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Hello AmeriCeltic Reader, • Co-founders Tony Becker and Celia Fábos-Becker update you on the breaking news in Northern Ireland. (See Below)
• Saturday, May 1st, is the traditional date for Beltaine in the Celtic calendar, and Eamonn Flynn offers a primer on this ancient holiday. (See Below)
• On Friday, April 30th at from 12:00 PM on, Sláinte Pub Jack London Square in Oakland, CA is open for a special 4th Anniversary Celebration, with their house band, Buncrana bringing live Irish Music on Sunday 4 - 6 PM. (See Below)
• On Friday, April 30th at 5:00 pm EDT (2:00 PM PDT), the Ashokan Centers Cyber String Fling 2021, begins with a one hour reception with Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas. At 7:30 pm EDT (4:30 PM PDT), these two are joined by fellow instructors Emerald Rae, and Donal Sheets for an introductory Concert of Scottish Trad stringed instruments. Saturday, May 1st and Sunday, May 2nd, are full with a full program of workshops, all for the bargain sliding scale price of $35-$100. (See Details).
• On Friday, April 30th at 7:00 PM, its Lark Camp Cabaret Episode 6, via Facebook LIVE, YouTube LIVE and Twitch, from All around Northern, CA. (See Below)
• On Friday, April 30th at 7:00 PM, Kathryn Rose entertains with Final Fridays, via Facebook LIVE from Portland, OR. (See Below)
• On Saturday, May 1st, at 6:00 AM, Berkeley Morris greets the May 1st Sunrise as they do every May Day, but this time in a virtual way, Live streaming on their YouTube Channel from Berkeley, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 AM PDT, the Alaska Celtic Spring Festival with a full schedule of workshops and events live online via Zoom from Anchorage, AK. (See Below)
• On Saturday, May 1st, at the United Irish Cultural Center, busy big screens will show The Kentucky Derby at 1:00 PM, and the Dropkick Murphys at 5:30 PM, as well as outdoor dining from 1:00 - 8:00 PM under their 1800 sq.ft. 'Big Top', in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
On Saturday, May 1st at 2:00 PM PST John Whelan conducts the 22nd in his series of Online Master Sessions, featuring Co. Clare fiddle legend Martin Hayes! Also, on Wednesdays, John offers two free events, a 'Tune Teach' and John's 'Taking Time' Session (See Below)
• On Saturday, May 1st, at 3:00 PM, Blame the Whiskey will present another LIVE streaming show Online via Facebook Live from Vallejo, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, May 1st, at 4:30 PM, renowned folksinger and one-time seminarian John McCutcheon gives a livestream concert online via Mandolin.com. (See Below)
• On Sunday, May 2nd 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 Chris McMullan, joining us from Strabane, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland. (See Below)
• On Sunday, May 2nd, at 12:00 PM, the Irish Literary and Historical Society presents NY Authors historian Peter Quinn and interviewer Jim Fisher, and  via Zoom from San Francisco. (See Below)
• On Sunday, May 2nd, at 6:30 PM, Brian Walker, the main sound engineer at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, begins a 6 week course for those that want to learn how to play music with others over the Internet, held online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Tuesdays, beginning May 4th at 7:00 PM PDT, whistle and pipes wizard David Brewer is offering his three part Master Class LIVE online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Saturday, May 8th, at 7:00 PM Gerry O'Connor with Richard Mandel begin another 4 city tour with dates in Carmichael, Chico, Berkeley and Sebastopol, CA. (See Below)
• On Sunday, May 9th, at 3:00 PM California Revels hosts another Pub in Place singing session Live via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Wednesday May 12th, at 7:00 PM, and every 2nd Wednesday of the month, The St. Andrew's Society of San Francisco hosts another Whisky Wednesdays event online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Friday, May 14th at 5:30 PM, The Freight and Salvage and offers an online live-streaming concert from Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas. (See Below)
• On Saturday, May 15th, at 12:00 PM, it's SF Virtual Chantey Sing! After years singing from the wooden decks of the historic 1886 sailing ship Balclutha at the Maritime National Historical Park, Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco, CA, this 39 year old maritime cultural tradition rises like the Phoenix from your computer or device. (See Below)
• On Saturday, May 15th, at 6:30 PM Kaptain Bottletop will perform in a Live Stream concert from Art Boutiki in San Jose, CA. (See Below)
• Saturday, June 19th and Sunday, June 20th, The Celtic Heritage Celebration returns with regional bands, famous jousting and much much more happens in Angels Camp. (See Below)
• On Fridays, at 5:30 PM, the Cross Keys band, Cormac Gannon, Stacy Samuels, Neil O'Neill, sing out at the Way Station Smokehouse & Beer Garden in Fairfax, CA. (See Below)
• On 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 Saturdays, April 24th, at 1:00 PM, Sin Silver, performs a 'piano bar' show from her recreation/piano room. This week's theme is 'Night'. Stay safe at home, and stream it online from from 'Murray's Pub' in Concord, CA. (See Below)
• On Thursdays, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Michael Eskin offers a free, Irish Whistle Master Class / Workshop / Geekfest live on Zoom! (See Below)
• Co-Founder Cecilia Fábos-Becker's e-book Ancestry & DNA: Beyond the basics, is available for download now! (See Below)
• On the first Sunday of each month, a small group of Starry Plough regulars stream a re-newed online Irish Session from 8:00 to 10:00 PM. (See Below)
• Over this pandemic period, Autumn Rhodes organized a phenomenal international project, Playing for The Plough and Stars to support that cherished Celtic cultural institution, and now you can enjoy the dozens of resulting videos. (See Below)
• Multi-genre violin teacher (especially Irish Traditional Music) and performer Darcy Noonan is available for gigs and lessons. (See Below)
• Sport your Celtic heritage! AmeriCeltic offers a colorful array of items, each emblazoned with the AmeriCeltic logo. (See Below)
• The Celtic Tea Shoppe, in San Jose is your source for Celtic and Celtic inspired carry-out fresh baked foods, confections and rare teas! (See Below)
• Live music is slowly re-emerging in California! On Sunday, April 18th, and every Sunday, their are now LIVE Irish tunes at the Auld Dubliner in Long Beach, CA. (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 re-opened The Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant, offering outdoor service 7 days a week from 4pm to late. (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.

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Editorial - Arlene Foster Resigns as Election Looms

Thursday, May 6th Scottish and Welsh Elections

By Celia Fábos-Becker and Tony Becker

On Wednesday, April 28th, Arlene Foster announced her resignation as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) as of May 28th, and as First Minister of the devolved government in Stormont, Northern Ireland (NI) at the end of June.

In recent days, more than 20 NI Member of the Legislative Assembly, (MLA), DUP members and four Members of the Parliament in Westminter (MPs) had signed a letter voicing no-confidence in the leadership. More generally, about 80% of the DUP membership have recently expressed the opinion that it was time for new leadership.

She became leader of the party in December 2015 and, the following month as leader of Stormont's largest party, she was appointed first minister of Northern Ireland. She was the first woman and the youngest person to hold both jobs.

In her statement, leader Foster said:
My election as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party broke a glass ceiling and I am glad to have inspired other women to enter politics and spurred them on to take up elected office.

"I understand the misogynistic criticisms that female public figures have to take and sadly it's the same for all women in public life.

"I want to encourage you to keep going and don't let the online lynch mobs get you down."

Read More...

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Beltaine Celtic Festival

Saturday, May 1st, 2021 | Beannachtaí Na Beltaine!

Observed by all Gaels, including Irish people, Scottish people, Manx people, Celtic neopagans and Wiccans

In Celtic myth, Beltaine is the union of the God and Goddess, but here is the detailed story, as related by ex-Dubliner Eamonn Flynn:

According to the Irish calendar, summer begins on May 1st and ends on July 31st. This relates specifically to the ancient Celtic Festivals of old when the first of May or Mayday began with the Irish celebration of Bealtaine (pronounced phonetically as "Bee-yowl-tan-eh"), which officially heralded the beginning of summertime.

Directly translated Bealtaine means "mouth of fire" coming from the Irish Gaelic Béal (mouth) and tine (fire) referring to the Sun as its light and heat rise further and further towards the Summer Solstice. However, others relate the first part of name to the old Irish God ‘Bel’ and also the word ‘Bright’ whereas in our sister Celtic countries this early Summer Festival is called Beltane.

Bealtaine is one of the great fire festivals that ask us to be intimate with the energy of the sun in balance and harmony with the energy of the moon. Living on planet Earth, we essentially live between two fires every day, the fire of the sun above and the permanent fire of the Earth’s core.

For our ancestors, this early summer season initiated the release of the cattle to the summer pastures. It was important that certain rituals were performed to protect them before the journey and so they were driven between two fires where the smoke not only eliminated any parasites on their hides, but was seen to offer protection from illness and theft.

In tandem, the drovers and the whole community followed suit, calling in a healthy growing season for them as well. Those in the northwest would make pilgrimage to the great Beltany Stone Circle in Co. Donegal, which is aligned with the rising sun at Bealtaine as it appears to "sit" on the peak of the only carved stone.

As the name of the festival suggests, bonfires played an important part in the celebrations and were often lit on prominent local landmarks such as the Hill of Uisneach near Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. This was a very important sacred site to the ancient Irish as it is at the exact trigonometric centre of the Ireland, also said to be the burial site of Goddess Eriú who gave her name to the island.

All household fires would be extinguished and following the ceremonial lighting of the great fire at Uisneach, subsequent fires would then be lit in the surrounding hills in a great spiral throughout the land. All would gather for this huge spectacle and bring an ember home to their hearth for the year ahead.

Another Bealtaine tradition that became the Catholic May altar was where children gathered the milky Hawthorn blossoms, yellow Gorse and wild Primrose flowers (mimicking fire) before dawn and placed them in bundles on doorsteps and in cow sheds for protection. Young maidens were also up early to wash their faces in the morning dew to enhance their chances of procuring a lover with a wish tied to the May Bush, usually a small Hawthorn tree, decorated with bright flowers, ribbons and sweet foods. Indeed we can see England’s version of this with their Maypole customs as young lovers criss-crossed the gaily coloured streamers in time to the Morris dancers’ bells.

There was also a great tradition of visiting local Holy Wells to set intentions for weather conducive to a clement Summer season and the happy match-making of the young in the family and village. Many of these customs were also part of May Day festivals in Britain and Europe.

Today, we too can sense the energies of early summertime in May. We notice the burgeoning of the flowers and crops in the fields, we peel off our layers of heavy clothes and become more body conscious. No wonder it is the season of fertility and fecundity! This Bealtaine, under the Full Moon, may you become aware of nature’s bounty and let the light, heat and intentional movement of your body feel and sense the increasing sunlight with gladness in your heart.

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Sláinte Pub 4th Anniversary

Sláinte is open outside Tuesday through Sunday, 12-8 PM

Sláinte Pub, 131 Broadway, Oakland, CA

Since opening in April 2017, Sláinte 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 in the East Bay.

Host Jackie says:
Welcome back to Sláinte Oakland!

We are overwhelmed with your support! The anniversary giveaways began on Wednesday with copper mule glasses from Powers Whiskey, and continue through Sunday. Order a Sláinte featured drink and get a glass! On Saturday, we have the McBride Irish Dancers, and on Sunday 4 PM to 7 PM, enjoy our brand new Irish house band Buncrana!!

We're here Tuesday through Sunday, 12-8pm with over 75 whiskeys, the perfect pints and a delicious new menu. Come on by. Cead Mile Failte!!! We're back in the kitchen for delicious Irish food, rain or shine because of our new table coverings!

The menu at Sláinte features Irish cuisine from Irish-born Executive Chef, Jackie Gallanagh, 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.

More Details on the Sláinte Facebook Page.

Contact them at (510) 823-2644 @slainteoakland or check the website https://slainteoakland.com.

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Lark Camp Cabaret Episode 6

Friday, April 30th at 7:00 PM

Online Event via Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live

Join us for a Lark Virtual Cabaret!

Our next Virtual Cabaret will be Friday, April 30 (not the 23rd as previously reported). It will run about an hour and feature such luminaries as Jason Adajian, Ashley Lounsbury, Alex Bernstein, Kevin Hughes, Scott Gifford, Jenette Sellin, Greg Jenkins, Mark Sellin, and Evan Sellin. Join your emcees, Kevin Hughes and Calvaleigh Rasmussen at 7:00pm via the Lark Camp Facebook Group, our YouTube. See you there!

As you know, there will be no in-person Lark Camp until 2022, but the Lark Camp team is working on plans for Lark Camp Online. Via Zoom, we'll offer a full five days of workshops, happy hours, a swap meet, and breakout rooms for sessions. Be sure to save August 4 - 8 (Wednesday through Sunday).

Watch for updates, and if you have friends who might like to attend, be sure to share this email with them, or send them this link so they can get on the Lark Camp newsletter mailing list:  https://www.larkcamp.org/contact

More info on the website: http://larkcamp.org.

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Kathryn Rose Final Fridays Folk

Friday, April 30th, 7:00 PM

Online via Facebook Live

It is The Final Friday of the Month & time for Kathryn Rose's monthly live-stream! Join us for an evening of wonderful music including irish / celtic folk, international folk, covers, & original compositions. Please share & we hope to see you there. Go to her Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/kathrynrosesmusicalexpedition, and then look for the little red LIVE button. All shows are saved on this page & can be viewed anytime following the live event.

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.

Join Kathryn Rose & her support rogues as they bring you an evening of fine Celtic folk music & entertainment. Make it a party & invite your friends!! There are no strangers at Kathryn Roses' shows (possibly some strange people though). These shows are saved on the main page for later viewing as well. Tips are very much appreciated! paypal.me/kathrynrosefolk or Venmo -- @kathrynrosefolk

Buy my CD here! https://kathrynrose.hearnow.com/

More on Kathryn Rose Facebook Profile: https://facebook.com/kathrynrosefolk
More on Kathryn Rose Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/kathrynrosesmusicalexpedition
Check the Facebook Event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/4108085375921506 .

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Berkeley Morris on YouTube Live

Saturday, May 1st, 6:00 AM PDT

Streaming Live on YouTube

You didn't think we were going to let an ongoing global pandemic get in the way of music and dancing to welcome in the May Day sun, did you? We scoff at the pandemic! However we do NOT scoff at shelter-in-place recommendations. We will NOT be at our usual non-pandemic location.

Watch us LIVE, Saturday, May 1st, 6:00 AM PDT, on our YouTube Channel!

We welcome you to join us live online for some music, dancing designed especially for our now-familiar online lifestyle, and songs, and urge you to enjoy sunrise responsibly.

We'll all be together again soon.

https://www.facebook.com/events/540535036926594

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Alaska Celtic Spring Festival
Workshops - Craft Fair

Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 AM PDT

Online via Zoom

The Alaska Celtic Spring Festival returns in a virtual format for 2021. You can see information for 2021 below! We look forward to seeing you!

Originally started as an event for the Alaskan Scottish Club back in the 1990's with had an idea to bring together members of the community with a desire to share their knowledge and skills with the club, the Alaska Celtic Spring Festival has evolved today into a day-long event for all of south-central Alaska to participate in: Workshops taught by our peers, focusing on lectures, craft items/make and takes and physical activities.

Click on this link for a class schedule as a PDF.

Click on this link to register for classes.

Visit us on Facebook: Celtic Community of Alaska

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Despite the pandemic, the United Irish Cultural Center has successfully operated a large event facility near the Zoo in San Francisco, serving the Irish and other Cultural communities, in the Sunset District of San Francisco. 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.

Our four large outdoor TV's will be showing Live entertainment while we are open. And now, thanks to the just announced reductions in related restrictions, the UICC is also offering limited indoor dining in their spacious Saint Patrick's Room!

At $13/month, UICC membership costs less than a Netflix subscription, and is an whole lot more fun! Sign up today at the UICC website.

Facebook Event
UICC website
UICC Facebook Page
'Irish Shoppe' Facebook Event

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Whelan Master Session #24:
with Martin Hayes

Saturday, May 1st, 2:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Since March 2020, John has stepped up his online activities, and his latest project is Master Sessions with John Whelan. This edition of Whelan Master Sessions features Martin Hayes.

Widely regarded as one of the most significant talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music, Martin Hayes blends inspiration from many musical genres to create a unique, insightful interpretation of Irish music that is wholly his own.

Martin is also firmly rooted in the traditions of his native East County Clare: He was the recipient of six All-Ireland championships before the age of nineteen and spent his youth playing in his late father P. Joe Hayes’s Tulla Celi Band, which has now been together for more than 70 years.

Martin is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including TG4’s Gradam Ceol, Person of the Year from the American Irish Historical Society in New York City, and the annual Spirit of Ireland award from the Irish Arts Center NY. He was the first musician to win The BBC Instrumentalist of the year, and most recently the first to win the RTE folk instrumentalist of the year.

Most recently, Martin received an Honorary Doctor of Music from National University of Ireland Galway. He is also a founding member of the seminal Irish-American band, The Gloaming, with whom he tours internationally, and with whom he shared the prestigious Meteor Prize in 2014.

John says:
I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing my friend Martin Hayes this coming Saturday and I would be shocked for many of you to miss him to be honest. How many times in your life will you get to play tunes from your living room for two hours with an icon like Martin Hayes. You can also just listen if you don't play.

Martin Hayes needs no introduction, but we're going to do it anyway. Start with this video, and just wait for it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkxtRbQ_0ZE While Martin's musical credentials are impeccable in every sense, it's his brilliant feel for, and expression of, traditional Irish music that really makes him stand out as one of the most remarkable talents in the world of Irish traditional music. He can mold the tradition -- or perhaps the tradition has molded him -- to be equally at home on a stage with artists such as Sting, Paul Simon, Yo Yo Ma's Silk Road Project, and of course the very finest of his fellow traditional Irish musicians.

Go to www.johnwhelanmusic.com/master-sessions for details on how to get your Zoom link.

On Wednesdays, John also offers a free one-hour tune teach from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM followed by John's 'Taking Time' slow session at 4:00 PM Pacific - Check them out here: http://johnwhelanmusic.com/slow-session. John sends out a tune list and Zoom link for them on Wednesday mornings. Email John at whelanbx1@me.com to get on the list or for more details.

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.

Get more details on John's website: http://johnwhelanmusic.com

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Blame the Whiskey
Their Good Friends Everything Nowadays!
Live at Front Porch Festival, Vallejo

Saturday, May 1st, 3:00 - 6:00 PM

Online via Facebook Live and in person at 615 Napa St, Vallejo, CA

Click Here to go to the Blame the Whiskey Facebook Page, and then look for the little red LIVE button.

Join us, Blame The Whiskey, along Their Good Friends Everything Nowadays! (All Artists live in the household and/or have quarantined together). In person attendees must observe social distancing and wear a mask. No exceptions.

Blame the Whiskey is:
• Meghan Jean Arthur, formerly of Play Naked, vocals and guitar
• Joseph Paganucci, vocals, percussion and guitar
• Bob McGowan, resident bass vocals, mandolin and soloist
• Randy Carnahan, vocals, fiddle

Blame the Whiskey is a five piece Irish Ensemble with a Rock and Bluegrass influence and a diverse musical background. Highly versatile, our songs and melodies carry you through the ages of traditional Irish and Medieval, through solid rock and into today's acoustic folk stylings including Traditional Irish dance tunes and songs and not so traditional classic rock, all with a stylized Rock and Roll Flair. For energy, instrumentation, and musical eclecticism, Blame the Whiskey holds a unique niche in the greater San Francisco Bay Area as the firestarter for your party, festival, or fundraiser.

For more on Blame the Whiskey, email sendwhiskey@gmail.com or check https://www.facebook.com/blamewhiskey

For more on the Facebook Event.

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John McCutcheon live stream

Saturday, May 1st, at 4:30 PM PDT

Online via Mandolin.com from Smoke Rise, GA

John McCutcheon, one of our most respected and loved folksingers, has never shied away from spiritual and religious imagery in his music. One critic described him as "someone who can talk about God without creeping you out." He'll tell stories and sing about what he thinks is his most subtle and important work.

As an instrumentalist, McCutcheon is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songs of dignity, courage, and compassion are rooted in a generations-deep faith and are hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.

$5 - $20 sliding scale tickets are available online: Tickets

Few performers communicate with the versatility, charm, wit or pure talent of John McCutcheon. The Washington Post described John as folk music's "Rustic Renaissance Man," a moniker flawed only by its understatement. "Calling John McCutcheon a 'folksinger' is like saying Deion Sanders is just a football player…" — Dallas Morning News.

More info. on John McCutcheon's website

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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 Chris McMullan, joining us from Strabane, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

May 2nd, Chris McMullan — Details May 9th, Tom Klein — Details June 13th, Eoin O Riabhaigh — 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

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ILHS Presents NY Authors
Historian Peter Quinn
Interviewer James Fischer

Sunday, May 2nd, 12:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Peter Quinn is a novelist, political historian, and foremost chronicler of New York City. He is the author of Looking for Jimmy: In Search of Irish America and the trilogy of historical detective novels‚ Hour of the Cat, The Man Who Never Returned, and Dry Bones. In his earlier career Quinn served as speechwriter for New York Governor Hugh Carey.  He is a native of the Bronx and received his entire education in that borough.  

His great historical novel, Banished Children of Eve: A Novel of Civil War New York, originally published in 1995, traces that event as it gripped New York City. The cast is drawn from every strata: a likeable and laconic Irish American hustler, an ambitious and larcenous Yankee stockbroker, an immigrant serving girl, a beautiful and mysterious biracial actress and her white minstrel lover as well as a cluster of real-life characters, including scheming, ever-pompous General George McClellan, fiery, fierce Archbishop Hughes and fast-declining musical genius Stephen Foster. The fates of these characters coalesce in the cataclysm of the Draft Riots, as a pivotal period in the history of New York and the nation is painfully, vividly, magically brought to life.

For a limited time, Fordham University Press is offering the book at a 30% discount.  To purchase the book access this page: https://www.fordhampress.com/9780823294084/banished-children-of-eve/ and enter discount code BANISHED30 at checkout.

James Fisher is a prolific historian of Irish America, notably author of On the Irish Waterfront: The Crusader, the Movie, and the Soul of the Port of New York.  He is Professor of Theology and American Studies, Fordham University.

Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87620052372

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

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Brian Walker
Jamming Over the Internet

Sunday, May 2nd, 6:30 PM

Online via Zoom

This class is lead by Brian Walker, the main sound engineer at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. Brian's class consists of six weekly 75-minute sessions held online via Zoom.

Brian says,
Like a lot of people, I've been frustrated by my inability to play music with others in-person and joining a zoom session where only one person at a time can be heard just didn't feel like playing together. So last year I started researching ways to actually play with other people in real-time over the internet and it's been a great experience - I now have weekly rehearsals with two groups, and it's fantastic.

Now that I've done the research, I thought it might be helpful to teach a class on the subject. It starts on May 2nd.

Here's the details: https://secure.thefreight.org/263/jamming-over-the-internet

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Celtic Tune Writing
with David Brewer

Three part Master Class over Zoom
Tuesdays, May 4th, 11th, & 18th 7:00 PM PDT

Online via Zoom

Building on the recent popular class taught at Redwood Music Camp Online, David Brewer is offering a three part master class over Zoom for people interested in developing their knowledge and craft of Celtic-style melody composition.

During these upbeat sessions, David will guide you through every form of Celtic melody, from jigs and reels to hornpipes and pipe marches, dissecting traditional tunes to highlight what makes them tick. With over two decades of experience and hundreds of original tunes to his name, David offers a deep dive into his compositional thought process, as well as tips and tricks for crafting your own melodies.  

Open to musicians and non-musicians of all levels.

To register or for more info, email David at davidbrewerbooking@gmail.com

$75 per person includes all three sessions, 1.5 hours long each: Tuesday May 4, 11, 18 @ 7:00 PM PDT

David Brewer is a multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, and composer, from the band The Fire.

www.davidbrewermusic.com

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Gerry O'Connor with Richard Mandel

Saturday, May 8th, 7:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Details: http://www.seafolklore.org/wp/concerts/
Buy tickets online here: https://knct.club/3ul8ZOV

Hailing from a family of musicians in Dundalk, County Louth, Gerry O'Connor has won numerous All-Ireland titles. He has played and recorded with highly-regarded groups such as Lá Lúgh and Skylark, as well as having toured and recorded with members of all the legendary groups including Planxty, Bothy Band, De Dannan, Boys of the Lough, The Irish Rovers and the Chieftains. His solo album, Journeyman, was counted in the top five Albums of the year 2004 by The Irish Times and was heralded as a significant milestone in recording the music of the 'Oriel' region of South Ulster. His 2006 live album, In Concert, recorded with Gilles Le Bigot was a celebration of the cultural links between Ireland and Brittany. Jig Away the Donkey, an album focusing on the music and song of South Ulster with Martin Quinn and Gabriel McArdle was released in 2010. With Nuala Kennedy, Martin Quinn and Gilles Le Bigot, Gerry released the album Oirialla in 2012 at the Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton, Canada. This band is currently touring and entertaining audiences around the globe.

Richard Mandel fell into the well of Irish music in the mid-'90s and was soon driving every session he could get into. As a first-call accompanist, Richard has performed with legendary Irish musicians including Paddy Keenan, Jimmy Keane, Gerry O'Connor, Mick Maloney, Paddy O'Brien, Tony DeMarco and many others. Richard plays in the trio Three Mile Stone with mandolinist Marla Fibish and fiddler Erin Shrader. Three Mile Stone released its debut CD, produced by John Doyle, in March 2010 and has received rave reviews. In addition to Three Mile Stone, Richard can be heard on Christa Burch's CD 'Love of the Land', Radim Zenkl's, 'Restless Joy', and Tipsy House's CD, 'Sets in the City.'

For a video of Gerry O'Connor - The American Polka & Kingdom Coming, Click Here!

More information on Gerry's website, http://www.gerryoconnor.net

Seattle Folklore Society is to preserve and foster awareness and appreciation of folk and traditional arts in the Seattle area. Check us out at http://www.seafolklore.org

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California Revels Pub-In-Place
All Things May & More

Sunday, May 9th, 3:00 PM

Ye Olde Zoom Pub

Evelie Delfino Såles Posch and Jennifer Randolph co-host this Pub-In-Place featuring songs celebrating Beltane, Mothers, Memorial Day, flowers, and more!

Now taking requests in advance!

To lead or request a song, please email Michele Sullivan with the song, title, and a brief description. If you have the lyrics, send those, too!

Registration not required. Pay as you wish with suggested $10.00 donation. Zoom link and songbook will be posted to our homepage at CaliforniaRevels.org by Saturday, May 8th.

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Whisky Wednesdays - Charitable Benefit

Presented by The St. Andrew's Society of San Francisco
May 14th, 7:00 PM, and every 2nd Wednesday

Online via Zoom - By Alex J. Sinclair

The Saint Andrew's Society of San Francisco is excited to announce another virtual whisky tasting event in our Whisky Wednesdays series.

Each Whisky Wednesdays virtual event explores the regionality of Scottish Whisky, bringing together four tasting samples in one box sent directly to your door.

Flight for May: Benriach Layers of Flavour Discover the Possibilities of Smoke
• Benriach The Orignal Ten
• Benriach The Smoky Ten
• Benriach The Twelve
• Benriach The Smoky Twelve

Join Rory Glasgow for an exploration into the possibilities of smoke as we embark on a journey that will take us through the unique style that defines the Benriach Distillery.

Through the use of smoke and a diverse selection of casks from around the world, Benriach is a Single Malt Distillery that can bring out a wider range of flavours in its whiskies – crafting a line of single malts that are distinctly Speyside, yet uniquely Benriach. With such complexity in each expression, our whiskies are versatile enough to appeal to a variety of palates – with everyone finding something different to enjoy with each taste. From smoky to sweet, the layers of flavour in our whisky work together to provide a truly unique tasting experience.

By introducing carefully sourced peat into our distilling process, we’re able to add varying levels of smokiness that help enhance and complement the layers of complex flavour in our whisky – debunking the myths about peat and opening your nose and palate to a whole new world of flavour possibilities.

Tickets for May's Whisky tasting will be available till Friday, May 7th at the latest so we can make sure we have the best chance for it arriving at your address in time. After then observer tickets will still be available.

Whisky Wednesdays tickets include free shipping for the whisky within the continental United States. If you are purchasing from outside of California, please order well in advance. There is also a reduced ticket for anyone who only wants to observe. All participants must be aged 21+.

The profits of this event will help fund our benevolent activities. Thank you for supporting this event and let me know if you have any questions!

Whisky Wednesdays tickets are priced at $50 for SASSF members and $75 for non-members. Each ticket holder will receive five curated Scotch whiskies (50ml per tasting, 250ml per ticket) highlighting Scotland's regions during our monthly tasting event from the comfort of your home.

For more information and tickets, go to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/saintandrewssocietyofsanfrancisco

Alex J. Sinclair
2nd Vice President
2ndvp@saintandrewssocietysf.org
Saint Andrews Society of San Francisco
https://saintandrewssocietysf.org

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Kaptain Bottletop

Saturday, May 15th, 8:30 PM

Streaming Live online via 'Passage' from Art Boutiki Music Hall, 44 Race St, San Jose

San Francisco-based 'Appalachian Gothic' band Kaptain Bottletop was founded by Lee Corbie-Wells and David Boyden in the fall of 2015 with the intention of making music inside and outside of the styles we love. Inspired by Celtic, Scandinavian and bluegrass music, Kaptain Bottletop plays tunes old and new, along with original compositions. Chief among their various instruments are two 10-stringed hardanger d'amores (#18 and #19) built by Norwegian luthier Salve Håkedal.

Check them out FREE online from Art Boutiki

Donations gently demanded:
https://app.gopassage.com/events/kbot2021 All Ages.

For more on Art Boutiki, check www.artboutiki.com, call 408-971-8929 or email Dan Vado kahuna@artboutiki.com.

David Boyden
David Boyden is a violinist and fiddler born and bred in the San Francisco Bay Area. From 2004 to 2008, he attended the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts while studying with several noted violinists, including Kate Stenberg of the Del Sol String Quartet. From 2008 to 2013, he studied with Fred Lifsitz and the Alexander String Quartet at San Francisco State University, where he earned a BM in violin performance. He currently works as a freelancer and teacher, and plays regularly in several groups, including the Pine Needles and the 29th Street Swingtet, and irregularly in several others. From 2012 to 2014, he was intern and musician at the Chrysalis Foundation, playing the original acoustic instruments and music of Cris Forster.

Lee Corbie-Wells
Lee Corbie-Wells has been playing violin since the age of 6. Her father, a music teacher in San Francisco (Lee's hometown) and her mother, a music teacher in the Oakland Public School District, taught her Celtic and American tunes by ear, fostering her love of folk music. At the age of 11, she began formal training. In addition to her instrumental studies, Lee sang first soprano in the San Francisco Girls Chorus for five years.

She started performing solo at Brava Theatre at the age of 14, but soon got heavily into Celtic roots music. At age 18, Lee toured Southern Ireland with her first band, Drowsy Maggie, along with one of her former violin teachers, Alison Stretch. Since then, she has played in numerous Celtic and Americana bands and her also performed at military functions such as house-concerts at Airforce bases in Travis, CA and in Kuwait.

Although she primarily pays Celtic and American fiddle music, Lee has taken her years of experience in Blues and folk improvisation and branched out into explorations of Jazz, Swing, Ragtime, and Latin genres. Before Lee was in Kaptain Bottletop, she helped start the Celtic/Americana/Eastern European folk band Moonshine Jelly, where she sings in English, at least half of the Celtic languages (Lee is a huge language enthusiast), Russian, Greek, and various other languages. She also teaches violin and guitar in the Bay Area.

Facebook Event
Kaptain Bottletop Videos
Kaptain Bottletop Facebook Page

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Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas

Friday, May 14th, 5:30 PM

Online via Tessatura at https://thefreight.org/stream Live

The musical partnership between consummate performer Alasdair Fraser, 'the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling,' and brilliant Californian cellist, Natalie Haas, spans the full spectrum between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy. Over the last 16 years of creating a buzz at festivals and concert halls across the world, they have truly set the standard for fiddle and cello in traditional music. They continue to thrill audiences internationally with their virtuosic playing, their near-telepathic understanding, and the joyful spontaneity and sheer physical presence of their music.

For a sample of what to expect at the concert, check out this video: https://youtu.be/08zd3hI87bc

Tickets are available on a $5.00 - $20 sliding scale at this link. You'll receive instructions on how to tune in to the concert after your purchase.

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SF Virtual Chantey Sing Series

Saturday, May 15th, Noon to 2:15 PM PDT

Online via Zoom from SF Maritime Association

A folk music 'landmark' on the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, this 39-year San Francisco singing tradition continues in the virtual realm, hosting singers from across the Bay Area – and the country - and now all around planet Earth!

Peter Kasin says,
Ahoy -
Amidst all the chaos going on around us, we still have the monthly virtual chantey sing to help bring joy, calm the nerves, and help us get through these trying times. The next one is on Saturday, May 15th, Noon to 2:15 PM Pacific time, USA, around 8pm in London and 9pm in Paris.

Lead singers will receive a separate link in another email. Since the sings have gone virtual, they have gone international. We have singers from across the country, the UK, and the Czech Republic lined up to lead us in song. All but the lead singer will be muted. Enjoy singing along on the choruses to chanteys from home.
Link for signing up to lead a song: https://maritime.org/sea-chantey-sign-up/ Please use this link ONLY if you are signing up to lead a song. You will be sent a link a few days prior to log on.

For general information,. and for non-song leaders to log in on the day and time: https://givebutter.com/ChanteySing

Visit https://maritime.org/events-home/chantey-sing for details, including links to a signup sheet, info for lead singers, and some suggested virtual backgrounds. You should have a good internet connection and be ready to have fun!

Fair winds,
- Peter Kasin

• Sign up to Lead a Song Here: https://maritime.org/sea-chantey-sign-up/
• Virtual Backgrounds required for lead singers available here: https://maritime.org/chantey-virtual-backgrounds/
• Song Leader On-boarding Instruction Here: Chantey Sing Song Leader Guide

Donations to the Association will be accepted during the event, which will be used to buy virtual technologies to broadcast more events from the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

For more details, check this Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoMaritimeNHP

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The Celtic Heritage Celebration

Saturday, June 19th — Sunday, June 20th,

Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gunclub Rd, Angels Camp, CA

The 35th Annual Celtic Heritage Celebration returns with the Largest and Biggest Celtic Event on the West Coast! Celebrating the cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Isle of Mann, Galacia and Asturias

We are welcoming back the Imperial Knights Tournament of Champions!

Imperial Knights Production Company produces an exciting medieval tournament with spectacular stunts on horseback, jousting and top-of-the-line, hand-to-hand combat with a variety of medieval weapons, cheer on your favorite knight!

We pride ourselves on our sword fighting and heavy armor jousting capabilities. With practice and hard work, we get better every day. Don’t miss any of the excitement when the Imperial Knights take the field!

Here is their promotional video: 2019 Celtic Faire Promo — Joust.

For complete details, show schedule and tickets, check http://celticheritagecelebration.com.

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The Cross Keys

Fridays, 5:30 - 8 PM PDT

Way Station Smokehouse & Beer Garden, 2001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, CA

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

Cormac says:
Looking forward to playing with my comrades!

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

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

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

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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.

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Sin Silver

Saturdays, 1:00 - 2:00 PM PDT

Online via YouTube and 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 YouTube channel or 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 Night. Find Sin's Live Performance by checking Sin's YouTube channel or 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.

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Irish Whistle
Master Class / Workshop / Geekfest
with Michael Eskin

Thursdays, 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.

The next workshop will be a open one. 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

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