Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I bet this topic of discussion has crept up in the past but it seems like we have a lot of new members lately...and u know who u are ; )
So what *country* are all you from (or where are u currently residing ) and do you have a good session scene???
I'll start with myself: Vermont, USA. Very small Irish music scene but there are some very good players up here. There's one weekly session in Burlington and a bi-monthly session in White River Jct (yes I have posted these in the sessions section). And there are some good house sessions too!! But there is stuff going on all the time and I always have friends to play tunes with. So I can't really complain (even though I do sometimes wish I was in Boston!)
Now you folks who live in Australia, don't be shy ; )
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Asheville, NC, USA.
There's a lovely little scene down here. We have two weekly sessions. One is beginner friendly, the other is for more advanced players. We've had a third session at various times but finding a venue that lasts is tough. Hopefully, one for students will be starting up soon at one of the local colleges. We're a pretty tightly-knit community so we have house parties and house sessions quite often. We also have weekly set dancing. There's a range of ability here - from rank beginners to professionals. Several world famous players live here so they attract other players, which is nice. We get a lot of people travelling through who stop in at the Sunday session. There's an artsy-farsty vibe about this place that attracts a lot of people.
That being said... we're in the middle of nowhere! There are some nice players in Knoxville, TN, Raliegh, NC, Columbia, SC and scattered in between. But they're aren't that many. So, it's nice to go to Charlottesville, VA or even up to New York, Boston or Chicago just to hear people playing different tunes and to hear some better players. That helps. You gotta get away from home every once in a while.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Ballarat, Victoria,Australia
rather quiet around here but a strong scene in Melbourne (about an hour away) Sessions tend to be on Sunday nights. There are some particularly fine box players in Melbourne and around the state and some beautiful fiddle playing. some great players from Ireland and the US have become involved in the scene as they have toured through Australia
The scene here used to be hopping good, with Richard and Aimee anchoring it for years -- now there is nothing interesting going on. There is a beginner session every Thursday, where they read sheet music and play the same tunes each week (and have played the SAME tunes for about 3 years now -- not a new one to be had). I don't know why they haven't gone crazy yet, but there are about 20 of them that show up each week. Once in a while I go.
There used to be a top notch session (Richard and Aimee: you could always move back, they allow Corgi's in Santa Barbara county now), but slowly the core left town -- we lost two fine flute players and two fine fiddlers -- now there are about 2 of us who want to start a session again, and we keep encouraging the more advanced of the beginners to memorize at least one tune, but so far no luck. We are going to try again to start a session in the fall. There is one local Celtic band that plays all the time, but they do mostly folk songs and polkas -- not really traditional tunes. They have lovely voices, and the instruments are Banjo, Box, and Guitar. Our little band is slowly trying to get a niche performing in the local scene, but it is very slow.
About 90 minutes North or South of here are some fine Sessions, San Luis Obisbo and Santa Monica. One of the top flute players in the state (world?) lives in LA (yes, I'm talking about you, Frank Simpson), and a top class DADGAD player lives in San Luis Obispo (Stuart Mason). I wish they would all move to Santa Barbara. It's much nicer here.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
i'm from austin, tx...not too much connection to other fiddler's here..i began playing as a child, quit, took up drums and guitar and then took fiddle up again after my viet nam navy duty..first heard bluegrass..kenny baker..bill monroe's remarkable fiddler..he really has ruled my fiddle soul..so smooth and creative..then stephane grappelli/django reinhardt hit me wonderfully in the gut..i first heard irish, scottish,cape breton fiddlers and was instantly taken with jigs..esp. minor/modal keys...i don't worry too much about authenticity..i have my own style without accents with the bow..and play other styles, too.. live is very short and busy ..our group is at wwwmundiensemble.com...i play for a british chap..very talented at finding timeless, beautiful tunes from early europe..i could always fax anyone tunes we do..i am allowed to add fiddle tunes more and more as i learn them...our wedding gigs always have them by request, it seems...best regards, david..p.s. the 'hugedave' is just an inside joke..i have put on some weight the last few yrs..used to be pretty lean..
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Eliot, I use to lived all over San Diego County and I don't think there was ever a real strong Irish trad music scene out there, but I wasn't playing the music or going to sessions back then....if indeed there is a good scene, someone please correct me...I would love an excuse to go back for a visit....especially in the winter : )
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Good call Joyce. The session scene in Sydney has suddenly blossomed. When I first got here 3 years ago there had been a shake-up and a couple of the weekly sessions were no longer running. Sessions would start and then end a few weeks later due to lack of support. Then some people arrived from the already thriving scene in Melbourne and things began to improve. Now there are between 4 and 5 sessions a week, and some *really* good musicians around who I'm extremely happy to have the opportunity to play with. Some of the older members of the community are saying that the scene here is better now than it's ever been in living memory. I don't know about that because I've only been here a short while, but anyway for me it's just one massive ongoing piss-up. It's become the norm (for me and Beebs anyay) to drown oneself in Guinness at a session, and then when the session ends a few hours later, that's when the drinking starts and we go on a pub crawl. I'm consistently getting home at 4 or 5 in the morning on too many nights having been drinking for 12 or 13 hours. I always feel as though I have to begin the next session by apologising for my behaviour at the last one :-| Because I'm playing with the same people at each session (we're a really small community), there's a rapport between the musicians, and I'm starting to be able to mind-read people and understand their body language and eye contact and stuff. Often tunes don't get played 3 times thru here, and sometimes if people are enjoying messing around with a tune then they'll play it more times (especially if you're Bridie playing The Eel In The Sink and that other tune that goes after it). I've also started to be able to guess what key or tune someone's going to go into just from having played with them lots, and that's really satisfying. For me it's sort of like being in a band, but there are no stressful rehearsals and no underpaid gigs, just free beers and a lot of laughs. So I hope it stays that way in future, Sydney crowd keep it up lads!
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
OH MY GOD!! I'm moving to Sydney! Dow, our once a week session is like your session...We are also a real close-knit group who love excessive drinking and whatever else comes our way ; )
But we need more sessions!!!!!!!! If I move to Sydney, I'll have to take my guys with me...they are good musicians, totally cool, and know how to party......ok back to some tunes I need to learn for this thing I'm doing in a month (I wish I was at a session right now! boo hoo)
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm from Kansas City, Missouri, USA. I've just really entered the world of local sessions. We have a bi-weekly beginners slow session, but unlike Eliot's beginner's session, music is not encouraged, and I know 22 tunes (only about 18 of them up to session tempo yet!) by heart. There is a monthly session at a pub with several good players (a couple of professionals sit in sometimes - but I can't recall their names). Also, if I'm willing to drive 45 minutes there is a monthly session in Atchison, Kansas and a weekly (I believe) session in Lawrence, Kansas --- where I hope to be moving in the next year or two funds permitting.
Right now, our music scene is hoping. We're having a 3 day Irish Fest next weekend with tons of groups (Cherish The Ladies and others - here's the link http://www.kcirishfest.com/entertainment.htm ) which I'm looking forward to!
Oh, we also have several pubs that feature Irish ballad/bar singers that are fun, too.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I am so sorry to have been short changed by the
umph fact that a wedding reception interfered with
my posting and waffling.
As I was about to say, there are lots of places
in the Huston and Galveston etc where there WOULD
be Irish music if you knew but like SA you have to
poke around, I mean the expeople are somewhat
elusive and some I know do not perform at all.
In the back of the kitchen when the kids/grandkids
are away off - another story in fact you would hardly
recognize some people with a drop o the craytur
and maybe a bottle or two.
But that is another day's work.
I seen in a photo recently - last year I think -
a picture of Peter Horan and that stuck me to the
wall for a momnet seeing how old he looks these
days. Who could be so wrong that passed Sligo
only to end up in Doolin and miss the craic.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
(just back from the session)
Lubbock, Texas/USA. Moved here Aug 2000 after time spent developing chops and standards in Boston, NY, Chicago, and Bloomington, Indiana (where latter there is a very strong scene). Not much of a true Irtrad scene here when I moved--decided we'd have to grow one, via teaching session, pub session, bringing in guest lecturers and master classes, etc.
Now entering our 4th year of above, we've got a local Celtic dance, music, arts, language association (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/caprockcelts); liaison with good local stepdance teacher and school, starting set-dance classes in the Fall; "Celtic Christmas" and St Patrick's concerts in the School of Music. Weekly teaching session and pub session; now taking players to area workshops and overseas (Zoukfest/Taos at http://zoukfest.com; Willie Week); continuing with visiting artists; working on overseas semester option for Texas Tech music students at UC Cork.
We're a friendly bunch always avid for visitors bearing new tunes--we can usually manage a music party, some lessons, and crash space for those passing through. Y'all come!
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm from Israel ,i live near Tel-Aviv. I'm a beginner (mandolin,guitar) and play once a week in a house "slow players" session . In Tel-Aviv there is an irish pub called Molly Bloom's in which sessiones are taking place 3 times a week but i never join in cause i am a complete beginner...
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Considering Edinburgh is the Scottish capital, a University town, home base for many of the top bands and musicians(Boys of the Lough, Dick Gaughan, Shooglenifty, Deaf Shepherd + members of the Tannahill Weavers, Battlefield Band to name but a few not to mention all the visiting musicians), the session scene should be better than it is. There is a lot going on but it is of varying quality and seems to come in phases. Many of the fine young musicians move on and have less time for sessions due to busy touring schedules etc. Also, some of the venues are a bit erratic.
Michael Gill may correct me here but the best place to visit is probably Sandy Bell's (long established session venus). Other places worth visiting are The Shore Bar(Weds), Harbour(Weds and Sun), Central Bar (Diff nights), White Hart(Monday), Gravediggers(Tues), Tass(Wednesday). As I say, the standard varies and some sessions are easier to join in than others. There are several other possibilities including The Royal Oak (If you're desparate. At least , it's open late) and there are often good concerts by visiting musicians. See these links for the complete hotchpotch of pub events
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Chicago, USA reporting a mighty scene here. Except for those defunct, one can attend a session almost every night of the week (if your liver can hang in there!).
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Toronto Ont Canada
Toronto has a great music scene, from slow sessions to really great stuff, several nights of the week. I feel really lucky to be here. Some very talented musicians are willing to share their skills with beginners like myself, too.
Heather
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Here in Philadelphia the scene is very healthy. There is something going on just about every night of the week. I just do not participate as much as I could right now. The reasons (excuses) are varied. The biggest one is that I rely on public trans, which is pretty good here, but it's difficult when you are schlepping a harp. Even a small one. And I am not quite up to snuff on the fiddle yet. The musicians here are so good that it is a little intimidating, especially when I have a little bit of a shyness problem as it is. So lately I stay home and practice. Soon (I hope!) I will feel confident enough to bring the fiddle to a session. Actually, there is one session I do feel confident enough to bring the fiddle to since it is ultra laid back.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Dallas, Texas
I moved here from Austin which has a large advanced core of great musicians - to Dallas, which has a very small group of good musicians and a huge number of enthusiastic beginners. There was a beginner's session here at a coffee shop when I got here 2 years ago. I started an advanced session which struggled along for two years until the Tipp closed (our local). It has sorta moved to Trinity Hall and they play on stage there - there's not as much interaction between the pubgoers and the players... but it's a session.
The North Texas Irish Festival is here annually and that is an excellent festival bringing in awesome bands every time. Plus, the Austin folks come up and the reunion keeps us up all weekend!
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Hi Jeff,
I play flute. If you're interested, the slow session is at All Souls Unitarian Church, in the basement (room G I think) the first and third Thursday each month. It starts 7:15ish and ends at 9 when the church kicks us out. There is a $1 room fee. They pass out tapes of all of the tunes on our beginner list (about 65 - 75 tunes) which is great (the tunes on tape are played through slowly twice and then played twice up to speed). We play through tunes really slowly until we all get it, then we pick up the tempo. As long as you can play, even if it's not up to session speed, you're welcome to come on in. You could always just drop by even if your not comfortable with playing at first just to check it out. Things are slower in the summer (a couple of regulars are working evenings out at starlight), and I'm not 100% sure it's actually going to happen this Thursday since the Irish Fest is this weekend, but I'm going to show up anyway. We're a pretty small bunch, Jim the leader also plays flute, there is an accordion player, fiddler, and sometimes a bodhran player. There may be more, but I've only been going 3-4 months now.
Oh, I was very nervous the first time I went, but the folks were great and I settled in real quickly.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm in Philadelphia as well...
Andee, you are always most welcome to come to the session on Saturday afternoons (see the Sessions section), with fiddle in tow. We'd love to see you more often! Brendan usually has a student or two sitting down with us.
To echo Andee's setiments, Philly is an underrated scene. Some great players here, and great craic always.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Grand Rapids Michigan
There's a pretty good session at Fenians in Conklin, a bit northwest of Grand Rapids. You can also get Irish music occasionally at Pete Brown's Office although their idea of a sesson is open mike late on Friday. There's a better one up in Traverse City in the northern part of Michigan. That one features people willing to clog (and pretty good at that), and willing to bring a Herdy-Gurdy along for some real fun.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Just to re-enforce Dows lovely description of the Sydney scene. We went through such a dry patch for a couple of years - after our longest running session folded (it had been going for 12 years!) Now however its getting really good. We have 4 sessions a week - I usually attend three, there arent really any beginer sessions here, but thats okay cause we are a pretty laid back bunch. The standard is just getting better and better and Ive two friends coming out from clare next month for a year so I'm sure its just going to sky rocket. PS - Dow is a big liar Joyce - we are all pioneers and beer is banned from our sessions Actually that is a great idea about you moving here - its been really fun....wooohhoooo crank it up. Its also like - even thought there are only 4 sessions a week me and Dow get together and just play tunes sometimes too (when we arent busy drinking beer;) oh and by the way - if a tune rocks then I def play them more than three times. It irritates me so much when I start a cranking tune and somebody tries to end it after three - I could play it 5,6,7 times through!
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Eliot, thanks for the kind remarks -- it's nice to know we're missed! Of course, you could always move to Cody (we think it's much nicer than Santa Barbara and the winters aren't THAT bad). As a matter of fact, there are sessions here every night. Of course, they are all in our living room, and so far there's just the two of us! However, we are considering trying to start a session at a local coffee house (the excellent acoustics of the place make up for the lack of alcoholic beverages). When we get desperate for a real session, we go up to Bozeman or Helena, Montana.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Oslo, Norway
We have some great sessions in Oslo, depending what foreign bands are gigging her, and what local musicians are in town. Judging from reports from other places in Norway, Oslo is the only place in Norway with two weekly sessions, and regular set dancing. If any musicians are headed here, and want more info, please let me know.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Central Pennsylvania, USA
There are several sessions (at least one a week) though I only attend one of them in New Cumberland. The atmosphere is very friendly and the quality of music is quite good. It's a good session for beginners, too, because we play a lot of "standards" (Boys of Bluehill, Kesh Jig, O'Carolan tunes, etc....) that everyone knows.
We also have several nice festivals, in the summer months, in the Gettysburg and Carlisle areas; and we also have the PA renaissance faire which usually features local musicians.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Click on my name to take you through to a link to our session at the Woodman on Sunday nights. That's in Lee Green, Lewisham, SE London.
Cath on this site also organises one on Wed. night at the Duke of Edinburgh, which is along the road from the Woodman. But the best I heard was last night, where this woman, who is NOT a musician, is going to organise a Friday night session at the Duke! Good luck to her, I say. Maybe by not playing, she'll have more time to keep an eye on the session.....
There are other ones in south London, eg Tir na nOg, in Wandsworth, and the Kilkenny in South Wimbledon. These are listed in the sessions section here.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Santa Monica, California
The session scene here used to be pretty dim, although it has come to life on Tuesdays and Sundays. As Eliot said, Frank Simpson is an excellent flute and whistle player who will be found at both sessions (yes, they're posted) at Finn McCool's. Usually good fiddlers as well. I'd say its pretty fulfilling now, although it is good to get up to San Francisco for some tunes now and again...
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Beautiful Loghinisland, County Down in the Emerald Isle.
Great tunes, great sessions, great musicians, great craic.
At least one session locally every week in Mullan's Downpatrick, Monthly sessions in Maghera and Castlewellan, new one starting up weekly in Newcastle, regular impromptu sessions in Jim English's pub at Clanvaraghan near Sliabh Croob, and regular 'ring yer mates when you need a few tunes to cheer you up' sessions in various kitchens and John McGreevy's shebeen.
If anyone is ever in the vicinity drop me an e-mail and we'll arrange a session for you at the drop of a hat!
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I live in the Boston area, and yes, it's all it's cracked up to be, session-wise. I haven't even been to all of the regularly occuring ones, and I am quite amazed at the variety. Conceivably, you could find a session within a 30 to 45-minute drive almost every day or night of the week.
To be sure, some of 'em don't really do it for me: The ones that are extremely crowded, for example, or the sessions which are really somebody's performance and your presence is tolerated but not particularly welcomed or encouraged. But then again, the beauty is there are enough of 'em around that you can find one (or two or three...) that you like enough to attend regularly.
I still haven't gone to any of the _all-singing_ sessions in the area, either, so that's on my list of things to do.
Of course, I have these _other_ things on my list, like raising my family and keeping my job...
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Aieeeeeee! There are about as many sessions within an hour's drive from my house as there are Irish immigrants here in Southern California! Very, very few! You could find some nice mariachi bands to play with, though...
Can anybody help me? I must admit, I'm not exactly old enough to go to a session that's in a pub. And won't be here in America for another....oh, 4+ years. I could go to Europe...then it would be 1+ years...
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Franticfiddler - I'm originally from SoCal and don't remember a lot of sessions. But I've heard there's a sunday session at Tom Giblins Irish Pub in Carlsbad (right in town off of the coast highway). I think there might also be a session in Balboa Park, San Diego. But as far as open sessions, that's all I've heard about.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm Fiona from Glasgow. There is a great music scene up here with sessions on somewhere most nights apart from Monday. And lots of different types too - Irish, Scottish, young genius breakneck speed sessions, older more chilled out sessions, slow sessions etc. All I wish is that I would have more time to go to them or a friend to go with who plays at similar standard and is as into the music as I am... It can be a bit intimidating walking into a session full of strangers you know are great players by yourself. But have made a resolution to get round them all by the end of the year and then try and get a regular one.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I live near Philadelphia in Kennett Square PA. Here in Kennett, we have nothing but Mushrooms. Well, and one Irish pub in town that is actually run as a sports bar.
Within about an hour, 1 1/2 hour drive, I have lots of session choices. Sundays at the Plough and Stars are nice although sometimes I find the room layout makes it hard to hear where I live on the I-play-badly fringes. I've also been to Fridays at the Irish center (which varies widely week to week), and one Monday a month at Paddy Rooney's in Havertown (?) which I find very friendly and encouraging. I've heard positive things about Fergie's on Saturday nights and the Mermaid on Wednesdays, but my schedule doesn't permit. I just wish there was something a little closer to home. And I still pine for Nanny O'Brien's every Monday night in DC where I could sit in the alcove with my quiet beginner flute and play badly with no danger of anyone ever hearing me.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Amirez, get thee to those sessions right quick All trad musicians start off as non-playing listeners, and eventually things start to happen in the brain and fingers.
Trevor
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm in Epsom, England, currently trying to find work in Scotland or Ireland. Only I can't make up my mind on which place to go to. Any suggestions??
I left Australia about 3 months ago and with it a great session and dance atmosphere in Lismore NSW, I am craving this very same environment over here.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I have started an Irish session in the Penrith Gaels Club, every 1st Thursday of the Month. Started, February 2006. This session is mostly jigs, reels and a few slow airs with a song or two. This one may not be suitable for the singers or general folkie. Its Irish, acoustic and may only suit the "hard core"
Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I bet this topic of discussion has crept up in the past but it seems like we have a lot of new members lately...and u know who u are ; )
So what *country* are all you from (or where are u currently residing ) and do you have a good session scene???
I'll start with myself: Vermont, USA. Very small Irish music scene but there are some very good players up here. There's one weekly session in Burlington and a bi-monthly session in White River Jct (yes I have posted these in the sessions section). And there are some good house sessions too!! But there is stuff going on all the time and I always have friends to play tunes with. So I can't really complain (even though I do sometimes wish I was in Boston!)
Now you folks who live in Australia, don't be shy ; )
Joyce
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by JMH
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Asheville, NC, USA.
There's a lovely little scene down here. We have two weekly sessions. One is beginner friendly, the other is for more advanced players. We've had a third session at various times but finding a venue that lasts is tough. Hopefully, one for students will be starting up soon at one of the local colleges. We're a pretty tightly-knit community so we have house parties and house sessions quite often. We also have weekly set dancing. There's a range of ability here - from rank beginners to professionals. Several world famous players live here so they attract other players, which is nice. We get a lot of people travelling through who stop in at the Sunday session. There's an artsy-farsty vibe about this place that attracts a lot of people.
That being said... we're in the middle of nowhere! There are some nice players in Knoxville, TN, Raliegh, NC, Columbia, SC and scattered in between. But they're aren't that many. So, it's nice to go to Charlottesville, VA or even up to New York, Boston or Chicago just to hear people playing different tunes and to hear some better players. That helps. You gotta get away from home every once in a while.
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by jerball
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Ballarat, Victoria,Australia
rather quiet around here but a strong scene in Melbourne (about an hour away) Sessions tend to be on Sunday nights. There are some particularly fine box players in Melbourne and around the state and some beautiful fiddle playing. some great players from Ireland and the US have become involved in the scene as they have toured through Australia
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by geoffmc
Santa Barbara Scene
Santa Barbara, CA
The scene here used to be hopping good, with Richard and Aimee anchoring it for years -- now there is nothing interesting going on. There is a beginner session every Thursday, where they read sheet music and play the same tunes each week (and have played the SAME tunes for about 3 years now -- not a new one to be had). I don't know why they haven't gone crazy yet, but there are about 20 of them that show up each week. Once in a while I go.
There used to be a top notch session (Richard and Aimee: you could always move back, they allow Corgi's in Santa Barbara county now), but slowly the core left town -- we lost two fine flute players and two fine fiddlers -- now there are about 2 of us who want to start a session again, and we keep encouraging the more advanced of the beginners to memorize at least one tune, but so far no luck. We are going to try again to start a session in the fall. There is one local Celtic band that plays all the time, but they do mostly folk songs and polkas -- not really traditional tunes. They have lovely voices, and the instruments are Banjo, Box, and Guitar. Our little band is slowly trying to get a niche performing in the local scene, but it is very slow.
About 90 minutes North or South of here are some fine Sessions, San Luis Obisbo and Santa Monica. One of the top flute players in the state (world?) lives in LA (yes, I'm talking about you, Frank Simpson), and a top class DADGAD player lives in San Luis Obispo (Stuart Mason). I wish they would all move to Santa Barbara. It's much nicer here.
Frustrated in Santa Barbara,
--Eliot
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by Eliot
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
i'm from austin, tx...not too much connection to other fiddler's here..i began playing as a child, quit, took up drums and guitar and then took fiddle up again after my viet nam navy duty..first heard bluegrass..kenny baker..bill monroe's remarkable fiddler..he really has ruled my fiddle soul..so smooth and creative..then stephane grappelli/django reinhardt hit me wonderfully in the gut..i first heard irish, scottish,cape breton fiddlers and was instantly taken with jigs..esp. minor/modal keys...i don't worry too much about authenticity..i have my own style without accents with the bow..and play other styles, too.. live is very short and busy ..our group is at wwwmundiensemble.com...i play for a british chap..very talented at finding timeless, beautiful tunes from early europe..i could always fax anyone tunes we do..i am allowed to add fiddle tunes more and more as i learn them...our wedding gigs always have them by request, it seems...best regards, david..p.s. the 'hugedave' is just an inside joke..i have put on some weight the last few yrs..used to be pretty lean..
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by hugedave
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Eliot, I use to lived all over San Diego County and I don't think there was ever a real strong Irish trad music scene out there, but I wasn't playing the music or going to sessions back then....if indeed there is a good scene, someone please correct me...I would love an excuse to go back for a visit....especially in the winter : )
Joyce
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by JMH
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I sometimes go to San Antonio - session on Thursday
eve 8 at the Brewmoon - its on the session list.
Huston Galveston and Austin but you need to know
where to go!
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by sorefingers
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Good call Joyce. The session scene in Sydney has suddenly blossomed. When I first got here 3 years ago there had been a shake-up and a couple of the weekly sessions were no longer running. Sessions would start and then end a few weeks later due to lack of support. Then some people arrived from the already thriving scene in Melbourne and things began to improve. Now there are between 4 and 5 sessions a week, and some *really* good musicians around who I'm extremely happy to have the opportunity to play with. Some of the older members of the community are saying that the scene here is better now than it's ever been in living memory. I don't know about that because I've only been here a short while, but anyway for me it's just one massive ongoing piss-up. It's become the norm (for me and Beebs anyay) to drown oneself in Guinness at a session, and then when the session ends a few hours later, that's when the drinking starts and we go on a pub crawl. I'm consistently getting home at 4 or 5 in the morning on too many nights having been drinking for 12 or 13 hours. I always feel as though I have to begin the next session by apologising for my behaviour at the last one
:-| 
Because I'm playing with the same people at each session (we're a really small community), there's a rapport between the musicians, and I'm starting to be able to mind-read people and understand their body language and eye contact and stuff. Often tunes don't get played 3 times thru here, and sometimes if people are enjoying messing around with a tune then they'll play it more times (especially if you're Bridie playing The Eel In The Sink and that other tune that goes after it). I've also started to be able to guess what key or tune someone's going to go into just from having played with them lots, and that's really satisfying. For me it's sort of like being in a band, but there are no stressful rehearsals and no underpaid gigs, just free beers and a lot of laughs. So I hope it stays that way in future, Sydney crowd keep it up lads!
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by Dr. Dow
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
OH MY GOD!! I'm moving to Sydney! Dow, our once a week session is like your session...We are also a real close-knit group who love excessive drinking and whatever else comes our way ; )
But we need more sessions!!!!!!!! If I move to Sydney, I'll have to take my guys with me...they are good musicians, totally cool, and know how to party......ok back to some tunes I need to learn for this thing I'm doing in a month (I wish I was at a session right now! boo hoo)
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by JMH
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm from Kansas City, Missouri, USA. I've just really entered the world of local sessions. We have a bi-weekly beginners slow session, but unlike Eliot's beginner's session, music is not encouraged, and I know 22 tunes (only about 18 of them up to session tempo yet!) by heart. There is a monthly session at a pub with several good players (a couple of professionals sit in sometimes - but I can't recall their names). Also, if I'm willing to drive 45 minutes there is a monthly session in Atchison, Kansas and a weekly (I believe) session in Lawrence, Kansas --- where I hope to be moving in the next year or two funds permitting.
Right now, our music scene is hoping. We're having a 3 day Irish Fest next weekend with tons of groups (Cherish The Ladies and others - here's the link http://www.kcirishfest.com/entertainment.htm ) which I'm looking forward to!
Oh, we also have several pubs that feature Irish ballad/bar singers that are fun, too.
Eric
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by Jayhawk
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I am so sorry to have been short changed by the
umph fact that a wedding reception interfered with
my posting and waffling.
As I was about to say, there are lots of places
in the Huston and Galveston etc where there WOULD
be Irish music if you knew but like SA you have to
poke around, I mean the expeople are somewhat
elusive and some I know do not perform at all.
In the back of the kitchen when the kids/grandkids
are away off - another story in fact you would hardly
recognize some people with a drop o the craytur
and maybe a bottle or two.
But that is another day's work.
I seen in a photo recently - last year I think -
a picture of Peter Horan and that stuck me to the
wall for a momnet seeing how old he looks these
days. Who could be so wrong that passed Sligo
only to end up in Doolin and miss the craic.
Oh well.
More later gotta feed the dinosaurs
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by sorefingers
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
(just back from the session)
Lubbock, Texas/USA. Moved here Aug 2000 after time spent developing chops and standards in Boston, NY, Chicago, and Bloomington, Indiana (where latter there is a very strong scene). Not much of a true Irtrad scene here when I moved--decided we'd have to grow one, via teaching session, pub session, bringing in guest lecturers and master classes, etc.
Now entering our 4th year of above, we've got a local Celtic dance, music, arts, language association (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/caprockcelts); liaison with good local stepdance teacher and school, starting set-dance classes in the Fall; "Celtic Christmas" and St Patrick's concerts in the School of Music. Weekly teaching session and pub session; now taking players to area workshops and overseas (Zoukfest/Taos at http://zoukfest.com; Willie Week); continuing with visiting artists; working on overseas semester option for Texas Tech music students at UC Cork.
We're a friendly bunch always avid for visitors bearing new tunes--we can usually manage a music party, some lessons, and crash space for those passing through. Y'all come!
cjs
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by coyotebanjo
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm from Israel ,i live near Tel-Aviv. I'm a beginner (mandolin,guitar) and play once a week in a house "slow players" session . In Tel-Aviv there is an irish pub called Molly Bloom's in which sessiones are taking place 3 times a week but i never join in cause i am a complete beginner...
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by azo
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Considering Edinburgh is the Scottish capital, a University town, home base for many of the top bands and musicians(Boys of the Lough, Dick Gaughan, Shooglenifty, Deaf Shepherd + members of the Tannahill Weavers, Battlefield Band to name but a few not to mention all the visiting musicians), the session scene should be better than it is. There is a lot going on but it is of varying quality and seems to come in phases. Many of the fine young musicians move on and have less time for sessions due to busy touring schedules etc. Also, some of the venues are a bit erratic.
Michael Gill may correct me here but the best place to visit is probably Sandy Bell's (long established session venus). Other places worth visiting are The Shore Bar(Weds), Harbour(Weds and Sun), Central Bar (Diff nights), White Hart(Monday), Gravediggers(Tues), Tass(Wednesday). As I say, the standard varies and some sessions are easier to join in than others. There are several other possibilities including The Royal Oak (If you're desparate. At least , it's open late) and there are often good concerts by visiting musicians. See these links for the complete hotchpotch of pub events
http://www.gigguide.co.uk/edinfolk.htm
http://www.albafolk.co.uk/sessions/index.html
Perhaps our Glasgow members might enlighten us as to the scene through there. The Victoria Bar and Babbity Bowsters used to be good for Irish music.
John
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by Johnny Jay
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Chicago, USA reporting a mighty scene here. Except for those defunct, one can attend a session almost every night of the week (if your liver can hang in there!).
# Posted on August 16th 2003 by Robby B.
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Toronto Ont Canada
Toronto has a great music scene, from slow sessions to really great stuff, several nights of the week. I feel really lucky to be here. Some very talented musicians are willing to share their skills with beginners like myself, too.
Heather
# Posted on August 16th 2003 by boxielady
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Here in Philadelphia the scene is very healthy. There is something going on just about every night of the week. I just do not participate as much as I could right now. The reasons (excuses) are varied. The biggest one is that I rely on public trans, which is pretty good here, but it's difficult when you are schlepping a harp. Even a small one. And I am not quite up to snuff on the fiddle yet. The musicians here are so good that it is a little intimidating, especially when I have a little bit of a shyness problem as it is. So lately I stay home and practice. Soon (I hope!) I will feel confident enough to bring the fiddle to a session. Actually, there is one session I do feel confident enough to bring the fiddle to since it is ultra laid back.
# Posted on August 16th 2003 by Andee
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Dallas, Texas
I moved here from Austin which has a large advanced core of great musicians - to Dallas, which has a very small group of good musicians and a huge number of enthusiastic beginners. There was a beginner's session here at a coffee shop when I got here 2 years ago. I started an advanced session which struggled along for two years until the Tipp closed (our local). It has sorta moved to Trinity Hall and they play on stage there - there's not as much interaction between the pubgoers and the players... but it's a session.
The North Texas Irish Festival is here annually and that is an excellent festival bringing in awesome bands every time. Plus, the Austin folks come up and the reunion keeps us up all weekend!
# Posted on August 16th 2003 by glenn
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Hey Eric,
I'm in KC too. I play the UP,but I'm not really up to speed yet for a session. What do you play?
Jeff
# Posted on August 16th 2003 by anima
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Hi Jeff,
I play flute. If you're interested, the slow session is at All Souls Unitarian Church, in the basement (room G I think) the first and third Thursday each month. It starts 7:15ish and ends at 9 when the church kicks us out. There is a $1 room fee. They pass out tapes of all of the tunes on our beginner list (about 65 - 75 tunes) which is great (the tunes on tape are played through slowly twice and then played twice up to speed). We play through tunes really slowly until we all get it, then we pick up the tempo. As long as you can play, even if it's not up to session speed, you're welcome to come on in. You could always just drop by even if your not comfortable with playing at first just to check it out. Things are slower in the summer (a couple of regulars are working evenings out at starlight), and I'm not 100% sure it's actually going to happen this Thursday since the Irish Fest is this weekend, but I'm going to show up anyway. We're a pretty small bunch, Jim the leader also plays flute, there is an accordion player, fiddler, and sometimes a bodhran player. There may be more, but I've only been going 3-4 months now.
Oh, I was very nervous the first time I went, but the folks were great and I settled in real quickly.
Eric
# Posted on August 16th 2003 by Jayhawk
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Hi Eric, thanks for the info. I'll try to make it this thursday, but I probably won't bring my pipes yet.
Jeff
# Posted on August 16th 2003 by anima
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Jeff - Cool. See you this Thursday!
Eric
# Posted on August 16th 2003 by Jayhawk
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm in Philadelphia as well...
Andee, you are always most welcome to come to the session on Saturday afternoons (see the Sessions section), with fiddle in tow. We'd love to see you more often! Brendan usually has a student or two sitting down with us.
To echo Andee's setiments, Philly is an underrated scene. Some great players here, and great craic always.
Darin
# Posted on August 17th 2003 by darinkelly
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Grand Rapids Michigan
There's a pretty good session at Fenians in Conklin, a bit northwest of Grand Rapids. You can also get Irish music occasionally at Pete Brown's Office although their idea of a sesson is open mike late on Friday. There's a better one up in Traverse City in the northern part of Michigan. That one features people willing to clog (and pretty good at that), and willing to bring a Herdy-Gurdy along for some real fun.
# Posted on August 17th 2003 by jrathbun
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Just to re-enforce Dows lovely description of the Sydney scene. We went through such a dry patch for a couple of years - after our longest running session folded (it had been going for 12 years!) Now however its getting really good. We have 4 sessions a week - I usually attend three, there arent really any beginer sessions here, but thats okay cause we are a pretty laid back bunch. The standard is just getting better and better and Ive two friends coming out from clare next month for a year so I'm sure its just going to sky rocket. PS - Dow is a big liar Joyce - we are all pioneers and beer is banned from our sessions
Actually that is a great idea about you moving here - its been really fun....wooohhoooo crank it up. Its also like - even thought there are only 4 sessions a week me and Dow get together and just play tunes sometimes too (when we arent busy drinking beer;) oh and by the way - if a tune rocks then I def play them more than three times. It irritates me so much when I start a cranking tune and somebody tries to end it after three - I could play it 5,6,7 times through!
# Posted on August 17th 2003 by bb
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Eliot, thanks for the kind remarks -- it's nice to know we're missed! Of course, you could always move to Cody (we think it's much nicer than Santa Barbara and the winters aren't THAT bad). As a matter of fact, there are sessions here every night. Of course, they are all in our living room, and so far there's just the two of us! However, we are considering trying to start a session at a local coffee house (the excellent acoustics of the place make up for the lack of alcoholic beverages). When we get desperate for a real session, we go up to Bozeman or Helena, Montana.
Aimee
# Posted on August 17th 2003 by print o' the wave
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Oslo, Norway
We have some great sessions in Oslo, depending what foreign bands are gigging her, and what local musicians are in town. Judging from reports from other places in Norway, Oslo is the only place in Norway with two weekly sessions, and regular set dancing. If any musicians are headed here, and want more info, please let me know.
Snorre
# Posted on August 17th 2003 by snorre
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Central Pennsylvania, USA
There are several sessions (at least one a week) though I only attend one of them in New Cumberland. The atmosphere is very friendly and the quality of music is quite good. It's a good session for beginners, too, because we play a lot of "standards" (Boys of Bluehill, Kesh Jig, O'Carolan tunes, etc....) that everyone knows.
We also have several nice festivals, in the summer months, in the Gettysburg and Carlisle areas; and we also have the PA renaissance faire which usually features local musicians.
Len
# Posted on August 18th 2003 by KeepFiddlin'
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Hey Len, I gotta make it out to your sesion sometime. And I love the PA Renfaire musicians--Arcona Reel Band and Fire in the Glen are loads of fun...
# Posted on August 18th 2003 by Andee
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Based in Riyadh. What's going on here? Please fill in the missing word: "______ all".
Luke
# Posted on August 18th 2003 by lukegarry
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Click on my name to take you through to a link to our session at the Woodman on Sunday nights. That's in Lee Green, Lewisham, SE London.
Cath on this site also organises one on Wed. night at the Duke of Edinburgh, which is along the road from the Woodman. But the best I heard was last night, where this woman, who is NOT a musician, is going to organise a Friday night session at the Duke! Good luck to her, I say. Maybe by not playing, she'll have more time to keep an eye on the session.....
There are other ones in south London, eg Tir na nOg, in Wandsworth, and the Kilkenny in South Wimbledon. These are listed in the sessions section here.
# Posted on August 18th 2003 by Rudall the time
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Santa Monica, California
The session scene here used to be pretty dim, although it has come to life on Tuesdays and Sundays. As Eliot said, Frank Simpson is an excellent flute and whistle player who will be found at both sessions (yes, they're posted) at Finn McCool's. Usually good fiddlers as well. I'd say its pretty fulfilling now, although it is good to get up to San Francisco for some tunes now and again...
# Posted on August 18th 2003 by kenbridge
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Beautiful Loghinisland, County Down in the Emerald Isle.
Great tunes, great sessions, great musicians, great craic.
At least one session locally every week in Mullan's Downpatrick, Monthly sessions in Maghera and Castlewellan, new one starting up weekly in Newcastle, regular impromptu sessions in Jim English's pub at Clanvaraghan near Sliabh Croob, and regular 'ring yer mates when you need a few tunes to cheer you up' sessions in various kitchens and John McGreevy's shebeen.
If anyone is ever in the vicinity drop me an e-mail and we'll arrange a session for you at the drop of a hat!
# Posted on August 18th 2003 by breandan
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Breandan - I might just take you up on that. I'm arriving in Ireland in late September. (*Madly hunts for her map of Ireland*
Cheers
Morgana
# Posted on August 18th 2003 by Ptollemy
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I live in the Boston area, and yes, it's all it's cracked up to be, session-wise. I haven't even been to all of the regularly occuring ones, and I am quite amazed at the variety. Conceivably, you could find a session within a 30 to 45-minute drive almost every day or night of the week.
To be sure, some of 'em don't really do it for me: The ones that are extremely crowded, for example, or the sessions which are really somebody's performance and your presence is tolerated but not particularly welcomed or encouraged. But then again, the beauty is there are enough of 'em around that you can find one (or two or three...) that you like enough to attend regularly.
I still haven't gone to any of the _all-singing_ sessions in the area, either, so that's on my list of things to do.
Of course, I have these _other_ things on my list, like raising my family and keeping my job...
# Posted on August 19th 2003 by sts
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Aieeeeeee! There are about as many sessions within an hour's drive from my house as there are Irish immigrants here in Southern California! Very, very few! You could find some nice mariachi bands to play with, though...
Can anybody help me? I must admit, I'm not exactly old enough to go to a session that's in a pub. And won't be here in America for another....oh, 4+ years. I could go to Europe...then it would be 1+ years...
# Posted on August 19th 2003 by Emmaline
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
The Celtic Arts center in North Hollywood has a session on Sundays, check there web site for times. I believe its open to all ages.
# Posted on August 19th 2003 by zipper
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Franticfiddler - I'm originally from SoCal and don't remember a lot of sessions. But I've heard there's a sunday session at Tom Giblins Irish Pub in Carlsbad (right in town off of the coast highway). I think there might also be a session in Balboa Park, San Diego. But as far as open sessions, that's all I've heard about.
Joyce
# Posted on August 19th 2003 by JMH
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm Fiona from Glasgow. There is a great music scene up here with sessions on somewhere most nights apart from Monday. And lots of different types too - Irish, Scottish, young genius breakneck speed sessions, older more chilled out sessions, slow sessions etc. All I wish is that I would have more time to go to them or a friend to go with who plays at similar standard and is as into the music as I am... It can be a bit intimidating walking into a session full of strangers you know are great players by yourself. But have made a resolution to get round them all by the end of the year and then try and get a regular one.
# Posted on August 20th 2003 by Fionafiddler
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I live near Philadelphia in Kennett Square PA. Here in Kennett, we have nothing but Mushrooms. Well, and one Irish pub in town that is actually run as a sports bar.
Within about an hour, 1 1/2 hour drive, I have lots of session choices. Sundays at the Plough and Stars are nice although sometimes I find the room layout makes it hard to hear where I live on the I-play-badly fringes. I've also been to Fridays at the Irish center (which varies widely week to week), and one Monday a month at Paddy Rooney's in Havertown (?) which I find very friendly and encouraging. I've heard positive things about Fergie's on Saturday nights and the Mermaid on Wednesdays, but my schedule doesn't permit. I just wish there was something a little closer to home. And I still pine for Nanny O'Brien's every Monday night in DC where I could sit in the alcove with my quiet beginner flute and play badly with no danger of anyone ever hearing me.
# Posted on August 21st 2003 by Fsnockhart
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
Amirez, get thee to those sessions right quick
All trad musicians start off as non-playing listeners, and eventually things start to happen in the brain and fingers.
Trevor
# Posted on August 25th 2003 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I'm in Epsom, England, currently trying to find work in Scotland or Ireland. Only I can't make up my mind on which place to go to. Any suggestions??
I left Australia about 3 months ago and with it a great session and dance atmosphere in Lismore NSW, I am craving this very same environment over here.
# Posted on August 30th 2003 by Fingal
Re: Where are you from and how is your music scene ???
I have started an Irish session in the Penrith Gaels Club, every 1st Thursday of the Month. Started, February 2006. This session is mostly jigs, reels and a few slow airs with a song or two. This one may not be suitable for the singers or general folkie. Its Irish, acoustic and may only suit the "hard core"
Christy
# Posted on February 26th 2006 by ckeogh