Tickets Prices include 5% City Of Santa Cruz Admissions Tax
Advance $20 Door $22
Member discount $2
Daimh – 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” Daimh (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.
Advance $23 Door $25 Child Advance $10 Child Door $12
Member discount $2
Daimh – Pronounced "Dive," 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” Daimh (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.
We're excited to present the first half of an almost-back-to-back couple of house concerts. Both excellent examples of Irish traditional music at its best, but each very different from the other, Nuala and Eamon's flute, guitar, and vocal contrasted with Kevin Burke's immaculate solo fiddle playing. We hope to see you at both concerts.
Long time friends and musical collaborators, Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O’ Leary have toured together widely, both in duo and as part of The Alt, alongside celebrated Irish guitarist John Doyle. Both are internationally recognized members of the traditional music community, noted for their instrumental skills and diverse repertoire of traditional and contemporary song. Both are songwriters, who love and research traditional Irish/Scottish songs. With an engaging stage presence and understated virtuosity, they present a timeless selection of songs and instrumentals. Nuala and Eamon offer a memorable concert experience, as their songs range from the ancient Irish tradition to reflections on the present day.
Hailed in the New York Times, ‘Burke imparts a rhythmic intensity that is remarkably powerful… a superior instrumentalist in any idiom… impressively virtuosic… one of the great living Celtic fiddlers’ & in the Irish Times, ‘Burke’s fiddling is one of the high spots of the current Irish music scene.’
For over 30 years Kevin Burke has been enthralling people around the planet with his performances & recordings, at the same time as influencing an entire generation of fiddlers with his unique, sly spin on the silken-smooth Co. Sligo style of Irish fiddling. Kevin has been a member of such illustrious ensembles as the Bothy Band, Open House, Patrick Street & the Celtic Fiddle Festival & formed notable musical partnerships with Micheal O’Domhnaill & Cal Scott.
This special solo concert in an intimate house concert setting will give full flavor to the force & frolicsomeness of Burke’s fabled fiddling & his wicked sense of humor in tune introductions & stories.
Advance $22 Door $25 Child Advance $12 Child Door $10
Member discount $2
Come join us for a cozy afternoon in St. Mary's gorgeous Victorian sanctuary with sublime fiddler, Kevin Burke. Kevin's fiddle playing has been at the forefront of traditional music since the 1970s. His far-reaching solo album, “If the Cap Fits” and his work with such distinguished performers as Arlo Guthrie, Kate Bush, Christy Moore and the Bothy Band established him as a first class musician. Never one to be restricted by geography or genre, his decades long career has seen several innovative collaborations with notable musicians of differing styles - Classical, Old Time, Bluegrass, Pop and Rock as well as the Irish Traditional music for which he is so well known. Some of the eminent players he has worked with are: Grammy winner, singer and instrumentalist Tim O’Brien; Liam O Maonlai, lead singer of the Hothouse Flowers; classical violinists Gilles Apap and Greg Ewer; Old Time favourites, The Foghorn String Band; renowned Irish bands Dervish, Solas and Lunasa and his most recent recording is a collaboration with veteran Rock guitarist John Brennan (Poco, Chris Hillman Band and others).
Kevin has earned international acclaim in both Europe and America as a solo performer, a teacher and as a member of some of folk music’s foremost groups including the exciting Celtic Fiddle Festival and Ireland’s long admired and respected Patrick Street. In 2007 he also set up his own record label, “Loftus Music”, which soon developed a reputation for excellence in both its musical output and its unique eco-friendly packaging.
His contribution to music has received formal acknowledgement on both sides of the Atlantic where he has been the recipient of several awards including Ireland’s “Gradam Ceoil” (Traditional Musician of the Year, 2016), and a National Heritage Fellowship, the USA's highest honor for excellence in the folk and traditional arts. (Previous National Heritage Fellows include B.B. King, Doc Watson, and Bill Monroe.) Kevin has also been honoured by his adopted home state with his induction to the Oregon Music Hall of Fame .
In 1980 Kevin settled in the USA and was performing with Bothy Band colleague Micheal O Domhnaill. Their 2 albums, “Promenade” and “Portland”, became, and still are, very influential resources for many traditional musicians.
Although Kevin has spent much of his life playing in a group context, he has never lost his love for solo fiddle music – the “naked fiddle” as he himself sometimes puts it. This is very evident in his new live solo release, “An Evening with Kevin Burke”, a collection of performances and stories before audiences in Ireland and US, including his home town of Portland, Oregon.
The New York Times describes Kevin as “a superior instrumentalist in any idiom......impressively virtuosic”, The Washington Post writes of his “lyrical style that is always emotionally electric”, and the Irish Times says that “Burke’s fiddling is one of the high spots of the current Irish musical scene”.
“Sublime fiddle playing from Burke …. each moment, just right” Folk Roots
Tickets are also available in person at Michael's On Main, Main Street, Soquel.
If you are interested in Irish music at all, you'll surely know the name John Doyle. Guitar wizard extraordinaire, John started his career as a founding member of Solas and in recent years has toured solo and with many different performers, including Liz Carroll, Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker, Eamaon O'Leary, Nuala Kennedy and others too numerous to mention.
John and Mick's nearly telepathic musical connection began in the early '90's in the truly groundbreaking Irish-American band, Solas. Now, both have flourishing high profile solo careers but periodically come together to brush off some Solas standards and lots of their individual material, played together, for these magical musical offerings.
It's impossible to describe John's guitar playing whether picking out a tune or accompanying with chords nobody but he could come up with. The only way to get a taste is to click on the video link above, imagine yourself sitting in Michael's On Main, then click the Buy Tickets button to make it real
Tickets Prices include 5% City Of Santa Cruz Admissions Tax
Advance $25 Door $30 Child Advance $13 Child Door $15
Member discount $2
The hugely popular Irish Christmas in America show, now in its 14th season, features top Irish music, song and dance in an engaging performance rich in history, humour and boundless energy. Produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada of award-winning lrish group Téada, the 2018 tour brings back the amazing Séamus Begley, (TG4 Traditional Singer of the Year) along with the immense vocal talents of Sligo’s Niamh Farrell.
This family-friendly performance features evocatively-sung Irish ballads, lively instrumental tunes and thrilling Irish dancing, while evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas, as the finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you on a fun-filled start to the holiday season of 2018.
The holiday show was first conceived in 2005 with past tours featuring such stellar guest vocalists as Séamus Begley, Teresa Horgan, Méabh Begley, Lumiere, Karan Casey, Cara Dillon, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Cathie Ryan and Michael Londra. Mac Diarmada enthuses about the program as a way to bring traditional and often unknown Irish customs to the States. “One of the most heartfelt themes of Irish Christmas is emigration,” says Mac Diarmada. “Music was a way that people stayed close to home.”
A sparkling tradition among holiday events, Irish Christmas in America is a special show to see this season.
Advance $25 Door $28 Child Advance $10 Child Door $12
Member discount $2
This show will leave you feeling in the spirit! By popular demand, Molly's Revenge returns to St. Mary's beautiful Victorian sanctuary, which will be aglow in the light of the season. In this perfect setting, the lilting vocals of special guest Amelia Hogan will blend with the superb talent of Stuart Mason, John Weed and David Brewer, as they ring in the holiday with a decidedly Celtic "take" on old favorites. Angelic Irish Dancers, will take flight and will bring some dazzling Christmas magic to the evening, too. An annual event not to miss! Tickets make a great gift for family and friends.
Molly's Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious enthusiasm. The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, and fiddle, with a backdrop of guitar, mandola, and bodhran guarantees an enjoyable experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music. Molly's Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events in the USA, and prestigious events in Scotland, Australia and China. Their arrangements of traditional Celtic jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more.
"Revered in California as one of its most energetic, exciting and innovative bands." --Shay Black, of the legendary Black family.
"They bring to the music a vital and joyous creativity that excites even the hardest of hearts." --John Doyle, founding member of Solas.
"The instruments are traditional... but the wild passion they exhibit is thoroughly modern." --Metro Santa Cruz (CA).
"There is an engaging freshness and yet an impressive maturity in their playing." --Mick Moloney, National Heritage Award recipient.
SVER play epic Nordic folk music with relentless energy and seductive spark taking you on a fantastic musical journey guaranteed to excite you. Ranging from the very dreamy to a swinging, pounding and sweaty madness – you are invited to the party, greeted by a welcoming primal force that pulls you into the dance. Since the group’s inception, SVER has gone from strength to strength, playing extensively throughout Europe and the US, gaining a reputation as one of the most acclaimed live acts in the Nordic folk scene.
SVER’s latest album “Reverie” (2018) – their fourth release – arrives as they celebrate 10 years together as a quintet. Listen to these musicians as they gel and swing together in a way that’s seldom encountered and you will understand why they have won a reputation as red hot performers whose shows are sizzling affairs. the long-awaited follow up to the critically acclaimed albums ”Fryd” (2015), “Fruen” (2010), and “SVER” (2007).
SVER has often been described as “sounding electric without electricity”, and their flexible musicianship has also made them an attractive backing band for some of Scandinavia’s leading singers in different genres. That has lead to playing on TV-shows, big festivals and positions in the radio charts with the music ranging from folk to reggae/dancehall and rap. Their imaginative soundscapes, grooves, and melodies will take you on a journey over the Norwegian fjords and mountains, into the lively pubs and back out into the deep forest of their musicality.
SVER consists of Olav Luksengård Mjelva (fiddle and Hardanger fiddle), Anders Hall (fiddle and viola), Leif Ingvar Ranøien (diatonic accordion), Adam Johansson (guitar) and Jens Linell (Drums and percussion). Olav and Leif Ingvar have played together since 2002. Vidar Berge joined the group in 2007 on guitar and together they released the self-titled album “SVER”. In the spring of 2008, Anders and Jens completed the band, and they released “Fruen” in 2010. Vidar quit the band later that year and Adam joined the group. Since 2011 SVER has collaborated with the Swedish dance-hall artist Snakka San.
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 $20 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.
A traditional Irish seisiún for experienced Irish style musicians every Tuesday evening. The South Bay's longest running and only up-tempo seisiún! Please visit us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OFlahertys.Irish.Seisiun).
Join the Santa Cruz Traditional Irish Seisiun every Thursday for lively Irish tunes and songs in the spirit of the tradition. Hosted by Julie Horner, David Chadwick, and Mark McCornack. All ages welcome, bring the family for dinner and stay for the taste o' the pure drop. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SantaCruzTradIrishSeisiun, or www.meetup.com/Santa-Cruz-South-Bay_Irish-Music-Meetup/.
This moderate-to-fast tempo session happens every Saturday from 1pm - 4PM. We play outdoors on the East Side of Main Street -- approx address would be 425 Main St -- between the Half Moon Bay Electric store and the Half Moon Bay Wine and Cheese Company. Celtic/Old-Time. All players welcome.
Every Friday during the afternoon commute, David Stafford hosts an unpredictable mix of live music, contemporary acoustic recordings and a healthy dose of Celtic, English, and American melodies.
On this Friday, from 4:00 to 4:45 PM, Dave will host a Trio of Irish Music Masters for 45 minutes of LIVE songs and tunes!
Autumn Rhodes and Tim Hill are a musical duo steeped in the traditions of Ireland dating back over 200 years. The pairing of Autumn's heavily rhythmic style on the concertina and flute mixed with Tim's relaxed yet deadly accurate uilleann piping results in a graceful and infectious sound that has drawn rapt audiences from both sides of the coast and the Atlantic. They continue to perform throughout the United States, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Midwest, as well as in northern New England. Well known guitarist Richard Mandel will join in to complete the trio.
Autumn Rhodes and Tim Hill are a musical duo steeped in the traditions of Ireland dating back over 200 years. The pairing of Autumn's heavily rhythmic style on the concertina and flute mixed with Tim's relaxed yet deadly accurate uilleann piping results in a graceful and infectious sound that has drawn rapt audiences from both sides of the coast and the Atlantic. They continue to perform throughout the United States, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Midwest, as well as in northern New England. Well known guitarist Richard Mandel will join in to complete the trio.
Autumn Rhodes was raised in a rural Indiana household full of Irish music. At the age of 12, Autumn got a tin whistle for a birthday present and a year later was performing professionally, shortly after, progressing to the flute and concertina and learning from master players such as Laurence Nugent, Kevin Henry, and John Williams. Autumn is equally renowned as a singer in the sean-nos style of Irish tradition. Born in the Philadelphia area, Timothy Hill has spent the last decade studying and performing Irish traditional music. Tim started his career with Irish music on bodhrán, and at the age of 11 took up the uilleann pipes. With years of tutelage from John Donnelly, Jerry O'Sullivan and Tim Britton, and performances with Mick Moloney, Paddy Keenan, Teada, Billy McComiskey, Tony DeMarco, Seamus Begley, Gabriel Donohue to name a few, Tim has become one of the top young pipers in America.
Richard Mandel fell into the well of Irish music in the mid-'90s and was soon driving every session he could get into. As a first-call accompanist, Richard has performed with many legendary Irish musicians.
Peace United Church (Upper Hall), 900 High Street Santa Cruz
If you can count and skip and tell your right hand from your left, you can begin doing the easy dances immediately. This form of dance does not require fancy footwork or a high level of coordination. This is an excellent place to learn, even if you’ve never done any folk dancing. Beginners are very welcome.
Come and join in the fun on the second Thursday of every month.
'A seriously joyous, masterly musical experience.' — Tom Clancy, Irish Music Magazine
Molly's Revenge, starring David Brewer, John Weed and Stu Mason with guest vocalist Amelia Hogan, and the award winning Rosemary Turco Irish Dancers will present an evening of music, song and dance associated with the festive season. The performance will include Christmas songs both old and new, all played with a Celtic twist, and something new for our regulars. Amelia HoganMolly's Revenge, whose lineup includes bagpipes, fiddle, whistle, guitar, mandola, and bodhran, have toured the world with their unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm. Their arrangements of traditional jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more.
As always, this 14th Annual Celtic Christmas Celebration will capture the traditional spirit of the season and warm the hearts of all who attend. Vocalist Amelia Hogan, and her voice of lilting grace and a subtle power will again balance the evocative storytelling of these great songs, and the Rosemary Turco Irish Dancers will bring a percussive, joyful, and colorful exuberance to the stage.
California-based Molly's Revenge has toured since 2000 as a four and five-piece acoustic band, releasing eleven CDs along the way, and in 2014, Molly's Revenge and Christa Burch recorded a collection of Celtic Christmas and winter-themed music at a remote windswept retreat in the redwoods of the Mendocino coast. This beautiful Winterdance holiday album will be available at the shows.
