Your opinions are sought: I may be able to spend a week in June or July at an intensive ITM school (but not as far away as Ireland this time -- I'm in the U.S.). I play concertina, but this year would rather do an ITM event than a concertina-only event (I've done Noel Hill school a couple of times). I am intermediate level -- can play tunes at tempo, though certainly not lead them, and few ornaments yet. I'm not looking for an overly effusive welcome, just some place that will have chances/tolerance for me to play along and learn. Neither Augusta nor Swannanoa has concertina this year.
What is your impression of IAW (July 13-19, East Durham, Catskills, NY) and GR (June 15-21, Boston)? Thanks.
Ken, I've not attended either one, but I will pass on advice given to me by several players who have attended both. Actually I will quote the statement made by certainly the best piper in the Windy City just last nite at the Chief O'Niell's Pub session. "The East Durham Irish Art's Week is the best Irish music week in the States. Hand's down!!"
I've been told this on many occasions by the best players in Chicago, including some that have taught at both (and Swannanoa). I'm going to try to attend this year, so hopefully I'll see you there.
Nice to hear from another C.net member over here. (I did Bob Tedrow's Chicago workshop with you a few years back.)
I went to Gaelic Roots last summer and had a really, really great time. I don't know whose teaching concertina this year, but there'd be no doubt that if you went to Gaelic Roots, you'd learn a ton and have piles of fun. I have a bunch of session recordings and lessons that i regularly go back to for inspiration and tunes. Gaelic Roots is a good bet if you can spare the time (a week) and the $$.
Now, that is not to say that I haven't heard great things about the East Durham Irish Arts Week in the Catskills. I have, and i'm thinking about going to the Catskills myself this year to see what it's all about.
The Catskill Mts are lovely. E. Durham is a sleepy little town until the ITM folks arrive. They jam the many pubs in the evenings looking for a nice session. Often you can't find a seat up by the action. The beginner sessions are really slow, the intermediate ones-fast. The teacher that I had for bodrhan was good, well worth the bucks. The Blackthorn resort has a campground that saved me $. My daughter took the childrens' activities in the morning and afternoon. She had a Ball! She even sang solo at one of the song sessions. So, yes it is like being in a pub in Ireland.
Your comments are very helpful. Interestingly, Jackie McCarthy is listed as the concertina teacher for _both_ weeks, and Father Charlie Coen will be also be there at IAW as he often is. Irish Arts Week actually fits my summer plans better, but I couldn't tell if there was any place there for less accomplished players. It sounds like there is. I hope to get to all these events one day.
Gaelic Roots or Irish Arts Week?
Gaelic Roots or Irish Arts Week?
Your opinions are sought: I may be able to spend a week in June or July at an intensive ITM school (but not as far away as Ireland this time -- I'm in the U.S.). I play concertina, but this year would rather do an ITM event than a concertina-only event (I've done Noel Hill school a couple of times). I am intermediate level -- can play tunes at tempo, though certainly not lead them, and few ornaments yet. I'm not looking for an overly effusive welcome, just some place that will have chances/tolerance for me to play along and learn. Neither Augusta nor Swannanoa has concertina this year.
What is your impression of IAW (July 13-19, East Durham, Catskills, NY) and GR (June 15-21, Boston)? Thanks.
Ken
# Posted on February 4th 2003 by KenC
Re: Gaelic Roots or Irish Arts Week?
Ken, I've not attended either one, but I will pass on advice given to me by several players who have attended both. Actually I will quote the statement made by certainly the best piper in the Windy City just last nite at the Chief O'Niell's Pub session. "The East Durham Irish Art's Week is the best Irish music week in the States. Hand's down!!"
I've been told this on many occasions by the best players in Chicago, including some that have taught at both (and Swannanoa). I'm going to try to attend this year, so hopefully I'll see you there.
Nice to hear from another C.net member over here. (I did Bob Tedrow's Chicago workshop with you a few years back.)
# Posted on February 5th 2003 by Tusong200
Re: Gaelic Roots or Irish Arts Week?
I went to Gaelic Roots last summer and had a really, really great time. I don't know whose teaching concertina this year, but there'd be no doubt that if you went to Gaelic Roots, you'd learn a ton and have piles of fun. I have a bunch of session recordings and lessons that i regularly go back to for inspiration and tunes. Gaelic Roots is a good bet if you can spare the time (a week) and the $$.
# Posted on February 5th 2003 by Brendan
Now, that is not to say that I haven't heard great things about the East Durham Irish Arts Week in the Catskills. I have, and i'm thinking about going to the Catskills myself this year to see what it's all about.
# Posted on February 5th 2003 by Brendan
Re: Gaelic Roots or Irish Arts Week?
I went to the Catskills this past summer for a whole week and had a blast. I'm planning on returning again and again.....
Joyce
# Posted on February 5th 2003 by JMH
Re: Gaelic Roots or Irish Arts Week?
Don't wait too long to make your decision! Gaelic Roots usually closes its registration by Feb or March. Good Luck!
# Posted on February 5th 2003 by ceoltoirbeth
Re: Gaelic Roots or Irish Arts Week?
The Catskill Mts are lovely. E. Durham is a sleepy little town until the ITM folks arrive. They jam the many pubs in the evenings looking for a nice session. Often you can't find a seat up by the action. The beginner sessions are really slow, the intermediate ones-fast. The teacher that I had for bodrhan was good, well worth the bucks. The Blackthorn resort has a campground that saved me $. My daughter took the childrens' activities in the morning and afternoon. She had a Ball! She even sang solo at one of the song sessions. So, yes it is like being in a pub in Ireland.
# Posted on February 7th 2003 by Madharp
Thanks
Your comments are very helpful. Interestingly, Jackie McCarthy is listed as the concertina teacher for _both_ weeks, and Father Charlie Coen will be also be there at IAW as he often is. Irish Arts Week actually fits my summer plans better, but I couldn't tell if there was any place there for less accomplished players. It sounds like there is. I hope to get to all these events one day.
Ken
# Posted on February 9th 2003 by KenC