Space is limited, and will be assigned on a first-come/first-served basis. There are 10 private rooms and 5 shared rooms in the Farmhouse and cabins, with a few ADA accessible options in the Bunkhouse. There are a few RV spaces (no hookups), and 10 tent spaces with access to water and porta-potties. There will be a limited number of day-use passes available for Mendocino Coast locals, or those who would like to find lodging elsewhere in the area.

Curious about Jug Handle Creek Farm’s accommodations? You can see the layout and some pictures here.

To Register for the campout, Click Here: https://www.jughandlecampout.org/ If you require special accommodations or prefer to register by phone, call us at 707-397-5275.

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Community Music School

Adult Redwood Music Camp
Friday, October 16th
Sunday, October 18th

Monte Toyon Conference Center, 220 Cloister Lane, Aptos, CA

This autumn, Community Music School of Santa Cruz is bringing back Redwood Music Camp.

This three-day camp for adult musicians offers workshops for players of Irish fiddle, Scottish fiddle, guitar, harp, mandolin, other plectrum instruments, and voice. We also offer workshops on harp, dulcimer, and pennywhistle for absolute beginners (instruments provided).

There will be a variety of sessions (fast, slow, genre-specific), instrument- or voice-specific workshops, and an ensemble class, where all musicians can learn a tune or two together.

Instructors:
• John Weed: Irish fiddle
• Rebecca Lomnicky: Scottish fiddle
• William Coulter: guitar
• Marla Fibish: mandolin
• Portia Diwa: harp
• Rachel Goodman: voice

Saturday night will feature Scottish dance lessons (and the option to play for the dancers), followed by facilitated sessions. Wine and beer are allowed in the dining hall, and there are two venues with no curfew. There will be ample opportunity for playing music with others throughout the weekend outside of workshops or sessions.

The professional kitchen staff provide us with really good food, and can easily accommodate those with dietary restrictions.

Questions about all our music camps can be directed to info@CommunityMusicSchool.org or 831-471-5184.
Website: https://communitymusicschool.org
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/communitymusicschoolsantacruz

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Erica and Friends

Shows

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Friday, October 16th, 7:00 PM

The Monkey House, Berkeley, CA, Details

Erica and Friends

Erica and Friends is a Berkeley based folk and traditional band lead by Erica Hockett that you really should hear if you get the chance, for example, at their concerts around Berkeley!

Erica Hockett has a voice of breathtaking beauty that brings to mind the likes of Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention) and Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries). Accompanied by a fine ensemble of multi-instrumentalists, they share a repertoire from England, Scotland and Ireland, including narrative ballads of love, lust, murder and more!

Erica and Friends are, Erica Hockett, Vocals/Bodhrán, Anne Goess, Violin/Vocals/Tin Whistle, Chris Hammond, Guitar/Vocals, Charlie Hancock, Accordion/Keyboards, Jason Courtney, Bouzouki, Thomas Lindemuth, Vocals, Winds, Percussion.

Their debut album, Hillside Avenue (2018), received wide acclaim, and is widely available on all the main music platforms. Their next album is expected later this year.

Awesome group of performers, who guarantee a good time with superb vocal and instrumental talent across thhe board. Each show is a little different, and I am always blown away by their performances. – Sean Lawlor

For Erica Hockett and Friends videos, just Click Here!

For more on Erica and Friends, check their Website, or Facebook Page
For even more music, check their Soundcloud site, or
their Reverbnation site!

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Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman

Shows

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Friday, October 16th, 7:30 PM

Harp Center Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Details

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Saturday, October 17th, 7:00 PM

Namba Performing Arts, Ventura, CA. Details

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Thursday, October 22nd, 7:00 PM

Brewery Arts Center, Outdoor Stage, Carson City, NV. Details

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Saturday, October 24th, 8:00 PM

United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA . Details

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Sunday, October 25th, 3:00 PM

Harpers Hall Workshop, San, Jose, CA. Details

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Sunday, October 25th, 7:00 PM

Harpers Hall Concert, San, Jose, CA. Details

Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman

Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman, the celebrated and pioneering virtuoso partnership of ‘the doyenne of Irish harpers’ (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY) and 2001 recipient of Irish music’s most prestigious award, Traditional Musician of the Year – Gradam Ceoil TG4 – and ‘one of the UK’s most staggering and influential acoustic guitarists’ (fROOTS), has by now brought its special musical vision to venues large and small – from the tiniest of historic churches in England, Germany and Italy to palaces in Kyoto and Istanbul, London’s Barbican, Sydney Town Hall and the Philharmonie in Cologne – in twenty-two countries on five continents. Their performances – described by The Irish Times as ‘music of fire and brilliance from the high-wire act in traditional music’ – are rooted but eclectic, emotional but adventurous: a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, coupled with striking new compositions and Chris’s delightfully subversive wit.

Máire Ní Chathasaigh is ‘the great innovator of modern Irish harping, a player of outstanding technique and imagination’ (The Rough Guide to Irish Music) and one of Ireland’s most important and influential traditional musicians. As a teenager in the 1970s she invented a whole new ‘traditional Irish’ style of harping that quickly became the norm amongst both her contemporaries and the younger generation of Irish players, thereby spearheading the re-introduction of the harp into the mainstream of the living tradition. She was described by the late Derek Bell as ‘the most interesting and original player of the Irish harp today.’ She was the 2001 recipient of Irish music’s most prestigious award, Traditional Musician of the Year – Gradam Ceoil TG4 – a national recognition of her pioneering work.

Chris Newman is ‘one of the UK’s greatest musicians’ (BBC Radio 2) and ‘one of the top guitarists of his ilk in the world’ (The Living Tradition). He has toured and recorded with many luminaries of the folk and jazz worlds, among them Boys of the Lough, Aly Bain and Stéphane Grappelli and brings this experience to his collaboration with Máire.

Watch a video Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh – Wild Goose Chase: https://tinyurl.com/Maire-Chris

Check out their website: http://www.maireandchris.com
Check out their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaireChrisHarpGuitarDuo

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15th Annual Fairfax Irish Festival

The town of Fairfax, CA will again host an October weekend of Irish music and dance from Friday, October 16th, Saturday, October 17th, & Sunday, October 18th. Some of the Bay Area’s finest musicians and dancers will be performing in venues all over town.

Venues will include Peri’s Bar, The Pavilion, Wu Wei Tea Temple, Sorella Cafe, Revolution g, Sonas Denim, Nave’s Bar, & Barefoot Cafe.

For more info, check Fairfax Fest Website, or The Fairfax Fest Facebook Page, or email fairfaxirishfestival@gmail.com or call Cormac Gannon at 415-902-2947.

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Altan

Shows

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Friday, October 16th, 8:00 PM

Freight & Salvage, Berkeley, CA. Details

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Sunday, October 18th, 7:00 PM

The Sofia, Sacramento, CA. Details

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Monday, October 19th, 7:30 PM

Alberta Rose Theatre, Portland, OR. Details

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Tuesday, October 20th, 7:00 PM

OK Theatre, Enterprise, OR. Details

Altan

In recent decades, no traditional Irish band has had a wider impact on audiences and music lovers throughout the world than Altan.

With their exquisitely produced award-winning recordings, ranging dynamically from the most sensitive and touching old Irish songs all the way to hard hitting reels and jigs, and with their heartwarming, dynamic live performances, Altan have moved audiences from Donegal to Tokyo to Seattle. Throughout, there has been the unwavering commitment of the band to bringing the beauty of traditional music, particularly that of the Donegal fiddlers and singers, to contemporary audiences in a way that brings out all its qualities and destroys none.

Here is a recent sample: Altan – The Road Home.

In fact, Altan have always believed that Irish traditional music is a modern music in every sense and its growing influence and popularity have proved them right. The seeds of Altan lie in the music and spontaneity of sessions in kitchens and pubs in their hometown of Donegal, where their music was first heard in an atmosphere of respect and intimacy. It is here that the band’s heart still lies, whether they are performing on TV in Australia or jamming with Ricky Skaggs or Jerry Douglas on the West Coast of the United States.

Altan continue fresh in their vision of bringing the beauty and joy of traditional music to audiences everywhere. We are priveledged to have the opportunity to experience this thirty year-active band live as a living legacy of Irish music.

Check out their website: https://altan.ie

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Yosemite Celtic Festival

October 17th & 18th, 10:00 AM

Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Rd 425B, Oakhurst, CA

Yosemite Celtic Festival

The Yosemite Celtic Festival, is a vibrant celebration of Celtic heritage set against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite National Park.

Performers:
• Young Dubliners
• Golden Bough
• Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen

Join us for two exciting days filled with music, dance, food, and fun, as we honor the rich cultures of the Celtic nations. Explore a diverse array of vendors offering unique crafts, goods, and authentic Celtic merchandise. Experience the thrill of traditional games, admire the elegance of ancient clan traditions, and enjoy whisky tastings while celebrating the unbreakable bond shared by Celtic communities around the world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Celtic culture or a newcomer, this family-friendly event promises something for everyone. Come for the celebration, stay for the magic – let the spirit of the Celtic nations unite us in harmony and joy!

Website: https://www.yosemitecelticfestival.com/

Contact Kimberly Vaughn: Kimberly@YosemiteCelticFestival.com

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Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen

Shows

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Saturday, October 17th, 6:00 PM

Southgate Brewing Company, Oakhurst, CA. Details
Have a comfortable respite after the Yosemite Celtic Festival

Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen

Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen is a dynamic trio that fuses the heart of traditional Celtic music with the energy of rock rhythms, lush harmonies, and modern flair. Their sound is both enchanting and electrifying – offering audiences a fresh take on timeless tradition.

• Michael Mullen ignites the stage with fiddle fireworks, masterful fretwork, and soaring vocals.
• Alison Kline dazzles on whistles, recorders (sometimes two at once!), fiddle, guitar, and radiant harmonies.
• Lynda MacNeil grounds the group with evocative lead vocals, keys, harp, guitar, and melodica.

Together, they weave a spellbinding tapestry of sound – one that celebrates Celtic heritage while reimagining it for today’s audiences. From delicate ballads to driving reels, Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen promises an unforgettable musical journey that will leave you inspired and uplifted.

Michael Mullen says:
The music is generally Celtic “plus”: trad songs, various cover songs (Loreena McKennitt, Blackmores Night, Mary Black, Steve Earle, etc), and plenty of rigs and jeels. People finally get to see me play an evening full of fiddle tunes!

Lynda MacNeil says:
We’ll have another evening of Celtic folk-rock, stories, and good company, along with songs, stories, smiles, and sing-along moments sprinkled throughout the night, so bring your voice and join us for a few lively choruses.

Video: What to Expect

Website: https://gaelicmuses.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaelicMuses

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Caliban

Sunday, October 18th, 3:30 PM

Dala’s Nest, The Willows of Menlo Park, CA

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Get Tickets

Caliban

Lief Sorbye and Jon Berger started performing together in 1993, when Jon first joined Lief’s Celtic rock band Tempest. Performing in a more intimate setting, they pare down to a duo and combine the rich tones of acoustic instrumentation with a good dollop of the excitement and energy that is the trademark of a Tempest show.

Caliban presents a delightful, eclectic blend of music on fiddle, mandola, mando-guitar, and accordion, filling a set with spirited dance-tunes and spellbinding ballads. Their repertoire consists of Celtic and British Isles material, as well as songs from Sorbye’s native Norway. Featuring tight vocal harmonies and great instrumental skills, their show has a lively feel and a contagious sense of humor.

Here is a video sample https://youtu.be/6xVNvZMA18s

Get Tickets

Website: https://www.tempestmusic.com/html/caliban.html

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John Doyle

Sunday October 18th 7:30 PM

House Concert, Soquel, CA

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Get Tickets

John Doyle

We’re excited to announce the return of John Doyle to a Santa Cruz area house concert.

Those of you who seen John in concert before either solo or in one of his collaborations already know that John is an amazing musician who has brought a new energy and style to Irish traditional music with his dexterous guitar and bouzouki playing, his interpretations of traditional songs, and his skilled wordsmithing of his own songs and musical accompaniment. No doubt you will want to experience a performance by him this time around.

If you have not attended one of John’s performances before, we strongly suggest to do so and attend this event.

To convince you further, here are some reviews of his work.

“The Dublin-born Doyle has it all—a heart-melting tenor voice, emotion-filled original songs and instrumentals that have the timeless quality of the best folk music, and spectacular instrumental chops on various guitars (six-string, “five-string high guitar,” 12-string), mandolin, mandola, and bouzouki.”
BLair Jackson, Acoustic Guitar

“His chops, always assured and adroit, have now entered a rarefied zone of inspired, instinctive, in-the-moment creativity that made me gasp in awe and for breath. ”
Earle Hitchner, The Wall Street Journal and the Irish Echo (formerly)

Tickets: https://www.celticsociety.org/
Website: https://www.johndoylemusic.com/

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23rd Annual Galway Bay Celtic Music Feis!

Tuesday, October 20th 7:00 PM to Sunday, October 25th 8:00 PM

Galway Bay Irish Restaurant, Pub & Gifts, 880 Point Brown Avenue Northeast, Ocean Shores, WA

Now celebrating their 23rd Anniversary, Galway Bay Irish Restaurant & Pub again hosts West Coast’s Largest Irish Music Festival in Ocean Shores, WA. An eclectic mix of Irish bands, choirs and dancers hailing from throughout the United States, Canada and, of course, Ireland will be rounding out this year’s best Feis ever, celebrating Irish songs, ballads, players and bands with music and fun for five days this October. Come tip a pint and kick up your heels.

This Years Lineup: include: BriarFinch, Olympia, WA — Caliban, Celtic/Folk, CA — Celtic Spoons, Bremerton, WA — Coming up Three’s, Portland, OR — Crooked Jacks, Offaly, IE — Cul an Ti’, Nashville, TN/Portland, OR — Dennis Doyle, CA — Hank Cramer, Winthrop, WA — Kris & Kris, Seattle, WA — Mudmen, ON — Ockham’s Razor, Seattle, WA — Peter Daldry, Scotland/CA — Sean Williams, Olympia, WA — SeaStar, Seattle, WA — Seattle Irish Dancers, Seattle, WA — Shannon Sisters Dancers, OR — Slainte, Olympia, WA — Stark Raving Plaid, Seattle, WA — StoutPounders, Seattle, OR — Tempest, Norway / CA — That Irish Guy, Omagh, N IE / Olympia, WA — WhiskeyDicks, BC and more!

For Online Tickets, Click Here: https://irishmusicfestival.yapsody.com/

For more information and a schedule of the bands and events, Click Here: https://celticmusicfeis.com. You can email us at galwaybay@coastaccess.com or call us at 360-289-2300.

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Celtic Thunder

Shows

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Tuesday, October 20th, 7:00 PM

Federal Way Performing Arts Center, Federal Way, WA. Details

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Wednesday, October 21st, 7:00 PM

Federal Way Performing Arts Center, Federal Way, WA. Details

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Thursday, October 22nd, 7:00 PM

The Center For The Arts, Grass Valley, CA. Details

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Friday, October 23rd, 8:00 PM

Henry J Kaiser Center for the Arts, Oakland, CA. Details

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Saturday, October 24th, 7:00 PM

Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. Details

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Sunday, October 25th, 3:00 PM

California Center for the Arts, Escondido, CA. Details

Celtic Thunder

Fans of the internationally renowned Irish music phenomenon, Celtic Thunder, are in for a special treat as the group continues and expands on their successful show, An Evening with Celtic Thunder. This unique production will bring audiences a heartfelt celebration of the group’s most beloved songs while reuniting past and present members for an unforgettable evening of music, memories, and camaraderie.

An Evening with Celtic Thunder is more than just a concert—it’s a journey through the group’s incredible legacy. Featuring a carefully curated setlist of their greatest hits, this show will showcase the powerful harmonies, soaring ballads, and electrifying performances that have made Celtic Thunder a household name. From classic Irish folk songs to contemporary favorites, audiences can expect to hear the anthems that have defined Celtic Thunder’s illustrious career.

What makes this show even more special is the reunion of familiar faces. Over the years, Celtic Thunder has been home to some of the finest vocalists in the world, and An Evening with Celtic Thunder will see Emmet, Damian, Neil and Ronan perform some of Celtic Thunder’s greatest songs. Longtime fans will be thrilled to see their favorite voices come together, blending their talents in an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia.

‘We wanted to create something truly special for our fans, something that feels personal and celebratory,’ says Damian McGinty, longtime Celtic Thunder Principal. ‘This show is about reconnecting—with the music, with each other, and with the people who have supported us throughout the years. It’s a chance to relive the magic of Celtic Thunder in a more intimate way, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this experience with our audience.’

Since its inception, Celtic Thunder has captivated global audiences with its stunning performances and rich musical heritage. Known for their dynamic stage presence and ability to blend traditional Irish music with contemporary sounds, the group has sold millions of albums and performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

Formed in Dublin in 2007, Celtic Thunder is a multi-dimensional musical and theatrical ensemble celebrated worldwide for their emotionally powerful performances and state-of-the-art productions. Billboard Magazine has named them the Top World Album Artist five times, and their albums consistently rank in the World Album Top 10.

Website: https://www.celticthunder.com/

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Patrick Ball

Legendary Celtic harper and storyteller, Patrick Ball rekindles the fire and wonder of an evening of Irish storytelling. For in telling the marvelous old tales of wit and enchantment, and in playing achingly beautiful music on the ancient, brass-strung harp of Ireland, he not only carries on two of the richest traditions of Celtic culture, but blends them in concert to create a warm and magical performance.

For the Patrick Ball video, “An Dro Nevez”, Click Here!

The passion of the Irish for eloquence and wordplay, their deep devotion to a mythical past, and their ability to find joy and humor in a dark and often supernatural world make for stories unrivaled in the world of the oral tradition. And always, amidst the storytelling, there was music. Jigs, reels and haunting airs graced the spaces between the tales. And first among Irish instruments, and the most honored, was the legendary Celtic harp. With its crystalline, bell-like voice and lavish resonance, it would soothe its listeners and lead them deeper into the realms of the imagination. Patrick Ball weaves the marvelous old tales of wit and enchantment together with ethereally gorgeous instrumental harp melodies into a warm and magical performance that will leave the audience spellbound.

Don’t miss your chance to be swept away by this Master Seanchaí (storyteller).

‘Whenever performer Patrick Ball pulls his stool up to his Celtic harp, streams of silvery tunes glisten and shimmer. It’s instant Irish nostalgia, even for a listener who has no particular connection to the country and its culture. Ball plays with a deft, florid touch. The melodies are lovingly shaped and the intricate finger work gracefully phrased.’ – the San Franciso Chronicle

For more on Patrick Ball, check www.patrickball.com.

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Newberry & Verch

Growing up, Joe Newberry and April Verch absorbed traditions of home and hearth – in his Missouri Ozarks and her Ottawa Valley of Canada. Although they are on the road much of the year, the two musicians are fond of saying that they are rarely homesick, because their music means they always have a bit of home with them wherever they go.

Joe Newberry comes from a family of singers and dancers. He took up the guitar and banjo as a boy and learned fiddle tunes from great Missouri fiddlers. April Verch grew up listening to her Dad’s country band play for dances in the Ottawa Valley. She started step dancing at age three and fiddling at age six.  In a Newberry & Verch show, delighted audiences see first-hand the roots of their music, their love of performing, and their strong musical connection. Original songs join timeless classics. Stories warm the heart, and give audiences a chance to understand where the music comes from. Lively fiddle and banjo numbers combine with traditional dance steps to illustrate happy times when people made their own fun.

Known around the world for his clawhammer banjo playing, Newberry is also a powerful guitarist, singer and songwriter. The Gibson Brothers’ version of his song ‘Singing As We Rise,’ featuring guest vocalist Ricky Skaggs, won the 2012 IBMA ‘Gospel Recorded Performance’ Award. With Eric Gibson, he shared the 2013 IBMA ‘Song of the Year’ Award for ‘They Called It Music.’ A longtime guest on A Prairie Home Companion, he was a featured singer on the Transatlantic Sessions 2016 tour of the U.K., and at the Transatlantic Session’s debut at Merlefest in 2017. In addition to his work with April Verch, he plays in a duo with mandolin icon Mike Compton.  He also plays and teaches at festivals and workshops in North America and abroad.

Before launching her professional career, April Verch was the first woman to win both the Canadian Grand Masters and Canadian Open Fiddling Championships. In 2000, she formed ‘The April Verch Band,’ and together they have toured the world, performing in 18 different countries. She has released 12 solo recordings to date, receiving JUNO, Canadian Folk Music and Independent Music nominations and awards for several of those releases. She has also released an instructional stepdance DVD, a book of original fiddle tunes, and a Canadian Fiddle tune teaching method for Mel Bay. Verch was one of 6 fiddlers who represented the Canadian fiddle tradition to the world at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, as part of a segment called ‘Fiddle Nation’ featured in the Opening Ceremonies.

Ever since Newberry & Verch met, and discovered a musical spark that few can match, they have toured across North America, Europe, and the U.K., including Nova Scotia’s signature festival Celtic Colours International Festival, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in New York state, and Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Scotland.  Their CD, ‘Going Home,’ was released to wide acclaim. Whether it is the power of two voices lifted in harmony, or the sound of traditional tunes calling people to get up and move, these two masters of tradition put on an unforgettable show. And, when their feet kick up the dust in perfect rhythm and those two voices become one, Joe Newberry and April Verch make folks remember why this music existed in the first place.

Check out this great video of Joe & April performing the title track of their debut release ‘Going Home’ in Sheffield, UK, and then find more great videos on their YouTube Playlist!

Check out their websites, April Verch’s website and Joe Newberry’s website

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Cotter, Jackson & Chrisman

Colin Cotter (guitar, vox) and Sumaia Jackson (5-string fiddle, vox) bring ‘California Celtic’ at its best to with a deep groove and much soul in a set featuring original fiddle tunes and songs alongside re-envisioned traditional and contemporary Celtic and US American folk music.

The duo is joined for several gigs by Simon Chrisman, whose sheer wizardry on the hammer dulcimer opens all kinds of new horizons for exciting musical explorations.

The trio deftly moves from blazing fiddle tunes to beautiful ballads and back again, pulls off tightly arranged pieces and lets loose with improvised solos and free-flowing arrangements, joins their voices sweetly in harmony, and takes a few swings at the gravity of the harsh world around us, all while highlighting the joy of organic interplay between musicians and of gathering in community around music.

Website: https://colincotter.com

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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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One Promise. Five love stories. One Story carried across the Atlantic.

The Promise Love Story is an original Irish musical by Dublin writer and composer Paul Redmond. This Musical theater explores five interconnected love stories shaped by love, loss, emigration, family and the promises we carry across generations, and it will debut in a special showcase concert at The Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan, Dublin, which will be available worldwide via livestream!

The creative team benefits from the involvement of David Hayes, known for his work as Musical Director of Riverdance, along with co-musical director Terri Merrick and award-winning director Niamh McGowan.

With five interconnected love stories across generations, the production explores love, family, emigration, sacrifice, secrets and forgiveness — themes that resonate with Irish families and communities on both sides of the Atlantic, and features original Irish music, songs, dance and a guest narrator. The story is rooted in Fingal, Dublin and in Ireland’s history, but it’s themes reach far beyond Ireland.

At the centre of The Promise Love Story are five interconnected love stories, each exploring a different dimension of love and relationships. Some are shaped by separation. Others by loyalty, betrayal, loss or forgiveness. Together, they reveal how the choices made by one generation can echo through the lives of those who follow.

At the heart of the story is a promise made to a dying man. From that promise comes a chain of events reaching across generations, exploring how love can endure, how secrets can shape families and how forgiveness can become an expression of love.

For the Irish diaspora, the musical explores something deeply familiar: the ways Ireland can continue to travel across oceans through ancestry, music, memory, family stories and traditions passed from one generation to the next.

Music is central to Paul Redmond’s vision for The Promise Love Story. Rather than building the story around existing songs, Paul created the story and music together. Every song in the musical is original, giving the production its own distinctive musical identity. One of the original songs, Across Blue Waters, was inspired by Paul’s visit to the Jeanie Johnston, the replica emigrant ship on Dublin’s River Liffey. Ths song captures the uncertainty of leaving home, the pain of saying goodbye and the hope of a new life across the Atlantic.

On demand playback access allows community groups and centres to present the production at a suitable local time, making it possible to experience the showcase without being restricted by the time difference between Ireland and the U.S. Individual livestream purchases are valid for 24 hrs, so you could a view the show on Saturday at noon Pacific, or wait until the evening, or even Sunday morning.

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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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The Crooked Road Irish Band

The Crooked Road Céilí Band plays traditional Celtic music on the hammered dulcimer, fiddle, and guitar. The word “céili” is pronounced “kay-lee,” and is the Irish Gaelic word for “party!” Spirited jigs and reels brought to life, Irish folk music pure and simple, unique and magically atmospheric for an intimate evening under the stars.

Toe-tapping acoustic Celtic melodies played on fiddle, concertina, Irish uilleann bagpipes, hammered dulcimer, octave mandolin, guitar, Irish tenor banjo, wooden flute & tin whistle.

The hammered dulcimer has a harp-like quality, and paired with the lilt of the fiddle and drive of the acoustic guitar, the band weaves melodies that will take you back to the cozy little pub you discovered the last time you visited Ireland. The Crooked Road Irish Band is Irish music played in the spirit of the tradition.

Julie Horner: Hammered dulcimer and fiddle
David Chadwick: Fiddle, guitar and banjo
Shawn Prudhomme: Fiddle and cello

facebook.com/CrookedRoadCeiliBand

leap2three@gmail.com
(831) 325-1974

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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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