Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!


. Learn more in our Video Introduction

Hello AmeriCeltic Reader, According to the State of California's figures, (https://covid19.ca.gov), as of Friday, April 2nd, 46.6% (18.4 million out of 39.9 million) of California's residents have received at least the first COVID-19 vaccination shot. Of over a million tests in the previous week, less than 2% were positive. Statewide, half of all Californians live in counties ranked at the 'Orange' or 'Moderate' risk level, and the numbers look a bit better in the 10 Bay Area counties.

With the return of warmer weather, many restaurants are doing most of their business outdoors, some are now allowed to operate indoors at reduced capacity, and a few are even allowing live music outdoors.

With these reduced risk levels, AmeriCeltic will no longer separate Indoor events from Outdoor events in our weekly newsletter, but please DO continue all responsible public health safety practices - even one infection is too many!

• Well known Irish box player John Whelan offers a heartfelt perspective on how we can all help with the recovery and preservation of Celtic Culture and Artists. (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 Saturday, April 3rd, the United Irish Cultural Center will feature LIVE music from 3:30 PM by the Boys of Malin, as well as outdoor dining under their 1800 sq.ft. 'Big Top', in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, April 3rd, from 12:30 PM, Marla Fibish is beginning another news series of mandolin classes, all non-contact via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Saturday, April 3rd, at 1:00 PM the Irish-American Crossroads Festival will host another virtual event on Zoom with Margaret McPeak hosting an online forum of creative work inspired by Irish-American culture, history or experience. (See Below)
• On Saturday, April 3rd, at 1:00 PM, Sin Silver, will perform her piano bar show with the theme Songs with 'Me' in the title. Stay safe at home, and stream it online from from 'Murray's Pub' (her recreation/piano room) in Concord, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, April 3rd and again on Saturday, April 17th, at 2:00 PM, the Jig Monkeys Duo (James Wilson & Bob Waller), will perform at Husick's Taphouse, just past the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, CA. (See Below)
• On Sunday, April 4th, from 4 PM to 7 PM Sláinte Pub in Oakland offers a brand new Irish trad band, Buncrana, along with a full menu of great food and drink with outdoor dining service from their location at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. (See Below)
• On Sunday, April 4th, (an Easter Rising), a small group of Starry Plough regulars will stream a re-newed online Irish Session from 8:00 to 10:00 PM. (See Below)
• On Tuesday, April 6th, 2020, its the annual Tartan Day Celebration, observed Worldwide, as we acknowledge the lasting effect of the Proclamation of Arbroath. (See Below)
• From Wednesday, April 7th, through Friday, April 9th, at 10:00 AM PDT each morning, Clifton House, Belfast is offering a reprise of why that storied venue was once Hotbed of Irish Radical Activity, and it is available to anyone, anywhere Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Thursday, April 8th, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Michael Eskin offers a free, Irish Whistle Master Class Workshop live on Zoom! (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)
• On the weekend of April 10th & 11th, North American Convention of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will hold it's 2021 Convention, online via Facebook. (See Below)
• Saturday, April 10th at 5:00 PM, the fabulous Shipwrecked Shanty Band are back online via Facebook Live and in person (keepin' their distance) from Sláinte Irish Pub in Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, April 10th, 7:00 PM, it's Mari Black and Troy MacGillivaray live in your home Online via Zoom. (See Below)
• Sunday, April 11th 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 Patrick Hutchinson, joining us from Rhode Island, USA. (See Below)
• On Sunday, April 11th, at 1:00 PM, the Irish-American Crossroads Festival will host another virtual event on Zoom with Catherine Barry interviewing Geraldine Finn and Elizabeth Shaughnessy on their successful lives as Irish Immigrants. (See Below)
• On Wednesday April 14th, 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 Wednesday, April 14th, at 8:30 PM, Dan Vado hosts Peter Daldry in a LIVE streaming show online from his Art Boutiki Music Hall, in San Jose. Multi-camera video and professionally mixed stereo sound make this a show to put on your big screen. (See Below)
• On Saturday, April 24th, at 9:00 AM PDT, Community Music School of Santa Cruz will present Spring Session, a weekend of online Celtic music workshops as part of our Redwood Music Camp, online via Zoom. (See Below)
• On Saturday, April 24th, at 12:00 PM PDT, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas will present the fifth in their series of seven retrospective concerts, online via Mandolin.com. (See Below)
• On Sunday, April 25th, at 3:00 PM PDT, you can join a Canadian fiddling workshop with April Verch online via Zoom. (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)
• Co-Founder Cecilia Fábos-Becker's e-book Ancestry & DNA: Beyond the basics, is available for download now! (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)
• Michael Eskin offers one-on-one Irish whistle and flute, Uilleann pipes, and Anglo concertina lessons live on Zoom! (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)
• 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)
• 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.

---

Editorial - Support Artists

Together with Kindness and Love

2021-03-28 by John Whelan

This is a long read and I hope you do.

My friends, there will be no Whelan Master Session on Easter Saturday but we have great sessions still to come. First I just want to reflect on the past 20 weeks of Incredible music, friendship, sharing and caring that has happened.

The pandemic has taken its toll on all of us and I am no exception. The effect of being locked down by all the musicians we have had from Ireland does not come through at the sessions because my peers are true ambassadors of Ireland and the friendliness that you would be greeted with if you were there. However the struggle both socially and financially is real and those of you who have participated will be forever in their hearts.

This of course is also true of my dear friends here and from the UK as well.

As a musician who lost all my income starting the second week of March 2020 I have shared tears, fear and yes, even joy with my fellow musicians who have encountered the same. I was speaking with someone from Ireland, who asked the question, how is an artist supposed to survive almost two years with no income? The answer of course is that it is not possible. We also know that almost ALL artists turned to doing virtual performances which has been amazing for some and maybe not so for others.

We all know that there are great numbers of people in other fields of work that have suffered just as much but I, like most of you am not in a position to help everyone. We can however as lovers of Irish music and culture do our part to help our friends, heroes, legends and even those who were just starting their careers when the pandemic hit.

I made a decision to do what I could to help my peers recoup some of their losses financially but also fill some of that void from lack of contact with some of the people they have missed around the globe because they can't tour. I want you to think about what you can do moving forward as the lockdowns in Ireland continue and certain restrictions remain in many parts of this country.

Keeping in mind that even as some parts of the country open up there is no overnight comeback for any musician that has been touring for the past twenty years. Sharing posts about virtual concerts or liking somebody's performance did not for the most part help pay their rent, or mortgage nor did it help cover the cost of baby formula or diapers.

Musicians that I know are giving people and that's why they love sharing their music but it is also difficult for a lot of them to now be in a position to ask for help. Just for the record I tried to apply for the SBA grants and loans but was turned down and I know many others have also.

So here comes the hard part and the reality of where we are as artists in the world with very few exceptions. If one of my peers does a video or live performance and they get 1000 views that can if they are lucky generate $100 to maybe $200 if they do that once a week that is $800. In the US most apartments in populated areas where musicians generally have to live is double that before you pay for anything else. I have been blessed with a very small group of people that have pulled me through this pandemic and I will be forever grateful to them but implore all of you to try and support your favorite artist and to not assume that they are financially stable or rich because they have toured for 25 years or more. The price of a cup of coffee or even $1 given by 1000 supporters will make a difference in their lives.

I am not a scholar, my friends. I went to trade school and now I can't really even do that without risking the use of my hands going forward but the Whelan Master Sessions is a respite and escape for a lot of my peers from the struggle they are facing with the pandemic. I get really excited when we get 50 to 70 people for artists that are used to filling 3000 seat theaters and it just blows my mind that we don't get at least a steady flow of 100 or more for having the chance to play with them live for two hours with only a $20 donation.

I know I risk upsetting people by writing this but if you don't read it it's not an issue. If you have gotten this far then I guess you know what to do. I'm only relaying what a lot are afraid to say.

Let's support these artists who are giving and blessing us with their talent by filling the void any way they can.

Thank you to my base supporters for being there every step of the way. Lets get past this terrible ordeal by being kind and loving toward each other.

John Whelan

↑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↑

---

United Irish Cultural Center

LIVE MUSIC! The 'Boys of Malin'
Wawona Gates Outdoor Dining
Now offering limited Indoor Dining
All Saturdays in April from 1-8 PM

2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco, CA

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!

All this month, we will show NCAA basketball on our four outdoor TV's when open. 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

↑Top↑

---

Irish Mandolin Classes from Marla Fibish

Spring Classes begin in April

Online via Zoom - $130 per class series

Learn how to put the pulse of Irish dance music into your playing!

San Francisco native, Marla Fibish is one of the prominent mandolinists in Irish music.  She brings a deep and distinctive sensibility to the tradition on one of its lesser-heard instruments. She is a dynamic performer and a sought after teacher. Since March, Marla has offered non-contact mandolin classes.

Marla Fibish has performed and taught nationally and in Ireland, and was a featured performer at the 2018 Masters of Tradition festival in Bantry, Co. Cork. Her playing is featured on her 2020 album, The Bright Hollow Fog, the 2017 Noctambule release A Sweetish Tune, and The Morning Star, a duo CD with legendary Irish singer and bouzouki player Jimmy Crowley, as well as on the eponymous Three Mile Stone recording.

An experienced and sought-after teacher, Marla teaches private students and classes, online at Peghead Nation, and has been on the faculty of many music camps including The Swannanoa Gathering, The Mandolin Symposium, O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, Portal Irish Music Week, Lark Camp and others. Her instructional DVD has been a popular self-learning tool, focused on acquiring the foundational technique for playing Irish music on the mandolin. A multi-instrumentalist, Marla is known for her musical settings of works from a variety of poets, as well as original tunes written in traditional forms. This work is featured in the duo Noctambule, her longtime collaboration with guitarist and husband Bruce Victor. Their earlier releases include Travel in the Shadows in 2013 and The Waking in 2015.

'Some of the best mandolin playing in Irish music.' - Dennis Cahill, Guitarist

'Marla is a wonder on the mandolin; rhythmic beyond imagination, clear as a bell tone, great invention, lovely ornaments at just the right times and places, and a sureness and ease that allows the listener to relax and be carried away.' - Kevin Carr, Folkworks

'Though I have taught 1:1 over the web for years, it is only since the pandemic that I've held online classes. To my surprise I've learned that, though it's different and has it drawbacks, it also has a few distinct advantages -- participants really enjoy having the privacy to work on phrases or techniques during class without anyone hearing them, and you never have trouble hearing yourself because the person next to you is too loud! You also get plenty of practice time while others are playing for me, and the chance to hear your classmates individually has proved helpful and enlightening in surprising ways. And you can get a close up view of my hands in a way that would hardly be socially acceptable even if we weren't in a pandemic!' - Marla Fibish

↑Top↑

---

Join us at the Crossroads Salon!

Saturday, April 3rd, 1:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Join us this Saturday, April 3rd, 1:00 PM for the Crossroads Salon online!

You can share or enjoy creative work inspired by Irish-American culture, history or experience. You're very welcome to read your written work, share visual art, sing a song or play a tune!

Register in advance for this meeting. Click here to Register

Just so I can get a sense of how many people would like to add to this wonderful experience, could you please take a moment to drop me a line at: margaret@irishamericancrossroads.org, if you plan to share your work at the Salon?

↑Top↑

---

Sin Silver

Saturday, April 3rd, 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 Songs with 'Me' in the title. 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.

↑Top↑

---

Jig Monkeys (James Wilson & Bob Waller)

Saturday, April 3rd & 17th 2:00-5:00 PM

Husick's Taphouse, 36510 Riverview Dr, Clarksburg, CA

James Wilson says:
Well, it looks as though Bob Waller and I (James Wilson) will be venturing out to Clarksburg to play some music on April 3rd (and April 17th) from 2:00-5:00 pm at Husick's Taphouse.

Thanks to Mathew Hagan and Lisa Tucker for the venue referral. Come out and join us for songs, tunes, beer, and bbq.

For those who don't remember, I even made a 'gig flyer' as used to be used by musicians to advertise live music performances, but this AmeriCeltic thing wants to do this their own way.

Husick's Taphouse is located just past the Old Sugar Mill, as a beer and bbq oasis in a sea of great wine. Initially opened in 2013 replacing the previous country store, like other such businesses, Husick's was closed down by the pandemic restrictions.

Josh Says:
We are incredibly moved by the support of our loyal customers and the Clarksburg community, your support and continued patronage has lifted our spirits and hearts. We are doing the absolute best to continue to serve you in the safest and most expeditious manner possible. In order to comply with CDC and local health ordinances we have taken all the steps required.

GOOD NEWS!! You can now eat at Husick's again! We have expanded our patio to allow for outdoor dining! Remember, per Yolo County Health Code you are REQUIRED to wear a mask when entering our building.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! - Josh Kress & The Husicks Taphouse Family

Check out Husick's Website.

↑Top↑

---

"Buncrana" @ Sláinte Pub, Oakland Sundays

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’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 are overwhelmed by the support you all gave us on St Patrick's Day! After only being open for a few days before, it was super crazy and we apologize for the long wait times and thank you for your patience and advice. Hopefully we entertained you all while you were waiting. Here's a photo of just one of the wonderful things you might have missed due to the insane crowd - our brand new Irish house band Buncrana! - and they will be back this Sunday, 4 PM to 7 PM!

Thanks again-and if you missed out on St Patrick's Day, we’re back in the kitchen today 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.

↑Top↑

---

Starry Session Online

Sunday, April 4th, from 8:00 to 10:00 PM

Online via YouTube from The Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA

Here is some late breaking news from Berkeley:

The pandemic shut down our beloved Starry Plough in Berkeley a year ago, halting the Sunday night Irish session and Monday night Irish dancing. Yet the fire still burns.

A small group of Plough regulars have been convening and conspiring electronically, emerging now with a plan to start a monthly open session that will let other people listen, play, sing or dance along.

This session will be hosted on YouTube and work like this: individuals among a pre-selected group of musicians will be called upon to lead a dance tune or song in rotation. Everyone else is on mute; they can follow the music at home with their own instruments or voices or whatever. It's not as magical as being able to hear each other, but it can still be surprisingly therapeutic.

The session is tentatively planned to be held on the first Sunday of the month, running for two hours and starting at 8:00 PM. Apologies for kicking off on Easter Sunday, but that holiday has always been a time for new beginnings--particularly in Ireland.

You can tune in on THIS (very empty) YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMR8XRkX_HX9NdL7bRKCp-g

Other ringleaders of this effort are Sean Wahl, Michele Delattre and Shay Black, so you might see communications from any of them as this process goes forward.

— Don Clark

www.thestarryplough.com

↑Top↑

---

Tartan Day

Tuesday, April 6th

Celebration of the 'Scottish Declaration of Independence'

National Tartan Day is a US observance on April 6th each year. It commemorates the Declaration of Arbroath, written on April 6th, 1320 at Arbroath, a document that is often referred to as 'The Scottish Declaration of Independence', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Arbroath.

The American Declaration of Independence was written 456 years later in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson, whose ancestors were Scottish, and both documents were written to expressly reject the rule of Kings in London.

Declaration of Arbroath made a number of points: that Edward I of England had unjustly attacked Scotland and perpetrated atrocities; that Robert the Bruce had delivered the Scottish nation from this peril; and, most controversially, that the independence of Scotland was the prerogative of the Scottish people, rather than the King of Scots. (However, this should be taken in the context of the time - 'Scottish People' refers to the Scottish nobility, rather than commoners.) Also notable, this Declaration stated that the nobility would choose someone else to be king if Bruce proved to be unfit in maintaining Scotland's independence.

Tartan Day originated in Canada in the mid-1980s then spread to other communities of the Scottish diaspora in the 1990s. Wherever it is celebrated, it recognizes achievements of all people of Scottish descent.

↑Top↑

---

Easter Irish History Talks live from Belfast
Online via Zoom

Wednesday, April 7th, through Friday, April 9th 10:00 AM PDT

Clifton House, Belfast Hotbed of Radical Activity

This Easter, Clifton House, the home of the Belfast Charitable Society and the original Poor House in Belfast, is running a special series of online talks at a time that would suit our American neighbors across the pond. 

Plots and Plotters, the history of the 1798 Rebellion will take place at 6pm, UK time (10am in California / 11am in Texas / 12noon in Chicago & New Orleans / 1pm in Ohio / 1pm in New York) on the 7th, 8th and 9th April 2021 live from Belfast, Northern Ireland, via Zoom. 

The one hour talk will explore the history of the reformers and rebels who made the Belfast Charitable Society a 'hotbed of radical activity' in the 1790s. Hear about the Joys, McCrackens, McCabe & Cunningham who were on opposing sides of the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion & how the Charitable Society, and its members, emerged from it, including Dr James Campbell White who went into exile in the United States.

Tickets are around $7 per device (not per person). To find out more, or to book, please visit https://cliftonbelfast.com/whats-on/month/2021-04/

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.

↑Top↑

---

Irish Whistle Master Class with Michael Eskin

Thursday, April 8th, 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

↑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.

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.

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 by April 6th to gain entry to the event. Register at: sffmc.org
• View the schedule at: https://tinyurl.com/yjg89a9d
• 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.

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↑

---

2021 North American Convention
of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

April 10th & 11th

Online via Facebook

The North American Convention of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the highlight of the calendar year on this side of the Atlantic. The CCÉ North American Convention 2021 will be hosted online via this Facebook page on the 10th & 11th April

The North American Convention brings together the 6 Regions in North America (West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Canada East & Canada West) for a weekend of fun activities, sharing culture, education and ideas on how to progress into the future.

The 2020 convention which was scheduled for San Francisco had to be postponed as a result of Covid-19, and subsequently the correct decision was taken to reschedule the next 'in person' Convention for 2022. Comhaltas as an organisation has shown its resilience over the decades and its commitment to the aims of preserving and promoting Irish culture, and we are delighted to give the 2021 Convention a virtual makeover taking all our events online.

Across the weekend we will feature a showcase concert, workshops with incredible musicians, singers and dancers, showreels from past convention & Fleadhanna and also hosting our all-important meetings around shaping the future of the organisation.

Details for all events will be posted on this page, and we will feature live broadcasts on this page too – so click the like button to subscribe to future updates and share with your friends too!

The Comhaltas North America Virtual Convention 2021 will be hosted over the weekend of April 10th & 11th

↑Top↑

---

Sláinte's Sea Shanty Saturday

Saturday, April 10th at 5:00 PM

Online via Facebook LIVE, from Sláinte Pub, 131 Broadway, Oakland, CA

Born out of Covid, kicked out of venues, a rag-tag group of Sea Shanty lovers became shipwrecked...but the band played on! The Shipwrecked Shanty Band, appears LIVE and LIVE STREAMIN' on Facebook for you land-locked, from Sláinte in Oakland! For the live stream, just navigate to the Shipwrecked Sea Shanty Crew Facebook group, click 'Join', and then look for the little red LIVE button.

The Shipwrecked Shanty Band:
• Jim Nelson - Banjo
• Micha Dunston - Whistle, Bodhran
• John Palme - Guitar
• Steven Strauss - Stand up bass

Micha says:
Come and SHANTY with us OUTSIDE, AGAIN at Sláinte's! Sláinte's is OPEN for drinks and take out food, so Bring yer' mask and Keep yer' distance!

Sláinte! host Jackie says:
Welcome back to Sláinte Oakland! 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 love you all so very much xxx.

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.

Check the Sláinte's & Shipwrecked Sea Shanty Crew Facebook group
for updates. Contact them at (510) 823-2644 @slainteoakland or check the website https://slainteoakland.com.

↑Top↑

---

Mari Black and Troy MacGillivaray

Saturday, April 10th, 7:00 PM

Online via Zoom

It goes without saying that last year caused an impact on our popular concert series at St. Mary's resulting in the cancellation of two fantastic shows featuring brilliant fiddlers, Mari Black and Troy MacGillivaray. So, we are so pleased that these two are back, and have teamed up to bring us a virtual event to celebrate spring! It will be a high impact evening, with music from Ireland to Scotland to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Mari always has a few interesting tricks up her sleeve, and Troy always brings that energized Cape Breton dance beat! Your ticket purchase will benefit the artists and our Celtic music program at St. Mary's By-The-Sea. Please use this link: https://noonchorus.com/stmarys-mariblack-troymacgillivray.

For more info or if you are having trouble with the link, call or text me at 831-224-3819 or email fiddlejamjp@gmail.com.

This will be an exciting show exploding with the joyous sounds of spring and the promise of good things, including live music, to come! For more info about the artists and the show, see below. Please support performing musicians by purchasing a ticket today!! For more info about St. Mary's see www.stmarysbythesea.org <http://www.stmarysbythesea.org.

More details in the Facebook Event

↑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 Patrick Hutchinson, joining us from Rhode Island, USA.

• April 11th, Patrick Hutchinson — Details
• April 18th, Will Woodson — Details
• April 25th, Donnchadh Gough — Details
• 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

↑Top↑

---

Oral Histories of the Irish

Sunday, April 11th, 1:00 PM

Sponsored by Irish-American Crossroads Festival
Online via Zoom

In this 10th anniversary event of the Irish Oral History Archive of the San Francisco Bay Area, we feature two Bay Area Irish participants in the archive, Elizabeth Shaughnessy and Geraldine Finn. Elizabeth Shaughnessy is founder of the Berkeley Chess School and regularly represents the Irish national team at the Chess Olympiad. She has lived in Berkeley for more than 30 years. Geraldine Finn is Senior Director, People Strategy & Innovation at Twitter. Catherine Barry, lead interviewer for the Irish Oral History Archive, will moderate this event.

Registration is required: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RqmyG39xRzm6Za5vgqKLkQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

↑Top↑

---

Whisky Wednesdays - Charitable Benefit

Presented by The St. Andrew's Society of San Francisco
April 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 five tasting samples in one box sent directly to your door.

Flight for April: Glen Moray A Tale of Barrels and Casks
Port Cask
Cabernet Cask
Chardonnay Cask
Sherry Cask
12 Year Aged Heritage

Tickets for April's Whisky tasting will be available till April 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

↑Top↑

---

Peter Daldry — Scottish Balladeer

Wednesday, April 14th, at 8:30 PM

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

Scottish Balladeer Peter Daldry came from Clydebank, Scotland to Northern California has been playing and singing his original and traditional songs all around the West Coast for more than a decade, delivering powerful and passionate vocals, in a Celtic folk contemporary style. Blessed with a strong, smooth tenor voice, Peter sings the only way he knows how, with power, passion and depth of feeling.

'Peter Daldry is a corker with a strong stage presence and a grand way of singing and presenting a song." Ink Notes April 18, 2009 --- By Jean Bartlett, Managing Editor of Jean's Magazines' — Jean Bartlett, Jean's Magazines

'Peter Daldry has a truly remarkable instrument, the voice of a true balladeer. His singing can tell you a thousand stories with just a phrase.' — Baxter Labatos, Sounds New! 2

Click Here for Click Here for Peter Daldry videos. For more on Peter, check www.peterdaldry.com.

Tickets are free, but registration in advance is required at Tickets All Ages.

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

Click Here for full details on Facebook!

↑Top↑

---

Community Music School of Santa Cruz
Spring Session

Saturday, April 24th, 9:00 AM PDT

Online via Zoom

Community Music School of Santa Cruz is once again hosting a weekend of online Celtic music workshops as part of our Redwood Online Music Camp series. 'Spring Session' will take place April 24th and 25th, and includes classes for fiddle, guitar, whistle, harp, Irish tenor banjo, bodhran, and voice. Joining regular faculty Jesse Autumn, David Brewer, Adam Hendey, Rebecca Lomnicky, and John Weed will be Janet Herman (Irish tenor banjo, mandolin) and vocalist Eilis Kennedy from Ireland (voice).

Classes are $10 each, or $75 for an all-weekend pass. Details and registration are all online at https://www.communitymusicschool.org/events/2021springsession. 

More on the Facebook Event.

↑Top↑

---

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas
The Golden Age of Scottish Fiddle Music

Saturday, April 24th, 12:00 PM PDT

Online via Mandolin.com

Tickets: boxoffice.mandolin.com/products/alasdair-fraser-natalie-haas-the-golden-age-4-24

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas say:
This will be the fifth in a series of seven retrospective concerts, each dedicated to revisiting and updating part of their 20 years of recording and performing together. This concert celebrates their early recording, 'Legacy of the Scottish Fiddle, Volume 2.' Tunes from the Golden Age of the Scottish Fiddle.

More on the Facebook Event.

↑Top↑

---

April Verch
Fiddle Workshop

Sunday, April 25th, 3:00 PM PDT

Online via Zoom

Sign Up via Eventbrite

There are many regional styles of fiddling in Canada including Ottawa Valley, Western Canadian, Métis, Maritime, Cape Breton and French Canadian. April will be choosing 2 tunes to teach, that represent 2 of these regions. Instruction will be 'by ear' where April will break the tunes down slowly into small, repeatable sections.

April will show how to take the tunes and build them from the basic melody into your own version of the tunes by implementing left hand ornamentation and bowing techniques. These “tools” will be useful for you to apply to other tunes you play as well. She is mindful of keeping with the roots of this tradition – getting together to make music and have a great time in a relaxed, social environment!

For over two decades, fiddler, singer, songwriter and step dancer April Verch has been recording and captivating listeners worldwide. The Ottawa Valley native has garnered praise from music's heavy hitters including NPR, Rolling Stone, No Depression and more, for her fresh and feisty approach to deep North Americana. Verch's signature sound blends together regional Canadian, American old-time, classic country and more, resulting in a well-rounded tour-de-force of traditional sounds.

On stage is where her diverse repertoire comes to life, with a presence that is versatile, robust, and masterfully executed. Her delicate voice, energetic footwork and stunning playing have brought her to stages across the globe, wowing audiences with her jaw-dropping performance. With 13 albums and over two decades of touring under her belt, she is a seasoned veteran.

Verch won't be the one to tell you about her championship titles, nominations, and awards, or the fact that she was one of 6 fiddlers who represented the Canadian fiddle tradition to the world at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, as part of a segment called 'Fiddle Nation'. Instead, in speaking with her, you'll hear about how passionate she is about sharing her music; in small gatherings in remote communities in Iqaluit, to large prestigious concert halls like Mozartsal in Vienna.

Verch's ability to preserve the authentic folk traditions of the past and reintroduce them into the musical landscape of the present is a testament to her masterful musicianship and widespread appeal.

On July 24, 2020 April Verch released a new album, Top of the Hill , made for children & for the young at heart! April has also released a video, I Want to Help (an April Verch original) of one of ten tracks from Top of the Hill

More details and downloads on April's website: https://aprilverch.com

↑Top↑

---

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.

↑Top↑

---