Dempsey's session Tuesday night. Starts about 8 P.M., usually runs until about 11-11:30.
This is an open session and usually gets around 15-20 people, sometimes more. It's usually conducted round-robin style, with each person in turn getting a chance to start a set of tunes. Playing levels vary quite a bit. The speed of the tune (in theory) is set by the person who starts the tune. (sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.)
Content is Irish trad, with some Scottish tunes here and there and very occasionally something else. The usual mix of tradtiional Irish instruments. Like every session, it varies quite a bit from week to week in terms of quality/ambiance.
The "round robin" format gives way to the more common free style format one usually sees in large pub sessions at 10:00 PM. The level tends to elevate a little then, sometimes, a lot.
The session emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere, living up to a big part of what the tradition is supposed to be about. Singers are also welcome.
Hello - the session is the longest running open session in NYC. As of JUNE 2007, it has been going on now for 8 1/2 years. Unlike what most sessions end up being, we respect the tradition in that we welcome ALL people at ALL times. That includes but is certainly not limited to beginners. People with big egos and are legends in their own minds probably would feel terribly comfortable at DEMSPEYS, but everyone else will have a good time. So, drop in.
I was at this session two weeks ago and will be going again tonight.--alas, I have to leave New York on Thursday. I knew I would like it when the first few sets of tunes were all tunes I knew, although that did not last. It was a friendly group in a great pub. Beginners should not expect that they can play on all tunes, but it is a good place to learn about what a friendly session is like, and everyone will have a chance to particpate. Level of ability was mixed. Tony DeMarco and John Nevin led the session. For me, this is what Irish music is all about.
I was at this session the night of June 9th and had a GREAT time! Ended up staying and playing until about 1am. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming! I will certainly go there again if even in Manhattan.
Thanks again John, Brian, Joe and Steve (and anyone else I might have forgotten)!
For the most part, anyone who comes to this session leaves satisfied and generally does come back at some point, if not regularly. There is a newsgroup on yahoo which you can get to via the URL above. All are encouraged, none are turned away.
Dempsey's session Tuesday night. Starts about 8 P.M., usually runs until about 11-11:30.
This is an open session and usually gets around 15-20 people, sometimes more. It's usually conducted round-robin style, with each person in turn getting a chance to start a set of tunes. Playing levels vary quite a bit. The speed of the tune (in theory) is set by the person who starts the tune. (sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.)
Content is Irish trad, with some Scottish tunes here and there and very occasionally something else. The usual mix of tradtiional Irish instruments. Like every session, it varies quite a bit from week to week in terms of quality/ambiance.
# Posted on August 14th 2002 by Zhenya
Dempsey Pub not Jack Dempsey's
In NYC there is both Pubs The address above is correct.
# Posted on April 15th 2003 by dbarr15@aol.com
Format Note
The "round robin" format gives way to the more common free style format one usually sees in large pub sessions at 10:00 PM. The level tends to elevate a little then, sometimes, a lot.
The session emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere, living up to a big part of what the tradition is supposed to be about. Singers are also welcome.
# Posted on November 28th 2005 by johnnevin
Players in NYC
Out of curiosity, does anyone on these boards go to any of the weekly sessions around manhattan, particularly the dempsey's session on tuesdays?
# Posted on October 21st 2006 by Tottol
North Country Brewing, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania; 1st & 3rd Tuesdays; 8pm to 10pm
Small group of regulars. Very friendly; lots of fun. All trad instruments welcome. Suitable for beginners too.
# Posted on October 24th 2006 by justwhistle
DEMSPEYS SESSION is for all PEOPLE
Hello - the session is the longest running open session in NYC. As of JUNE 2007, it has been going on now for 8 1/2 years. Unlike what most sessions end up being, we respect the tradition in that we welcome ALL people at ALL times. That includes but is certainly not limited to beginners. People with big egos and are legends in their own minds probably would feel terribly comfortable at DEMSPEYS, but everyone else will have a good time. So, drop in.
Slan,
JOHN NEVIN
# Posted on June 2nd 2007 by johnnevin
Dempsey's sessuib
I was at this session two weeks ago and will be going again tonight.--alas, I have to leave New York on Thursday. I knew I would like it when the first few sets of tunes were all tunes I knew, although that did not last. It was a friendly group in a great pub. Beginners should not expect that they can play on all tunes, but it is a good place to learn about what a friendly session is like, and everyone will have a chance to particpate. Level of ability was mixed. Tony DeMarco and John Nevin led the session. For me, this is what Irish music is all about.
John
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by John Conoboy
Update - DEMPSEYS Web Site Now Includes page for TUES session
HELLO ALL
Please refer to the following link for the DEMPSEYS SESSION, now almost 10 years running, for special events, etc.
http://dempseyspub.com/music/music.html
I will keep this up to date so you will know what guest artist are coming up.
Session has been great in recent times, very strong. A favorite spot for people visiting NYC who want to play or just listen.
Hope to see you soon at DEMPSEYS!
JOHN
# Posted on June 2nd 2008 by johnnevin
Dempsey's Session
I was at this session the night of June 9th and had a GREAT time! Ended up staying and playing until about 1am. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming! I will certainly go there again if even in Manhattan.
Thanks again John, Brian, Joe and Steve (and anyone else I might have forgotten)!
Chuck (the fluter visiting from Tokyo)
# Posted on June 17th 2009 by cfmgeek
DEMPSEYS UPDATE
GREETINGS,
It's been a while so I thought I would update the info on the DEMPSEYS session.
It takes place EVERY TUESDAY at 8PM. The location is 61 Second Ave in Manhattan, NYC. See the following URL for the latest info:
http://www.dempseysnyc.com/music/
For the most part, anyone who comes to this session leaves satisfied and generally does come back at some point, if not regularly. There is a newsgroup on yahoo which you can get to via the URL above. All are encouraged, none are turned away.
Best,
John Nevin
# Posted on August 5th 2009 by johnnevin