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Friday, 2025-12-05
Updates, Features, & Events

Hello AmeriCeltic Reader,


Events: (One-Time)

• On Friday, December 5th, at 7:30 PM, the Katie Jane Band performs their Christmas Show at the Axe and Fiddle, in Cottage Grove, OR, to be followed by shows in Roseburg, OR on 12/6, Tualatin, OR on 12/13 and Sherwood, OR on 12/21. (See Below)
• On Friday, December 5th, at 8:00 PM, the Irish Christmas in America live, in person tour continues at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation, in Torrance, CA, with four more California cities to follow. (See Below)
• On Saturday, December 6th, at 2:00 PM, Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter perform in concert at Silverton House Concert in Silverton, OR, followed by more shows around OR in coming weeks. (See Details)
• On Saturday, December 6th, at 4:00 PM, the United Irish Cultural Center hosts their regular Irish session in the Emerald Pub and on Sunday, December 7th, their annual Holiday Boutique and Artisan Craft Fair. All at their large facility in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• Saturday, December 7th, 6:00 PM brings the 8th annual Irish Christmas Hooley at the Juniper Hotel by Hilton in Cupertino, CA. (See Below)
• On Friday December, 12th, 3:00 PM, new band Amhránaithe, including Amelia Hogan, Jimmy Murphy, and Skyler Blakeslee, perform at St. Columba’s, in Inverness, CA. (See Below)
• On Friday, December 12th, at 8:00 PM the 19th Annual Winterdance Christmas Celebration returns with a show at Sutter Creek Theater in Sutter Creek, CA, followed by six more shows around Northern CA. (See Below)
• On Sunday, December 14th, at 6:30 PM, The Cooley Keegan Branch of Comhaltas is hosting their Comhaltas Celtic Christmas Céilí with lots of Irish dancing to live music at the UICC in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
New! On Sunday, December 14th, at 6:30 PM, in the Visalia Fox Theatre, in Visalia, CA, Kerry Irish Productions kicks off it’s annual An Irish Christmas tour with 8 more shows in a 6 more cities before Christmas. (See Below)
New! On Friday, December 16th at 7:30 PM, Tomáseen Foley brings his A Celtic Christmas, show to the Cascade Theatre in Redding, CA, followed by shows on 12/17 in Berkeley, CA, 12/18 in Santa Cruz, CA, 12/19 in San Francisco, CA, 12/20 in Sebastopol, CA, and 2 shows on 12/21 in Medford, OR. (See Below)
• On Monday, December 22nd, at 12:00 PM, Scottish rising star Iona Fyfe will conduct a Workshop in singing Scottish Gaelic songs, Online via Zoom. (See Below)


Events: (Recurring)

• 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 first Sundays of the month, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time, the Cross Keys band, Cormac Gannon, Stacy Samuels, Neil O’Neill, sing out at the Way Station Smokehouse & Beer Garden in Fairfax, CA. (See Below)
• On the last Sunday of each month, join Alexandra Annen for a Irish traditional instrumental music session at Sayla Music Academy in Lodi, CA. (See Below)
• On First Sundays, Grass Valley based Three Times Through plays at Grass Valley Brewing Company in Grass Valley, CA, plus several other weekend dates around the Gold Country of California. (See Below)
• On the first Sunday of the month, from 11 AM – 1 PM Pacific / 2 PM – 4 PM Eastern time, Lynn Noel hosts the Mermaid’s Tavern Ballad sing-around, online via Zoom from her home studio. (See Below)
• 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 Clé (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 Chéile 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 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)

Please support our sustaining Sponsors with your Celtic business!

• Co-Founder Cecilia Fábos-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)
Sláinte 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.

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Katie Jane Band
A Celtic Christmas

Christmas Shows

Friday, December 5th, 7:30 PM

Axe and Fiddle, Cottage Grove, OR. Details


Saturday, December 6th, 7:00 PM

Rosebud Theatre, Roseburg, OR. Details


Saturday, December 13th, 7:30 PM

Irish PDX, Tualatin, OR. Details


Sunday, December 21st, 4:30 PM

Todd Acres, Sherwood, OR. Details

Katie Jane Band

Katie Jane Band

Get ready for an enchanting evening of high-energy Irish tunes, Celtic Christmas favorites, and beloved holiday classics. This family-friendly event will also feature a captivating performance by Irish dancers, adding an extra layer of festive spirit to the night.

Video A Celtic Christmas with The Katie Jane Band 2024 full set

Violinist Katie Jane Lubiens grew up in the Bay Area, California, where she studied classical violin under the acclaimed teacher Nance Mitchell, and then under the world touring gypsy violinist Greg Mazmanian.

In 2008 Katie attended the University of Nevada, Reno, with a music scholarship where she led the symphony orchestra under the baton of Dr. Jason Altieri. While at university, Katie performed up and down the west coast with the classically driven Silver Strings Quartet and the traditional Irish band Whisky Before Breakfast.

Today Katie brings her fiery energy to the Katie Jane Band. With her unstoppable dancing feet and blazing fingers, she turns every performance into a party. From her extensive classical training, Katie is able to meld her impeccable technique and beautiful tone with the passion and excitement she finds in the traditional Celtic fiddle tunes.

Guitarist / Mandolinist / Fiddler Adam Easley’s musical journey began at the age of 12 in Albuquerque, NM, in school guitar class. He then went on to the Conservatory of Music at UOP to study classical music, at which point he started learning about Irish fiddle music and lecture on Irish music there. He studied jazz at SF State where he was introduced to many styles of music and performed with Hafez Modirzideh in the Creative World Ensemble. Since then he has expanded his ability as a multi-instrumentalist to include mandolin, piano, guitar, fiddle, and percussion, and has taught violin and guitar for over 20 years. Guitar Lessons PDX

Learn More:
www.katiejaneband.com
www.facebook.com/katiejaneband
www.instagram.com/katiejaneband

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Irish Christmas in America

Shows

Friday, December 5th, 8:00 PM

Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation, Torrance, CA. Details


Sunday, December 7th, 6:30 PM

Blue Note Napa, Napa, CA. Details


Monday, December 8th, 7:30 PM

Bankhead Theater, Livermore, CA. Details


Tuesday, December 9th, 7:30 PM

Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA. Details


Wednesday, December 10th, 6:00 PM

Resource Center for Non-Violence, Santa Cruz, CA. Details

Irish Christmas in America

Irish Christmas in America

Now in its 20th season, Irish Christmas in America brings together world-class musicians, singers, and dancers in an intimate and engaging performance rich in history, humor, and boundless energy. Pensive ballads, lively instrumentals, and thrilling Irish dance, plus evocative photographic images, create an enchanting start to the holiday season.

Videos:

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

Produced and lead by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada of the award-winning Irish group Téada, this year’s family-friendly performance features 2 new multi-instrumentalist / singers. Jack Warnock from Maghera, Co. Derry as well as Cathy Jordan, lead vocalist for the traditional Irish music band Dervish since 1991.

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

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

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

Check out the Website: Irish Christmas in America

‘Lively and reflective…a powerful evocation of the season

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Lisa Lynne and
Aryeh Frankfurter

Shows

Saturday, December 6th, 7:00 PM

Silverton House Concert, Silverton, OR. Details


Sunday, December 7th, 3:00 PM

Portland House Concert, Portland, OR. Details


More following in December. Check their calendar at: https://lionharp.com/calendar

Lisa and Aryeh

Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter

Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter perform with two Celtic harps, the rare Swedish Nyckelharpa, Ukrainian Bandura, Cittern and more. The audience will hear music hailing from Celtic and Nordic Traditions as well as heartwarming original compositions. The multi-instrumental duo will present a unique blend of music and tales from their adventures as modern day troubadours.

Here is a video of some excerpts from their recent live shows: https://youtu.be/NvJdFA0ktsw

Lisa Lynne is a multi-instrumentalist and performer who has gained worldwide recognition for her original music featuring her Celtic Harp. She is widely acclaimed for composing memorable and heartwarming melodies on the Windham Hill/Sony music labels that have repeatedly placed in the Top 10 & Top 20 on the Billboard New age music charts. Lisa tours year round performing at large US festivals and performing art centers. Her work in Therapeutic music has gained recognition from NBC, CNN, Fox News Atlanta and numerous newspaper and magazine articles including Wall Street Journal. Lisa’s music is heard throughout the award winning PBS special ‘Alone in the Wilderness,’ amongst many other soundtracks for commercial television and independent films. She performs regularly as a solo artist, with Aryeh Frankfurter, Patrick Ball and the Windham Hill tours. She was recently named one of the 50 most inspiring women by Los Angeles Magazine. http://www.LisaLynne.com

Aryeh Frankfurter is a renowned Celtic harper and multi- instrumentalist who went from virtuosic progressive rock violin to intricate Swedish folk and Celtic Music. He began with Classical violin at the age of three, and studied music throughout his life. He has 17 albums to his credit, works on film and television scores as composer and arranger, and continues to teach himself to play a variety of instruments, most recently the rarely seen Swedish Nyckelharpa. He earned his masters in philosophy as he was becoming one of the most successful street performers in the US. He is a full time musician and producer whose uncommon approach to the Celtic harp and folk harp repertoire, his critically acclaimed albums have earned him high regard as an artist of extraordinary talents and abilities. www.Lionharp.com

Check out Lisa’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaLynne
Check their calendar at: https://lionharp.com/calendar
For more information, please contact: Lisa Lynne 541-972-3068 Lisa@LisaLynne.com.

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United Irish Cultural Center
2700 45th Ave, San Francisco, CA

One Time Events:

Holiday Boutique and Artisan Craft Fair
Sunday, December 7th @ 12:00 PM


Tomaseen Foley’s
‘A Celtic Christmas’
Friday, December 19th @ 7:30 PM


UICC Logo

Recurring Irish Events:

Every Saturday, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, there are free Irish Traditional Music Fast Session in the UICC’s Emerald Pub. Email Cormac Gannon for details.
On the Last Saturday of every month, at 2:00 PM, there are free, Irish Traditional Music Slow Sessions at the UICC, in the Members’s Room, and sometimes upstairs in the 3rd floor boardroom.
Email Matt Moore for details.


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


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

UICC website
UICC Facebook Page

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8th annual Irish Christmas Hooley
Saturday, December 7th, 6:00 PM
Juniper Hotel by Hilton, 10050 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA


An Irish Hooley

We hope you can join us for our 8th annual Irish Christmas Hooley for dinner, drinks & craic at the Juniper Hotel by Hilton in Cupertino.

The Hooley includes a champagne reception at 6 PM, followed by a three course meal with Irish Christmas cake and wine, fun prizes, music, and dancing. At 11 PM we will adjorn to the hotel bar (next to the ballroom) for an Irish sing-song, where we will have craic agus ceol until the night ends at 2 AM.

Please invite friends and all those you think might be interested in joining in the festivities. The more the merrier!

For guests wishing to stay at the hotel, a special discounted room rate will be shared shortly.

Tickets are now on sale for the Irish Christmas Hooley on Saturday, December 7th, 2024. Purchase your tickets today! Tickets can be purchased here:
https://irishchristmashooley.ticketspice.com/irish-christmas-hooley

• Drinks Reception: 6:00 PM
• Dinner: 7:00 PM
• Music, Dancing & Sing Song 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Dress code: Cocktail Attire.
Tickets $170 https://irishchristmashooley.ticketspice.com/irish-christmas-hooley
All Sales final.

Organizers: Jim Slevin, Aine O’Donovan, Helen Hartnett & Sandra Pelino
Questions: Email us at irishchristmashooley@gmail.com

Get more information via email to Jim Slevin, jim.slevin@comcast.net
Hooley Website: https://irishchristmashooley.org/

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Amhránaithe
Amelia Hogan, Jimmy Murphy, and Skyler Blakeslee

Shows

Friday December 12th, 3:00 PM

St. Columba’s, Inverness, CA. Details


Fireside pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 2:30 PM and at intermission.
Sponsored by KWMR and Brickmaiden Breads


More Appearances here: More …

Amhránaithe

Amhránaíthe

Amhránaíthe (Aw-Raw-Nee= Irish for singers/ chorus) brings richly-textured traditional and contemporary Celtic Folk that’s distinctive, lively, and spellbinding. This group has a rich sound that’s well-steeped in history through lilting, evocative, and powerful storytelling. Three celebrated voices — Amelia Hogan, Jimmy Murphy, and Skyler Blakeslee — present vibrant melodies and grooves of whistle, flute, small-pipes, harmonica, guitar, bodhran, and shruti box. Your toes are set to tap the whole show long. They bring a breadth of charm and character to warm hearts for the long winter season ahead with community spirit. You won’t want to miss this trio of trad and Contemporary Irish folk artists, who’ve played with such storied groups as: Molly’s Revenge, Ciúnas, Rattle the Knee, The Flight Crew, and Paddy on the Binge, and in such hallowed halls as Liberty hall in Dublin, and the Consulate General of Ireland in San Francisco and on Putumayo’s compilations, NPR’s Thistle and Shamrock, and topping Folk Alliance International’s global Folk charts.

‘Clear, Buouyant, and Distinctive vocals’ – Irish Music Magazine

Amelia Hogan
Amelia Hogan is an impeccably authentic singer of Celtic music, and her rich understanding of the tradition comes through in honeyed tones on Irish, Scottish, British, and American-styled vocals. She sings strongly influenced by her deep roots in the Irish Sean-Nós, or ‘old style’ tradition, a highly lyrical solo a cappella style, as well as with accompaniment, plays shruti box and Irish Bodhrán, and has toured internationally to global acclaim. FAR-West Official Showcase Winner 2024, Hogan recently recorded and released the album Burnished in April 2025, and Taking Flight, which charted in the top 10 global folk albums at its release with Steve O’Neill of Foxtail Sound, with Ray Frank, Jimmy Murphy, Richard Mandel, Skyler Blakeslee, Marla Fibish, Maureen Brennan, John Weed, Rebecca Richman, and Christa Burch under her solo label. Other Projects Include: Falling You, Molly’s Revenge, NPR’s Thistle and Shamrock, Putumayo’s compilations, Amhránaithe Irish Band, and numerous others.

Skyler Blakeslee
Raised in Los Angeles and a student and lover of traditional music since childhood, Skyler Blakeslee plays lively Irish flute, fluid chromatic harmonica, and expert Scottish smallpipes and sings traditional songs. He performs frequently with other traditional musicians such as Tara Howley of Riverdance, Vince Wolf of Driving with Fergus, and his Northern California based band, Paddy on the Binge, and leads sessions across the Golden State.

Jimmy Murphy
Jimmy Murphy, guitarist, and mandolinist extraordinaire, has been a cornerstone of the traditional Irish music scene in California for over two decades. He has appeared in performance venues from the Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles to temples in Japan. He has performed on KPFK’s ‘Global Village’ with Eric Rigler, on KPFK’s ‘Folkscene’ with Mick Moloney, as part of the band Ciúnas, and live on KCSN’s ‘Tied to the Tracks’. Jimmy spent two years as a contracted musician in Japan; first as a soloist for Tokyo Disney Sea, then as a member of a band for Universal Studios, Japan, and finally as a key member for a four piece band again at Tokyo Disney Sea. He is the go-to guitarist for most Irish musicians in LA and has performed in many musical configurations.
Other Projects Include: Rattle the Knee, and New Wild Hog.

For more information, email Amelia Hogan: ameliaisaverb@yahoo.com
Amelia’s Phone: +01-831-331-3705

Facebook Page with Event Details: facebook.com/AmeliaHoganSings

Amelia’s Website: https://ameliahogan.com

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19th Annual Winterdance Christmas Celebration

Shows

Friday, December 12th, 8:00 PM

Sutter Creek Theater, Sutter Creek, CA. Details


Saturday, December 13th, 7:00 PM

St. Michaels Episcopal Church, Carmichael, CA. Details


Sunday, December 14th, 3:00 PM

Art Freak Studio, Niles, CA. Details


Thursday, December 18th, 7:30 PM

Hillside Club, Berkeley, CA. Details


Friday, December 19th, 7:30 PM

St. Mary’s by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, CA. Details


Saturday, December 20th, 3:00 PM

St. Mary’s by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, CA. Details


Sunday, December 21st, 4:00 PM

Milking Parlour, San Luis Obispo, CA. Details

Winterdance

Winter Dance 2025

A joyful and cherished holiday tradition returns this December, marking the 19th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration. Angelic singing, instrumental wizardry, and championship Irish step dancing combine to lift your hearts this holiday season. This year’s show welcomes back the soaring vocals of San Francisco’s Amelia Hogan, Molly’s Revenge fiddler John Weed, and the banjo and mandolin artistry of rising artist, Tyler Weed. Making his Winterdance debut on guitar, mandolin and vocals, we’re honored to share the stage with Wake the Dead’s Paul Kotapish. All Ireland champion Irish step dancers Marisa Gilman will bring a percussive and visually stunning element to this 19th year of Winterdance.

Almost two decades ago, Molly’s Revenge began our Winterdance holiday celebration. Combining lively instrumental Celtic music with seasonal carols and Irish dance, the cast has evolved over the years, but continues to offer a compelling and popular holiday show. We continue this tradition in the hopes that we can play a small part in nurturing community, unity and festivity through song, story and dance. We look forward to seeing familiar faces, making new friends, and hope to see you there!

Video: Wexford Carol @ Hillside Club
Video: Sommerset Wassail and Mighty Reels

Amelia Hogan is an impeccably authentic singer of Celtic music, and her ‘lilting, buoyant, distinctive voice’ (AM Kennedy, Irish Music Magazine) comes through in honeyed tones on Irish, Scottish, British, and American-styled vocals. She sings both contemporary and traditional music well versed in the Irish tradition of Sean-Nós, or ‘old style’, a highly lyrical solo a cappella style. Amelia is a headliner at the SF Free Folk Festival since 2004; frequent host of the internationally known Starry Plough Sunday night session ( Berkeley CA,) headliner at The Irish Club of Alaska’s Galway Days Festival; a regular at the An Goilin Singers Club in Dublin, Ireland; a special guest and community partner with the Consul General of Ireland, San Francisco; Ongoing partner with the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco, headliner and special guest performer and regular of Hyde street Pier NPS Maritime History Museum Sea Music Festival and concert series.

John Weed, fiddler for Molly’s Revenge and New World String Project, has spent the last 30 years immersed in various fiddle styles. With an affinity for folk traditions, John’s exploration has emphasized Irish, Scottish, Swedish, and Old-Time fiddle. While he holds a bachelor’s degree of music from CSU Chico, the musical education that charted his path began through a long series of Irish sessions. There, he learned the nuance of aural passing of melodies and the tradition of conversing in a deeply musical manner. John’s passion for the vital expressiveness of the session lead to performing across the United States and internationally. In addition to being a full time performer and instructor, John is currently on faculty at Palenke Arts, a multicultural arts organization in Seaside, California.

Paul Kotapish Equally confident and inventive on every fretted instrument, Paul has distinguished himself on the stage for over 30 years. Most recently, Paul has made a name for himself with his concerts and recordings with Kevin Burke’s Open House, a headlining act in Celtic and international folk festivals across the country. His blazing guitar and mandolin work also help drive The Hillbillies From Mars, Sylvia Herold’s Euphonia, and other Northern California-based acoustic groups. Paul is also widely respected for his work as editor and feature writer at Acoustic Guitar Magazine.

Tyler Weed was raised in a musical family. His journey began on guitar which quickly led to earning money backing his father on fiddle. He then discovered flat-picking melodies while also developing a passion for jazz. This allowed him to be equally comfortable playing in the old-world fiddle styles as well as using swing-accompaniment on Irish melodies. Heavily influenced by Bay Area mandolin great Marla Fibish, he developed nuances traditional Irish tunes on mandolin — picking patterns for the different dance tunes, tone projection, and styling, which continues in his playing today. Tyler represented the next generation of mandolin players at his performance at 2023 San Francisco Festival of Mandolins. He has since journeyed into the world of tenor banjo. His banjo style can be characterized by ornate, percussive triplet stylings with a driving, yet hypnotic groove.

Marisa Gilman is a visually stunning and rhythmically percussive Irish step dancer, back for the entire run of 2025 Winterdance shows. Marisa competed extensively in her youth with Portland Oregon’s Murray Irish School Of Dance. Marisa’s dance is athletic yet elegant, her movements graceful and timing impeccable.

Full Details at mollysrevenge.com

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Cooley Keegan CCE
Comhaltas Celtic New Year Céilí
Sunday, December 14th, 6:30 PM
United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco, CA

CCE

CCE Irish Céilí Dancing

Join the Cooley Keegan Branch of Comhaltas for a fun night of music and dancing during our annual Christmas Céilí on Sunday, December 14th in the large upstairs ballroom of the United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco!

céilí is a traditional Irish dance event. Complete beginners and advanced dancers alike are welcome. No experience or partner needed to attend. Live traditional Irish music will be performed by the Sourdough Céilí Band!

Snacks, tea, and coffee will be provided. Please feel free to bring a treat to share during break time.

Admission:
• $15 for members of Comhaltas. You can become a member by following this link.
• $20 otherwise

How to find us: The ceili is on the 2nd floor in St. Patrick’s Room (the large ballroom). Entrance will be from the REAR of the UICC through Wawona Gates on Wawona Street and up the steps from the parking lot. Elevator access will also be open.

RSVP by calling Josephine Brogan at 415-264-8856 or email her at Josephine Brogan.

Get information on more Irish Dance events on Meetup at https://www.meetup.com/irishdance/events/

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An Irish Christmas
As Seen on PBS
Christmas magic from the Emerald Isle

Shows

Sunday, December 14th, 2:00 PM

Visalia Fox Theatre, Visalia, CA. Details


Monday, December 15th, 7:30 PM

Harris Center for the Arts, Folsom, CA. Details


Tuesday, December 16th, 7:30 PM

Hammer Theatre, San Jose, CA. Details


Wednesday, December 17th, 7:30 PM

Hammer Theatre, San Jose, CA. Details


Thursday, December 18th, 7:30 PM

Vacaville Performing Arts Center, Vacaville, CA. Details


Friday, December 19th, 7:30 PM

Clark Center for The Arts, Arroyo Grande, CA. Details


Saturday, December 20th, 2:00 PM

Clark Center for The Arts, Arroyo Grande, CA. Details


Sunday, December 21st, 2:30 PM

Balboa Theatre, San Diego, CA. Details


Monday, December 22nd, 7:30 PM

Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA. Details


An Irish Christmas 2025

An Irish Christmas

Kerry Irish Productions is back in 2025 with its acclaimed production of An Irish Christmas.

There will be 8 performances in 6 different venues around California, beginning December 14th and running through December 22nd.

An Irish Christmas features an award-winning cast of dancers along with an incredible group of musicians and singers to celebrate the holidays as only the Irish can. Audiences will enjoy all the holiday carols they know and love including Silent Night, Carol of the Bells, and The Twelve Days of Christmas plus a spectacular high-energy display of Irish dancing at its very best.

Genuinely astonishing–electric! – The Village News

Magical…glorious Irish music…remarkable…pure joy…a great Irish night!   – The Irish Herald

Click Here for An Irish Christmas 2023 Official Promo video: https://youtu.be/3T_rDHA_1B0

An Irish Christmas is a celebration of family and community that showcases some of the great Irish holiday traditions including, chasing the wren, butter-making, and dancing on the half-door.

The show features dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Celtic Wings and is produced by Margaret O’Carroll with musical direction by Jesse Langen.

In 2017 Kerry Irish Productions partnered with PBS and Tourism Ireland in a televised presentation of An Irish Christmas that has aired for several years during the holidays season.

An Irish Christmas Show Website

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Tomáseen Foley’s
A Celtic Christmas

Shows

Tuesday, December 16th, 7:30 PM

Cascade Theatre, Redding, CA. Details


Wednesday, December 17th, 7:30 PM

The Freight & Salvage, Berkeley, CA. Details


Thursday, December 18th, 7:30 PM

UCSC Santa Cruz Recital Hall, Santa Cruz, CA. Details


Friday, December 19th, 7:30 PM

United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA. Details


Saturday, December 20th, 2:00 PM

Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, Sebastopol, CA. Details


Sunday, December 21st, 3:00 & 7:00 PM

Craterian Theater, Medford, OR. Details

A Celtic Christmas

Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas

Every Christmas for the past 29 years, William Coulter (lecturer in guitar and UCSC alumnus) has performed with and acted as Music Director for Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas.

With a world-class ensemble of musicians, dancers and singers from both sides of the Atlantic, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas has played to packed concert halls and to critical acclaim nationwide, recreating on stage the now-famous Rambling House; that remote cottage in the West of Ireland, where the neighbors gather every year for a communal night before Christmas. There, the rafters ring with fiery traditional music, Irish Christmas carols, riveting traditional dance and, of course, stories of life in the remote parish of Teampall an Ghleanntáin, Tomáseen’s birthplace. The show invites its audience to come into that cottage, into that world, into that era, with us, and be our neighbors for the night.

If you can’t cross the Atlantic, at least make your way to A Celtic Christmas. – Cleveland Plain Dealer

A Celtic Christmas received a standing ovation at the end. Some people may have been standing to reach for a tissue … it was heart tugging. . . Foley runs pictures and thoughts across the mind like shooting stars on a crystalline night, with emotions shaking the ground. – Green Bay Press Gazette

…fashion an imagined moment in time co-existing peacefully with the spirit of Christmas, recreating the innocence and charm of times gone by…’ –The State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL

Click Here for Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas Videos http://bit.ly/32cCXWY

Show Site: www.acelticchristmas.com
For more info, sights and sounds, visit http://tomaseenfoley.com

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Iona Fyfe

Workshops

Monday, December 22th, 12:00 PM

Online via Zoom. Details

Iona Fyfe

Iona Fyfe

Scotland has a new, young star in Aberdeenshire folksinger, Iona Fyfe, and this is the second trip she has made to the West Coast of the US.

On her 2022 tour, at 24, Iona was already one of Scotland’s finest young ballad singers, rooted deeply in the singing traditions of the North East of Scotland. Winner of Scots Singer of the Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2018, Iona has been described as “one of the best Scotland has to offer.” (Global-Music.de) Iona has performed with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra as part of the World Premiere of Disney Pixar’s Brave in Concert at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

At only 21, Iona had a number of high profile appearances under her belt, including performances in the UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Czech republic, France, Poland, Australia, and Canada. Iona was a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year and won the Molloy Award at the Birmingham Trad Irish Fest. In 2018 Iona performed at Interceltique Festival Lorient, where she was described as “a Scottish folksinger, magical and charismatic.” (Rolling Stone, France).

Song and Language Workshops: Iona Fyfe also teaches interactive vocal and archival exploration Workshops, in which participants learn songs in the West-Germanic Scots Language, Doric dialect. These workshops will delve into the songs and traditions from traveller singers such as the Stewarts of Fetterangus, the Stewarts of Blair, the Robertsons/Higgins and the McShannons.

Iona writes in traditional styles:
This ballad, Lady Finella, was written by Iona, and tells the story of Finella, born in 950AD, daughter of Cuncar, Mormaer of Angus, a descendent of Pictish royalty. Finella was said to have assasinated King Kenneth II of Scotland. It was originally written for Stonehaven Folk Club’s ‘Sense of The Place’ project and Filmed as part of S4C Gwyl Cwlwm Celtaidd filmed at Celtic Connections in Glasgow in 2022.

Iona has many many more online videos:
Full Set Video: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Final 2021
Bonnie Lass o’ Fyvie
Official Video: The Cauld
Dark Turn Of Mind
Tennessee Waltz
Guise of Tough
Banks of Inverurie
Rain & Snow
Lay Ye Doon Love
Mill o’ Tifty’s Annie
Scots language translation of Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’
Scots language translation of "If We Make it Through December"
Scots language translation of Phoebe Bridgers song ‘It’ll All Work Out’

Iona’s debut album Away From My Window was held to critical acclaim and received nationwide airplay on programmes such as BBC Radio 2 The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk, Take The Floor, and BBC Radio Nan Gaidheal. Iona’s EP, Dark Turn of Mind, released in 2019, features the connection between Appalachia and Aberdeenshire, with six of the same songs found in both areas. Iona has studied at the prestigious Royal Conservatouire of Scotland, and holds an FLCM in Traditional Voice from the London College of Music, and is one of six directors of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland.

More Details:
Website: https://ionafyfe.com
Workshops on Zoom: https://ionafyfe.bandcamp.com/community

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Pub Scouts
Fridays, 5:00 PM
Duffy’s Tavern, 337 Main Street, Chico CA

Pub Scouts

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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San Francisco In-Person & Virtual Chantey Sings
A San Francisco Singing Tradition
1st Saturdays, at 6:00 – 9:00 PM in person
Aquatic Park bleachers east of the Maritime Museum building
3rd Saturdays 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Online via Zoom

SF Chanteys on Zoom

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.

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!

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!

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 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
Sundays 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Yosemite Wine Tails, 40409 CA-41, Oakhurst, CA

Turf in the Bog

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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Lets Learn Irish

First Sundays Online Workshop
9:00 AM Pacific | 12:00 PM Eastern | 5:00 PM Ireland/UK

Free Classes


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.

Lets Learn Irish

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 classescomhrá 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 profilesarticles 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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Irish Dance San Francisco Bay Area

Set Dance Events
1st Thursdays, 8:00 PM
2nd, 3rd, & 4th Thursdays, 8:30 PM
The Plough and Stars, 116 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA

1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 PM
Ireland’s 32, 3920 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA

Set Dance Lessons
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 PM
Ireland’s 32, 3920 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA

Irish Set Dancers

Irish Set Dancers

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

Lessons

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 the second and fourth Tuesdays of 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!

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Sundays
Loch Down Folk Club
8:00 PM in Ireland/UK
3:00 PM Eastern
12:00 PM Pacific


Trans-Atlantic Session

Maria Hawthorne

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 every Sunday 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

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The Cross Keys
First Sundays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Way Station Smokehouse & Beer Garden, 2001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, CA

Cross Keys

The Cross Keys

The Cross Keys are a Folk Explosion, with Cormac Gannon, Stacy Samuels, Neil O’Neill.

Cormac says:
Looking forward to playing with my comrades!

Here is a sample video featuring Stacy Samuels: https://youtu.be/8wKMcbIzKzs

Located in beautiful Fairfax, in the heart of Marin County, the Way Station has risen from the site of a former gas station into a family-friendly beer garden and smokehouse. The Way Station team prides itself on super friendly customer-focused service.

Check waystationmarin.com or The Facebook Page or call (415) 300-3099.

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Irish traditional instrumental music Session
Last Sundays at 6:30 PM
Sayla Music Academy, 2:, Building 1: 21 W Locust St Building, 210 N School St, Lodi, CA

Irish Traditional Instruments

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

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Three Times Through

Shows

1st Sundays, 3:00 PM
Grass Valley Brewery, 141 E Main St. Grass Valley, CA

Check their website, www.threetimesthrough.com for more dates.


ThreeTimesThrough

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
Third Sunday of the month
11 AM – 1 PM Pacific Time

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 816 4596 2218
Passcode: 131111

Mermaid's Tavern

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 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

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Phoenix Folk
3 Weekly Online Sessions
Online via Zoom

Mondays

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


Tuesdays

Song and Tune Round Robin
11:30 AM Pacific / 2:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM UK

Join the Meeting
Passcode: 715687


Thursdays

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

Phoenix Folk

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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First Mondays
Clé Abhaile (Left Home)
12:00 PM Pacific
3:00 PM Eastern
8:00 PM Ireland/UK

The Cle Club

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/

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Moosehead Mondays
Traditional Irish Music Session
12:00 PM Pacific
3:00 PM Eastern
4:00 PM Atlantic
8:00 PM Ireland/UK

Join the Zoom Meeting!

Irish Traditional Music Session

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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Mondays
Ag Teacht Le Chéile Irish Session
3 PM Pacific
6 PM Eastern
11 PM Ireland/UK

Join the Zoom Meeting!

Irish Traditional 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

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Suzuki Cady
Irish Music Class for all Instruments
Mondays, 6:00 – 7:15 PM
Private Home in Sebastopol, CA

Suzuki Cady

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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Celtic Arts Center
Online Irish Classes
Monday Social Events

Celtic Arts Center

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 Traditional Celtic music jam session in the Lounge – Musicians and singers are welcome!

Check out the full details on their website here: Online Beginners Irish Language Class Mondays, 7–8PM. 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 céilí dance workshop for both beginner and intermediate level students. All that is followed by the Center’s famous traditional music seisiún 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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Wednesdays

Trans-Atlantic Session
12:00 – 2:00 PM Pacific
3:00 – 5:00 PM Eastern
8:00 – 10:00 PM GMT

Pacific Evening Session
7:00 – 9:00 PM Pacific
10:00 – 1:00 AM Eastern
11:00 – 1:00 PM Tokyo Thurs.

Host

Tony Becker
americeltic@gmail.com (email)
M 408 600-8783 (text)



Trans-Atlantic Session

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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Wednesdays
with John Whelan
Play Along Sessions
2:30 PM Pacific: Tune Learning
4:00 PM Pacific: Taking Time

Online via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 876 5743 3368
Passcode: 696642

John Whelan

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 Máirtin De Cógáin 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

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Stepwise
Olivia Breidenthal & Liam Lewis

Shows

Every Wednesday, 8:00 PM

Griffins of Kinsale, South Pasadena, CA. Details

Stepwise

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
Free Irish Language Classes
Accessible to all on Zoom

The Philo-Celtic Society

The Philo-Celtic Society

Philo-Celtic Society History

In 1872, teacher and school principal Mícheál Ó Lócháin started The Philo-Celtic Society in Brooklyn, NY, to establish a worldwide renaissance of the Irish language.

There were and are other organizations and people dedicated to other areas of Gaelic culture, such as dance and music, and we have great respect for them and we praise their work on behalf of those arts. At other periods of our history, we tried to be active in various other aspects of our culture besides the Irish language, all things for all people, until the Irish language wasn’t important at all to most of our membership. In that way, we forgot our original purpose of supporting the Irish language and the organization was on the brink of going out of existence.

However, Mícheál Ó Lócháin’s vision was still remembered, especially as the name, ‘Philo-Celtic’ literally means ‘lover of the Celtic language’, and since December of 2004, The Philo-Celtic Society has re-focused it’s activities on teaching the Irish language. Our activities went on-line, conducting classes in the Irish Language around the world using emails and through, at first on the Yahoo Groups platform, and later in Groups.io. By Fall of 2020, all our classes are offered as video classes on Zoom, making them accessible to students throughout the world.

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)


Ongoing Irish Language Classes

Starting to Learn Irish – Class for Absolute Beginners
Two sessions every Friday, 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific / 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM Eastern

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 Lessons
Online via Zoom from San Francisco, CA

Schedule

• 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

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-nós 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 Session


1st Thursdays

9:00 PM Eastern
6:00 PM Pacific


Ould Sod Zoom Session

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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Irish/Scottish Learning Session
3rd Thursdays, November 21st
Learn Instrumental Tunes
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Strum Shop, 209 Vernon St, Roseville, CA

Irish Instruments

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

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Book GIF

Break Through your Ancestry Brick Walls!

Ancestry Book
A printable e-book
by Cecilia Fábos-Becker

Ancestry & DNA
Family History Research: Beyond the Basics

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!

Celia 2016

Author Celia Fábos-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

Download Ancestry & DNA – Beyond the Basics here:

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The Plough and Stars
Wednesday — Sunday 4 to 12 PM
The Plough and Stars Irish Pub, 116 Clement Street at 2nd Avenue, San Francisco, CA

Tune Session
Sundays, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Various hosts and players

Set Dancing
Thursdays, 8:00-10:30 PM

Dancing Details: Irish Dance Meetup Group

Plough

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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The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant
Open 7 days a week
Monday – Thursday 3:00 PM til close
Friday – Sunday 12:00 PM til close
The Chieftain, 198 5th St, San Francisco, CA


Debbie and Mark Nagle

Debbie and Mark Nagle

Chieftain Logo

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

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.

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Cedar Dobson

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
Gandharva Loka World Music Store, 62 South Great Georges St., Dublin, Ireland

Cedar Dobson

Cedar Dobson

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, Bodhrán, 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

Videos:

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

Lessons:

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 the student 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

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Sláinte Pub
Fridays 12 PM – 12 AM
Saturdays: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sundays: 11 AM – 10 PM
Tues, Wed, & Thurs: 3 PM – 10 PM
Pacific Time
Sláinte Pub, 131 Broadway, Oakland, CA

Sundays: Buncrana

Slainte
Buncrana at Sláinte
Susan Spurlock, Tedd Colt, Darcy Noonan, Hector Bragado,
Michael Stack, Patricia Ross, Tim Hill, and Autumn Rhodes.

After opening in April 2017, Sláinte 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

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Willow on the Green
1327B 9th Ave., San Francisco, CA

Open 7 days a week
Weekdays 11:00-7:00
Weekends 10:00-7:00

Willow on the Green

Willow on the Green

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.

WotG Grand Opening 1

Perusing Goodies

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

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David Brewer Music Lessons
Online via Zoom!

David Brewer Lessons

David Brewer Music Lessons

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

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The Starry Plough
3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA
Everyday, 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Events
Sunday: Irish music sessions
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

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Darcy Noonan
Available for Performances or Lessons

Darcy Noonan

Darcy Noonan

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

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AmeriCeltic Products

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

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The Celtic Tea Shoppe
Home of Artisan Candies
4432 Pearl Avenue, Ste. 2, San Jose CA


AC logo 2017

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 José, 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


Scottish / Irish dance scholarships

Dean Scott

Brigadoon

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)

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Lark In The Morning
Tuesday – Saturday, noon – 6 PM
Lark In The Morning, 1001 Camelia Street, Berkeley, CA

Lark Berkeley

OPEN for your WALK-IN AND ONLINE BUSINESS!

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.

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DukeofEdinburgh
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.

When this pandemic is over, ‘The Duke’! will be moving to new quarters just across the parking lot from our current location!
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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Wanna help, comment or get published?

We publish articles or comments that relate to our Mission (see below), to our thousands of Celtic concordant readers. If you have one, email us: Tony and Celia Becker, americeltic@gmail.com


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Calendar

Click to display the combined AmeriCeltic Calendar, covering the Northern California Coast and Bay Area, and the Celtic Events Calendar, from Chuck Jamison, covering the Central Valley.
To submit an event for listing in our Calendars, email your Celtic event info., including Who, What, Where, Why & Description to us.
Coastal Celtic events – Email AmeriCeltic. Central Valley events – Email Chuck Jamison.
Click Here to use the online form.
We love videos! Include a link to an online video, and you will likely get featured in this weekly newsletter!

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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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Copyright 2000 – 2025 www.AmeriCeltic.net
AmeriCeltic@gmail.com