Advance $20 Door $25 Child Advance $10 Child Door $12 Student Advance $10 Student Door $12
Member discount $3
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Violinist Maura Shawn Scanlin and guitarist Conor Hearn unite to form “Rakish.” The pair gets their namesake from the traditional Irish tune Rakish Paddy, an origin that aptly suits the duo and their shared background in traditional Irish and Scottish music. Yet “rakish” itself also suggests something strikingly unconventional in its appearance, and Maura and Conor knowingly embrace this wealth of connotation in their music, drawing on the music they grew up with and performing it with their own slant. In a performance that is something more akin to concert music, Rakish explores tunes and songs from Irish and American folk traditions in a way that reflects their shared interest in and love for chamber and improvised music. Maura Shawn, a two-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Competition, wields the technical range of an accomplished classical violinist and the deep sensitivity of a traditional musician. Conor, a native to the Irish music communities of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, makes his home in Boston playing guitar for a number of traditional music acts and bands.
Rakish has performed on Front Row Boston, Brian O’Donovan’s 2020 “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn,” the Burren Backroom Series, and they can be heard on broadcasts of GBH’s “A Celtic Sojourn.” They have appeared at esteemed festivals including the Boston Celtic Music Festival, the Bellingham Irish Music Festival, and the Rockport Celtic Music Festival. Rakish is a recipient of the 2019 Iguana Fund Grant generously supported by Club Passim.
Athena Tergis & Christy Leahy
With opening set by The Weeds and Adam Hendey
Tickets Prices include 5% City Of Santa Cruz Admissions Tax
Advance $30 Door $35 Child Advance $13 Child Door $15 Student Advance $13 Student Door $15
Member discount $3
The Celtic Society is proud to present an evening of great music on fiddle, button accordion, mandolin, guitar, and banjo performed by two groups of wonderful musicians with connections to the Bay Area.
Athena Tergis & Christy Leahy Born in Manhattan and raised in San Francisco, Athena won the Jr. National Scottish fiddle champions 3 years in a row before moving to Ireland, immersing herself in the music for 3 years. There she joined The Sharon Shannon Band before moving to NYC to star in Riverdance on Broadway. She toured with Clarence Clemons of the E street band and others before joining The Green Fields of America, collaborating with founder Mick Moloney for over 20 years. Athena has performed as a soloist with the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestre National de Bretagne and her compositions have been performed in Asia, Europe and the USA. Her solo CD: A Letter Home has been well-received on both sides of the Atlantic.
Christy Leahy was born into a musical family in County Cork and learned his music playing at sessions and for set dancers locally. For many years he toured with the acclaimed traditional ensemble North Cregg releasing four albums and playing at many of the major folk festivals across Ireland, the UK, Europe and the USA. His energetic and rhythmic style of button accordion playing reflects the vibrant music of his home county and is recognized as one the instrument’s leading exponents.He released a duet recording with pianist Caoimhin Vallely in 2010 to wide acclaim.
The Weeds with Adam Hendey (watch and listen here) Join duo John and Tyler Weed with Boston’s own multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Adam Hendey for an evening of instrumental tunes, contemporary compositions, and timeless song. The trio’s journey is a celebration of music of the Emerald Isles, following it to one of it’s many landing spots in the United States. Watch the folk process unfold as John Weed (New World String Project, Molly’s Revenge) and Adam Hendy (formerly The Fire), pass this musical lineage to next-gen banjo, mandolin, fiddler, and composer Tyler Weed. The event will feature new compositions from Adam and Tyler, two cutting edge voices on the U.S. scene.
Advance $30 Door $35 Child Advance $12 Child Door $15
Member discount $3
Join duo John and Tyler Weed with Boston’s own multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Adam Hendey for an evening of instrumental tunes, contemporary compositions, and timeless song. The trio’s journey is a celebration of music of the Emerald Isles, following it to one of it’s many landing spots in the United States. Watch the folk process unfold as John Weed (New World String Project, Molly’s Revenge) and Adam Hendy (formerly The Fire), pass this musical lineage to next-gen banjo, mandolin, fiddler, and composer Tyler Weed. The event will feature new compositions from Adam and Tyler, two cutting edge voices on the U.S. scene.
Tyler Weed was raised in a musical family. His journey began on guitar which quickly led to earning money backing his father on fiddle. He then discovered flat-picking melodies while also developing a passion for jazz. This allowed him to be equally comfortable playing in the old-world fiddle styles as well as using swing-accompaniment on Irish melodies. Heavily influenced by Bay Area mandolin great Marla Fibish, he developed nuances traditional Irish tunes on mandolin — picking patterns for the different dance tunes, tone projection, and styling, which continues in his playing today. Tyler represented the next generation of mandolin players at his performance at 2023 San Francisco Festival of Mandolins. He has since journeyed into the world of tenor banjo. His banjo style can be characterized by ornate, percussive triplet stylings with a driving, yet hypnotic groove.
John Weed, fiddler for Molly’s Revenge and New World String Project, fiddler for New World String Project and Molly’s Revenge, is a classically-trained violinist who has spent the last 25 years immersed in various fiddle styles. With an affinity for folk traditions, John’s exploration has emphasized Irish, Scottish, Swedish, and Old-Time fiddle. While holding a bachelor’s degree of music from CSU Chico, the musical education that charted John’s path began through a long series of Irish sessions. There, he learned the nuance of aural passing of melodies and the tradition of conversing in a deeply musical manner. John’s passion for the vital expressiveness of the session lead to performing across the United States and internationally. In addition to being a full time performer private and group instructor, John is currently on faculty at Palenke Arts, a multicultural arts organization in Seaside, California.
Adam Hendey, a graduate of the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, has become one of the most in-demand accompanists of Boston’s thriving traditional music scene. A singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, he is also a member of the critically acclaimed West Coast Celtic music trio The Fire, and has performed at festivals and venues across the United States and United Kingdom.
San Miguel Fraser
Celtic meets Castilian In Powerhouse World Class Duo
Advance $30 Door $35 Child Advance $12 Child Door $15
Member discount $3
San Miguel Fraser is a musical project bringing together Galen Fraser, a Berklee graduate and son of renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and Maria San Miguel, a native of Castile and graduate of Oviedo Conservatory with deep family roots in the traditions of her homeland. Together, they combine dynamic fiddling and string arrangements with the soaring, life-celebrating singing of Maria and the exciting, oh-so-sensitive cittern accompaniment of Galen. Surprises abound in this project, with fresh compositions and startlingly touching and deeply thoughtful arrangements.
Their new album “Dots of Light” sparkles with life and creativity, as they explore traditional music from their combined homelands as well as new compositions in their own unique chamber music style.
Notable performances include Celtic Connections, Festival de Ortiguiera, Bellingham Celtic Festival, Bolao Folk, KVMR Celtic Festival, Miguel DeLibes, Aitzina Folk, Valladolid Plaza Mayor, Tradicionàrius.
"San Miguel Fraser presents Castilian, Celtic and original music featuring Violins, Vocals, Cittern, Pandareta. Their music is exquisite, exhilarating, effervescent, expressing the joy, warmth, and beauty of our shared humanity." —Culburnie Records
“...a benchmark in the contemporary development of the new tradition of Castile.” —L'independent
“contains all the traditional elements that you would expect, beautifully executed ornamentation and chording, but surprises with fresh tunings and startlingly touching and deeply thoughtful arrangements.” —FIDDLER Magazine
“Fraser's fiddling entwines the robust crunch and skirl of the old world with the airy ostinato and shimmering tremolo of the new.” —STRINGS Magazine
Tickets Prices include 5% City Of Santa Cruz Admissions Tax
Advance $28 Door $32 Child Advance $14 Child Door $16 Student Advance $14 Student Door $16
Member discount $3
We're proud to welcome back Scottish band Dàimh. We've had some excellent concerts with them in the past and this is sure to be another one. If you love bagpipes and fiddle mixed in with some Gaelic singing, be sure to attend this one.
Dàimh – Gaelic Supergroup and un-challenged champions of straight in the eye Highland music are based around West Lochaber and the Isle of Skye.
Formed around the turn of the century and taking the name from the Gaelic word for “kinship” Dàimh (pronounced Dive) have taken their contemporary take of Highland and Gaelic music to over 20 countries, setting audiences alight from Moscow to San Francisco.
With a reputation as giants of the Bagpipes and Fiddle, Angus Mackenzie and Gabe McVarish lead the melodic powerhouse with fellow founder member Ross Martin underpinning the groove on the Guitar. The Band are joined by “new guy” Murdo “Yogi” Cameron on Mandola and Accordion to complete the instrumental line up.
Daimh have always had the renown and notoriety of working with some of the finest Gaelic singers in Scotland and the current line up only serves to cement that distinction with the addition of the Gaelic firmament’s most rapidly rising star, Ellen MacDonald on vocals.
Recent accolades include last year’s award for the “Best Folk Band in Europe” at the prestigious Folkherbst competition in Germany and most recently winner of “Folk Band of the Year” at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards.
Dummy card in case there's only 1 card in this deck
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Help us to continue bringing world class Celtic musicians to the area by becoming a member. Individual and family memberships are available, starting at $25 per year. .
These events are not sponsored by the Celtic Society. If you have any questions, please direct them to the contact information in the event listing. Check out the Americeltic and Irish Culture Bay Area events calendars for more local events.
Mon Jul 22nd 2024 10:00 AM -
Fri Aug 2nd 2024 5:00 PM
St. Phillip the Apostle Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive
Scotts Valley
Community Music School of Santa Cruz proudly presents its summer Redwood Music Camp series.
Kids Day Camp
July 22 - August 2 St. Phillip the Apostle Episcopal Church 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley CommunityMusicSchool.org
Young musicians age 7-13 explore the music of Ireland, Scotland, and more! For players of violin, viola, flute, penny whistle, pipes, recorder, harp, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, accordion, small keyboards, and cello. Students practice in instrument-specific groups, and with the entire ensemble.
Fri Jul 26th 2024 12:00 PM -
Sat Aug 3rd 2024 9:00 AM
Mendocino Woodlands,
Mendocino
Seven days of instruction in instrumental music, dance, and song from all over the world. Enjoy idyllic days and nights in the redwood forest of the Mendocino Woodlands. Take as many or few workshops as you like, join jam sessions 24 hours a day, dance every night, and enjoy good food, seeing old friends, and making new friends.
An unparalleled week-long world culture, music, song, and dance event that takes place in three different camping areas within one historic park. Each has a musical theme and hosts workshops, sessions, and dances. Campers choose to set down stakes at one of the camps for the week but may attend workshops and events in any camp, traveling by free shuttle, walking, or your own bicycle. Most campers prefer to camp for the whole week, but you may also come for “half-camp,” either the first four days, or the second four days.
Workshops are offered for a variety of levels for adults and young adults; families with young supervised children are welcome. In Camp One, there are kids’ programs that include instrument making, art projects, and a wonderful Kid’s Play that is rehearsed, costumed, and performed on the last night of camp. (The Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association also offers environmental education programs for children.)
O'Flaherty's Irish Pub, 25 North San Pedro Square
San Jose
You are invited to O'Flaherty's Traditional Irish Session every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 10:00 pm or so at O'Flaherty's Irish Pub in downtown San Jose! Experienced Celtic musicians 21 and well behaved dogs. We play in the open doorway looking out onto the parklet on San Pedro Street. Celebrating 18 years of playing Irish music together on Tuesday nights at O'Flaherty's, where you are a stranger but once!
Rosie McCann's Irish Restaurant and Pub, 1220 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz
A community gathering of the finest kind. Join the Santa Cruz Irish music scene as we play rollicking tunes every third Thursday in downtown Santa Cruz. Join us at Rosie McCann's Irish Pub on Pacific Avenue from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. All ages.
