Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!


. Learn more in our Video Introduction

Hello AmeriCeltic Reader, • Tickets Now On Sale for the International St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Saturday, March 13th, 12:30 - 8:00 PM. Check out the full details! (See Below)
• Co-founder Cecilia Fábos-Becker offers a reminder of the virtues our first POTUS, George Washington, admired in our Celtic ancestors. (See Below)
• On Friday, February 26th, at 1:00 PM, Sin Silver, will perform piano bar show with the theme 'Names of Places'. Stay safe at home, and stream it online from from 'Murray's Pub' (her recreation/piano room) in Concord, CA. (See Below)
• On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, at 7:00 PM, The Black Donnellys, Dave Rooney and Dave Browne, will stream their high-energy show to you from the RiRa @ Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV as you stay safely sequestered in your homes. (See Below)
• On Friday, February 26th, at 7:00 PM, join Kathryn Rose entertains with Folktastic Fridays With Kathryn Rose, via Facebook LIVE from Portland, OR. (See Below)
• On Saturday, February 27th at 2:00 PM PST John Whelan conducts the 16th in his series of Online Master Sessions, featuring Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her daughter Nia Byrne! (See Below)
• On Saturday, February 27th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM the fabulous Shipwrecked Shanty Band are back online via Facebook Live and in person (keepin' their distance) from Quinn's Lighthouse in Oakland, CA. (See Below)
• Sunday, February 28th at 11:00 AM, it's the Piper Sundays, Zoom meeting for an hour and one half with host Patrick D'Arcy and his guest Darragh Ó hÉiligh joining us from Drogheda, Ireland. (See Below)
• On Sunday February 28th, at 5:00 PM, the Irish Literary and Historical Society presents Northern Irish Oscar Wilde scholar Deaglan O’Donghaile speaking about the famed poet, author, and aesthete’s momentous 1882 visit to San Francisco, via Zoom from San Francisco. (See Below)
• On Monday, February 29th, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Michael Eskin offers a free, Irish Whistle Master Class Workshop live on Zoom! (See Below)
• On Sunday, February 28th, at 2:00 PM, Irish author Ruairí McKiernan presents on his his debut book  Hitching for Hope – a Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland live and in person Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Saturday, March 13th, at 6:00 PM indefatigable Celtic Rockers Tempest will perform a special drive-in Concert at Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center in Dublin, CA. (See Below)
• From Friday evening, April 9th through Sunday evening, April 11th, the Spring Harmony 2021 will happen online on Zoom, sponsored by the San Francisco Folk Music Club. (See Below)
NOTICE! Due to public health officials orders for social distancing to limit the spread of the COVID-19 infections, all in person events and festivals, especially those involving singing, wind instruments, etc. have been postponed or cancelled, and many will continued to be cancelled at least through the Winter. If you have plans to attend ANY such event, large or small, we recommend that you call and confirm that they are NOT cancelled.
• Co-Founder Cecilia Fábos-Becker's e-book Ancestry & DNA: Beyond the basics, is available for download now! (See Below)
• The United Irish Cultural Center, hosts outdoor dining under their 1800 sq.ft. 'Big Top', and many Irish and other events in their large facility in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• Cedar Dobson offers one-on-one whistle lessons live on Zoom! (See Below)
• Michael Eskin offers one-on-one Irish whistle and flute, Uilleann pipes, and Anglo concertina lessons live on Zoom! (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)
• While Lark In The Morning in Berkeley, CA and Exploring Music in the outer sunset neighborhood of San Francisco, CA are closed for walk-ins, both stores are open for online sales and lessons. (See Below)
• Publican Stan Gamble has just recently re-opened The Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant, offering outdoor service 7 days a week from 4pm to late. (See Below)
• Sláinte Pub offers a full menu of great food and drink with outdoor dining service Wednesday through Sunday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at their location at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. (See Below)
• The Plough and Stars, a SF Legacy Business, and THE place for Live Traditional Music in the inner Richmond district of San Francisco. (See Below)
• The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant, local Irish Pub bringing the culture of Ireland to downtown at 5th and Howard in San Francisco. (See Below)
• The Celtic Society of Monterey Bay, has a 32 year record of producing Celtic Concerts in various venues in and around Santa Cruz and Monterey, CA. (See Below)
• Catherine Barry's Irish Culture Bay Area , offers a succinct listing of Irish events around Bay Area. (See Below)

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

---

The International Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration will be a series of three consecutive ticketed Zoom Events, bringing new performances by Irish and Irish-American performers and instructors directly into your computer, tablet or smartphone.

See and hear these top Irish Performers and Instructors, safe at home, in a massive Zoom meeting with all your friends and contemporaries, LIVE and in Person!

Balladeer, Niamh Parsons, and guitarist, Graham Dunne are each a force to be reckoned with in their own right, and together they are simply sublime! Niamh’s singing has been described as “both emotionally haunting and tonally as clear as crystal”, while Graham’s expert accompaniment creates the perfect foil for a rich and warm delicacy.

Socks in the Frying Pan are a multi-award winning trio from County Clare on the West coast of Ireland, the universal hub of Irish traditional music. Their dynamic vocal harmonies, virtuosic musical ability and their onstage wit has captured and captivated audiences the world around. One of the most sought after groups in Irish music today, the worldwide ‘Sock Invasion’ continues!

Three hours of workshops and instruction in Irish dance, vocal, instrumental from artists of global acclaim. World-class education and participatory sessions to learn about Irish Music and Culture. Six live instructors bring you decades of careful study and honing skills.

Shay & Michael Black are the singing siblings from Ireland's foremost family of song, The Black Family, which also includes their sisters Mary & Frances, & brother, Martin. Hailed in the Irish Echo as “one of the most impressive groups of Irish singers to be found anywhere; exquisite, exhilarating and nothing short of thrilling” as they raise their sibling rivalry to revelry, and accompanied by keyboardist, Eamonn Flynn.

↑Top↑

---

What George Washington Admired in the Scots-Irish

Self Sufficiency and Perseverance

By Cecilia Fábos-Becker 2021-02-25

It's not often that either the White House or Congress demonstrate a real interest in traditional Scots-Irish America, either intentionally or unintentionally. The White House just did this week and it's worth noticing and aiding. President Biden is setting up a task force to do a review of manufacturing--and mining and other production of raw materials, to determine what manufacturing and more needs to be restored and prioritized, for the good of the nation as a whole and its defense. It's finally dawned on some people in government that if even the boots our soldiers wear and all the batteries in their portable command and communications equipment come from China, it's a bit hard to confront China's bad behaviors, even those that hurt Americans. Likewise, it's just as hard for Europe to confront bad behavior of Russia while importing so much oil and gas from Russia.

In the darkest days of our American Revolution, George Washington found some hope and inspiration and both commented on it and wrote about it. George came to greatly appreciate the Scots and Scots-Irish, and Irish (yes, there were some native Irish who had emigrated long before the 1845-50 famine and epidemics), on the frontier of America in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York and Massachusetts. They were willing to fight longer and do with less and didn't run at the first shots of seasoned British regulars. They and their families also provided for them and they persevered with less--a lot less than their opponents.

Read More...

↑Top↑

---

Sin Silver

Friday, February 26th, 1:00 - 2:00 PM PDT

Online via Facebook LIVE, from Concord, CA

Sin Silver is an Irish singer songwriter based in the Bay Area in California. To watch the show, go to Sin Silver's Facebook Profile, and then look for the little red LIVE button.

Sin live-streams from 'Murray's Pub' (her recreation/piano room) every week and this week's theme is 'Names of Places'. Find Sin's Live Performance by checking Sin's Facebook Profile, or go to www.livestream.com/watch and search for Sin Silver.

During the live stream, just drop your requests in the comments.

Virtual Tip Jar:
PayPal https://www.paypal.me/sinsilversin
Venmo @Sin-Silver

With a unique style, her 'Irish piano' and angelic voice are delighting audiences. A featured artist at Northern California's Graton Casino Resort, she brings a unique flavor to her craft. Whether she is playing her expertly crafted originals, covers with her own twist or celtic music, Sin Silver is someone that deserves to be heard live.

Check out her website here:  www.sinsilverandtheavenue.com or email her at sinsilverandtheavenue@gmail.com.

↑Top↑

---

The Black Donnellys LIVE

Dave Rooney and Dave Browne
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, 7:00 PM

Facebook LIVE, from the RiRa @ Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV

Each Saturday, The Black Donnellys, (Dave Rooney and Dave Browne), stream their high-energy show to you from Las Vegas, NV as you stay safe at home.

Watch the Black Donnellys streaming show via Facebook LIVE by pointing your browser to the Black Donnellys Facebook Page, where you will find the little red LIVE button.

The Daves say:
Tune into our Residency Gig at Rira at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay!! Join us and our audience for a live performance and a few Requests!!

Last year, the two Daves from Dublin had the crazy idea to attempt a new World Record: 60 shows. 50 states. 40 days. What could go wrong? Find out what happened along the road as their beloved Irish band, The Black Donnellys set out to break this ambitious world record when Vision Films and Frequency Pictures present An Irish Story: This Is My Home.

The film was released, on March 17th, Saint Patrick's Day, 2020 and is available on Amazon Prime, iTunes, and Vimeo. Here is a link to the WATCH IT NOW!

For more, check Dave Browne's Facebook Profile.

↑Top↑

---

Folktastic Fridays with Kathryn Rose

Friday, February 26th 7:00 PM

Online via Facebook Live

Join Kathryn for Folktastic Fridays! Click Here to go to her Facebook Profile, and then look for the little red LIVE button.

Kathryn Rose is a folk singer and recording artist from Oregon. She has been singing since she could talk and grew up listening to Irish and Scottish folk music.

Kathryn says:
Join Me For My FRIDAY Evening Live-Stream Show!! Message Me With Any Requests. Your tips mean more than you could ever know!
paypal.me/kathrynrosefolk or Venmo -- @kathrynrosefolk
I Am Official Now!! Listen - Buy The New CD Here!! https://kathrynrose.hearnow.com/

Kathryn began seriously collecting songs after her grandmother passed away and she discovered a treasure trove of handwritten Irish folk songs tucked inside the piano bench. After that discovery, Kathryn transitioned from a classical singing background into the folk world. Her favorite musical style is Sean-nós, and she is working on her Gaeilge to perform more of these songs in the future. She performs folk music from both sides of the pond, with an emphasis on Ireland and even a dash of Gaeilge here and there.

Kathryn accompanies herself on the tenor guitar, but at various times in her life has had encounters with the piano, violin, lap harp, ukulele, and tin whistle. Her influences include Susan McKeown, Christy Moore, the Clancy Brothers, Seamus Begley, Sarah Ghriallais, Moya Brennan, and more. With her melodic voice, her love of world cultures and her attention to detail, she continues the tradition of Celtic folk music as an artist, a performer and an inspiration for peace and harmony in a complicated world. Kathryn and her husband live in somewhat peaceful harmony with their brood of hooligan cats.

More on Kathryn Rose Facebook Profile: https://facebook.com/kathrynrosefolk or check the Facebook Event.

↑Top↑

---

John Whelan Master Sessions #16

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her daughter Nia Byrne
Saturday, February 27th, 2:00 PM

Online via Zoom

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.

Since last March, John has stepped up his online activities, and his latest project is Master Sessions with John Whelan.

John says:
My next Whelan Master Session is happening next Saturday, February 27th, 2:00 PM, with my friends Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her daughter Nia Byrne.

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh was born and raised in the heartland of the Gaoth Dobhair Gaeltacht in Northwest Donegal. She is a native Gaelic speaker and learned her songs and tunes from her family and neighbours. Mairéad is internationally known as one of the most important fiddle players that play in the unique Donegal style.

This takes her to the world stage with her band Altan, who play the music of Donegal throughout the world. Mairéad is also a founding member of “Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí” (The Fiddler’s Fellowship) which was set up in the late 80’s ’s to preserve, promote, develop the wealth and richness of the fiddling tradition of the county.

Mairéad has received a number of prestigious awards. She was awarded Donegal Person of the Year in 2009 by the Donegal Association of Dublin in recognition of her contribution to the culture of Donegal on the world stage; and in February of 2017 she was awarded TG4’s “Gradam Ceoil, Ceoltóir na Bliana,” the Irish language television station’s most prestigious traditional music award. In May of 2018, she received a lifetime achievement award at the annual ‘Cup of Tae’ Festival in Ardara, Co. Donegal, in recognition of her work in promoting the song and fiddle music of Donegal.

Mairéad will be joined by her daughter Nia, herself an accomplished fiddler.

The Saturday master session is open to players and listeners of all levels, from anywhere in the world. It'll start at 2pm Pacific time, 5pm Eastern time, 10pm GMT, and run for two hours. The master sessions do have a requested $20 donation for attending and we need at least 30 attendees to ensure the musicians are adequately compensated, so please share this with anyone you know who might be interested. Just email John at whelanbx1@me.com for more details.

All attendees need to do is make their donation via paypal.me/buttonboxman or by Venmo to John-Whelan-37, and make sure to note that it is for Whelan Master Session #9. We'll send out the Zoom link and tune list for the master session on Friday, and any last-minute sign-ups will get the link and tune list about an hour before the session starts on Saturday.

Easily sharable information on all John's master sessions lives here.

P.S. John's Wednesday 'Taking Time' slow session is still continuing as well - Check it out here: http://johnwhelanmusic.com/slow-session. It remains free and open to all, and we'll send out a tune list and Zoom link for tomorrow's 'Taking Time' Wednesday sessions. Email John at whelanbx1@me.com to get on the list or for more details.

Get more details on Johns website: http://johnwhelanmusic.com

↑Top↑

---

Shipwrecked Shanty Shaturday

Saturday, February 27th, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Online via Facebook LIVE, from Quinn's Lighthouse Restaurant and Pub, 1951 Embarcadero Cove, Oakland, CA

On Saturday, February 27th, 2:00 - 4:00 PM LIVE STREAMIN' on Facebook for you land-locked! For the live stream, just navigate to the Quinn's & Heinold's Sea Shanty Crew Facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/171947164165522, click 'Join', and then look for the little red LIVE button.

Bring yer' mask and Keep yer' distance! Come and SHANTY!! at Quinn's Lighthouse Restaurant and Pub, 1951 Embarcadero Cove, Oakland, Dockside in OPEN AIR. We do realize and are VERY aware that we are still in a Covid period - in such, we’d like to invite you to join us either in person with all safety protocols, or ONLINE as we stream live from Quinn’s OPEN AIR, MASKED, AND DISTANCED Patio...Quinn’s is open for outdoor serving!

This Crew is lead by Jim 'Banjo' Nelson, with Jim also playing long-neck five string banjo, and Micha Yunowho on Irish penny-whistles, and bolstered by other artists of local fame includin' John, Doug, and Gary.

Check out Quinn's website www.quinnslighthouse.com, or call them at 510-536-2050 or email them at quinns@quinnslighthouse.com for details.

↑Top↑

---

Piper Sundays

Sundays at 11:00 AM
Southern California Uilleann Pipers Club

Online via Zoom
Join the Zoom Event:

Event Website: http://socalpipers.com/piper_sunday.html

Host Patrick D'Arcy says:
'It's every Sunday from 11:00 AM (PDT) for about 90 minutes. I try to get high profile Uilleann piper guests from Ireland and elsewhere. It's not so much a concert as it is a talk show with the guest playing a handful of tunes throughout. Drop by this Sunday to check it out. Our guest will be Leonard Barry joining us from Sligo, Ireland

• March 07th Joe Doyle — Details
• March 14th Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn — Details
• March 21st Tom Clarke — Details

From 1:30 PM on this will become our monthly So Cal Pipers Club social call

Southern California Uilleann Pipers Club Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/SCUPC

↑Top↑

---

ILHS Speaker Series
with Deaglan O’Donghaile

Sunday February 28th, 5:00 PM

Online via Zoom

The ILHS Speaker Series returns on Sunday February 28th at 5:00 PM via Zoom. This month's speaker is Northern Irish Oscar Wilde scholar Deaglan O'Donghaile who will give a talk on the famed poet, author, and aesthete’s momentous 1882 visit to San Francisco.

Come hear more about this incredible encounter with the famous poet, playwright and professional aesthete from Wilde expert Deaglan O Donghaile.

The paper will concentrate on the lecture that he gave in the city, in which he supported the cause of Irish independence, his enthusiasm for the local Chinese community, and his love for his favourite city in the United States.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83960779826
Meeting ID: 839 6077 9826 

For more information in the Irish Literary and Historical Society, check the website: http://ilhssf.org

↑Top↑

---

Irish Whistle Master Class with Michael Eskin

Monday, February 29th, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM PST

Live via Zoom

Free workshop best suited for intermediate level tin whistle players with some experience on the instrument.

This week we'll be back to the theme format, and we will be covering how to play 'Slow Airs'.

It would be ideal if you already can play some tunes on the instrument and have at least some basic understanding of ornamentation on the whistle. This is not a new beginner's class, but certainly newer players may benefit from the workshop.

Here’s the Zoom meeting link:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6193681854?pwd=eXd3L2ZEeWNnMDBZYVI0RkJ2c3Vudz09
or if you prefer:
Meeting ID: 6193681854
Password: session

Bookmark my Website here: http://michaeleskin.com/whistle

Check the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/216422536688999

This workshop is free, but if you find the event useful, I would very much appreciate it if you would consider donating a few dollars to my PayPal tip jar:
https://paypal.me/MichaelEskin
Venmo: @MichaelEskin

Michael Eskin
http://michaeleskin.com
Michael's Facebook Profile

↑Top↑

---

Ruairí McKiernan - Hitching for Hope
a Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland

Sunday, February 28th, 2:00 PM
Presented by Culture Ireland &
United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco

Online via Zoom

Chelsea Green Publishing is proud to partner with the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco to bring you this free virtual event with acclaimed author, social entrepreneur and former member of Ireland's Council of State Ruairí McKiernan. With thanks to Culture Ireland for support with publicity and promotion. Guest musician will be Michigan-based Dublin folk musician Enda Reilly.

Register for Tickets Here

Originally from Cootehill in County Cavan, McKiernan now lives in Lahinch, County Clare, on the wild west coast of Ireland. His debut book  Hitching for Hope – a Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland was recently published by US publisher Chelsea Green and went straight to number 1 in the Irish Times paperback non-fiction bestseller charts.

More information on Ruairí McKiernan and his book can be found at www.hitchingforhope.com. The book is available to order direct from Chelsea Green Publishing (a discount code will be provided to attendees) and from usual outlets such as independent bookstores, Bookshop.org Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Book Depository.

↑Top↑

---

Dublin St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Saturday, March 13th, 6:00 PM

Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center, 4980 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA

Details: Dublin St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Tickets https://tinyurl.com/cgpfj32j
Venue phone: (925) 556-4508

Lief says,
Okay, Y'all, get out of the house, and come rock out to Tempest from the COVID-free comfort of your own cozy automobile! Tickets are only $40 per vehicle, so be sure to bring your pod-friends and family! After a full year away from the stage, (not counting our two Livestreams) we are truly excited to be performing in front of a live audience again. Following a delightful short set from our special guests, CaliCeltic, we'll take the stage for a non-stop-romp that's sure to get you exercizing the shocks and bouncing off the glove box!

Inside tip: the concert is expected to sell out fast – so get your tickets now!

Last year, during the height of confinement, Tempest produced two great CDs; 'Live At SoundTek Studios' The Lockdown Sessions, and 'Live On The Air' The Radio Sessions 1992 – 2018. Both CDs have received tremendous response, and totally energized our mail order business! But you should know, these albums are limited edition, collectors items, and autographed copies are only available from the Tempest Web Site http://www.tempestmusic.com/html/cdorder.html while supplies last.

See you all at the Shindig!

Love,
-Tempest

↑Top↑

---

Spring Harmony 2021

Friday evening, April 9th through Sunday evening, April 11th
Pacific Daylight Time

Online via Zoom
Sponsored by the San Francisco Folk Music Club

Join with friends new and old to celebrate our global music community with participatory workshops, concerts, and open sessions for singing, playing, and dancing to traditional music. Spring Harmony 2021 is a benefit in support of Camp Harmony, our annual New Year's gathering, and other San Francisco Folk Music Club programs.

Spring Harmony 2021 is open to musical friends everywhere. Donation $0 - $100 or more! (suggested donation $10 per day) No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

• You must register to gain entry to the event.
• Registration will open on March 1st and close on April 6th.
• Workshop proposals will be accepted through March 15th. (See registration form for details.)

Register at: sffmc.org

If you would like to volunteer for this event, prior or during, in any capacity, please contact us at:onlinecampharmony@gmail.com

Please share this with folks near and far who may not yet be members of the SFFMC, as attendance will be open to all.

As with in-person camp and our online New Year's Camp, there will be Workshops, Jam Spaces, Dances, Games, Jokes, Stories, Friends, late-night singing

Leading workshops and other events is reserved for Folk Club members so be sure to confirm that you are a paid member and invite friends who would enjoy going to this online event, maybe to become members and lead something! Please visit the main website www.sffmc.org to become a member through the 'join us' tab.

And if you'd like to lead a workshop, dance, other activity, or perform in a concert this year, let us know within the registration form questions at the end of the form. Likewise, are you a wiz at Zoom? Let us know and help us fill a chore slot!

Check www.sffmc.org regularly for updates on zoom tutorials, what to plan for, and on workshop session spaces as they fill up early. For Questions, you can contact the registrars at onlinecampharmony@gmail.com.

↑Top↑

---