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Hello AmeriCeltic Reader, • On Friday, January 1st, 2021, The Fire Scottish Band, David, Rebecca and Adam, emerged from isolation with a new album, Marigold, and another new music video, Mrs. Jamieson's Favourite from the album. Enjoy, and please consider giving them a little financial support. (See Below)
• NOW and continuing through Sunday, January 3rd 2021, the Camp Harmony New Years Camp is happening online on Zoom and YouTube, sponsored by the San Francisco Folk Music Club. (See Below)
• On Monday, January 4th, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Michael Eskin offers a free, Irish Whistle Master Class Workshop live on Zoom! (See Below)
• NOW through January 5th join the California Revels for an on-demand performance of Unruly Magic ONLINE! (See Below)
• On Friday, January 1st, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM PDT it's Accordion Fridays, with TOP NOTCH Celtic accordion masters streaming Online via Facebook Live. (See Below)
• On Friday, January 1st, 7:00 PM, join Kathryn Rose entertains with Folktastic Fridays With Kathryn Rose, via Facebook LIVE from Portland, OR. (See Below)
• On Friday, January 1st at 8:00 PM, and again Wednesday, January 6th at 4:00 PM, Amelia Hogan will perform a few Songs LIVE Online via Facebook and YouTube Live from the Hobbit Hole in San Francisco, CA. (See Below)
• On Saturday, January 2nd at 2:00 PM PST John Whelan conducts the 7th in his new series of Online Master Sessions, featuring Oisín Mac Diarmada and Samantha Harvey! (See Below)
On Saturday, January 2nd, at 8:00 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)
• Sunday, January 3rd 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 Ivan Goff joining us from New York, NY. (See Below)
• On Wednesday January 13th, at 6:00 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 January 17th, from 4:00-5:30 PM, the SCVFA is sponsoring a mandolin workshop with Marla Fibish, all non-contact via Zoom. (See Below)
NOTICE! Due to public health officials orders for social distancing to limit the spread of the COVID-19 infections, all in person events and festivals, especially those involving singing, wind instruments, etc. have been postponed or cancelled, and many will continued to be cancelled through at least the Fall. If you have plans to attend ANY such event, large or small, we recommend that you call and confirm that they are NOT cancelled.
• POSTPONED for 2020, but returning in 2021, Lark Camp, the annual Music, Song, & Dance event will return to the Redwoods near Mendocino, CA from July 30th, through August 7th 2021. (See Below)
• Co-Founder Cecilia Fábos-Becker's e-book Ancestry & DNA: Beyond the basics, is available for download now! (See Below)
• Cedar Dobson offers one-on-one whistle lessons live on Zoom! (See Below)
• Michael Eskin offers one-on-one Irish whistle and flute, Uilleann pipes, and Anglo concertina lessons live on Zoom! (See Below)
• Sport your Celtic heritage! AmeriCeltic offers a colorful array of items, each emblazoned with the AmeriCeltic logo. (See Below)
• The Celtic Tea Shoppe, in San Jose is your source for Celtic and Celtic inspired carry-out fresh baked foods, confections and rare teas! (See Below)
• While Lark In The Morning in Berkeley, CA and Exploring Music in the outer sunset neighborhood of San Francisco, CA are closed for walk-ins, both stores are open for online sales and lessons. (See Below)
• Publican Stan Gamble has just recently re-opened The Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant, offering outdoor service 7 days a week from 4pm to late. (See Below)
• Sláinte Pub offers a full menu of great food and drink with outdoor dining service Wednesday through Sunday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at their location at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. (See Below)
• The Plough and Stars, a SF Legacy Business, and THE place for Live Traditional Music in the inner Richmond district of San Francisco. (See Below)
• The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant, local Irish Pub bringing the culture of Ireland to downtown at 5th and Howard in San Francisco. (See Below)
• The Celtic Society of Monterey Bay, has a 32 year record of producing Celtic Concerts in various venues in and around Santa Cruz and Monterey, CA. (See Below)
• The United Irish Cultural Center, hosts many Irish and other events in their large facility in San Francisco, 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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Album Review: Marigold

The Fire Scottish Band
New Music Video: Mrs. Jamieson's Favourite

Available Now!

On Friday, January 1st, 2021, The Fire Scottish Band, David, Rebecca and Adam, emerged from isolation with a new album, Marigold. Last week, they released a new music video, from the album: Mrs. Jamieson's Favourite.

This week, they were kind enough to share a copy of the album with us, and we listened to it immediately.

As you regular fans would expect, this album is full of those blazing fast tunes, uniting the traditional fiddle and bagpipe music of Scotland, but there is a lyrical, classical element here as well that is squarely in the great tradition of Scots music.

The new music video Mrs. Jamieson's Favourite, from the album is one such. A Scottish slow air composed by Charles Grant of Aberlour (1806-1892), who was affectionately known as "schooley Grant" because his ancestors were all teachers and he himself taught in the local schools along the river Spey for many decades, was a man of many other talents. Grant was also one of the best composers of traditional Scottish fiddle music, and lucky for us, his daughter had all his fiddle music printed in book form, Grant's Strathspey & Reels, or we would have never had any of them, including this one, available for The Fire to record and for us to enjoy today.

Celia says:
This is a great album to take on a road trip, when you want to relax and enjoy some great music with your scenery.

So, even if you were intending to put no time into either the ripping reels and jigs or soothing airs, stop what you are doing, pour yourself a wee dram, and take a few minutes RIGHT NOW to enjoy this free video!

And when you have done with both, remember this Scottish Proverb: 'It's folly to live poor and dee rich', and click on the link above and put a few bucks in their PayPal account by getting your copy of Marigold. https://www.thefirescottishband.com/store

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Camp Harmony New Years Camp

Thursday, December 31st 2020 through Sunday, January 3rd 2021
Registration is now open!

Online via Zoom

Camp Harmony New Years Camp hosted by the SFFMC is going online this year via Zoom and will take place Thursday, December 31st 2020 through Sunday, January 3rd 2021. You can sign up by filling out the registration form using this link: https://forms.gle/o7okgrbiDST9JxgL9

Please share the link above with folks near and far who may not yet be members of the SFFMC, as attendance will be open to all for the first time. So feel free to bring friends who are new and help us ring in the New Year!

As with in-person camp, we'll have Workshops, Jam Spaces, Dances, Games, Jokes, Stories, Friends, late-night singing, and of course, our very special New Year's Eve Celebration, brought online!

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.

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Irish Whistle Master Class with Michael Eskin

Monday, January 4th, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM PST

Live via Zoom

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

We will be going back to master class format this week, will be happy to work one-on-one with anyone who has a specific question, and will take tune requests and can break down very specifically what I'm doing.

I have no fixed agenda. I'll tailor the event based on the needs and requests of the participants. If it's all advanced players, we can share ideas.

I can play tunes you request, go over my approach to ornamentation and variation, address any specific challenges you might have, whatever the participants would be interested in.

Click Here to join the Zoom meeting!
or if you prefer:
URL: Zoom.us
Meeting ID: 6193681854
Password: session

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

If you have any questions, please email me at: seisiuneer@gmail.com or call me at 619-368-1854.
Cheers and thanks,

Michael Eskin
http://michaeleskin.com
Michael on Facebook.

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Christmas Revels 2020 — Unruly Magic

NOW through January 5th

Online via YouTube on demand

Join us NOW through January 5th for our 35th annual Christmas Revels 2020 show, Unruly Magic.

Approaching the longest night of the year, a young Reveler turns to a magical staff to help her find a way through somber and troubled times. The staff, imbued with ancient lore, takes her on an adventure that isn't quite what she had in mind. Magic and mystery, spirits and song take the reins for this journey of the heart.

The ancient traditions of bonfires, rituals, dances and songs that have sustained generations through struggle and celebration are rekindled this Solstice, proving that tradition—and magic—lives on.

About California Revels
Since 1986, California Revels has brought their unique theatrical, participatory arts form to audiences in the Bay Area. Founded by singer, author and music educator John Langstaff in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1971, The Christmas Revels crosses religious and ethnic boundaries and appeals to young and old alike. The Christmas Revels is a joyous production welcoming the sun back from the depths of winter. Performed by a number of highly-talented professional actors, singers, musicians, dancers, and artists, and featuring a chorus of ages 7 and up, the audience is drawn into a magical revelry of song and dance. The Christmas Revels blends traditional music, dance, ritual and folk plays from many different cultures, presented by a large volunteer chorus of children and adults drawn from the community, accompanied by highly talented professional actors, musicians, artists, directors, and 'bearers of tradition.'

For more information visit californiarevels.org or call 510-452-9334, or check our Facebook Events.

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Accordion Fridays

Celtic Accordion World Masters in Concert

Online via Facebook Live!

Bring on the accordion music for the new year! We've got two shows coming up on Friday January 1st 2021: Shipcats (sea chanty/ punk rock from Hamburg, Germany) with Vanessa Cetin and Renee de la Prade, and Calvaleigh Rasmussen (traditional European folk music from Berkeley, CA). There will be hot women with accordions. Tune in on Facebook live!

Check out the box and click the links to see live online concerts and then look for the little red LIVE button.

More info about the artists:

Shipcats, (Vanessa Cetin and Renee de la Prade), are a duo of high-energy, multi-instrumentalist women with a maritime flair. They're based in Hamburg, Germany, and play a mix of sea music, surf-rock infused with roma rhythms, punk songs, carribean music and whatever else feels like it would make a good party! Accordion, baritone ukulele, saxophone, foot percussion, harmony vocals... fun times! https://www.facebook.com/Accordion-Babes-128066897203923

Calvaleigh Rasmussen plays dance music from across the centuries, weaving medieval songs with strands of 20th century folk music into big cozy sound tapestries. You'll hear lots of European and American folk music, lots of great rhythm and a bit of singing, live from Berkeley, California. https://www.facebook.com/calvaleigh.rasmussen

All shows are LIVE, FREE, and HAVE ACCORDIONS. You know you want - some bellows-shaking cheer!

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Folktastic Fridays with Kathryn Rose

Friday, January 1st 7:00 PM

Online via Facebook Live

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Amelia Hogan LIVE ONLINE
from the Hobbit Hole in San Francisco

Fridays at 8:00 PM & Wednesdays at 4:00 PM

Online via YouTube Live

Watch LIVE on Amelia's YouTube Channel or on Amelia's Facebook Profile.

Amelia Hogan sings traditional Irish, Scottish, English and American folk songs for over 30 years and plays a small Welsh lap-harp, across both sides of various ponds.

Amelia says:
Come sit a spell and sing along if you'd like, Wednesdays at 4:00 PM PT for Experimental renditions and all new songs, and Fridays at 8:00 PM for favorites you’ve already heard from my repertoire. These are mini-busking/ fireside chat sessions from my home in San Francisco.
Tip Jar: https://www.paypal.me/ameliahogan and if you'd like more content, Song-lists, blogposts, additional tracks, and other goodies, you can subscribe to my patreon at https://www.patreon.com/ameliahogan Thanks a million!

Here is a sample video of Amelia Hogan singing Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore https://youtu.be/pIr7XmLXDIc.

Check Amelia's Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/ameliahogansings

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John Whelan Master Sessions #8

Oisín Mac Diarmada and Samantha Harvey
Saturday, January 2nd, 2:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Seven-time All-Ireland Button Accordion Champion John Whelan is one of the world's best living Irish button accordion players. John was raised in the vibrant London Irish music scene of the 1970s, and learned his craft from such legends as Lucy Farr, Roger Sherlock, Paddy Taylor, Mick O Connor and his teacher Brendan Mulkaire. Along with his All-Ireland Championships, he was twice awarded musician of the year from the Irish Music Association. He has over 15 CDs and has performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. John's music has been featured on such TV shows as 'Sex in the City,' 'History's Mysteries' and 'History Detective.' John performs with the John Whelan Band and has also teamed up with his old pal Brian Conway forming the group Gailfean, which also features Máirtin De Cógáin and Don Penzien have released their first new CD. For over a decade, John has performed 'Monday's with John' every Monday evening on his Facebook Profile.

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

Hi everyone! Lisa here, The next Whelan Master Session is happening next Saturday, January 2nd, 2:00 PM, with John' friends Oisín Mac Diarmada and Samantha Harvey.

This week's guests will be a still-mysterious line-up of box players. Stay tuned for updates!

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

All attendees need to do is make their donation via paypal.me/buttonboxman or by Venmo to John-Whelan-37, and make sure to note that it is for Whelan Master Session #8. We'll send out the Zoom link and tune list for the master session on Friday, and any last-minute sign-ups will get the link and tune list about an hour before the session starts on Saturday.

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

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

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

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The Black Donnellys LIVE

Dave Rooney and Dave Browne
Saturday, January 2nd, 8:00 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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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 Ivan Goff joining us from New York, NY.'

• Jan 03, 2021: Ivan Goff — Details
• Jan 10, 2021: Jarlath Henderson — Details

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

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Whisky Wednesdays - Charitable Benefit

Presented by The St. Andrew's Society of San Francisco
2nd Wednesdays starting January 13th, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Online via Zoom - By Alex J. Sinclair

After the success from the first Whisky Wednesdays, the Saint Andrew's Society of San Francisco is proud to announce the next social event in collaboration with The Whisky Shop of San Francisco presented every 2nd Wednesday. Don't Wait — You only have until January 7th to get your ticket for this January 13th event.

This January, in the lead up to our Virtual Burns Supper on January 30th, the St. Andrew's Society Of San Francisco in conjunction with the Isle of Arran Distillers will explore what the Isle has to offer. Whisky Wednesdays will present five tastings from the distillers culminating in their signature Burns Single Malt Whisky.

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

This month's tasting will tour some of Arran's best Whiskies, comparing the differences between their production styles. The month after will go over the basics of Scotch Whisky in our introductory Whisky 101 event. 

Flight for January 13th 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Isle of Arran

Flight for February 10th 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Whisky 101

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!

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

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Irish Mandolin Workshop from Marla Fibish
Free event Sponsored by SCVFA

January 17, 2021 4:00-5:30 PM (doors open at 3:45)

Online via Zoom - Free Tickets from Eventbrite

Learn how to put the pulse of Irish dance music into your playing! Free Tickets for this workshop are available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marla-fibish-mandolin-workshop-session-tickets-133040683265

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

TIP JAR: Instead of paying us for this amazing event, we ask that you leave a generous Tip. 100% of your TIP will go directly to Marla. Thanks for supporting independent musicians. Marla's Tip Jar will be available during the workshop.

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Lark Camp

CANCELLED - SEE YOU IN 2021!
July 30th - August 7th, 2021

World Music, Song, and Dance Camp

Mendocino Woodlands State Park

Spend idyllic days and nights in the magical redwood forest filled with music, dance, and good times — that's the Lark Camp experience.

Click Here for the Video by Doug Plummer.

Take as many or as few of the workshops as you like; jam sessions 24 hours a day, big dances every evening. Plenty of good food, new friends, and musical stimulation for adults and families. Workshops for professional and beginner, alike.

Check out the Mendocino Woodlands website: Click Here

Visit http://larkcamp.org, Questions, email: registration@larkcamp.org or call (707) 397-5275 (LARK)

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