This Session ONLY on 2nd and 4th Sunday of Each Month
Time: 5pm-8pm, 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month,
starting this Sunday, 9 February 2003.
Location (more detailed):
O'Flaherty's Irish Pub
25 North San Pedro Street
(near Santa Clara Street)
San Jose, CA 95110
Tel: 408.947.8007
There's a parking structure almost directly
across San Pedro Street, which is free of
charge when these sessions take place.
There's also a good possibility of free drinks
for musicians.
O'Flaherty's hosts a session every Sunday AND every Tuesday now as well! Sundays are still from 5:00 until 8:00 and Tuesdays are from 6:30 until 9:30 (or so). Tuesdays are intermediate-friendly, whereas Sundays tend to be a bit faster paced. Both nights are quite enjoyable!
One does not need to be a seasoned professional to participate in sessions, but because this is not a "beginner session" and it takes place in a public venue, it is important for the health of the music to maintain as high a standard of musicianship as possible. The pub owner and staff treat musicians well at O'Flaherty's and are very supportive of the music, and they do us a great service by providing us with a nice place to play and free drink. The musicians should return the favor by taking the time to consider if they are ready to play at a level comparable to the others at the session or not. If not, rest assured that the musicians VERY much appreciate listeners who are genuinely interested in learning the music, as the other patrons are generally much more interested in the hockey game and enjoying their cigars than the diddily-idely in the corner.
Lastly, whether you participate as a player or a listener, be sure to leave a tip for the waitress.
I agree. It is a performance and the players have a "responsibility" to the pub owner to provide a high standard of music for the enjoyment of the patrons. And for each other!
We regulars operate as a team and take our fun seriously! Certainly all of us are here to play as best we can and to strive to improve and there is a huge amount of support for those "iffy" tunes...it takes a village, as they say...but the O'Flaherty's sessions are not a stumbling ground for new players to get up to speed or for "showoffs" to blast through tune sets without regard to agreeable and steady tempos.
I believe the patrons are listening closer to us than we sometimes think and aren't always 'just sports fans' there to watch the toob...sometimes the patrons are actually FROM Ireland or otherwise know what a real Irish session (or simply good folk music) is supposed to sound like! Hate to get caught with egg on our faces!
But whether anyone outside of the immediate table is listening or not, we the players want to have a satisfying night of music making...it's no fun having to "deal" with players who don't understand the *rhythm* of a good session!
And as awkward as it is to say something to someone who doesn't immediately get it, it is paramount that the session players "communicate the code" as kindly and as clearly as possible with each other and with newcomers.
One person's ignorance, ego, or lack of ability can quickly ruin a good session. The players owe it to each other and to the pub owner to "keep the session clean" and running smoothly by being open and honest about the accepted and agreed-upon "feel" of the evening.
And by all means, one must tip the wait staff and answer patron questions with good natured replies! It's not just the music that brings folks back to a pub...it's the overall spirit of the night!
It's nice to know that folks are using the session to find traditional music in the area and we regulars are always delighted to have good players find us and join in the fun, whether they're new to the area or just passing through!
However, for those who are new to the genre or to their instruments, they should consider first whether they are *ready* to play in a session! Most of us who have been playing for awhile already know this, but some folks are really new and need to be aware of a few things before they sit on down at the table.
*If a budding player is still reading sheet music, that person is not ready to play in a session! * At least not at O'Flaherty's under any circumstances! That's what slow plays are for and most of us started in a slow play somewhere until we were ready to play at a reasonable speed and without sheet music.
Also, just "tooting along," fumbling around for notes, playing odd "harmonies," or pretending that one knows a tune is really impolite and disruptive. We can hear you...and so can the people who are there in the pub to enjoy the music.
It's really quite OK to sit out a tune if you're not ready to play it or to sit off to the side of the playing table to listen and learn. The beginning player should not seat himself next to the lead player or among the other experienced players .
I consider the playing table to be a stage, and until a person is ready to perform with the other players, it is agreeable to all of us for that person to enjoy the music from a safe distance. And by all means, that person should go home, practice, and join in the fun when they're truly ready!
They should listen to their trad Irish CDs....if they can play along with those tracks and up to speed by and large, then they're ready to join the session at O'Flaherty's!
There ARE no free drinks at O'Flaherty's! Each of us *earns* our meals fairly and squarely! And we tip the staff!
An Irish "session" is a gathering of musicians (often taking place in a public venue) for the purpose of playing music together. Playing in a good session can be a fun playing experience, and a great chance to improve your music--all at the same time. Good sessions can produce some of the best Irish music in the world, and they can do so for hours on end--under the right circumstances.
There is a popular misconception that "The Irish session" is meant to be an open forum, where anybody who can come in off the street is welcome to participate and learn to make music at the same time. In reality this characteristic is not intrinsic to "the session" itself, and it can be a big mistake to incorrectly assume that it is.
In reality, Irish sessions are much more like other casual social gatherings than they are like open forums. Often, sessions are groups of friends getting together for a few tunes, and not as an open invitation to everyone to come and play. People who come in off the street will usually be welcomed, but they may be met with a certain amount of circumspection until they demonstrate their ability to "play well with others".
Here are some of the bigger mistakes that will alienate your fellow musicians at a typical session:
*Playing a percussive instrument poorly, out of turn, too loudly, or generally outside the taste of the other musicians. A good rule of thumb here is: "one bodhrán and/or guitar/bouzouki at a time". More than one will often clash, irritating the melody players. In Irish music, the melody is FAR more important than the backing, and backers who assume otherwise can quickly become session-pariahs. Bones and spoons should be used sparingly if at all and only after asking to use them.
* Joining a group of unfamiliar musicians without asking, or without being invited. This is especially important if you think your presence might change the existing dynamic in a way that the musicians don't want it changed. The quality of the music is often what determines how much fun people have. If you ruin their music, you are probably ruining their fun too.
*Playing when you don't really know the tune. It's usually ok to do so very quietly, but... be careful! Your wrong notes may distract and irritate the person sitting next to you.
*Starting too many tunes without consulting the other musicians. It's generally a good idea (especially at an unfamiliar session) to ask the other musicians if they'd like to play a tune before you launch into it. This helps you make sure that you won't be doing something antisocial by starting a tune that the other musicians don't know or don't want to play.
When someone does one of these things at a session, it makes everybody feel uncomfortable. While it might be nice (especially for beginners) if the other musicians would politely inform you, this is difficult to do tactfully, so this isn't usually what happens. Instead, the other musicians are more likely to simply feel irritated and leave it at that.
In general, remember this: If you're not organizing the session, you are a GUEST, and all the same social guidelines apply to your "visit" that would if you walked into someone else's party. Just as you can alienate people by crashing a party and being rude, so too can you alienate them by crashing their session and being rude.
And thanks to Jack Gilder for these eternal 'rules to live by'!
Seisiún Etiquette
(For players)
Seisiúns vary from place to place and have different unwritten guidelines and styles. If you find a seisiún that you would like to participate in you might want to observe it first to try to understand how it operates. It might have hosts who are for the most part leading the tunes and calling for songs and such. If this is the case you might want to ask this person or persons that are the hosts about the possibility of joining in with them. If they seem to be playing tunes you don't know, you might want to just listen and enjoy the music -- there's certainly nothing wrong with that. And if you don't know the tunes that are being played you wouldn't want to try to play them anyway as this would not win you many friends among the musicians. If you want to learn the tunes that are played at a particular session you can ask the musicians if it's ok to tape the music for learning purposes. Trying to learn the tunes at the same time others are trying to play them can be very annoying to musicians and listeners alike.
You would also want to be careful when joining a session not to start tunes without being asked unless it's clear that everyone else is and the hosts don't seem to mind. The most important thing to remember is not disturb the way that the music flows. Common sense and good manners will get you as far as you need to go in most seisiúns.
Bodhrán, guitar, bouzouki and piano players would benefit greatly by approaching seisiúns very cautiously. These instruments have been given a bad name by insensitive hackers. Many people have the misconception that these instruments are the easiest to play. What they fail to realize is that the affect of these instruments on a seisiún is profound. The rhythm and tonal landscape of the music is what everyone is riding on, and if you're playing an instrument that is the essence of this then you need to be spot on or you'll throw everyone off. You might think you sound great when you're at home playing with your CDs, but keep in mind that the CDs can't hear you.
The understanding of how to "back up" Irish traditional music
isn't anything that comes overnight. If you're interested in these instruments the best thing to do is find folks that do know how to play them well -- then listen and watch. Also, two guitars or bodhráns in a seisiún are too many. If you are an experienced player on these instruments, try taking turns rather than playing over each other. Do your part to protect the integrity of instruments that are actually fine contributors to the music.
And of course the most important part of joining in with a seisiún is to have fun. If everyone there isn't having fun, what's the point? Treat the seisiún the same way you would if you were a guest at a dinner party, or joining a conversation, and you can't go wrong.
Seisiún Etiquette
(For listeners)
Punters (listeners) are almost as important to the success of a seisiún as the musicians themselves. If you talk quietly and try not to howl when you laugh, the music will be heard and better played by the musicians. You wouldn't want to crowd out the musicians either, give them ample room to play and leave openings enough for the music to carry well through the room so everyone can hear and enjoy the music. If you want to be close to the musicians, be certain that you aren't taking up space that a musician might want to play in. You can usually determine this by asking the musicians if it's ok before you sit down or stand nearby. And if you are sitting close -- please, please keep your conversation as quiet as possible. Non musicians have a hard time understanding how difficult it is to play in a noisy environment.
If a song is called for it is essential to be absolutely silent. This is very difficult for people unfamiliar with Irish traditional music to understand and comply with. But when the room is silent everyone, (including the pool players who also should stop for the song,) will be delighted with the beautiful melodies and stories that makes Irish singing so great. Then, after the song finishes, they can get back to whatever it was they were doing... hopefully not too loudly though.
If you want to film, record or take snap shots of a seisiún the proper thing would be to ask first. And of course you can arrange to buy a round of drinks for the musicians with the bartender and it will be very much appreciated. If you do this though don't make the mistake of thinking that it means the musicians have to play what you want. You can suggest favorite tunes you might have to the musicians, but don't expect them to know it.
Clapping and "whooping" are perfectly ok as long as you clap when they're at the end of the set of tunes and don't scare them or throw them off with your "whoops".
Musicians usually appreciate these displays because it means you are listening and enjoying the music.
And if you want to make great friends with the musicians, (and you have extraordinary diplomatic skills,) when you notice someone near you is being loud and obnoxious, very politely ask them if they wouldn't mind talking quietly so that the music can be heard. And don't worry, musicians will understand if you fail in your attempt to quiet the offenders. And be careful not to do anything that will get yourself in trouble. Just enjoy the "craic" and you'll be helping to ensure the success of the seisiún.
O'Flaherty's Pub Tuesday and Sunday Night Sessions!
Still famously warm and welcoming on Tuesday and Sunday nights in downtown San Jose! Art Friedman and I would like to share a few guidelines about how we run the O'Flaherty's sessions:
1) All sessions at O'Flaherty's are managed (or "moderated", if you like) by a designated leader.
2) The leader always has full authority to ask someone not to participate. We may consider skill, musical compatibility, size of the group, size of the customer crowd, overall noise level, and other factors. No disrespect intended toward anyone.
3) It has always been that way -- though people may not have fully understood this in the past, because we try to accommodate interested players as best we can. Please contact the following session leaders for more information about how you may participate, if appropriate:
‘including the pool players who also should stop for the song’
Crikey!
I’d like to see you enforce this part of your extensive etiquette at my local pub (and session)!
Here in Dublin, Ireland these session rules are never written or discussed, it's so funny to see them all written out.
I'll see ye on Tuesday April 13th with my guitar, I know a decent selection of jigs but generally just pump out the chords ;) And I might just know a song or two as well ;)
I'm a Saratoga native who left the Bay area decades ago but was very pleased to have shared some tunes last night (1st Sunday) with the sessioneers at O'Flaherty's during my recent visit to San Jose. Art and Julie were very gracious, informative and open when I emailed them a few weeks ago letting them know I would be in town and asking about their sessions...which is nice since some sessions can be chilly towards out-of-town visitors. It turned out last night was Peter's shift, but we had a wonderful time and I found Peter and Dave and the others to very friendly and welcoming, and it was a real pleasure playing tunes with them. The pub and patrons were also very friendly and appreciative of the music.
I'm hoping to make it on Tuesday night as well and to meet Julie and the tuesday folks as well.
If you are like me, you will rejoice to read this:
This Sunday, October 30, 2011, in San Jose Come play SCARY Irish tunes (or just play Irish tunes SCARILY) with us from 5 PM to 8 PM (approx) at the 5th Sunday pre-Halloween Irish session at O'Flaherty's Irish Pub, 25 San Pedro Square in Downtown San Jose. However, even un-scary Irish tunes and songs are welcome! Don't be bashful about sharing your favorite tunes or songs with us! Or, come to listen, learn, enjoy and try your hand at playing Irish tunes!
To keep it interesting, I'd like to suggest we play several tunes in particular this time around: "Haunted House" (a jig), "Going to the Well for Water" (a slide) and "March of the Kings of Laois" (a march). The version I play of "Haunted House" is available from me. "Going to the Well" can be found in Mike Long's wonderful online book. To learn these, including "March of the Kings" and many more, you can download Mike Long's King Street Sessions Book, which he has kindly placed on line www.m-d-long.com.
O'Flaherty's is the hub of the Irish session scene in San Jose and Silicon Valley. They are a traditional Irish pub and are really supportive of our music making! I'll be leading the session this Sunday, as I typically do on 1st and 3rd Sundays in this time slot at O'Flaherty's. We are all about the joy of playing and sharing Irish tunes in an authentic pub environment! We always have a lot of musical fun, and the pub goers seem appreciative and energized by our playing! Adding to the festive atmosphere, O'Flaherty's has an authentic Irish pub ambiance that helps to enliven the session.
Note: I've prepared a list of some of my favorite Irish tunes which may be played at this session. Direct requests for scores and tunelist, or any questions to me, at: ptommerup@juno.com
21 and over only. Parking is free in the ramp across the street. Hope to see you there!
Paudy writes: 'Here in Dublin, Ireland these session rules are never written or discussed, it's so funny to see them all written out."
Excellent point, in Ireland you have the advantage of learning by example, whereas in the US, sessions, let alone Irish trad, is hardly known about or understood. People often make errant assumptions and will take actions that can have the effect of exploding depth charges.
I asked Charlie Lennon about sessions when he was visiting one night years ago here in SF, and he said that he gets questions about sessions from people outside of Ireland and rarely in Ireland itself. He said at the end of the day it's just a matter of making sure you don't interfere with the flow of the music. I think if you truly stick to that concept you can't go wrong regardless of the differences from one session to the next.
Great post, Jack! Thanks! And thanks for gracing us with your presence on occasion, too!
And for those who study the music and listen carefully to the other players, there is no need to explain anything. Take the seamless beauty of the typical Irish session at the Plough and Stars in San Francisco, for example. Now that’s a session worth emulating (and making the trek from the South Bay to listen, learn, play expertly, and be inspired)!
Unfortunately, there are some who treat Irish sessions as a "Celtic jam:" a self-indulgent chance to bellow out too many songs, play obliviously louder and faster than anyone else in the room, or beat bodhrans, tambourines, or spoons in the mistaken belief that they somehow possess musical talent or some intrinsic “Celtic-ness” just because they have a $300 bodhran!
At O’Flaherty’s we try to avoid subjecting players or patrons to these sorts of depth charges…there’s nothing worse than being held hostage by thick-headed thugs; sours the pint and sends patrons packing. These are the individuals who in "managed sessions" are invited to cease and desist by session leaders. And any such player who bullies his or her way into an earnest Irish session insisting on calling it "fun" is only having fun at the expense of the others present.
Feel free to "Like" us to keep up with the Irish seisiun scene in San Jose and Silicon Valley!
O'Flaherty's is the longest running and only up-tempo seisiun in the San Francisco South Bay Area! Experienced Irish style musicians are welcome to pull up a chair to play trad Irish tunes with Art, Peter, Julie, and David in the spirit and feel of a a true Irish seisiun!
Feel free to email ahead that you're coming so that we know to save a seat for you at the table!
"You're a stranger here but once."
Julia Horner -- leap2three (at) yahoo.com
Art Friedman -- friedman_art (at) yahoo.com
Peter Tommerup -- ptommerup (at) juno.com
This Session ONLY on 2nd and 4th Sunday of Each Month
Time: 5pm-8pm, 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month,
starting this Sunday, 9 February 2003.
Location (more detailed):
O'Flaherty's Irish Pub
25 North San Pedro Street
(near Santa Clara Street)
San Jose, CA 95110
Tel: 408.947.8007
There's a parking structure almost directly
across San Pedro Street, which is free of
charge when these sessions take place.
There's also a good possibility of free drinks
for musicians.
# Posted on February 6th 2003 by Grack
Session Schudule Update
The sessions at O'Flaherty's are now EVERY SUNDAY, still at the same time, 5-8pm.
# Posted on August 5th 2004 by Grack
More info available?
Any more info on this session? Is it still going on?
# Posted on March 18th 2005 by soft black stars
O'Flaherty's adds Tuesday nights!
O'Flaherty's hosts a session every Sunday AND every Tuesday now as well! Sundays are still from 5:00 until 8:00 and Tuesdays are from 6:30 until 9:30 (or so). Tuesdays are intermediate-friendly, whereas Sundays tend to be a bit faster paced. Both nights are quite enjoyable!
# Posted on August 19th 2005 by Leap2Three!
A note to newcomers
One does not need to be a seasoned professional to participate in sessions, but because this is not a "beginner session" and it takes place in a public venue, it is important for the health of the music to maintain as high a standard of musicianship as possible. The pub owner and staff treat musicians well at O'Flaherty's and are very supportive of the music, and they do us a great service by providing us with a nice place to play and free drink. The musicians should return the favor by taking the time to consider if they are ready to play at a level comparable to the others at the session or not. If not, rest assured that the musicians VERY much appreciate listeners who are genuinely interested in learning the music, as the other patrons are generally much more interested in the hockey game and enjoying their cigars than the diddily-idely in the corner.
Lastly, whether you participate as a player or a listener, be sure to leave a tip for the waitress.
# Posted on October 8th 2007 by wbajzek
A Public Performance and Musical Satisfaction
I agree. It is a performance and the players have a "responsibility" to the pub owner to provide a high standard of music for the enjoyment of the patrons. And for each other!
We regulars operate as a team and take our fun seriously! Certainly all of us are here to play as best we can and to strive to improve and there is a huge amount of support for those "iffy" tunes...it takes a village, as they say...but the O'Flaherty's sessions are not a stumbling ground for new players to get up to speed or for "showoffs" to blast through tune sets without regard to agreeable and steady tempos.
I believe the patrons are listening closer to us than we sometimes think and aren't always 'just sports fans' there to watch the toob...sometimes the patrons are actually FROM Ireland or otherwise know what a real Irish session (or simply good folk music) is supposed to sound like! Hate to get caught with egg on our faces!
But whether anyone outside of the immediate table is listening or not, we the players want to have a satisfying night of music making...it's no fun having to "deal" with players who don't understand the *rhythm* of a good session!
And as awkward as it is to say something to someone who doesn't immediately get it, it is paramount that the session players "communicate the code" as kindly and as clearly as possible with each other and with newcomers.
One person's ignorance, ego, or lack of ability can quickly ruin a good session. The players owe it to each other and to the pub owner to "keep the session clean" and running smoothly by being open and honest about the accepted and agreed-upon "feel" of the evening.
And by all means, one must tip the wait staff and answer patron questions with good natured replies! It's not just the music that brings folks back to a pub...it's the overall spirit of the night!
# Posted on October 16th 2007 by Leap2Three!
No sheet music at O'Flaherty's!
It's nice to know that folks are using the session to find traditional music in the area and we regulars are always delighted to have good players find us and join in the fun, whether they're new to the area or just passing through!
However, for those who are new to the genre or to their instruments, they should consider first whether they are *ready* to play in a session! Most of us who have been playing for awhile already know this, but some folks are really new and need to be aware of a few things before they sit on down at the table.
*If a budding player is still reading sheet music, that person is not ready to play in a session! * At least not at O'Flaherty's under any circumstances! That's what slow plays are for and most of us started in a slow play somewhere until we were ready to play at a reasonable speed and without sheet music.
Also, just "tooting along," fumbling around for notes, playing odd "harmonies," or pretending that one knows a tune is really impolite and disruptive. We can hear you...and so can the people who are there in the pub to enjoy the music.
It's really quite OK to sit out a tune if you're not ready to play it or to sit off to the side of the playing table to listen and learn. The beginning player should not seat himself next to the lead player or among the other experienced players .
I consider the playing table to be a stage, and until a person is ready to perform with the other players, it is agreeable to all of us for that person to enjoy the music from a safe distance. And by all means, that person should go home, practice, and join in the fun when they're truly ready!
They should listen to their trad Irish CDs....if they can play along with those tracks and up to speed by and large, then they're ready to join the session at O'Flaherty's!
There ARE no free drinks at O'Flaherty's! Each of us *earns* our meals fairly and squarely! And we tip the staff!
# Posted on October 22nd 2007 by Leap2Three!
Still Going Strong on Tuesdays and Sundays in 2008 and Beyond!
Come on down to these fast-paced and friendly community sessions every Tuesday night at 6:30 and every Sunday at 5:00!
# Posted on November 26th 2008 by Leap2Three!
General Session Etiquette
An Irish "session" is a gathering of musicians (often taking place in a public venue) for the purpose of playing music together. Playing in a good session can be a fun playing experience, and a great chance to improve your music--all at the same time. Good sessions can produce some of the best Irish music in the world, and they can do so for hours on end--under the right circumstances.
There is a popular misconception that "The Irish session" is meant to be an open forum, where anybody who can come in off the street is welcome to participate and learn to make music at the same time. In reality this characteristic is not intrinsic to "the session" itself, and it can be a big mistake to incorrectly assume that it is.
In reality, Irish sessions are much more like other casual social gatherings than they are like open forums. Often, sessions are groups of friends getting together for a few tunes, and not as an open invitation to everyone to come and play. People who come in off the street will usually be welcomed, but they may be met with a certain amount of circumspection until they demonstrate their ability to "play well with others".
Here are some of the bigger mistakes that will alienate your fellow musicians at a typical session:
*Playing a percussive instrument poorly, out of turn, too loudly, or generally outside the taste of the other musicians. A good rule of thumb here is: "one bodhrán and/or guitar/bouzouki at a time". More than one will often clash, irritating the melody players. In Irish music, the melody is FAR more important than the backing, and backers who assume otherwise can quickly become session-pariahs. Bones and spoons should be used sparingly if at all and only after asking to use them.
* Joining a group of unfamiliar musicians without asking, or without being invited. This is especially important if you think your presence might change the existing dynamic in a way that the musicians don't want it changed. The quality of the music is often what determines how much fun people have. If you ruin their music, you are probably ruining their fun too.
*Playing when you don't really know the tune. It's usually ok to do so very quietly, but... be careful! Your wrong notes may distract and irritate the person sitting next to you.
*Starting too many tunes without consulting the other musicians. It's generally a good idea (especially at an unfamiliar session) to ask the other musicians if they'd like to play a tune before you launch into it. This helps you make sure that you won't be doing something antisocial by starting a tune that the other musicians don't know or don't want to play.
When someone does one of these things at a session, it makes everybody feel uncomfortable. While it might be nice (especially for beginners) if the other musicians would politely inform you, this is difficult to do tactfully, so this isn't usually what happens. Instead, the other musicians are more likely to simply feel irritated and leave it at that.
In general, remember this: If you're not organizing the session, you are a GUEST, and all the same social guidelines apply to your "visit" that would if you walked into someone else's party. Just as you can alienate people by crashing a party and being rude, so too can you alienate them by crashing their session and being rude.
And thanks to Jack Gilder for these eternal 'rules to live by'!
Seisiún Etiquette
(For players)
Seisiúns vary from place to place and have different unwritten guidelines and styles. If you find a seisiún that you would like to participate in you might want to observe it first to try to understand how it operates. It might have hosts who are for the most part leading the tunes and calling for songs and such. If this is the case you might want to ask this person or persons that are the hosts about the possibility of joining in with them. If they seem to be playing tunes you don't know, you might want to just listen and enjoy the music -- there's certainly nothing wrong with that. And if you don't know the tunes that are being played you wouldn't want to try to play them anyway as this would not win you many friends among the musicians. If you want to learn the tunes that are played at a particular session you can ask the musicians if it's ok to tape the music for learning purposes. Trying to learn the tunes at the same time others are trying to play them can be very annoying to musicians and listeners alike.
You would also want to be careful when joining a session not to start tunes without being asked unless it's clear that everyone else is and the hosts don't seem to mind. The most important thing to remember is not disturb the way that the music flows. Common sense and good manners will get you as far as you need to go in most seisiúns.
Bodhrán, guitar, bouzouki and piano players would benefit greatly by approaching seisiúns very cautiously. These instruments have been given a bad name by insensitive hackers. Many people have the misconception that these instruments are the easiest to play. What they fail to realize is that the affect of these instruments on a seisiún is profound. The rhythm and tonal landscape of the music is what everyone is riding on, and if you're playing an instrument that is the essence of this then you need to be spot on or you'll throw everyone off. You might think you sound great when you're at home playing with your CDs, but keep in mind that the CDs can't hear you.
The understanding of how to "back up" Irish traditional music
isn't anything that comes overnight. If you're interested in these instruments the best thing to do is find folks that do know how to play them well -- then listen and watch. Also, two guitars or bodhráns in a seisiún are too many. If you are an experienced player on these instruments, try taking turns rather than playing over each other. Do your part to protect the integrity of instruments that are actually fine contributors to the music.
And of course the most important part of joining in with a seisiún is to have fun. If everyone there isn't having fun, what's the point? Treat the seisiún the same way you would if you were a guest at a dinner party, or joining a conversation, and you can't go wrong.
Seisiún Etiquette
(For listeners)
Punters (listeners) are almost as important to the success of a seisiún as the musicians themselves. If you talk quietly and try not to howl when you laugh, the music will be heard and better played by the musicians. You wouldn't want to crowd out the musicians either, give them ample room to play and leave openings enough for the music to carry well through the room so everyone can hear and enjoy the music. If you want to be close to the musicians, be certain that you aren't taking up space that a musician might want to play in. You can usually determine this by asking the musicians if it's ok before you sit down or stand nearby. And if you are sitting close -- please, please keep your conversation as quiet as possible. Non musicians have a hard time understanding how difficult it is to play in a noisy environment.
If a song is called for it is essential to be absolutely silent. This is very difficult for people unfamiliar with Irish traditional music to understand and comply with. But when the room is silent everyone, (including the pool players who also should stop for the song,) will be delighted with the beautiful melodies and stories that makes Irish singing so great. Then, after the song finishes, they can get back to whatever it was they were doing... hopefully not too loudly though.
If you want to film, record or take snap shots of a seisiún the proper thing would be to ask first. And of course you can arrange to buy a round of drinks for the musicians with the bartender and it will be very much appreciated. If you do this though don't make the mistake of thinking that it means the musicians have to play what you want. You can suggest favorite tunes you might have to the musicians, but don't expect them to know it.
Clapping and "whooping" are perfectly ok as long as you clap when they're at the end of the set of tunes and don't scare them or throw them off with your "whoops".
Musicians usually appreciate these displays because it means you are listening and enjoying the music.
And if you want to make great friends with the musicians, (and you have extraordinary diplomatic skills,) when you notice someone near you is being loud and obnoxious, very politely ask them if they wouldn't mind talking quietly so that the music can be heard. And don't worry, musicians will understand if you fail in your attempt to quiet the offenders. And be careful not to do anything that will get yourself in trouble. Just enjoy the "craic" and you'll be helping to ensure the success of the seisiún.
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by Leap2Three!
O'Flaherty's Pub Tuesday and Sunday Night Sessions!
Still famously warm and welcoming on Tuesday and Sunday nights in downtown San Jose! Art Friedman and I would like to share a few guidelines about how we run the O'Flaherty's sessions:
1) All sessions at O'Flaherty's are managed (or "moderated", if you like) by a designated leader.
2) The leader always has full authority to ask someone not to participate. We may consider skill, musical compatibility, size of the group, size of the customer crowd, overall noise level, and other factors. No disrespect intended toward anyone.
3) It has always been that way -- though people may not have fully understood this in the past, because we try to accommodate interested players as best we can. Please contact the following session leaders for more information about how you may participate, if appropriate:
Art Friedman - (friedman_art (at) yahoo.com)
Julie Horner - (leap2three (at) yahoo.com)
4) These guidelines apply to all sessions at O'Flaherty's, both on Sundays and on Tuesdays.
5) We aim for a balanced, enjoyable, high-quality traditional Irish session, both for players and for listeners.
We encourage careful listening and we always tip the server!
# Posted on March 24th 2010 by Leap2Three!
Crikey!
‘including the pool players who also should stop for the song’
Crikey!
I’d like to see you enforce this part of your extensive etiquette at my local pub (and session)!
# Posted on March 26th 2010 by yhaalhouse
Wow
Here in Dublin, Ireland these session rules are never written or discussed, it's so funny to see them all written out.
I'll see ye on Tuesday April 13th with my guitar, I know a decent selection of jigs but generally just pump out the chords ;) And I might just know a song or two as well ;)
Pádraig
# Posted on March 30th 2010 by Paudy
Please, No Old Timey on Tuesdays!
Tuesday night welcomes seasoned Irish style players, and to honor our agreement with the pub owner, there is no "Ameri-Celtic" crossover.
# Posted on February 16th 2011 by Leap2Three!
Friendly and Fun
I'm a Saratoga native who left the Bay area decades ago but was very pleased to have shared some tunes last night (1st Sunday) with the sessioneers at O'Flaherty's during my recent visit to San Jose. Art and Julie were very gracious, informative and open when I emailed them a few weeks ago letting them know I would be in town and asking about their sessions...which is nice since some sessions can be chilly towards out-of-town visitors. It turned out last night was Peter's shift, but we had a wonderful time and I found Peter and Dave and the others to very friendly and welcoming, and it was a real pleasure playing tunes with them. The pub and patrons were also very friendly and appreciative of the music.
I'm hoping to make it on Tuesday night as well and to meet Julie and the tuesday folks as well.
# Posted on September 5th 2011 by Kevos
If you are like me, you will rejoice to read this:
This Sunday, October 30, 2011, in San Jose Come play SCARY Irish tunes (or just play Irish tunes SCARILY) with us from 5 PM to 8 PM (approx) at the 5th Sunday pre-Halloween Irish session at O'Flaherty's Irish Pub, 25 San Pedro Square in Downtown San Jose. However, even un-scary Irish tunes and songs are welcome! Don't be bashful about sharing your favorite tunes or songs with us! Or, come to listen, learn, enjoy and try your hand at playing Irish tunes!
To keep it interesting, I'd like to suggest we play several tunes in particular this time around: "Haunted House" (a jig), "Going to the Well for Water" (a slide) and "March of the Kings of Laois" (a march). The version I play of "Haunted House" is available from me. "Going to the Well" can be found in Mike Long's wonderful online book. To learn these, including "March of the Kings" and many more, you can download Mike Long's King Street Sessions Book, which he has kindly placed on line www.m-d-long.com.
O'Flaherty's is the hub of the Irish session scene in San Jose and Silicon Valley. They are a traditional Irish pub and are really supportive of our music making! I'll be leading the session this Sunday, as I typically do on 1st and 3rd Sundays in this time slot at O'Flaherty's. We are all about the joy of playing and sharing Irish tunes in an authentic pub environment! We always have a lot of musical fun, and the pub goers seem appreciative and energized by our playing! Adding to the festive atmosphere, O'Flaherty's has an authentic Irish pub ambiance that helps to enliven the session.
Note: I've prepared a list of some of my favorite Irish tunes which may be played at this session. Direct requests for scores and tunelist, or any questions to me, at: ptommerup@juno.com
21 and over only. Parking is free in the ramp across the street. Hope to see you there!
Slainte, Peter Tommerup
# Posted on October 29th 2011 by AmeriCeltic
Paudy writes: 'Here in Dublin, Ireland these session rules are never written or discussed, it's so funny to see them all written out."
Excellent point, in Ireland you have the advantage of learning by example, whereas in the US, sessions, let alone Irish trad, is hardly known about or understood. People often make errant assumptions and will take actions that can have the effect of exploding depth charges.
I asked Charlie Lennon about sessions when he was visiting one night years ago here in SF, and he said that he gets questions about sessions from people outside of Ireland and rarely in Ireland itself. He said at the end of the day it's just a matter of making sure you don't interfere with the flow of the music. I think if you truly stick to that concept you can't go wrong regardless of the differences from one session to the next.
# Posted on October 31st 2011 by Phantom Button
It's Not a "Celtic Jam"
Great post, Jack! Thanks! And thanks for gracing us with your presence on occasion, too!
And for those who study the music and listen carefully to the other players, there is no need to explain anything. Take the seamless beauty of the typical Irish session at the Plough and Stars in San Francisco, for example. Now that’s a session worth emulating (and making the trek from the South Bay to listen, learn, play expertly, and be inspired)!
Unfortunately, there are some who treat Irish sessions as a "Celtic jam:" a self-indulgent chance to bellow out too many songs, play obliviously louder and faster than anyone else in the room, or beat bodhrans, tambourines, or spoons in the mistaken belief that they somehow possess musical talent or some intrinsic “Celtic-ness” just because they have a $300 bodhran!
At O’Flaherty’s we try to avoid subjecting players or patrons to these sorts of depth charges…there’s nothing worse than being held hostage by thick-headed thugs; sours the pint and sends patrons packing. These are the individuals who in "managed sessions" are invited to cease and desist by session leaders. And any such player who bullies his or her way into an earnest Irish session insisting on calling it "fun" is only having fun at the expense of the others present.
# Posted on October 31st 2011 by Leap2Three!
O'Flaherty's Irish Pub Sessions Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=78036162784#!/OFlahertys.Irish.Seisiun
# Posted on December 22nd 2011 by AmeriCeltic
O'Flaherty's Trad Irish Seisiun on Facebook!
We've now got our own Facebook page at the following link:
http://www.facebook.com/OFlahertys.Irish.Seisiun
You can also find us at www.leap2three.com
Feel free to "Like" us to keep up with the Irish seisiun scene in San Jose and Silicon Valley!
O'Flaherty's is the longest running and only up-tempo seisiun in the San Francisco South Bay Area! Experienced Irish style musicians are welcome to pull up a chair to play trad Irish tunes with Art, Peter, Julie, and David in the spirit and feel of a a true Irish seisiun!
Feel free to email ahead that you're coming so that we know to save a seat for you at the table!
"You're a stranger here but once."
Julia Horner -- leap2three (at) yahoo.com
Art Friedman -- friedman_art (at) yahoo.com
Peter Tommerup -- ptommerup (at) juno.com
And we approved this message! See you soon!
# Posted on December 27th 2011 by Leap2Three!