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Hello AmeriCeltic Reader, • Lark Camp Online, the Zoom version of Lark Camp's annual Music, Song, & Dance event for 2021 that is usually held in the Mendocino Woodlands will run from Wednesday, August 4th through Sunday August 8th, 2021. Each day will include 18 workshops, beginning at 10 AM and ending at 5 pm, with a Breema session and lunch break in the middle. These will be followed a happy hour and two evening sessions every night. For the schedule, registration form and details, visit their Website: https://www.larkcamp.org/lark-online-workshops
• From Friday, June 18th, 5:00 AM — July 14th, 5:00 AM & 11:00 AM PDT each morning, Clifton House, Belfast continues its series of 11 lectures on humanitarian and activist Mary Ann McCracken to anyone, anywhere, Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Saturday, June 26th, at 11:00 AM Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and Alasdair Fraser will give a concert of Sea Music from the UK, presented by The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. (See Below)
• On Saturday June 26th, and Sunday, June 27th, from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Albany COVIDchella benefit festival is happening at Various Driveways Albany, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, June 26th, at the United Irish Cultural Center, there will be outdoor dining from 1:00 - 8:00 PM with LIVE songs from 4:00 PM from Boys of Malin, under their 1800 sq.ft. 'Big Top', and now inside their large facility in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, June 26th, at 7:00 PM, The Pagan Interest Circle invites you to join them as they Play with the Fairies, Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Sunday June 27th - Friday July 2nd, it's the 35th International Festival for Irish Harp / An Chúirt Chruitireachta, and this year it is accessible Online!. (See Below)
• On Sunday, June 20th 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 Tim Hill, joining us from San Francisco. (See Below)
• On Sunday, June 27th, at 3:00 PM the Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band and the Northern Nevada Scottish Highland Dancers will give a Concert, followed by a Traditional Celtic Music Session, both in Virginia City, NV. (See Below)
• From Friday evening, July 2nd through Sunday evening, July 4th, the San Francisco Folk Music Club offers their regular Independence Day Weekend Campout but this time it will be Virtual (online via Zoom). (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 Wednesdays, well known button accordionist John Whelan offers two free events, a 'Tune Teach' and John's 'Taking Time' Session (See Below)
• Co-Founder Cecilia Fábos-Becker's e-book Ancestry & DNA: Beyond the basics, is available for download now! (See Below)
• The cherished San Francisco Celtic cultural institution, The Plough and the Stars, has re-opened (softly) from Wednesday through Sunday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM! (See Below)
• Sláinte Pub Jack London Square in Oakland, CA is open Tuesday - Sunday, with a full menu of great food and drink with outdoor and limited indoor dining service and on Sundays from 4 PM to 7 PM offers traditional Irish music from their house band, Buncrana. (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)
• 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! Every Sunday, there 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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Mary Ann 250: Series of FREE
Irish History Talks from Belfast

June 10th — July 14th, 5:00 AM & 11:00 AM PDT
(1:00 & 7:00 PM BST)

Online via Zoom

From 10th June 2021 to the 14th July 2021, Clifton House in Belfast, along with our partners, will run a series of unique free events to celebrate the life, legacy and relevance today of Mary Ann McCracken, on what would have been her 250th birthday.

Mary Ann McCracken (1770-1866) was born and lived in Belfast. In life and in the recorded history that followed, she was often overshadowed by her brother, executed United Irishman Henry Joy McCracken. However recently her name and her achievements are becoming more widely known. Mary Ann was an abolitionist, social reformer and activist who fought for the rights of women and championed the disadvantaged at both home and abroad. She lived a long life that encompassed the most turbulent years of Irish history. Her radical, humanitarian zeal and generous strength of character were indefatigable, and her contribution to Belfast life is still felt and celebrated today.

To see the full list of events and to register, visit https://belfastcharitablesociety.org/mary-ann-mccracken-foundation

We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the pond to these events. If you would like any further information, please don't hesitate to contact me:
Caroline McCoubrey
Freelance Marketing Consultant on behalf of Clifton House, Belfast
mccoubreycaroline@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CliftonHouseBelfast.

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Sea Music Concert: Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and Alasdair Fraser

Saturday, June 26th, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Online via givebutter.com website

This Saturday, June 26th, 11am-12:30pm Pacific Daylight Time (USA), Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and Alasdair Fraser will be performing a virtual sea music concert, presented by the The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Registration required to receive the livestream link. Registration, plus photos and bios of the performers at: Get Tickets Here: https://givebutter.com/fiddleconcert

Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh was born and raised in the heartland of the Gaelic speaking area in Northwest Donegal, Ireland. She is a native Gaelic speaker and learned her fiddle playing and songs from her family and neighbors. Mairead is a founding member of the bands: Altan, The String Sisters, and ‘Cairdeas na bhFidileiri (The Fiddler’s Fellowship) which was set up in the late 80’s to preserve, promote and develop the richness of the Donegal fiddling tradition. Mairead is internationally known as one of the most important fiddle players that play in the unique and exciting Donegal style. As well as recording numerous albums with Altan, she has recorded with such dignitaries as Enya, The Chieftains, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Douglas, The Afro Celt Sound System, and Aly Bain, among many others.

Alasdair Fraser is one of the greatest carriers of the Scottish fiddle music tradition, an inspiration to generations of musicians on both sides of the Atlantic. He is famous for his warmly expressive playing, a mastery of his instrument, and a deep understanding of his native music as a venerable and continually evolving art. As a fiddler equally capable of playing haunting Gaelic airs and lively dance tunes, Alasdair has worked in a variety of successful partnerships. He has guested with The Chieftains, Itzhak Perlman, The Waterboys and many others. His innumerable broadcasts have included A Prairie Home Companion and CBS TV’s Kennedy Center Honors. He also has appeared on film soundtracks, including The Last of the Mohicans and Titanic.

Please note that our staff will electronically "check-in" your device automatically at 10:55AM on event day. Your browser should automatically start streaming the event around 11AM. If not, please refresh your screen and click on the large image to activate the live event.

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Albany, CA COVIDchella

Saturday June 26th — Sunday, June 27th
1:00 PM — 5:00 PM

Various Driveways in Albany, CA

The Albany COVIDchella is a safe and socially distant outdoor music festival with 40+ shows played by Albany musicians from their porches and driveways. It is free to attend and encourages tipping to support philanthropic causes chosen for each event.

Due to vast improvements with COVID rates and lifting of related mandates on 6/15/21, COVIDchella V is no longer restricted to Albany locals only and is welcoming friends from outside Albany.

Although there are no requirements for masks and social distancing for fully vaccinated people, we ask that you please continue to follow public health guidelines. Fully vaccinated people may attend without masking or social distancing. Please continue to follow public health guidelines, as needed. In consideration of neighbors and to prevent overcrowding, feel free to invite your friends but please do not post or share the COVIDchella map with the general public.

For full details and a map to the individual shows, please join the Albany COVIDcella Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AlbanyCOVIDchella

Albany COVIDchella raises fun and funds for good causes: COVIDchella V (June 26-27) is a "musician's choice" benefit event. Please show your appreciation for the music by donating to the musicians and their favorite causes. You can also help by buying our merchandise: https://cngsterart.threadless.com/collections/albany-covidchella-2021

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United Irish Cultural Center

Wawona Gates 2nd Year!
Saturday, June 26th Boys of Malin
Sunday, June 27th, John and Maureen Kennelly Memorial Feis
Outdoor Dining and limited Indoor Dining

2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco, CA

On Saturday, we kick off the Summer at Wawona Gates with Boys oof Malin at 4:00 PM LIVE on the #WawonaGates stage.

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.

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!

On Sunday, June 27th, The United Irish Cultural Center in association with the Patricia Kennelly School of Irish Dancing, will host its first Irish Step Dancing Feis in over twenty years.

Competition will start at 8am with Championships to follow. Please note that registrations, payments and changes closed at noon on Tuesday, June 22nd.

UICC is delighted to offer light breakfast faire from 8:00 AM Sunday morning with regular hot lunch available at Wawona Gates from 12 noon onwards.

Local singer songwriter Dan Dectis will be playing at the Gates in the afternoon, as the Feis winds down. Looking forward to the Feis which is at capacity!

Anne Cassidy Carew is busy collating photos and stories for the San Francisco Irish Dance Exhibition later on this year.

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

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Pagan Interest Circle Wants to Play with the Fairies

Saturday, June 26th, at 7:00 PM

Online via Zoom

In the times of the Old Religion, our Northern European ancestors, using what is known of the Anglo-Saxon calendar, observed only two seasons. Winter began the eve of the first Full Moon of October and the first day of Summer was celebrated at Beltane (May 1st).

After the 7th century, C.E., a shift from lunasolar to solar calculations set the beginning of the Summer and Winter seasons at the time of the solar equinoxes, corresponding to our Ostara (March) and Mabon (September) on the Wheel of the Year.  This made the Summer and Winter Solstices the mid-point of each season, when Holy Tides, 12-day holidays, were celebrated.

Our Full Moon  PICT Circle meets in the middle of  Midsummer, a time when strawberries ripen, flowers are still blooming and the world is lush with green. The Sun is in His glory and merges with the power of the Earth to produce the medicinal plants and food crops that sustain us. It is no wonder that the Earth Spirits,  the Fey, make magic and dance at this time!

We will respectfully call on  the Fey, using Fairies Oracle Cards, to join us in Sacred Space. Who knows who will appear? Be ready for healing, wisdom or mischief!  We take our chances when we work with the Wild. With Blessings!

For more information, contact  Kristen Stephens @  k10stephens@att.net

For the ZOOM link to attend, contact Christine Patch-Lindsay, cplhealer@comcast.net, no later than 3pm on the day of the ritual.

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An Chúirt Chruitireachta
35th International Festival for Irish Harp

Sunday, June 27th - Friday, July 2nd

Online via Zoom

Our harp festival, An Chúirt Chruitireachta, ranks among the top international festivals for Irish harp. We warmly welcome harpers of every standard from all over the world. This year our festival is live online from Sunday, June 27th to Friday, July 2nd.

We are passionate about the music of the harp tradition and its place within Irish traditional music. We guarantee top quality workshops, sessions and concerts. You will have an opportunity to engage online with other harpers, gain a better understanding of Irish music, song and dance as well as learning more about the harp and its music.

We have a panel of exceptional tutors and talented artists poised to deliver an outstanding week of harp music for you with top quality workshops, sessions and concerts. You can choose from a wide variety of programme options. Book our full harp immersion package, and attend morning and afternoon workshops and events as well as taking in all our evening concerts. You will have an opportunity to engage online with harp tutors, other harpers and gain a better understanding of Irish music, song and dance as well as learning more about the harp and its music.

Full Details on the Event 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 Tim Hill, joining us from San Francisco.

Here is a video preview: Piper Sunday trailer with Tom Kline

• Sunday, June 27th, Tim Hill —  Details
• Sunday, July 4th, Éanna Drury — Details
• Sunday, July 11th, Becky Taylor — 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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Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band Concert
and Traditional Celtic Music Session

Pipe Concert, Sunday, June 27th, 3:00 PM
Piper's Opera House 12 B St, Virginia City, NV

Traditional Celtic Music Session
Sunday, June 27th, 5:00 PM
76 N C Street, Virginia City, NV

On Sunday, June 27th, at 5:00 PM, the Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band will play their 60th Anniversary Concert, joined with performances by the Northern Nevada Scottish Highland Dancers. In the past, these two groups have performed at venues including the Northern Nevada Celtic Celebration and the Nevada Society of Scottish Clan's Annual Robert Burns Dinner.

Tickets are $12 in advance through Eventbrite and $15 at the door. All ages welcome! Seating is first come, first serve. Bar provided upstairs.
Members of the band will also warm-up before the show at The Canvas Cafe, 10 N C St. at noon.  
For tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/60th-anniversary-performance-by-the-sierra-highlanders-pipe-band-tickets-155872511879

After the show, enthusiasts and musicians familiar with Celtic music are invited to join a Traditional Celtic Music Session at The Red Dog Saloon, 76 N C St., hosted by Sean Cummings (The Tahoe Bagpiper) yourbagpiper.com

For more information on the Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band , please visit https://www.sierrahighlanderspipeband.com/.

For questions or more information about the show, please call 775-847-0433 or email info@pipersoperahouse.com.

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Independence Day Weekend Virtual Campout 2021

Friday evening, July 2nd through Sunday evening, July 4th

Online via Zoom
Sponsored by the San Francisco Folk Music Club

Join with friends new and old to celebrate our global music community, as with in-person camp, we will have participatory workshops, concerts, 'open mic', and open sessions for singing & playing, Jokes, Stories, Friends, late-night singing. Independence Day Weekend Virtual Campout 2021 is a benefit in support of San Francisco Folk Music Club programs.

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. There are multiple Scottish and Irish events scheduled on all three days.

Independence Day Weekend Virtual Campout 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.

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

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 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.

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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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John Whelan Tune Workshop & Session

Wednesdays, 2:30 - 5:00 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 The McCarthy Family.

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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