Newsletter
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Hello AmeriCeltic Reader,
• On Friday, June 19th at 12:00 PM Pacific, Jim Lucas and Linn Phipps will host another Themed Shanty Sing, with the theme Mexico, and to include any and all Hispanic Sea Songs from the Carribbean area, accessible from anywhere, Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• New! On Friday, June 19th at 6:00 PM, the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco UICC-SF will host the World Premier of a multi-media Musical Literary Event, entitled Ulysses Meets Sgt Pepper, in the St. Francis Room. Later that evening, at 8:00 PM, UICC-SF Seán Gavin & Colm Gannon in concert, to open their annual Trad Fest West, which continues through the weekend with many Irish Traditional Cultural Workshops, Sessions, and Art and Musical Shows. All these events happen at the UICC’S large facility in San Francisco, CA. (See Details)
• New! On Friday, June 19th, at 7:00 PM, in person $10 Contra Dances with Live Music by Against the Grain returns to Park Hall in Ben Lomond, CA. (See Below)
• Friday, June 19th, at 8:00 PM, Colm Gannon and Sean Gavin close their West Coast Tour by opening the 3 day long Trad Fest West at The United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco, CA, (See Below)
• On Saturday, June 20th, at 7:30 PM in Pioneer Park, in Nevada City, CA, the Sierra Fiddle Camp, presents a a Community Concert and Fundraiser, lead by director Alasdair Fraser. (See Below)
• On Sunday, June 21st at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM, hear old-time tunes welcoming in the summer season, lead by Shira Kammen and sung with the California Revels Solstice Ensemble at Live Oak park, Picnic Area #2 in Berkeley, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, June 24th, at 5:00 PM, Suzuki Cady and Jimmy Murphy perform at the Rio Nido Roadhouse in Rio Nido, CA (See Below)
• Continuing Thursday, June 25th, Sean Murphy will present a weekly 1st course episode covering the History of County Waterford, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM Pacific Time, followed by a 2nd course episode covering Ancient Ireland up to the Arrival of the Celts from 4:30 – 6:00 PM Pacific Time, for four Thursdays in total, both offered Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• New! On Friday, June 26th, at 11:30 AM Pacific, (2:30 PM Eastern, 7:30 PM UK/Ireland ), Linn Phipps leads her songs-in-Gaelic workshop/singaround, Srùbag, available everywhere, online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Saturday, June 27th, at 7:00 PM, the Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen, will perform at the Wheelhouse on Lincoln Avenue in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, CA. (See Below)
• On Sunday, June 28th at 1:00 PM Pacific, Delaney McCormack will present, online via Zoom, the fifth episode of her 6 part lecture on Melmoth the Wanderer by Charles Maturin. This is one of the foundational texts in 19th Century Irish Gothic literature. The series is sponsored by the Celtic Arts Center, and runs Sundays, through July 12th, excepting July 5th, Independence Day weekend. (See Details)
• On Friday, July 3rd, at 6:00 PM, the Katie Jane Band performs at Dullahan Irish Pub, in Lake Oswego, OR. (See Below)
• On Fridays, from 5:00 PM on, Pub Scouts, plays great tunes at Duffy’s Tavern in Chico, CA. (See Below)
• There are several monthly Chantey Sings hosted by San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. On the 1st Saturday of the month from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in person at the Maritime Museum in San Francisco, CA. On the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of the month, another in-person Chantey Sing is held at the Mare Island Coal Sheds in Vallejo, CA. Lastly, on the 4th Saturday of each month, at 11:00 AM, the San Francisco Virtual Chantey Sing at 11:00 AM happens Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Sundays, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, there is a Turf in the Bog performance at Yosemite Wine Tails in Oakhurst, CA. (See Below)
• On the last Sunday of each month, join Alexandra Annen for a Irish traditional instrumental music session at Sayla Music Academy in Lodi, CA. (See Below)
• On First Sundays, Grass Valley based Three Times Through plays at Grass Valley Brewing Company in Grass Valley, CA, plus several other weekend dates around the Gold Country of California. (See Below)
• On the first Sunday of the month, from 11 AM – 1 PM Pacific / 2 PM – 4 PM Eastern time, Lynn Noel hosts the Mermaid’s Tavern Ballad sing-around, online via Zoom from her home studio. (See Below)
• Beginning Sunday, April 5th, and on the 1st Sunday of every month, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, the Savage Craic Irish session performs at The Mad Dog in the Fog, 1568 Haight St., San Francisco, CA. See Details
• On 1st Sundays at 6:00 PM, 1st Thursdays at 8:00 PM, and other Thursdays at 8:30 PM, Irish Dance – San Francisco Bay Area organizes Irish set dancing in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• Phoenix Folk Ltd. was established in 2009 by Maurice Condie, Adam Holden & Marina Dodgson to promote participation and performance in folk and acoustic music, song and dance across the North East of England, and since the COVID lockdowns, they have expanded into the online world. Currently, they host three weekly online events on Zoom, happening at 8:00 PM UK / 12:00 PM Pacific on Monday’s, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Mondays at 9:00 AM Pacific and Wednesdays at 3:00 PM Pacific, moreGaelic hosts Scottish Gaelic language events live on Zoom. (See Below)
• On Mondays, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM Pacific Time, Mark Wallis & Alix Sandra Huntley-Speirs host the Moosehead Traditional Irish Music Session, a participatory online Irish instrumental music event, timed so our friends from Ireland and the UK and join in. Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Mondays, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM Pacific Time, Irish born Maureen McNally hosts the Ag Teacht Le Cheile Irish Session, a participatory online Irish music event timed so our friends from Ireland and the UK can join in. Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Mondays, from 6:00 – 7:15 PM at her home in Sebastopol, CA, Suzuki Cady gives Irish Music Classses for All Instruments. (See Below)
• On Monday, December 15th, at 7:00 PM Celtic Arts Center host their annual Grand Music Session, Winter Holiday. On Mondays, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM, the Celtic Arts Center offers beginner level Irish classes online via Zoom and a full evening of Celtic in-person music and dance at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood, CA. (See Below)
• On Wednesdays, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM Pacific Time, Tony Becker, hosts the Trans-Atlantic Session, an online traditional music event, featuring a mix of instrumental and vocal performances, timed so participants from Ireland and the UK can join in. Later on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM Pacific, Tony hosts the Pacific Evening Session. (See Below)
• On Wednesdays, John Whelan conducts his free Play Along Sessions: Tune Learning at 3:00 PM Pacific and Taking Time at 4:00 PM both Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On the 2nd Wednesday of each month, at 7:00 PM, Irish American Writers and Artists West’s Lori Cassels hosts a salon of local artists at Slainte Pub in Berkeley, CA. (See Below)
• Every Wednesday, at 8:00 PM Los Angeles based Stepwise, a young traditional band born of the COVID Pandemic by founders Liam Lewis and Olivia Breidenthal, performs at Griffins of Kinsale in South Pasadena, CA. (See Below)
• The Philo-Celtic Society offers four full quarters of multiple free classes focused on learning the Irish Language, and some quarters include classes in Irish Song. Fall Quarter 2024 classes began in mid-September and run through December, and include a Children’s Reading Class. All are accessible to everyone everywhere, Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Wednesdays, at at 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern / 5 – 6:30 PM Pacific, and again on Thursdays at 8 – 9:30 PM Pacific / 11 – 12:30 AM Eastern, Autumn Rhodes teaches Irish Session Repertoire for All Instruments online via Zoom from San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• On 1st Thursdays, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Pacific Time, multi-instrumentalist Michael Eskin hosts the The Ould Sod Virtual Irish Sessions, the best and most popular participatory online Irish traditional music event. (See Below)
• On Thursdays, at 6:00 PM Pacific Time, One Eyed Reilly plays at The Delta King Bar & Grill in Sacramento, CA, and can be heard at several other venues in the Sacramento Valley. (See Below)
• On third Thursdays, at 6:00 PM, Phillip Taylor leads a Irish/Scottish tune learning session at the Strum Shop in Roseville, CA. (See Below)
• Co-Founder Cecilia Fabos-Becker’s e-book Ancestry & DNA: Beyond the basics, is available for download now! (See Below)
• On Fridays from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, (Pacific time) as well as Mondays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Tuesdays – Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Online or In-Person, Oakhurst, CA born Cedar Dobson is offering lessons in all types of Irish whistles from Gandharva Loka World Music Store in Central Dublin, Ireland. Cedar is also gathering donations on gofundme to produce physical CDs of her new album, Decade. Click here to make a donation. (See Below)
• Slainte Pub continues to provide a proper Irish Pub experience at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. (See Below)
• Now in their 3rd year, Willow on the Green, operated by friend of the family Alex Sinclair and located on 9th Avenue in San Francisco, CA, is especially convenient to Golden Gate Park, and caters to the park revelers, offering a unique array of ready to eat culinary delights. (See Below)
• Well known Flying Scot and all round traditional musician David Brewer has launched his online music lessons, accessible to anyone, anywhere Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• The Starry Plough is now open everyday, with all the events it’s many long term customers had before the pandemic, in Berkeley, CA. (See Below)
• Music and Dance have returned to the cherished San Francisco, CA Celtic cultural institution, The Plough and the Stars, now open from Wednesday through Sunday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM. (See Below)
• Sport your Celtic heritage! AmeriCeltic offers a colorful array of items, each emblazoned with the AmeriCeltic logo. (See Below)
• The Celtic Tea Shoppe, in San Jose is your source for Celtic and Celtic inspired carry-out fresh baked foods, confections and rare teas. (See Below)
• With an extensive selection of instruments and instructional material from around the world, Lark In The Morning in Berkeley, CA is open for in person and online sales and lessons. (See Below)
Scan our feature articles below, or as always, you can click here to check the full listings on our website.
12:00 PM Pacific
8:00 PM UK / Ireland
The next Themed Shanty Sing, hosted by Linn Phipps and Jim Lucas, will feature The theme Mexico, and to include any and all Hispanic Sea Songs from the Carribbean area. All are welcome to join to sing any version or to listen.
The aim of these events is to involve our Trans-Atlantic European / American and indeed world-wide Zoom singing friends in singing as many versions of our song as possible – related song versions welcome, including those with non-English verses, or which creatively use the theme.
If you’d like to sing, please register by sending an email to Linn at linnphipps@gmail.com, so that we can create a singer roster. We will record the session for ultimate upload to YouTube. If you’d rather sing but not be recorded, please say and we will edit out your recording. You are also welcome to come and just listen.
You can find more information here:
Website: Themed Shanty Website.
YouTube Channel: Themed Shanty YouTube Channel
Additional Webpage: Linn Phipps Collaborations
AI & Multi-media
Presentation
Friday June 19th, 6:00 PM
via P.J.Dowling Library
• Friday, June 19th, 8:00 PM Seán Gavin & Colm Gannon (Opening Concert) Concert Tickets
• Saturday, June 20th 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Music Workshops Workshop Tickets
• Saturday, June 20th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Closed All-Star Trad. Seisiún
• Sunday, June 21st, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Music Workshops Workshop Tickets
• Sunday, June 21st, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Art Exhibition by Adam Ziskie
Get Details
• Sunday, June 21st, 2:00 PM, Corey Murphy, Folk Singer, Get Corey Murphy Tickets
• Sunday, June 21st, 4:00 PM – Late, All-Star Seisiún
Every Saturday, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, there are Irish Traditional Music Fast Sessions in the UICC’s Emerald Pub. On Saturdays, at 4:00 PM, join us for Seisiún Saturday, a night of shared tunes, tradition, and community.
On the First Saturday of every month, there are free, Irish Traditional Music Slow Sessions in the UICC’s Members’s Room.
Email Matt Moore for details.
Youth Music Classes are ongoing at UICC-SF. On Mondays, drumming classes at 5:00 PM, on Wednesdays for fiddle at 7:00 PM and on Thursdays at 7:00 PM for tin whistle and bag pipe classes. They are gauging interest in button accordion classes, and organizing a youth ceili band. These music classes are offered in partnership with Comhaltas Ceolti Eireann, Cooley Keegan Branch, and scholarships are available to defray the cost of tuition. For info., email class instructor Dan Cotter terrimaverick@yahoo.com or call him at 650-784-9347, or email organizer Liam Reidy lreidy@irishcentersf.org or call him at 415-860-1854.
The United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco (UICC-SF) operates a large event facility serving the Irish and other Cultural communities, in the Sunset District near the San Francisco Zoo. Thanks to our hard working small staff and dozens of volunteers, the UICC Wawona Gates Outdoor Dining has operated a bustling outdoor dining space under a 1,800 square foot open-sided canopy since January 2021, and offers indoor events in their St. Francis Room as well as their spacious Saint Patrick’s Room!
Live dance music from Against the Grain
For this event, caller Cheryl Graubart returns to Park Hall, in Ben Lomond, CA, for an in-person Contra Dance event with live music from Against the Grain.
Against the Grain is:
Sharon McCorkell – guitar, mandolin, bass
Susan Goodis – fiddle
Ann Whitesell – upright bass, fiddle
Patti Bossert – fiddle
Anita Baldwin – piano, guitar, accordion, whistle
Videos:
Against the Grain plays Old Chattanooga for Santa Cruz Contra on 2/8/26
https://youtu.be/vFkoeLlhxpw
Against the Grain playing Sarah Armstrong https://youtu.be/f-vNUr-4_6s
Accordion wizard Colm Gannon’s playing is as vibrant and beautiful as the Connemara hills. Born in Boston of Connemara parents, he learned his music from his father and brother Sean. He has many recordings to his credit and is widely recognized as one of the young masters of the tradition. Colm has studied and lectured on the connections between American culture and Irish music, and the history of Irish music, particularly in Connemara, focusing on accordion players of the last century.
Seán Gavin is one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation. Master uilleann piper and flute player, he is the first and only musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal. Seán has toured with the groups Bua and Téada, both have gleaned top praise from Irish music critics. He was Musical Director for the PBS program “I Am Ireland”, and for the long running Atlantic Steps. He has lectured on traditional music at the University of Chicago, St. Andrew’s in Scotland, and many other locations.
In addition to performing, Seán was Musical Director for the PBS program ‘I Am Ireland’, and for the long running Atlantic Steps. He’s one of the most highly sought instructors of Irish music, with lectures on the subject at institutions around the world including the University of Chicago, St. Andrew’s University in Scotland, and Na Píobairí Uilleann in Dublin. He has recently authored a popular tutor book, The Tin Whistle Method, from publisher Hal Leonard.
Both Colm and Seán have recorded and performed with the top musicians of our day, and are known for the wide variety of lectures and workshops they offer, as well as their amazing concert performances. Their latest recording, The Boys of 25, is a testament to their love and mastery of the tradition.
Video:
Seán Gavin and Colm Gannon – Judy Hynes/Billy the Butcherer
More Information on Seán Gavin’s Website: https://www.seangavinmusic.com
Sierra Fiddle Camp Community Concert
& Fundraiser
Sierra Fiddle Camp in northern California at Shady Creek Camp on the San Juan Ridge (near Nevada City) invites you to a week of intensive study, recreation, and good times with people who share an interest in the music and dance traditions of Scotland and beyond.
Once again directed by Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser, we’ll gather in our inimitable style for a week of intensive study and good times with people who share an interest in the music and dance traditions of Scotland and beyond. In a beautiful setting near Nevada City in northern California, fiddlers and other musicians of all ages and abilities are encouraged to explore their own musical expression and potential in a supportive, non-competitive environment. The camp provides a total immersion experience, with participants and instructors living, learning, jamming and playing together in community. The main teaching focus is on the fiddle, featuring Scottish and related fiddle styles; there are also guitar, cello, keyboard, dance, song, and percussion classes. All classes are taught by ear without written music. Evening activities feature, jamming, dancing and generally uproarious fun; recreational opportunities include swimming, hiking, volleyball and exploring the creek.
FIDDLE
Louise Bichan
San Miguel Fraser
Lena Jonsson
Meghan Perdue
Caroline McCaskey
Janette Duncan
CELLO
Daniel Delaney
Brendan Hearn
Katie Le Sesne
GUITAR
Conor Hearn
Cameron Fraser
MANDOLIN
Kaden Hurst
PIANO
Neil Pearlman
ENSEMBLE
Cullen Luper
DANCE
Summer McCall
SONG
Emily Mann
MUSICIAN
ERGONOMICS
Zoe Schlussel
WILD CARDS
Emilie Rose
Sasha Stolasz
More Details on the Website: www.sierrafiddlecamp.org
with Shira Kammen and California Revels Solstice Ensemble
Free with park admission
Join us again on the Longest Day of the Year, June 21st, at Live Oak park in Berkeley, where we’ll sing, dance, picnic and revel under the stately oaks and redwoods. Music Director Shira Kammen will lead us in beautiful songs for Midsummer, and Artistic Director Jeri Reed will teach some simple, lively English folk dances for all. The Revels Solstice Ensemble will be on hand to entertain with participatory songs from American, English, Ukrainian and Latvian folk traditions, and Berkeley Morris and other local teams will delight with traditional dance. Plus light refreshments and flower crown-making.
California Revels promotes the celebratory and community building power of the performing arts through a unique and innovative form of musical theater that embraces diverse cultures and ritual traditions to connect an audience of many ages and varied backgrounds.
Jimmy Murphy
Jimmy Murphy & Suzuki Cady specialize in traditional and popular folk songs and instrumentals on acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and banjo.
Suzuki Cady plays the fiddle, tenor guitar, tenor banjo, and bodhrán (Irish frame drum). With an abiding love of traditional Irish music, she cut her teeth playing at pubs and private sessions throughout the Bay Area, Ireland, and beyond. Suzuki plays in Irish band New Wild Hog, teaches Irish music, and composes original tunes.
Jimmy Murphy sings and plays guitar, mandolin, and banjo. He’s a member of New Wild Hog and other musical collaborations. With over two decades of experience in the Irish music scene in California, he developed a knack for bringing high-energy rhythms and a calming meditative feel to each performance. Jimmy has appeared in venues from the Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles to temples in Japan.
Check out Jimmy Murphy’s Website
Irish History Online
Beginning June 4th, Irish historian Sean Murphy is presenting a pair of weekly lectures over four Thursdays. Each lecture lasts 60 minutes followed by a Q&A session. They run consecutively, beginning at 3:00 PM Pacific Time (6 PM Eastern Time) and 4:30 PM Pacific Time (7:30 PM Eastern Time), respectively. Each series of lectures carries a fee of $100 per 4 week course, with a 25% discount to all new enrollees and those who have not registered for any courses in 2024-5.
History of County Waterford 3:00 – 4:30 PM Pacific
The name Waterford us derived Old Norse Veðrafjorðr, meaning ‘ram (wether) fjord’.
Mesolithic people are known to have been in this area of Ireland some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. The fine harbors, coastal coves and the navigable waters of the Suir and the Blackwater rivers attracted them.
Between 5,000-4,000 years ago sophisticated tribes who were engaged in agriculture took root in Ireland. During their tenure they built the great megalithic tombs, sixteen of which lie in Waterford.
St. Declan founded his monastery at Ardmore in 416 and was preaching the Christian message before the arrival of St. Patrick. Lismore was a renowned educational establishment which attracted influential figures from all over Europe to study there.
County Waterford is colloquially known as ‘The Déise’, pronounced ‘day-sha’ (Irish: An Déise). Sometime between the 4th and 8th centuries, a tribe of native Gaelic people called the Déise were driven from southern county… Read the full Details
Ancient Ireland up to the Arrival of the Celts 4:30 – 6:00 PM Pacific
This course will examine the geological origin of the island of Ireland over 430 million years ago and a history of events since then including a history of the first peoples to arrive in Ireland after the last ice age that ended about 12,500 years ago.
The geological origin of Ireland is based on studies that provide evidence on the formation of the earth’s surface over the last four and a half billion years. The studies document the movements on the earth’s surface that have provided us with the particular arrangement of land and water on the planet that we experience today.
During the ice age Ireland was completely covered by ice that was up to two miles thick. This would have pulverized rock and bone and eradicated all evidence of human settlements from the preceding 2.5 million-year period of human existence. The course will include the currently available… Read the full Details
This Spring, Sean has some Special Offers. For new students and students who have not enrolled in the past 12-months, 2 courses for the price of 1 or 25% off the price of one course, and for those who have participated in the past year, free enrollment for a friend or family member in the September courses. These offers are only available by contacting Sean directly by email. If you are interested in joining either or both of these lecture series, or ordering a Gift Voucher, please respond directly to Sean by email: seanmurphy630@gmail.com
Check out Sean’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@seanmurphy6558
More Details on Sean’s website: https://www.irishhistory.online
2:30 PM Eastern
11:30 AM Pacific
We are delighted to invite you to our next Srùbag, Friday, June 26th, 19:30 UK / Ireland time. We welcome Gen Whitt as our special Guest, who will sing songs in Irish.
Gen was born in Manchester, England, and although her parents were both from County Cork, Irish was not spoken at home. She fell in love with the Irish language later in life, during a period of genealogy research, and learned mainly by listening to CDs and YouTube clips. Her first introduction to singing in the Irish language was listening to children’s songs from John Spillane; later influences include Karan Casey, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Nell Ní Chróinín, Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin, Róisín Elsafty, and others.
Gen only started singing with others during Covid, on various Zoom groups – first Boston and then others. She visits Ireland regularly and has sung in person with groups in Dublin and Cork. Last year she translated an old song about Ireland, which her grandmother used to sing in English, into Irish, and sang it at Oireachtas Na Samhna. She just loves the Irish language and the beauty of Irish song.
Over the years we learn songs from many different genres of Gaelic song. These include waulking songs (orain luaidh), other work songs (eg rowing, milking, churning, spinning), other sea songs, dance songs (puirt-a-beul), Oran mor (big songs), laments, love songs, lullabies, night-visiting songs, piping songs, fairy/mythical creatures songs, etc. Requests welcome.
Everyone who wants to join in to listen to or to sing a Celtic language (Scottish/Irish Gaelic, Breton or Welsh) song is very welcome, as well as other Scottish traditional singers of ceilidh songs so we can all join in.
Linn Phipps is a Royal National Mod Medallist having won the Silver Pendant (the highest solo singing prize for learners of Scottish Gaelic) in 2008, along with many other national Gaelic song competitions.
For the past several years, Linn has hugely enjoyed participating as a Regular in Zoom sings around the world, now over 1000 folk and shanty sings, from Western to Eastern USA, through to Ireland (including An Goilin and SEAC), UK, Brittany, Paris and Australia.
Linn Zoom-hosts two monthly, free Zoom meetings: Learn-Gaelic-Song session and Srùbag, a monthly Gaelic/Celtic language sing based in Edinburgh. She has contributed to many folk festivals, both in person and online, from the USA to Australia. Linn maintains several Youtube channels featuring solo songs, as well as collaborations with Australia, Gaelic songs ‘Cho sean ris na cnuic’ and ‘Tha mi duilich, cianail, duilich’, and ‘Amazon’ (about the burning rainforest).
Linn has issued 5 CDs: ‘Andes to Antarctica’ (live-recording from on-ship in Antarctica), Leth Linn (re-issue), Salute to Rona Lightfoot (double CD, Rona’s life and piping stories, Rona’s piping songs and piping of the tunes/ pibrochs, all on Linn’s Website to listen or buy. Linn’s latest CD, Sillertides, is co-singing project with Doug Huggins in Colorado. It is available on bandcamp at sillertides.bandcamp.com, and the launch concert is available on the Sillertides’ Youtube channel at https://bit.ly/3hzmYNC.
Email Linn LLPhipps@aol.com
Check Linn’s website: https://linnphippsfolk.co.uk for more details.
Wheelhouse in Willow Glen, San Jose, CA. Details
This family-friendly, pet-friendly indoor/outdoor show offers cozy covered patio seating and a cool, art-filled room inside.
Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen is a dynamic trio that fuses the heart of traditional Celtic music with the energy of rock rhythms, lush harmonies, and modern flair. Their sound is both enchanting and electrifying – offering audiences a fresh take on timeless tradition.
• Michael Mullen ignites the stage with fiddle fireworks, masterful fretwork, and soaring vocals.
• Alison Kline dazzles on whistles, recorders (sometimes two at once!), fiddle, guitar, and radiant harmonies.
• Lynda MacNeil grounds the group with evocative lead vocals, keys, harp, guitar, and melodica.
Together, they weave a spellbinding tapestry of sound – one that celebrates Celtic heritage while reimagining it for today’s audiences. From delicate ballads to driving reels, Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen promises an unforgettable musical journey that will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Michael Mullen says:
The music is generally Celtic “plus”: trad songs, various cover songs (Loreena McKennitt, Blackmores Night, Mary Black, Steve Earle, etc), and plenty of rigs and jeels. People finally get to see me play an evening full of fiddle tunes!Lynda MacNeil says:
We’ll have another evening of Celtic folk-rock, stories, and good company, along with songs, stories, smiles, and sing-along moments sprinkled throughout the night, so bring your voice and join us for a few lively choruses.
Video: Welcome Video
Website: https://gaelicmuses.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaelicMuses
Get ready for an enchanting evening of high-energy Irish tunes, Celtic favorites, and beloved classics.
Videos:
Katie Jane Band – Wild One with Irish Dancing
Anne Lacey’s, Spoodiskerry, and MacArthur Road
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
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
In-Person & Virtual
2nd or 3rd Saturdays, in person, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Mare Island Shipyard in Vallejo, CA
and then on the 4th Saturday of the month, 11:00 – 1:00 PM, Online via Zoom
The San Francisco Chantey Sing is a beloved Bay Area musical tradition. Chanteys are the work songs of seafaring, dock labor, fishing and rowing, are one of the most compelling ways to celebrate our maritime heritage. International and multi-cultural in scope, they tell stories of life in long-ago History, but resonate today with tales of bravery, fear, international port of call, and of longing for a better life.
NPS Ranger Casey Fenton says:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park currently offers three chantey singing events per month.
- San Francisco: The event is held on the first Saturday of the month from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM at 900 Beach St, the Maritime Museum, 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA.
- Mare Island: The event is held from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM on 2nd or 3rd Saturdays, in person, at Mare Island Shipyard in Vallejo, CA. The events hosts two concurrent sings, one aboard the historic 1895 schooner, CA Thayer, as well as one in the coal sheds due to accessibility and occupancy concerns aboard CA Thayer. Reservations will not guarantee you a spot aboard the ship, but we will be trying to give everyone a chance to sing in the hold. If you would like to volunteer to assist with the event, please reach out to erin_conner@nps.gov. There is parking available at Mare Island. Public transportation is difficult, but possible and will require a 2.5 mile walk from the Vallejo Transit Center. There are two restaurants at Mare Island. Mare Island Brewing Company is at the Coal Shed. The Quarters Coffee House is half a mile from the ships. We will have bottled water available.
- Virtual: the virtual sing is held on the fourth Saturday of the month from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Pacific time Online via Zoom. Virtual Singing participants, who have signed up for performing slots in advance, will share their favorite songs, either accompanying themselves on traditional instruments, or a cappella. If not leading a song, no registration necessary. givebutter.com/ChanteySing activates on 4th Saturdays at 11:00 AM, where lead singers will be in the “Hollywood squares” (gallery view) and you can sing along from home! Visit https://maritime.org/events-home/chantey-sing for complete details, including links to an online signup sheet, instructions for lead singers, and some suggested virtual backgrounds (just in case your bunk isn’t completely ship-shape). You’ll need a good internet connection, and should be prepared to have fun!
For more information, please email casey_fenton@nps.gov or visit NPS.gov/SAFR. If you would like to attend one of the in person events, reservations would be appreciated at casey_fenton@nps.gov.
Donations to the Association are always welcome, especially during the events. https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoMaritimeNHP
The San Francisco Chantey Sings became a park program in 1981, led by it’s founding Park Ranger Dave Nettell from 1981 to 1989 aboard the Schooner C.A. Thayer and the square-rigged ship Balclutha. Over the years, the sings popularity, led by Park Rangers, required them to be held in a larger venue, and, up until Covid, were held aboard the historic ferry Eureka, garnering 100 to 200 people monthly.
If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating folk music tradition, the Park Maritime Research Center’s Chantey Pathfinder has links to books, music and scholarly journal articles at https://go.nps.gov/chanteyinfo.San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park includes a fleet of historic ships, Visitor Center, Maritime Museum, Maritime Research Center, and the Aquatic Park Historic District. Visit the Park online at http://www.nps.gov/safr
Eric Owens is an Irish flute player.
Eric Owens Says:
Every Sunday I play jigs and reels solo or with friends for 4 hours in the large room in the Yosemite Wine Tails wine bar. I’m joined by a bodhran player approx 25% of the time, but I also play with other friends as well as all across California under the name Turf in the Bog to include my musician friends from around the state.
Many such gigs have a completely different lineup, with some regulars as well depending on the location and venue. Last year we played the Kern County Scottish games, Oakhurst Harvest Festival, Tradfest West, Rock the Gates, Fairfax Irish Music Festival and many more events.
Some of these events can be viewed at my YouTube channel (see below).
On Saturdays, I attend the session at the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco. All levels are welcome and audience is welcome as well.
Eric Owens woden.eric@gmail.com
YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@ericowensflute
First Sundays Online Workshop
The 1st Sunday online Free Workshop lasts one hour and is suitable for those who are new to Irish, as well as for those who are currently studying the language! Click Here to Register for the Zoom Link. After the Free Workshop, Attendees are welcome to stay on afterwards to ask questions and learn about the online Irish language community.
Registration closes one hour before the workshop begins, so do it now to be ready for the next first Sunday.
Unable to attend? No problem! Check out our Free On Demand Starter Class with Quinton Beck. Quinton will take you through your first steps in the Irish language with three short videos. Register here to access the videos.
Let’s Learn Irish is an online Irish community, providing daily classes, conversation sessions and workshops for learners throughout the world. First established by Dr. Ronan Connolly in Washington DC in 2009, the Let’s Learn Irish story of ‘the online Gaeltacht’ has resonated with a global online audience. Let’s Learn Irish is now the largest provider of online Irish courses and comhrá sessions for learners.
The Let’s Learn Irish online community was developed at University of Galway, Ireland to support Irish learners throughout the world.
They provide daily online classes, comhrá sessions and community workshops, and weekly courses for all levels. Learners from all over the USA and further afield attend these classes, and since all sessions are video recorded, many more learners follow along in their own time and/or timezone each week. If you want to attend one of our Cúrsaí, but are unable to attend the live sessions, then you can still join us by following our video recordings! Use coupon ‘VideoOnly’ at the checkout for a 25% discount.
The upsurge in interest in the language, and the success of the Oscar-nominated ‘An Cailín Ciúin‘, marks a watershed moment. On their website, there are links to learner profiles, articles and news from their community. Their Press page provides further insights into their story and online activities.
Links:
YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/letslearnirish
Courses: LetsLearnIrish.com/cursai
Press: LetsLearnIrish.com/press/
Articles: LetsLearnIrish.com/ailt/
Learner Profiles: LetsLearnIrish.com/member-profiles/
About: LetsLearnIrish.com/about
Contact Info: LetsLearnIrish.com/contact/
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
The Delta King in Sacramento, CA
Every Thursday, at 6:00 PM with few exceptions
Father Paddy’s in Woodland, CA
All 3rd Saturdays with few exceptions
One Eyed Reilly is a genre-bending Celtic/Americana rock band from Sacramento that blends dynamic originals with Celtic rock, Americana, and energetic, innovative versions of Irish and Scottish trad. One Eyed Reilly’s original songs draw on musical influences from Irish folk to Celtic punk with occasional unexpected nuggets ranging from the likes of Bob Dylan, John Prine, Tom Waits, Wilco or the Old Crow Medicine Show. This musical mash-up forms the perfect beer-and-whiskey drenched milieu for a good time night out at the Pub.
For a One Eyed Reilly sample video, Tipperary Blood, Click Here.
More on One Eyed Reilly on their website.
One Eyed Reilly is:
• Rick Meagher, lead vocals/acoustic guitar
• Geith St John Fraser, fiddle; harmony vocals
• Aaron Hendel, bass & electric guitars
• Tim Kurteff-Schatz, drums/percussion
8:00 PM in Ireland/UK
4:00 PM Eastern
1:00 PM Pacific
Do you fancy going to the Folk Club?
Join Maria Hawthorne Boyle and her world-wide group of singing friends using Zoom, and you can give us a song or a tune from the comfort of your own home or just listen in. UK based Loch Down folk club is hosted by Maria Hawthorne Boyle every¢â‚¬Å¡‚ Sunday evening.
Topic: Loch Down Folk Club
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 828 9959 3447
Passcode: maria
Website: https://www.comeandsingatgosforth.com/lochdown
To find out more contact:
Maria Hawthorne Boyle: lochdownfolk@gmail.com or mariaboylegalway@gmail.com
Join Alexandra Annen as she leads a free community class in Irish traditional instrumental music. No experience is required to join us on the last Sunday of each month. Bring an Irish instrument.
Website: https://www.saylamusicacademy.com
Check their website, www.threetimesthrough.com for more dates.
Three Times Through is Gale Peach, Jeff Peach, Greg Mirken and Margie Mirken. We are a colorful funky kinda Celtic string quartet. We re-imagine and blend traditional and modern tunes and songs with hammered dulcimer, bodhran, concertina, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, fiddle and guitar. The emphasis is on eclectic Celtic music; spirited instrumentals, engaging vocals and haunting melodies.
People stop, stare, and ask us, ‘What is that instrument?’ Whether you’re a devoted fan of Celtic music or simply curious to experience its enchanting allure, Three Times Through invites you to join them for an unforgettable musical experience.
People often don’t realize they love Celtic music until they hear it, and the mashups are only adding to the popularity. Our a cappella vocals transport you to the North Sea, the Caribbean, or to a remote village pub in County Clare
Watch a video of the Band here: https://youtu.be/ZUq7MxtpUfM
For more on the band, check their website, www.threetimesthrough.com, Three Times Through Facebook page, Three Times Through YouTube Channel or email Jeff Peach at jwpeach@gmail.com
11 AM – 1 PM Pacific Time
The Mermaid’s Tavern is the moniker Lynn Noel gave the online folk sings she began when the COVID pandemic began and as of March, 2026, Lynn still hosts a monthly Ballad sing on the first Sunday of each month, online via Zoom.
The time slot for these sessions is a bit inconvenient for those in South Asia, (11:30 PM – 1:30 AM in New Delhi), and in Australasia, (4 – 6 AM Monday morning in Sydney), but for participants in the rest of the English speaking parts of the world it is daytime or evening on Sunday: 11 AM – 1 PM in the Pacific Time Zone / 2 PM – 4 PM Eastern / 7 PM – 9 PM in Ireland and the UK.
David Kidman is a regular participant from Yorkshire, UK. David says,
The sessions are well steered, with no idle chat and yet there’s always time for a cordial welcome. The host’s respect for the participants goes hand-in-voice with the sense of mutual trust that this engenders. Singers therefore experience a feeling of being valued, not least for adding value to the shared experience.
Lynn has undertaken a significantly larger role in the ‘new online music community’. Lynn Noel says,
We connect and coach participatory audiences, session leaders, and performers pivoting to digital to create and cultivate online community.
For details and links, check out The Mermaid’s Tavern website, and then check out the rosters to see who joins us and what we sing, and join the mailing list for links to more online sessions.
Tips and patrons keep us on the air and releasing new music on Bandcamp, so thanks for your donations toward studio services.
More details on Lynn Noel’s personal website
We are an open Irish traditional session in San Francisco. We meet every Sunday at various venues for music and fun. Everyone is welcome!
Facebook Page: Savage Craic on Facebook
Lessons 6:00 PM
Dancing 7:00 PM
RSVP required: https://sundays.irishdancesf.com
San Francisco, CA
Lead by Blake Ritter and Alina Larson https://www.ceol-sa-cheo.com
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:
•¢â‚¬Å¡‚ Dance: Polca an Ri – Clare Lancers
•¢â‚¬Å¡‚ Dance: Clare Meserks – Sona S†â€™ƒâ€ ¢â‚¬â„¢¢â‚¬Å¡‚³l
Set dancing may look complicated if you have never done it before, but it is fun and the moves and patterns become easy to do with a bit of instruction.
On the first Sundays of every month, Yevgeny Binder leads an Irish set dance class followed by dancing to live music at O’Reilly’s Pub in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Lessons at 6pm sharp and dancing 7-10 PM. Beginners welcome and encouraged! No partner needed. The environment is very friendly to newcomers. RSVP required: https://sundays.irishdancesf.com
No prior dance experience of any kind is necessary. You don’t need to bring a partner – there will always be one available – but feel free to take one (or more!) along. You can wear any clothes and shoes that you’re comfortable dancing and sweating in, as dancing can be quite a workout. Removable layers are suggested, and flat shoes are recommended over heels.
Admission is only $10 per person.
If you are not yet a set dancer but are curious, their ‘Meetup’ group is the easiest way to get started: https://www.meetup.com/irishdance. If you are already a dancer, you too should join the Meetup group to get updates on upcoming events and stay in touch with other dancers.
Thank you for supporting over three decades of Irish dancing in the Bay Area!
12:00 PM Pacific / 3:00 PM Eastern / 8:00 PM UK
Play Along with Irish Tunes at a steady pace
Join the Meeting Passcode: 245476
Song and Tune Round Robin
11:30 AM Pacific / 2:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM UK
Join the Meeting Passcode: 715687
12:00 PM Pacific / 3:00 PM Eastern / 8:00 PM UK
Play Along with Irish Tunes at Full Speed
Join the Meeting Passcode: 245476
Established in 2009, Phoenix Folk exists to promote performance and participation in folk music, song and dance. We offer regular folk sessions, events and ensemble opportunities, both in the North East of England and online. Additionally, we provide a range of resources aimed at helping people to engage with folk music as both participant and listener. We put participation at the centre of all that we do, and aim to provide a comfortable space where musicians of all levels of ability can experience the joy of making music with others, extend their repertoire, challenge themselves and be inspired.
On Mondays, Maurice & Marina host a Play Along tune session leading mostly Irish Traditional Music tunes at a steady pace.
On Tuesdays, Maurice & Marina host a ‘Folk Singaround’, featuring mostly (but not exclusively) folk and traditional tunes and songs from the British Isles and North America. This regularly includes acappella and self accompanied songs, tunes, poems and readings from many attendees.
On Thursdays, Maurice & Marina host another ‘Play Along’ tune session, leading lots of Celtic tunes at full speed. They have a particular interest in Northumbrian music and see their online presence as a great opportunity to share local tunes with musicians from outside the region/outside the UK.
Phoenix Folk Website: https://phoenixfolk.co.uk
Since 2021, More Gaelic has been supporting Scottish Gaelic learners beyond the classroom with online and in-person conversation circles, game sessions, book clubs, Gaelic swag like stickers and t-shirts in the Scottish Gaelic language, and Gaelic content on Instagram and TikTok. Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig!
Dé Tha Dol, weekly on Wednesdays, at 3:00 PM Pacific.
Scottish Gaelic Conversation
Come speak Scottish Gaelic with a friendly group of learners! We meet on Zoom for an hour on Wednesdays. Gaelic conversation is a great way to practice and improve your speaking and listening skills. All levels of Gaelic are welcome. For more information and to register visit https://www.moregaelic.com/dol
Registration: To receive the link, register on the Google form here: https://forms.gle/uHeYpuJzj2vgdX1b6
An Sàs, weekly on Mondays, at 9:00 AM Pacific.
Gaelic Co-working session.
Come on Mondays and be a part of the first ever online Scottish Gaelic co-working session!
In a co-working space, each person brings a bit of their own quiet work to do and uses the energy of the group to help focus, stay on task, and get things done. You can bring whatever task you choose, anything from work emails, books to read, or socks to fold.
After a quick hello, we settle in for 45 minutes of independent work. At the end of 45 minutes, we check in and have a quit chat before going on our way until next time.
Registration: To receive the link, register on the Google form here:
https://forms.gle/cjPqFRUoBpHiYzsR9
Join the newsletter to get details about future events, language classes, song workshops, and game sessions https://www.moregaelic.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moregaelic/
Website: https://www.moregaelic.com/
Email: Ceana hello@moregaelic.com
Welcome to the ONLINE ZOOM Moosehead Traditional Irish Music Session! Hosted by Mark Wallis & Alix Sandra Huntley-Speirs.
All are welcome to attend to play, and/or listen and enjoy!This is a traditional Irish tune instrument session only, Read More …
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89155330559?pwd=NHF4aTU0TSsxd01aUVdNbXhoODRGQT09
Meeting ID: 891 5533 0559
Passcode: tunes
Please also join our Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/trad.irish.music.session
Welcome to the Ag Teacht Le Cheile Irish Session! Hosted by native Irish singer Maureen McNally, this Traditional Irish Tune and Song Session meets every Monday at 11 PM Ireland/UK | 6 PM Eastern | 3 PM Pacific, online via Zoom.
All are welcome to attend to play, sing, and/or listen and enjoy!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://link.americeltic.net/atlc
Long time participant Cornelius (Connie) McEleney passed on in early 2023, but we still have his playlist, with lyrics and recordings of Connie singing 33 of his Irish songs to learn ourselves. Cornelius McEleney Collection.
Please email questions to:¢â‚¬Å¡‚ maureenmcnally6@gmail.com
Irish fiddle player, singer, and teacher Suzuki Cady brings a dynamic mix of acoustic Irish and American folk music to San Francisco Bay Area venues, and now she is teaching others to learn the same!
Suzuki has room for 2 more folks to join her current session at $30/week. A new 6-week Session Starts February 24 ~ $150
Suzuki says:
Discover the hypnotic melodies, pulsing rhythms, and worldwide customs of traditional Irish music! Classes are held at a private home in Sebastopol, California (address provided upon signup). *We have room for a couple more folks to join the current class session at a $30/week rate.Learn to play captivating tunes and build your repertoire! Have fun and build a musical community in the process. We will focus on learning tunes by ear, which is part of the folk tradition. Please bring a recording device to class.
Website: https://www.suzukicady.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/suzuki.cady
Classes Webpage: https://www.suzukicady.com/irish-music-class-for-all-instruments
Email Suzuki: suzukicady@gmail.com
Call Suzuki: 415-302-9658
Monday Social Events
Every Monday night the Celtic Arts Center offers a free introductory Irish language workshop online via Zoom for complete beginners that starts at 7PM and TraditionalCelticmusic jam session in the Lounge – Musicians and singers are welcome!
Check out the full details on their website here: Online Beginners Irish Language ClassMondays, 8PM. This beginners level emphasises on pronunciation, lower level grammar and basic conversation practice. Classes are FREE for first-timers and Celtic Arts Center members. The current term began on Monday, February. 5th, 2024, but they are still accepting new students. Email James Murphy at language@celticartscenter.com with any questions.
In addition, CAC hosts many in-person events at the Mayflower Club, 11110 Victory Blvd., in North Hollywood, CA. On Monday, October 28th, at 7:00 PM Celtic Arts Center, presents Samhain 2024, A Celtic New Year Celebration and Hallowe’en Party at The Mayflower Club! Check out the details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/907760217385097. They also host a half-dozen more annual Festivals, starting with Saint Patrick’s Day, and continuing through the Celtic Year. Check out the venue website here: https://mayflowerclub.com
Weekly, on Mondays, they host several social events, beginning at 7PM with an in-person Irish Traditional Music Learners session where musicians can learn and practice traditional Celtic tunes. At 8PM there is a free Irish ceili dance workshop for both beginner and intermediate level students. All that is followed by the Center’s famous traditional music seisiun where singers and musicians from all across the L.A. area gather to play and share their love for the music of the Celts. There is no admission fee for performers or audience members and everyone is welcome to participate or just listen and watch. You may also hear the recitation of a Celtic-themed poem or even a joke told in Irish! The Center has seen many of its young members, traditional Celtic musicians and performers grow into accomplished performers who successfully tour and compete both in the U.S. and internationally.
Check out the Celtic Arts Center Website
3:00 – 5:00 PM Eastern
8:00 – 10:00 PM GMT
10:00 – 1:00 AM Eastern
11:00 – 1:00 PM Tokyo Thurs.
Tony Becker
americeltic@gmail.com (email)
M 408 600-8783 (text)
Tony Becker of San Jose, California hosts this Trans-Atlantic Session for all interested parties on Wednesdays, at 7:00 PM Ireland and UK time, 3:00 PM Eastern or 12:00 PM Pacific in the USA.
Later that same evening, from 11:00 PM Eastern or 7:00 PM Pacific Time, Tony hosts the Pacific Evening Session, timed to for participants on the West Coast of the US and across the Pacific Ocean.
Both are a participatory online music events via Zoom.
Click here to Join the Zoom Meeting!
Each of these two sessions is open for a couple of hours to all who play or sing traditional music and with the obvious limitations of Zoom in that only one musician can play at a time but we go round the ‘room’ and take it in turns – no pressure though and the baton can be passed if you just want to listen.
On a good day we have a variety of tunes with instruments from pipes to melodeon, banjo to fiddle and an equal number of songs, with some from other cultures and languages like Irish or Scottish Gaelic! The participants are very friendly and we welcome everyone – it can be a good way to pick up any of the above! The only criterion is we try to have some of the offerings in Celtic traditional genre(s).
Please come along if you can!
with John Whelan
3:00 PM Pacific: Tune Learning
4:00 PM Pacific: Taking Time
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 885 0149 9599
Passcode: 699064
Seven-time All-Ireland Button Accordion Champion John Whelan is one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players. John was raised in the vibrant London Irish music scene of the 1970s, and learned his craft from such legends as Lucy Farr, Roger Sherlock, Paddy Taylor, Mick O Connor and his teacher Brendan Mulkaire. Along with his All-Ireland Championships, he was twice awarded musician of the year from the Irish Music Association. He has over 15 CDs and has performed on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. John’s music has been featured on such TV shows as ‘Sex in the City,’ ‘History’s Mysteries’ and ‘History Detective.’ John performs with the John Whelan Band and has also teamed up with his old pal Brian Conway forming the group Gailfean, which also features M†â€™‚¡irtin De C†â€™‚³g†â€™‚¡in and Don Penzien have released their first new CD. For over a decade, John has performed ‘Monday’s with John’ every Monday evening on his Facebook Profile.
Every Wednesday, live on Zoom, John hosts two free, play along style events: a ‘Tune Learning’ workshop, and after a break a ‘Taking Time’ slow session, both of which regularly draw attendees from around the world (see box for times).
This is also a great opportunity for learning new tunes, as everybody except the session leader (John) will be muted while they play. Unlike an in-person session, you can noodle along to your heart‚¢¢â‚¬Å¡‚¬¢â‚¬Å¾‚¢s content, and nobody will ever know unless you tell them.
Check them out here: http://johnwhelanmusic.com/slow-session. We send out a tune list and Zoom link for them on the same mornings. Email John at whelanbx1@me.com to get on the list or for more details.
Get more details on John’s Facebook Page or John’s Website
Join us for music, spoken word and films.
On the second Wednesday, of each month at 7:00 PM, the Irish American Writers and Artists West, hosted by Lori Cassels, will conduct another in-person salon at the authentic Irish pub, Slainte Oakland in the historic Jack London Square district, of Oakland, CA.
Sign ups are available now. Please submit your email to to Lori Cassels lcassels@aol.com.
Click here to RSVP mailto:lcassels@aol.com
After a short introduction sizzle reel about Irish American Writers and Artists the host will introduce the organization and the talent that will share their work.
IAW&A Artist Salons are a curated collections of artists: musicians, writers, playwrights, poets, and filmmakers that share their talent.
Click this link for all the latest information on the IAW&A Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IrishAmericanWritersAndArtistsInc and be certain to visit the IAW&A website, https://iamwa.org.
Traditional Celtic folk duo Stepwise, Liam Lewis (mandolin, guitar, fiddle, voice) and Olivia Breidenthal (fiddle and voice) performs a mixture of traditional Irish songs with tight vocal harmonies and traditional Irish tune sets. Olivia is a practitioner of the Galway fiddle style with influences including Kevin Burke, the Kane Sisters, and Liz Carroll.
In 2022 they completed a new album of original music, Stepwise.
Click to watch a video of Stepwise performing Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still: https://youtu.be/geC8snZoqqM
Seeking a safe and socially distant place to meetup and play tunes, Stepwise was created very organically in the park; purely because it was too much fun to play so many good tunes together and not share it with an audience.
Together, Olivia and Liam’s instrumental arrangements feature intricate twin fiddles or groovy rhythm guitar fit for a traditional Ceili or the discerning ears of an Irish-enthusiast audience.
Check their Website.
Check their YouTube Channel.
Check their Facebook Page.
Email Stepwise:stepwisemusic@gmail.com
The Philo-Celtic Society offers four full quarters of multiple free classes focused on learning the Irish Language, and some quarters include classes in Irish Song. Fall Quarter 2024 classes began in mid-September and run through December, and include a Children’s Reading Class. All are accessible to everyone everywhere, Online via Zoom
With so many different classes running at once, the school is organized using an online Group membership method. Unlike in-person classes, there is a separate Group.io webpage for each particular Class. The use of separate Groups.io webpages for administration functions avoids having the teachers directly collect and email reminders to every student. Join the particular Group.io ‘Group’, then ‘sign in’ to that particular webpage, and you are registered to attend that class.
To attend class, students simply point their browser at the Class webpage, and then open the Zoom link posted there. Since the meetings are video recorded, they remain accessible on Groups.io along with class materials, and if a student misses a class, they can always review these posts and ‘catch up’.
Here is a document that will guide you, step-by-step, through the registration process on Groups.io: Getting Started Guide (PDF)
The Basic Level ‘Starting to Learn’ class in the Irish language happens on Fridays. ‘Starting to Learn’, taught by Jerry Kelly, is suitable for Absolute Beginners — This is where you start. https://groups.io/g/philo-startingtolearn.
Spring Quarter classes begin the first week of February. Check on the many other Irish language classes available on their Groups.io Messages webpage here: https://groups.io/g/philo-celtic-society/messages. Follow the links and sign into your class(es), and spread the word !!!
Current classes are also summarized on the Philo-Celtic Society Main Groups.io webpage: https://groups.io/g/philo-celtic-society
Check the Philo-Celtic Society Website: https://www.philo-celtic.com
• Wednesdays at 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern / 5 – 6:30 PM Pacific (Early for East Coast)
• Thursdays at 8 – 9:30 PM Pacific / 11 – 12:30 AM Eastern (Late for West Coast)
Autumn Rhodes was raised in a rural Indiana household full of Irish music. At the age of 12, Autumn got a tin whistle for a birthday present and a year later was performing professionally
Shortly after, Autumn progressed to the flute and concertina and learned from master players such as Laurence Nugent, Kevin Henry, and John Williams. Autumn is equally renowned as a singer in the Sean-nos style of Irish tradition.
Autumn plays wooden flute, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, and concertina in several bands, including Buncrana, Soltre, Bardic Apostles, Slaggy Maggie, Meitheal, Mira, Na Cailini, and a few others, in styles including traditional Irish, jazz, classical, Breton, folk, and Bulgarian/Romanian music.
Autumn says:
Join us for a weekly drop-in Irish tune learning class for all instruments. The only requirements are for you to have an instrument that can play in D, a little bit of experience playing Irish music, and an internet connection.I have more than 20 years of experience teaching students of all levels. Join my class for all instruments and learn classic session tunes along with technique, ornamentation, and phrasing. We will be mostly learning by ear, but I’ll provide sheet music and recordings.
On my website, https://sites.google.com/view/irishtuneclass,
I’ll be posting tunes, sheet music, recordings, history, and other resources. It’s a work in progress at the moment, but you can e-mail me with questions: autumn@cei.li (yes, it’s a real email address). Stay tuned (pun 100% intended).$15-20 suggested donation (but nobody turned away) via PayPal, paypal.me/concertinachick or @Autumn-Rhodes on Venmo, or CashApp $ConcertinaChick, Apple Pay, or other.
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/irishtuneclass
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/irishtuneclass
Email Autumn: autumn@cei.li
9:00 PM Eastern
6:00 PM Pacific
On the first Thursday of each month, multi-instrumentalist Michael Eskin hosts the The Ould Sod Virtual Session.
These are easily best and most popular online instrumental sessions in the world. The music is 95% Irish traditional dance tunes and the participation level is massive!
The Zoom meeting detailed information is posted on Michael’s website:
Learn Instrumental Tunes
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Our friend Phillip Taylor is hosting an Irish/Scottish Instrumental Tune learning session at the Strum Shop in Roseville, CA. We are a group of Irish/Scottish instrument learners supporting one another’s musical growth and knowledge of Celtic tunes. Advanced musicians should be aware and bring their patience as well as their instruments. Newer musicians are welcome, but we are not instructors…
Phil says:
It’s a learning session, meaning we have a stable list that changes slowly to allow people to practice between sessions. It is slower than a normal session, and we hand out written music and may practice the same song more than once at different speeds. You can contact me at phillipetaylor@yahoo.com
Dancing Details:Irish Dance Meetup Group
The Plough and Stars Irish Pub, is known around the world for hosting incredible Irish music and pulling beautiful pints of Guinness since 1975. Since then, it has evolved to host live music every night of the week, except Monday, including all genres of music; Bluegrass, Country, Rock, Zydeco, acoustic Americana, and of course, Irish Traditional.
Over the years The Plough and the Stars in San Francisco has hosted many well-known musicians from Ireland and around the globe, but the COVID pandemic and related public health restrictions put a stop to all that for over a year. The resulting business losses threatened to put The Plough out of business permanently, but a sustained community crowdfunding effort helped keep it going, and now it appears to have emerged intact.
Sean Heaney says:
Music and Dance at the Plough are back. See the boxes for the latest details or check our website or just drop by for a pint!
Check for the latest updates:
The Plough and Stars Website
The Plough and Stars Facebook Page
Monday – Thursday 3:00 PM til close
Friday – Sunday 12:00 PM til close
The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant, is a bustling SoMa spot with delicious food offerings to choose from. Large beer selection, wine menu and cocktail list to feast from.
This local Irish Pub brings the culture of Ireland to San Francisco, offering a full bar, Happy Hour specials, and a full Irish restaurant menu, including favorites like Fish And Chips and our signature Spicy Potato Bites which go with any style of sport, music or fun.
Says Publican, Mark Nagle:
Good health to you all and look forward to seeing you back at The Chieftain soon! — Mark Nagle
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.
Break Through your Ancestry Brick Walls!
by Cecilia Fabos-Becker
There are many good basic manuals, both in print and online, that can help you get started researching your ancestors and finding lost cousins, but in over fifty years of research into our own Scots-Irish, Irish, Scottish and Welsh ancestry, I’ve learned what works well and what doesn’t, as well as many useful sources and links.
Now, I have written a book, Ancestry & DNA – Beyond the Basics, to help you, and all Americans find their origins. My book will be especially useful to especially Celtic Americans doing family history research, and it is available for immediate download!
Author Celia Fabos-Becker
My Book includes:
• Introduction to Family History Documents
• What are REAL Primary Sources?
• America’s Dark Age (1783 to 1850)
• Finding Family Records with online services
• Introduction to Family History DNA
• Using DNA Tests to help Find Family History
• How autosomal, MtDNA, or Y-DNA tests can help
• DNA Testing Company Reviews
• Loads of Examples
Irish Tin Whistle Services
New Album Coming soon: Decade
One on One Lessons:
Fridays: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Mondays: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Tu,We,Th: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
(Pacific Time)
Online via Zoom or In-Person
Cedar Dobson,24, is a multi-credentialed visual artist, photographer, videographer, musician and composer specializing in traditional Irish and Scottish music. Cedar plays the Tin Whistle, Irish Flute, Bodhran, Mandolin, Uilleann Pipes, and Guitar.
For a nominal fee, Cedar will record your tune, or compose a new one exclusively for you, as a birthday gift to a friend or loved one.
On Friday, November 15th, 2025, Cedar released her 3rd Album, A Whistle Wonderland – Christmas Melodies in a Celtic Style, on BandCamp. Check her Facebook Page for links and updates https://www.facebook.com/CedarDobsonMusic
Whistle Demo
Cradling Arms of Croaghan/Back to Belfast
Two Jigs and Two Reels with John Doyle
Cedar says:
I’m so excited to be currently creating my fourth album, and my first Irish traditional/contemporary trad solo album, Decade! This project is a heartfelt journey through the most influential tunes of my ten-year whistle-playing career. Every donation will directly support the brilliant musicians who bring this album to life and fund the production of physical copies. Join me in celebrating this beautiful genre and the incredible talent behind it! Click here to make a donation Thank you so much for your support! – Cedar
Cedar offers private, affordable and enjoyable tin whistle lessons! Lessons, either in-person or via Zoom, are taught from the studio at Gandharva Loka World Music Store in Central Dublin, Ireland. Lessons are available at Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced levels, as well as Low Whistle and Percussive and Improvisation style lessons.
Your first lesson is a free trial. If thestudent would like to continue lessons, they can book four or eight of them (one a week for four/eight weeks) for an affordable set price. The lessons are 45 minutes long and the student will be given notes and resources from the lessons.
Contact Cedar at cedardobsonmusic@gmail.com
Message Cedar on Facebook
Hire Cedar on Fiver
Saturdays: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sundays: 11 AM – 10 PM
Tues, Wed, & Thurs: 3 PM – 10 PM
Pacific Time
Buncrana at Slainte
Susan Spurlock, Tedd Colt, Darcy Noonan, Hector Bragado,
Michael Stack, Patricia Ross, Tim Hill, and Autumn Rhodes.
Since opening in April 2017, Sl†â€™ƒâ€ ¢â‚¬â„¢¢â‚¬Å¡‚¡inte has also featured some of the finest local and regional singers and musicians, in live, acoustic performance and quickly become the hot new place for Irish music and culture in the East Bay.
The menu at Sl†â€™ƒâ€ ¢â‚¬â„¢¢â‚¬Å¡‚¡inte features Irish cuisine, with dishes that include both imported & local ingredients and a bar menu of classic cocktails, a well-stocked selection of whisky, premium spirits, and local & imported beers.
Contact them at (510) 823-2644
@slainteoakland
Website: https://slainteoakland.com.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/slainteoak
Email: cheers@slainteoakland.com
Weekends 10:00-7:00
Friend of the Family Alex Sinclair, has now operated his Celtic business Willow on the Green, for a more than a year.
The shop is on the not-so-quiet 9th Avenue, which is directly in front of the main entrance to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA.
Alex says:
We cater to the ‘Day in the Park’ crowd, offering all manner of Scottish, Welsh, English and Irish goodies, one might like to have for a Picnic In The Park, including cheese, chutney, clotted cream, cuppa, kippers, and many other delectable wares that don’t begin with a ‘c’. With a bit of prior notice, Celtic musicians and buskers are welcome to our store front on 9th Avenue, just a stones throw from the main entrance to Golden Gate Park.
Willow on the Green is dedicated to British and Californian fine foods, cheeses, meats, provisions, and products. Located in the heart of the Inner Sunset District, San Francisco, just a stone’s throw from the entrance to Golden Gate Park.
Facebook Page: Willow on the Green
Phone: (415) 259-1811
Email: indulge@willowonthegreen.com
Celtic music recording artist and multi-instrumentalist David Brewer is Fired up on teaching music over Zoom, Anytime, from Anywhere!
David is offering relaxed and fun, yet informative and in-depth lessons on any or all of these topics:
• Penny-whistle
• Bodhran
• Scottish Bagpipes
• Uilleann pipes
• Tune-writing & composition
• Music theory
• Accent City & phrasing
• Performance techniques
• Guided recording project consulting
• And more!
For more information, to schedule a lesson on Zoom, or to find out more about David’s upcoming tutorial series launching on Patreon later this summer, please email: davidbrewerbooking@gmail.com
David Brewer is a member of the Scottish folk band, The Fire, and has performed around the world with Molly’s Revenge, The Chieftains, and The Old Blind Dogs.
For more about David Brewer, visit: www.davidbrewermusic.com
5:30-7:00 PM Moderate-Pace
7:30-10:30 PM The Starry Session
Monday: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Irish Ceili Dancing
Tuesday: 7:30 PM Open Mic Night
Wednesday: 8:00 PM The Berkeley Poetry Slam
Thursday: 8:00 PM Trivia with Miss Jenna
Friday/Saturday: See our Schedule!
Manager Shahin Naima reopened The fabled Starry Plough on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022. We are now open 7 days a week with all of the Plough’s treasured events returning, from Irish dancing to open mic nights (except Funk Night, for now).
We Are Back! We are so happy to be back and look forward to serving you all for many years to come. To keep our community space thriving we have partnered with our fiscal sponsorship, Haven of Hope, to begin accepting donations from our loyal patrons and members of The Starry Plough community. This provides the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the expenses that go into making our famous community events so special. Please consider donating through thehavenofhope.org/donate to keep the Starry Plough in our amazing community for the future generations of Berkeley.’ — Starry Plough manager Shahin Naima
The pub was open for Saint Patrick’s day with a ‘scratch band’ of staff to serve the traditional corned beef and cabbage, and songs, tunes and dancing filled this treasured Arts institution one again, as explained in this Detailed Article by Madeline Wells of SFGATE.
Website: www.thestarryplough.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StarryPlough
Darcy Noonan is an accomplished violinist based in the Bay Area. Following her heart, she has studied and performed a variety of musical genres including classical, ragtime, mariachi, Greek, and (closest to her heart) Irish traditional music. In fact practically the second after graduating from High School she was off to Ireland to study with her idols for a few years.
Darcy has played with numberous bands and orchestras, including The Black Brothers, Eamonn Flynn, Jammy Dodgers, Violins of Hope, Noonan, Howard, and Straw, The Get Happy String Band, Disciples of Markos, Tipsy House and Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano.
Darcy is now back in the Bay Area, and Darcy is accepting students as an expert fiddler and Suzuki certified teacher with years of experience performing and teaching.
If you are interested in booking Darcy for a gig or for violin lessons, send her an email at darcynoonanviolin@gmail.com or visit her website at darcynoonanviolin.com
The Celtic Tea Shoppe offers a great selection of Celtic and Celtic inspired foods, including:
• Meat Pies
• Sausage Rolls
• Liquor Cakes
• Irish Soda Bread
• Salted Caramels
• Gift Boxes
• Premium Loose-leaf Teas
Everything is handmade at our shoppe in San Jose, CA and curbside pickup service and shipping are available.
To check The Celtic Tea Shoppe Facebook Page, Click Here!
Call us directly at 408-267-7090 or check our website www.celticteashoppe.com for all our other baked goods and confections. To order, contact Kristen Scott with a call to 408-267-7090, or an email to sales@artisancandies
Important Announcement: Going forward in 2023, we are looking to give scholarships to young dancers in local Scottish and Irish dance schools, and would love to have your help. Dance is very near and dear to Dean and Kristen’s hearts, and they want to help those dancers who show much promise and talent, but who have less resources and thus barriers to success compared to others who do.
If you are interested in participating, please let us know and how much you would like to give toward this scholarship. We are currently looking at a candidate for whom we’d like to raise $1000 – to help them with their dance studies, whether it be shoes, costumes, lessons, travel funds, etc. If you are interested in contributing, please let us know ASAP. We must stress that this is not a charity organization we are contributing to, but it is a fundraiser to help local dancers in need. Cheers!
(photo is of Dean Scott in a Los Angeles professional company of Brigadoon, 1984)
Lark in the Morning has been a folk musician’s favorite since 1974 and has an amazing selection of musical instruments and instructional material from around the world.
Eric says:
“Our Berkeley location, 1001 Camelia Street, Berkeley, CA, is open for online lessons and instrument sales Tuesday – Saturday from 12:00 – 6:00 PM!”
Thorn Land and Eric Azumi
Call us at 707-964-5569
Shop online at https://larkinthemorning.com
Check out our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/LarkInAM.
 Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant Across from Apple Park |
The Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant
Open 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM every day of the year
10801 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino, CA
Many of you have heard the rumors about the The Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant.
For details, Watch the official Video!
The Duke is, and will remain, THE only Authentic, (and we do mean AUTHENTIC!), British Pub in the Bay Area, located across the street from Apple Headquarters on Wolfe Road in Cupertino.
The atmosphere at the ‘The Duke‘, is the same as you would find in any pub in the British Isles, full of friendly patrons who come in to socialize, play darts, have a pint or two, and eat a meal. If you are looking for a comfortable elegance, pints of beer and authentic food, in an authentic English Pub, there is no a better choice in the Bay Area. The Duke offers a large number of beers on draft and by the bottle. Almost anything English, Scottish or Irish is available. Murphy’s Irish Stout brewed in Cork, Ireland and Scotch Eggs is always a good choice.
The servers are excellent and very knowledgeable about the beer and food menu. The menu is expansive and worth exploring. The dark pubsy feel with old regulars in their respective, but not crowded corners around lunch hour in Cupertino, is a great boon.
You can’t find more ‘authentic’ atmosphere, because the entire building was built in jolly old England, then disassembled, shipped and reassembled on site in Cupertino. With the red velvet seating and wall paper and ornate, dim lighting, you are transported to London as soon as you enter the etched glass door.
More info. on The Duke Facebook Page, website www.theduke.com or call 408-446-3853.
AmeriCeltic Logo Items
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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.
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