Newsletter
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Hello AmeriCeltic Reader,
January is here and with it our semi-annual Appeal for your financial support. Below the Appeal, you will find this week’s AmeriCeltic Newletter listings and links.
Over these past 2 decades, including the pandemic years, and with the help of our Generous Donors, have prepared and distributed your weekly the AmeriCeltic Newsletters, and maintained your AmeriCeltic.net Website, Calendar of Northern California Events, Facebook Group & Page, as well as hosted weekly Virtual Zoom gatherings on Wednesdays. Read More about AmeriCeltic’s Services here. There are bills for fast, reliable Internet service, and a Zoom Pro license that costs $160/year. To avoid significant cost increases, we have recently had to switch our bulk email service to Vertical Response, which requires that our detailed event features be maintained only on our website edition. There will be some additional costs there, but small enough to be handled by your donations.
To keep all these efforts going WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT NOW!
Support AmeriCeltic!
Your donation of any size is/was/will be very welcome and will help us prepare and distribute these email newsletters, support our Mission, and continue our public outreach as we have done online throughout these post COVID years. All donors are recognized, (unless they request to be anonymous), with their names listed on our Sponsors webpage here, www.AmeriCeltic.net/sponsors.
Our average donation is about $35, and we offer such donors a series of premium rewards.
If you make a donation to AmeriCeltic of $40 or more before 8:00 PM Friday, January 30th, and are willing to attend in person, we have two pairs of tickets to the
St. Brigid’s Day Celebration show, featuring Eamonn Flynn & Dublinesque as well as the Glide Choir, Shay Black & more, at the Freight and Salvage in downtown Berkeley, CA on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 7:00PM. See Details
Please include AmeriCeltic.net in your supported causes! Help us keep all these services going, and our weekly emails coming to your inbox, phone or tablet. Your donation is appreciated and needed NOW!
Donations of any size are very welcome. You will continue to receive our weekly email updates, and proudly renew your Celtic Hero status, elevating YOUR NAME on our ‘Sponsors’ webpage HERE, and if you renew at $35 or more, receive one or more premiums.
• To donate with a credit or debit card, 1. Click Here, 2. Enter an amount, 3. Choose your payment option (you don’t have to open a PayPal account).
• or if you prefer to send a check, make it payable to Tony Becker and mail it to 3273 B. Rocky Water Lane, San Jose, CA 95148.
Thanks VERY MUCH in advance!
Tony and Celia Becker, Co-Founders
AmeriCeltic.net
• On Saturday, January 24th, the annual rounds of Robert Burns Events continue as Scots all around CA, NV and indeed around the world gather to honor Burns the Poet as well as all things Scottish. (See Below)
• New! On Sunday, January 25th at 5:00 PM, the Irish Literary and Historical Society will host journalist Yvonne Judge presenting a talk on her documentary about Father Mychal Fallon Judge, OFM,, the first certified fatality of the September 11th attacks, at the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• New! On Sunday, January 25th, at 5:30 PM, there will be a FEST~NOZ Breizh dance party at Arlington Community Church in Kensington, CA. (See Below)
• New! On Friday, January 30th, 8:00 PM, the Treehouse welcomes young fiddler Andrew Finn Magill for a house concert in San Anselmo, CA. (See Below)
• On Sunday, February 1st, at 3:00 PM, the United Irish Cultural Center hosts a workshop to make your own St. Brigid’s cross, with materials and expert instrution provided. Then, on Sunday, February 1st, at 3:00 PM, These and many other Irish events all happen at their large facility in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• New! On Sunday, February, 1st, at 7:00 PM, Eamonn Flynn & Dublinesque, and a host of special guests, present a St. Brigid’s Day Celebration at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, CA. (See Below)
• New! On Monday, February 2nd, at 3:00 PM, Irish Historian Sean Murphy on the Life and Times of Saint Brigid, accessible to everyone everywhere Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Sunday, February 8th at 5:30 PM, the Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen, will perform at the Wheelhouse on Lincoln Avenue in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, CA. (See Below)
• On Fridays, from 5:00 PM on, Pub Scouts, plays great tunes at Duffy’s Tavern in Chico, CA. (See Below)
• On the 1st Saturday of each month, at 6:00 PM, the San Francisco in-person Chantey Sing is held at the Maritime Museum in San Francisco, CA, and then on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of the month, at 11:00 AM, the San Francisco Virtual Chantey Sing happens 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 first Sunday every month, at 9:00 AM Pacific, Dr. Ronan Connolly offers a Lets Learn Irish free workshop on Irish Language, free of charges and available everywhere Online via Zoom. They also offer a free, on demand starter course of three short videos. (See Below)
• On Sundays, from 8:00 UK time / 12:00 PM Pacific, it’s the Loch Down Folk Club, timed so our friends from the US and Canada can join in, Online via Zoom. (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)
• 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 First Mondays, at 12:00 PM Pacific, the Cle (Left) Club of Dublin, Ireland meets for a Zoom session devoted to traditional music, verse and song Online via 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)
• On Monday, December 15th, at 7:00 PM Celtic Arts Center host their annual Grand Music Session, Winter Holiday. 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 2:30 PM Pacific and Taking Time at 4:00 PM both Online via Zoom. (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 1st Thursdays at 8:00 PM, and other Thursdays at 8:30 PM, Irish Dance – San Francisco Bay Area organizes Irish set dancing at the Plough and Stars Irish Pub in San Francisco, CA. They also sponsor dances at 7:30 PM on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at Ireland’s 32 Pub in San Francisco, CA as well as set dancing lessons there on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. (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)
• 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)
• The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant, the local Irish Pub bringing the culture of Ireland to downtown San Francisco at 5th and Howard. (See Below)
• Multi-genre violin teacher (especially Irish Traditional Music) and performer Darcy Noonan is available for gigs and lessons. (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)
• Publican Stan Gamble has re-opened The Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant, offering full service 7 days a week from 4pm to late. (See Below)
Scan our feature articles below, or as always, you can click here to check the full listings on our website.
Robert Burns
Robert Burns (January 25, 1759 – July 21, 1796) was a poet and a lyricist. Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is the best-known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, although much of his writing is also in English and a ‘light’ Scots dialect which would have been accessible to a wider audience than native Scottish speakers. Burns wrote many blunt political and civil commentaries about the Scottish condition. For more on Robert Burns, Click Here.
This is also the time of year when Scots everywhere organize formal gatherings to commemorate Robert Burns and all things Scottish at Burns Suppers, with plenty of Burns poetry, Highland Dancing, Pipers, readings of Burns ‘Address tae the Haggis’, Toasts to the Lads & Lassies, and Entertainment of all kinds Celtic.
Since the first supper was held in July 1801 by the bard’s close friends as a memorial dinner, it has morphed into a worldwide event celebrating Scotland’s distinctive heritage and culture. But now, as part of The Burns Supper in History and Today project at the University of Glasgow, their Centre for Robert Burns Studies has created a new Burns Supper World-Wide Map. This interactive map features 2,500 Burns suppers across five continents and gives an inventory of their menus, settings, entertainments, and orders of ceremony.
For those who want to attend a Traditional, Formal in-person Burns Experience, you should Act Now! Find a Burns Supper near you (West Coast list below) and claim a spot, but remember that they generally have a deadline for reservations weeks in advance, and they sell out quickly.
• Saturday, January 24th, 1:00 PM, Sacramento, CA, Daughters of Scotia, Kilwinning Lodge 203, Robert Burns Birthday Celebration, Oak Plains Masonic Lodge, Contact Sandy Welsh, phone 408-202-0189, or email sandy_welsh@sbcglobal.net.
• Saturday, January 24th, 5:00 PM, Bakersfield, CA, Kern County Scottish Society, Burns Supper at American Legion – Post 26, Details
• Saturday, January 24th, 5:00 PM, Los Angeles, CA, St. Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles, Burns Supper at Four Seasons Hotel, Details
• Saturday, January 24th, 5:00 PM, Fresno, CA, Fresno Scottish Society, Burns Supper at Trinity Lutheran Church, Details
• Sunday, January 25th, 4:00 PM, Scott’s Valley, CA, Steel Bonnet Brewing, Burns Celebration, Details
• Sunday, January 25th, 5:30 PM Pleasanton, CA, Pleasanton-Blairgowrie-Fergus Sister City Organization, Burns Supper at Pleasanton Marriott. Details
• Sunday, January 25th, 5:30 PM (Hawai’i time) Honolulu, Hawai’i, The Caledonian Society of Hawai’i, Burns Supper at Oahu Country Club. Details
• Saturday January 31st, 4:00 PM, Reno, NV, Nevada Society of Scottish Clans. Burns Dinner at Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Details
• Saturday January 31st, 6:00 PM, San Francisco, CA, The Caledonian Club of San Francisco. Burns Supper at the St. Francis Yacht Club, Details
• Saturday, February 1st, 5:30 PM, Dixon, CA, Dixon Scottish Cultural Association , Burns Supper at Masonic Lodge Hall. Details
• Saturday, February 7th, 6:00 PM, San Francisco, CA, Saint Andrews Society of San Francisco. 163rd Annual Robert Burns Event at Marines Memorial Club, Details
• Saturday, February 7th, 4:00 PM, Fair Oaks, CA, St. Andrew’s Society of Sacramento, CA, Burns Supper at North Ridge Country Club, Details
journalist creator of
Victim No. 0001
5:00 PM Pacific
The ILHS is very pleased to present a talk, on Sunday, January 25th, 5:00 PM noon Pacific Time on Zoom, by journalist Yvonne Judge, presenting a talk on her documentary about Father Mychal Fallon Judge, OFM,, the first certified fatality of the September 11th attacks.
Fr. Judge was an American Franciscan friar and Catholic priest who served as a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department. While serving in that capacity, he was killed at the site of the attack. As his true life story began to emerge, many sought to claim his heroic legacy – the Irish American community, the fire department, the Catholic Church and the city’s gay community
Journalist Yvonne Judge made Victim No. 0001 – a radio documentary on the life of Father Mychal Judge, for RTE radio’s Doc On One. The documentary was awarded a silver medal at the New York International Radio Awards.
Here is a link to the RTE Doc: https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/3040333-none/
Yvonne Judge is an award winning Irish journalist and radio producer. Yvonne worked with RTE and Irish newspapers in Ireland. She has made a number of radio documentaries based on the history of Irish America. Yvonne is currently based in San Francisco where she contributes to The Irish Times and RTE.
Please support the ILHS by becoming a member or donating today. Visit our website http://ilhssf.org/home/membership to renew via PayPal today or send a check for $30 for individuals and couples to Treasurer PJ O’Donnell at 1725 Shattuck Ave., #203, Berkeley, CA 94709.
If you have suggestions or future speakers or presentations, please do not hesitate to suggest them by emailing secretary@ILHSsf.org
The Irish Literary and Historical Society of the San Francisco Bay Area is a community of scholars and lovers of knowledge in appreciation of the best in Irish and Irish American history and literature. We present a broad range of fascinating speakers from the heights of contemporary literature and academia as well as some of the finest lay scholars in the field. We have supported and celebrated Irish studies for more than 70 years in the great City of San Francisco.
For more information in the Irish Literary and Historical Society, check the website: http://ilhssf.org or email to: tonybucher@gmail.com, or phone: 415-350-6025.
Demad!
Jim Oakden, Dance Mistress extraordinaire Adrienne Simpson, and Shira Kammen are pleased to host another Northern California FestNoz! FestNoz is a dance party featuring traditional music and dance of Brittany.
We’ll be joined by a group of dedicated Breton musicians. The dancing and music will be mostly trad-Breton, with some BalFolkish couple dances tossed in.
Come join us in Kensington on January 25th from 5:30 PM for lively dancing, LOUD and soft music, food, drink and Revelry.
Music by Shira Kammen, Jim Oakden, Ronan Keryell, and Friends.
Dances led by Adrienne Simpson, Ronan Keryell, and Stephanie Even
No Experience nor Partner Required!
Ample Parking!
Food and Drink Available For Purchase!
Sliding scale $20/$10 Donation Requested, no one turned away.
Yec’hed mad!
Contact Jim Oakden joakden@gmail.com if you have questions.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1373549774484228/
After a multi-year hiatus Treehouse Concerts is pleased to present the first concert of 2026–talented Irish fiddler Andrew Finn Magill, who is visiting from North Carolina. Guitar accompaniment and maybe a song or two from singer/songwriter Kyle Alden.
Andrew Finn Magill is a Multi-instrumentalist, All-Ireland fiddle finalist and Ropeadope Recording artist. Andrew ‘Finn the fiddler’ Magill has watched his career surge ever since the 2016 release of his 2-disc concept album Roots (debuting at #46 on the Folk DJ charts) & Branches, which feature John Doyle, Colin Farrell, and Cillian Vallely of Lúnasa among others.
Raised at The Swannanoa Gathering, Magillhas learned and carved out a name for himself in Irish, American and Brazilian music and has taught these traditions at fiddle camps all over the world including the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, Montana Fiddle Camp, Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp, The Freight & Salvage’s Fiddlekids, The Acadia Trad School, and Le Séjour du Cléguérec in France among others. After moving to Rio de Janeiro in 2014 he became an ambassador of Brazilian violin and co-founded the nationally-touring Brazilian Strings Trio with violinist Ted Falcon and guitarist Nando Duarte. In 2018 he released Canta Violino! on Ropeadope Records,
Finn Magill displays a love and authenticity that can fool you into thinking he is from Brazil. His style is playful and light, yet soulful and passionate. Congratulations! Airto Moreira (of Miles Davis & Chick Corea fame)
Based in Asheville since 2016, Magill tours the U.S., France, and Brazil regularly with many acts including Dave Curley, Brazilian Strings Trio, his own Brazilian jazz trio and solo.
Please RSVP to kylealdenmusic@gmail.com.
Address and parking details given with your RSVP.
Workshop
Sunday, February 1st, 3:00 PM
Hosted by the UICC, Irish Marvels, and the Dowling Library, this workshop offers instruction and materials for making your own cross. Back by popular demand and hosted by the UICC, the Irish Marvels cultural program, and the Patrick J. Dowling Library, this family friendly workshop offers instruction and materials for making your own cross. Tea, soda bread, and other refreshments will be provided, along with special musical entertainment.
There were many regional styles and variations throughout Ireland with different materials used. Families would recite prayers, bless the rushes or straw with holy water and then each make the crosses. They would hang them over the door and around the home to welcome St. Brigid. Many households kept the cross each year in the under-thatch of the house and you could tell how old a house was or how long the family had lived there by the number of crosses in the roof!
Space is limited! Registration closes when spaces are full or on January 31, 2026 so as to ensure we have enough materials for all attendees. There will be a limited number of spaces available at the door. Register Here!
Every Saturday, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, there are free Irish Traditional Music Fast Sessions in the UICC’s Emerald Pub. Email Cormac Gannon for details.
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 Ceolti 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!
Join Eamonn Flynn & Dublinesque, with special guests The Glide Choir, Shay Black, Irish dancers and more for a concert of unity and hope on St Brigid’s Day, blending Irish and gospel music. This concert is a long-held dream of Flynn’s, who also accompanies the Glide Choir on keyboards, to bring his musical passions together and celebrate Brigid, the Irish saint based on the ancient Celtic goddess of spring, poetry, and inspiration.
Brigid’s Day, February 1st – Lá Fhéile Bríde – celebrates Ireland’s matron saint. It was also one of the most important days of the year for our rural ancestors. With its origins in the Celtic festival of Imbolc, Brigid’s Day was the festival of fertility and marked the beginning of spring in Ireland. It signalled an end to the darkness of winter and ushered in a new season of hope and growth. People celebrated the day with a festive meal and a host of customs, all aimed at securing St Brigid’s protection and promise of new life and abundance for the year ahead. All to honor Brigid and herald the beginning of Spring!
‘In Ireland, Brigid’s Day signals an end to the darkness of winter and ushers in a new season of hope,’ says Flynn, who wrote a gospel tune in her honor. ‘And I think we can all use a little bit of hope right now.’
Listen & watch Flynn’s video: ‘St Brigid’s Day’
Flynn’s quartet Dublinesque features American fiddler Darcy Noonan, Irish accordion player Félim Egan, and Basque banjo player Hector Bragado, playing traditional Irish tunes and Flynn’s original songs. https://www.eamonnflynn.com/
The Glide Choir, based at San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church, is a large and diverse gospel ensemble who have worked with Marvin Gaye, Bobby McFerrin, Maya Angelou, Bono, and Joan Baez. Under the musical direction of Zoe Ellis, the Glide Ensemble performs every Sunday in the Glide Memorial Church Sanctuary. https://www.glide.org/church/ensemble/
Shay Black is an Irish singer from a celebrated musical family (including sisters Mary and Frances Black). He tours regularly with his brother Michael in the Black Brothers Band. Steeped in Dublin and Liverpool folk traditions, he’s known for his extensive song collection.
of Saint Brigid
3:00 PM Pacific
6:00 PM Eastern
You would like to invited to attend a free live presentation on the Life and Times of Saint Brigid offered by Irish Historian Sean Murphy.
Brigit’s story provides many insights into the history of Ireland at the start of the Historic Age in Ireland. It also helps us to understand how people interpreted their life events through the language or expressions they used to convey that understanding.
• Known as Bridey, ‘Mary of the Gaels‘, and even as Biddy, Saint Brigid was born in 451 A.D. in Faughart, near Dundalk in county Louth.
• Her mother Brocassa was a slave and therefore Brigid was born into slavery. Her father Dubtach (Duffy) was a pagan Gaelic chieftain.
• Due to her ‘charitable disposition‘ her father tried to sell her but finally he freed her from slavery. She then set out successfully to have her mother also freed from slavery.
• She along with many women at the time defied the practice of being married to a man chosen by their father. They became ‘Brides of Christ‘.
• When she was first ordained into the church the presiding bishop, Saint Mel, a nephew of Saint Patrick, ‘somehow’ read the prayers making her a bishop.
• She is credited with opening the first female Christian monastery community in Ireland.
• Brigid successors as bishop and abbot at Kildare continued to attend Synods of the church until 1152 when the Pope ended the almost 700-year-old practice.
To join this event you can simply reply to this email or you can enroll on my website here: Register Now!
Check out Sean’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@seanmurphy6558
More Details on Sean’s website: https://www.irishhistory.online
Wheelhouse in Willow Glen, San Jose, CA. Details
This family-friendly, pet-friendly indoor/outdoor show offers cozy covered patio seating and a warm, art-filled room inside.
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 have songs, stories, smiles, and hopefully you to share it all with.
Video: What to Expect
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
Aquatic Park bleachers east of the Maritime Museum building
3rd Saturdays 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Online via 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.
Now in its 41st year, Park volunteer and retired Park Ranger Peter Kasin continues as emcee for 2 monthly sings taking the role of chantey Empresario, introducing singers and setting up the songs, and you can join either in person or from your own home via online connections, to help bring joy, calm the nerves, and help us get through these trying times!
Peter Kasin says,
Ahoy –
In-person chantey sings have returned to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park every first Saturday, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in the Aquatic Park bleachers east of the Maritime Museum building, 900 Beach Street, foot of Polk.RESERVATIONS: To reserve, please email me here peterkasin5@gmail.com. Your last name with the number in your party will be on the reservation list held inside the museum entrance by a volunteer.
We will also continue the monthly virtual chantey sing online. 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 at 11:00 AM on 3rd Saturdays, where lead singers will be in the “Hollywood squares” (gallery view) and you can sing along from home!
Visithttps://maritime.org/events-home/chantey-singfor 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!
Donations to the Association will be accepted during the event, which will be used to buy virtual technologies to broadcast more events from the Park.
For more details, check this Facebook Page 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 athttps://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 athttp://www.nps.gov/safr
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
First Sundays Online Workshop
The 1st Sunday online Free Workshop lasts one hour and is suitable for those who are new to Irish, as well as for those who are currently studying the language! Click Here to Register for the Zoom Link. After the Free Workshop, Attendees are welcome to stay on afterwards to ask questions and learn about the online Irish language community.
Registration closes one hour before the workshop begins, so do it now to be ready for the next first Sunday.
Unable to attend? No problem! Check out our Free On Demand Starter Class with Quinton Beck. Quinton will take you through your first steps in the Irish language with three short videos. Register here to access the videos.
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 comhra 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, comhra¡ 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 CúrsaÃ, but are unable to attend the live sessions, then you can still join us by following our video recordings! Use coupon ˜VideoOnl™ at the checkout for a 25% discount.
The upsurge in interest in the language, and the success of the Oscar-nominated ‘An CailÃn 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
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA
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 Sl
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. Irish Dance – San Francisco Bay Area offers set dancing lessons on thesecondandfourth Tuesdaysof each month at the Ireland’s 32 pub in San Francisco. Lessons are taught by Michael Murphy and Michael Riemer and are typically attended by 10-20 other dancers.
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!
The Delta King in Sacramento, CA
Every Thursday, at 6:00 PM with few exceptions
Father Paddy’s in Woodland, CA
All 3rd Saturdays with few exceptions
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
8:00 PM in Ireland/UK
3:00 PM Eastern
12:00 PM Pacific
Do you fancy going to the Folk Club?
Join Maria Hawthorne Boyle and her world-wide group of singing friends using Zoom, and you can give us a song or a tune from the comfort of your own home or just listen in. UK based Loch Down folk club is hosted by Maria Hawthorne Boyle everySunday evening.
Topic: Loch Down Folk Club
Join Zoom Meeting
https://link.americeltic.net/lochdown
To find out more contact:
Maria Hawthorne Boyle: lochdownfolk@gmail.com or mariaboylegalway@gmail.com
Join Alexandra Annen as she leads a free community class in Irish traditional instrumental music. No experience is required to join us on the last Sunday of each month. Bring an Irish instrument.
Website: https://www.saylamusicacademy.com
Check their website, www.threetimesthrough.com for more dates.
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
11 AM – 1 PM Pacific Time
The Mermaid’s Tavern is the moniker Lynn Noel gave the online folk sings she began when the COVID pandemic began and as of October, 2023, 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
12:00 PM Pacific / 3:00 PM Eastern / 8:00 PM UK
Play Along with Irish Tunes at a steady pace
Join the Meeting Passcode: 245476
Song and Tune Round Robin
11:30 AM Pacific / 2:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM UK
Join the Meeting Passcode: 715687
12:00 PM Pacific / 3:00 PM Eastern / 8:00 PM UK
Play Along with Irish Tunes at Full Speed
Join the Meeting Passcode: 245476
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
12:00 PM Pacific
3:00 PM Eastern
8:00 PM Ireland/UK
Dublin’s Clé (Left) Club has in person traditional music and song sessions at the Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, but on the first Monday of each month, at 8:00 PM, their Séamas Sheils hosts an Online music and song session on the Zoom platform, called Clé Abhaile (Left Home).
At these Clé Abhaile monthly Zoom meetings, the host for the evening, usually Séamas Sheils, seeks contributions in song, music or verse from the attendees, and generally gets enough to fill a couple of hours with pleasant performances.
The Zoom code needed to join the meeting changes for each month, so one must send an email to Seamus at info@cleabhaile.com, a day or so ahead, asking to be added to his email list, and he will send you a reply with the Zoom code for that month.
The Clé Club is devoted to traditional music and song, and currently meets in person at historic Liberty Hall, Dublin at 7:30 PM (Doors from 7:00 PM) on the third Wednesday of the month (except July and August). If you are in Dublin, drop in!
Clé Abhaile Online Session email: info@cleabhaile.com
Clé Club email: mailto:cleclub@gmail.com
Clé Club Webpage: https://cleclub.org/home/
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
Welcome to the Ag Teacht Le Chéile 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: maureenmcnally6@gmail.com
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
Monday Social Events
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
3:00 – 5:00 PM Eastern
8:00 – 10:00 PM GMT
10:00 – 1:00 AM Eastern
11:00 – 1:00 PM Tokyo Thurs.
Tony Becker
americeltic@gmail.com (email)
M 408 600-8783 (text)
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!
with John Whelan
2:30 PM Pacific: Tune Learning
4:00 PM Pacific: Taking Time
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 876 5743 3368
Passcode: 696642
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 Mairtin De Cein 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’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
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
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
• Wednesdays at 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern / 5 – 6:30 PM Pacific (Early for East Coast)
• Thursdays at 8 – 9:30 PM Pacific / 11 – 12:30 AM Eastern (Late for West Coast)
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
9:00 PM Eastern
6:00 PM Pacific
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:
Learn Instrumental Tunes
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Our friend Phillip Taylor is hosting an Irish/Scottish Instrumental Tund 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
Break Through your Ancestry Brick Walls!
by Cecilia Fabos-Becker
There are many good basic manuals, both in print and online, that can help you get started researching your ancestors and finding lost cousins, but in over fifty years of research into our own Scots-Irish, Irish, Scottish and Welsh ancestry, I’ve learned what works well and what doesn’t, as well as many useful sources and links.
Now, I have written a book, Ancestry & DNA – Beyond the Basics, to help you, and all Americans find their origins. My book will be especially useful to especially Celtic Americans doing family history research, and it is available for immediate download!
Author Celia Fabos-Becker
My Book includes:
• Introduction to Family History Documents
• What are REAL Primary Sources?
• America’s Dark Age (1783 to 1850)
• Finding Family Records with online services
• Introduction to Family History DNA
• Using DNA Tests to help Find Family History
• How autosomal, MtDNA, or Y-DNA tests can help
• DNA Testing Company Reviews
• Loads of Examples
Dancing Details:Irish Dance Meetup Group
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
Monday – Thursday 3:00 PM til close
Friday – Sunday 12:00 PM til close
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
The Chieftain hosts live performers every Friday and Saturday, often featuring new musical talents, and Live Irish Music on Sundays from 6:30 PM.
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.
Irish Tin Whistle Services
New Album Coming soon: Decade
One on One Lessons:
Fridays: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Mondays: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Tu,We,Th: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
(Pacific Time)
Online via Zoom or In-Person
Cedar Dobson,24, is a multi-credentialed visual artist, photographer, videographer, musician and composer specializing in traditional Irish and Scottish music. Cedar plays the Tin Whistle, Irish Flute, Bodhran, Mandolin, Uilleann Pipes, and Guitar.
For a nominal fee, Cedar will record your tune, or compose a new one exclusively for you, as a birthday gift to a friend or loved one.
On Friday, November 15th, 2025, Cedar released her 3rd Album, A Whistle Wonderland – Christmas Melodies in a Celtic Style, on BandCamp. Check her Facebook Page for links and updates https://www.facebook.com/CedarDobsonMusic
Whistle Demo
Cradling Arms of Croaghan/Back to Belfast
Two Jigs and Two Reels with John Doyle
Cedar says:
I’m so excited to be currently creating my fourth album, and my first Irish traditional/contemporary trad solo album, Decade! This project is a heartfelt journey through the most influential tunes of my ten-year whistle-playing career. Every donation will directly support the brilliant musicians who bring this album to life and fund the production of physical copies. Join me in celebrating this beautiful genre and the incredible talent behind it! Click here to make a donation Thank you so much for your support! – Cedar
Cedar offers private, affordable and enjoyable tin whistle lessons! Lessons, either in-person or via Zoom, are taught from the studio at Gandharva Loka World Music Store in Central Dublin, Ireland. Lessons are available at Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced levels, as well as Low Whistle and Percussive and Improvisation style lessons.
Your first lesson is a free trial. If thestudent would like to continue lessons, they can book four or eight of them (one a week for four/eight weeks) for an affordable set price. The lessons are 45 minutes long and the student will be given notes and resources from the lessons.
Contact Cedar at cedardobsonmusic@gmail.com
Message Cedar on Facebook
Hire Cedar on Fiver
Saturdays: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sundays: 11 AM – 10 PM
Tues, Wed, & Thurs: 3 PM – 10 PM
Pacific Time
Buncrana at Slainte
Susan Spurlock, Tedd Colt, Darcy Noonan, Hector Bragado,
Michael Stack, Patricia Ross, Tim Hill, and Autumn Rhodes.
After opening in April 2017, Slainte Pub in Oakland featured some of the finest local food, drink, and regional singers and musicians, in live, acoustic performance and quickly became the hot new place for Irish hospitality, culture and music in the East Bay.
Contact them at (510) 823-2644
@slainteoakland
Website: https://slainteoakland.com.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/slainteoak
Email: cheers@slainteoakland.com
Weekends 10:00-7:00
Friend of the Family Alex Sinclair, has now operated his Celtic business Willow on the Green, for a more than a year.
The shop is on the not-so-quiet 9th Avenue, which is directly in front of the main entrance to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA.
Alex says:
We cater to the ‘Day in the Park’ crowd, offering all manner of Scottish, Welsh, English and Irish goodies, one might like to have for a Picnic In The Park, including cheese, chutney, clotted cream, cuppa, kippers, and many other delectable wares that don’t begin with a ‘c’. With a bit of prior notice, Celtic musicians and buskers are welcome to our store front on 9th Avenue, just a stones throw from the main entrance to Golden Gate Park.
Willow on the Green is dedicated to British and Californian fine foods, cheeses, meats, provisions, and products. Located in the heart of the Inner Sunset District, San Francisco, just a stone’s throw from the entrance to Golden Gate Park.
Facebook Page: Willow on the Green
Phone: (415) 259-1811
Email: indulge@willowonthegreen.com
Celtic music recording artist and multi-instrumentalist David Brewer is Fired up on teaching music over Zoom, Anytime, from Anywhere!
David is offering relaxed and fun, yet informative and in-depth lessons on any or all of these topics:
• Penny-whistle
• Bodhran
• Scottish Bagpipes
• Uilleann pipes
• Tune-writing & composition
• Music theory
• Accent City & phrasing
• Performance techniques
• Guided recording project consulting
• And more!
For more information, to schedule a lesson on Zoom, or to find out more about David’s upcoming tutorial series launching on Patreon later this summer, please email: davidbrewerbooking@gmail.com
David Brewer is a member of the Scottish folk band, The Fire, and has performed around the world with Molly’s Revenge, The Chieftains, and The Old Blind Dogs.
For more about David Brewer, visit: www.davidbrewermusic.com
5:30-7:00 PM Moderate-Pace
7:30-10:30 PM The Starry Session
Monday: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Irish Ceili Dancing
Tuesday: 7:30 PM Open Mic Night
Wednesday: 8:00 PM The Berkeley Poetry Slam
Thursday: 8:00 PM Trivia with Miss Jenna
Friday/Saturday: See our Schedule!
Manager Shahin Naima reopened The fabled Starry Plough on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022. We are now open 7 days a week with all of the Plough’s treasured events returning, from Irish dancing to open mic nights (except Funk Night, for now).
We Are Back! We are so happy to be back and look forward to serving you all for many years to come. To keep our community space thriving we have partnered with our fiscal sponsorship, Haven of Hope, to begin accepting donations from our loyal patrons and members of The Starry Plough community. This provides the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the expenses that go into making our famous community events so special. Please consider donating through thehavenofhope.org/donate to keep the Starry Plough in our amazing community for the future generations of Berkeley.’ — Starry Plough manager Shahin Naima
The pub was open for Saint Patrick’s day with a ‘scratch band’ of staff to serve the traditional corned beef and cabbage, and songs, tunes and dancing filled this treasured Arts institution one again, as explained in this Detailed Article by Madeline Wells of SFGATE.
Website: www.thestarryplough.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StarryPlough
Darcy Noonan is an accomplished violinist based in the Bay Area. Following her heart, she has studied and performed a variety of musical genres including classical, ragtime, mariachi, Greek, and (closest to her heart) Irish traditional music. In fact practically the second after graduating from High School she was off to Ireland to study with her idols for a few years.
Darcy has played with numberous bands and orchestras, including The Black Brothers, Eamonn Flynn, Jammy Dodgers, Violins of Hope, Noonan, Howard, and Straw, The Get Happy String Band, Disciples of Markos, Tipsy House and Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano.
Darcy is now back in the Bay Area, and Darcy is accepting students as an expert fiddler and Suzuki certified teacher with years of experience performing and teaching.
If you are interested in booking Darcy for a gig or for violin lessons, send her an email at darcynoonanviolin@gmail.com or visit her website at darcynoonanviolin.com
AmeriCeltic Logo Items
→ AmeriCeltic Logo Gifts! ←
Shirt, Hat, Mug, Apron
3 FULLY EMBROIDERED – MADE IN USA
Celebrate your rich AmeriCeltic history and heritage in style and class and support AmeriCeltic by sporting a shirt, hat, mug, apron or patch, all except the mug, embroidered in full color with the AmeriCeltic logo! And don’t forget to give one to yourself!
Click Here for the full line-up of AmeriCeltic Logo items.
The AmeriCeltic logo, styled like a coat of arms, commemorates your MIXED, Scots, Irish, Welsh Celtic American heritage! Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the thirteen colonies of mostly Scots, Scots-Irish, Irish and Welsh who joined with many others from many other countries, and together fought tyranny to assert our Independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
Click for more information about the AmeriCeltic Logo design
The Celtic Tea Shoppe offers a great selection of Celtic and Celtic inspired foods, including:
• Meat Pies
• Sausage Rolls
• Liquor Cakes
• Irish Soda Bread
• Salted Caramels
• Gift Boxes
• Premium Loose-leaf Teas
Everything is handmade at our shoppe in San Jose, CA and curbside pickup service and shipping are available.
To check The Celtic Tea Shoppe Facebook Page, Click Here!
Call us directly at 408-267-7090 or check our website www.celticteashoppe.com for all our other baked goods and confections. To order, contact Kristen Scott with a call to 408-267-7090, or an email to sales@artisancandies
Important Announcement: Going forward in 2023, we are looking to give scholarships to young dancers in local Scottish and Irish dance schools, and would love to have your help. Dance is very near and dear to Dean and Kristen’s hearts, and they want to help those dancers who show much promise and talent, but who have less resources and thus barriers to success compared to others who do.
If you are interested in participating, please let us know and how much you would like to give toward this scholarship. We are currently looking at a candidate for whom we’d like to raise $1000 – to help them with their dance studies, whether it be shoes, costumes, lessons, travel funds, etc. If you are interested in contributing, please let us know ASAP. We must stress that this is not a charity organization we are contributing to, but it is a fundraiser to help local dancers in need. Cheers!
(photo is of Dean Scott in a Los Angeles professional company of Brigadoon, 1984)
Lark in the Morning has been a folk musician’s favorite since 1974 and has an amazing selection of musical instruments and instructional material from around the world.
Eric says:
“Our Berkeley location, 1001 Camelia Street, Berkeley, CA, is open for online lessons and instrument sales Tuesday – Saturday from 12:00 – 6:00 PM!”
Thorn Land and Eric Azumi
Call us at 707-964-5569
Shop online at https://larkinthemorning.com
Check out our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/LarkInAM.
 Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant Across from Apple Park |
The Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant
Open 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM every day of the year
10801 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino, CA
Many of you have heard the rumors about the The Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant.
For details, Watch the official Video!
The Duke is, and will remain, THE only Authentic, (and we do mean AUTHENTIC!), British Pub in the Bay Area, located across the street from Apple Headquarters on Wolfe Road in Cupertino.
The atmosphere at the ‘The Duke‘, is the same as you would find in any pub in the British Isles, full of friendly patrons who come in to socialize, play darts, have a pint or two, and eat a meal. If you are looking for a comfortable elegance, pints of beer and authentic food, in an authentic English Pub, there is no a better choice in the Bay Area. The Duke offers a large number of beers on draft and by the bottle. Almost anything English, Scottish or Irish is available. Murphy’s Irish Stout brewed in Cork, Ireland and Scotch Eggs is always a good choice.
The servers are excellent and very knowledgeable about the beer and food menu. The menu is expansive and worth exploring. The dark pubsy feel with old regulars in their respective, but not crowded corners around lunch hour in Cupertino, is a great boon.
You can’t find more ‘authentic’ atmosphere, because the entire building was built in jolly old England, then disassembled, shipped and reassembled on site in Cupertino. With the red velvet seating and wall paper and ornate, dim lighting, you are transported to London as soon as you enter the etched glass door.
More info. on The Duke Facebook Page, website www.theduke.com or call 408-446-3853.
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AmeriCeltic Mission
AmeriCeltic is a user supported, non-profit service organization. Our Mission is to restore awareness, celebrate and preserve the culture and history of Celtic Americans by promoting live Celtic music, festivals, history & ancestry as well as report and comment on related current events. To help fund our efforts, click here or click on the Donate Button on our AmeriCeltic Website www.americeltic.net.
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