Sunday nights, commencing Sunday 16th May 2004.
We aim to get started at 9.00pm.
This is a small friendly and very Irish pub, which used to do a session on a Tuesday. There should be free drinks for musicians. The accoustics are good and the audience was, in the past, receptive.
The pub is at the Catford end of Lewisham High Road, opposite the health centre, and that's just down from Lewisham Hospital.
Yeah ... it was a good night musically ... but the gaffe was very warm (not Shillelagh's fault that summer decided to make a sudden appearance this weekend, but it was uncomfortably hot nevertheless). For those who don't know the pub, then beware. When Danny says that it's small he means *small*. As far as I can make out there's only four tables in the joint (well - five if you count the pool table). That said, the punters were well into the music - one collared me and said that the pub was crying out for a weekend session and several of the regulars had made noises about this to the management. (If you think it's hard as a sessioneer to find a venue, I reckon it's doubly hard as a venue to find a bunch of session people to play!) Having had a few beers earlier in the day, I'm afraid that the pub's very generous policy of free drinks for the players meant that by about half-ten I was langered! After three sessions over the course of the past few days, and Saturday evening spent playing a few tunes with a guitarist friend, I'm now officially sessioned-out. If I so much as hear a snatch of a tune over the course of the next few days I'll lose the will to live! Definitely aiming for a quiet week this week ... early to bed, etc. so that I can get my enthusiasm back for Thursday's jaunt. Good to see yer man Carte there last night. It was a long haul and I hope he enjoyed the sesh ... some of us will have to repay the compliment some time!
I had a great time. I was amazed to find Lewisham is only 40 minutes by bus from Liverpool St, and got to see lots of fabled places on the way e.g. Surrey Quays shopping centre Thanks for a real Sarf London welcome, even though there were very few Sarf London accents in evidence. It was nice to put a few more faces to names from The Session. The free drinks almost did for me too, but as with most things, practice makes perfect, so I may have to make a return visit
Ach, yer welcome anytime, OC. I really enjoyed the tunes - and as it's a small pub, it got a bit crowded and thus noisy, but you could clearly hear the session throughout. It was great towards the end when it got that intimate touch - set after set after set. Different from the Blythe - but it was no less enjoyable.
Has any consensus emerged as to the timing of this week's session? I got the impression it *wasn't* going to be Sunday again. I know you Sarf London types are laid back, but some of us have to get bus passes, visas, inoculations and such organised
Orson. This is the deal. This coming weekend it will be a Sunday sesh, because various people couldn't make it Saturday. But thereafter it will be on Saturdays.
To make things slightly more complicated, although Saturday will be the "official" day, we can still have improptu Sunday ones as well. Clear as mud eh?
I take it you'd be interested if it is Sunday but not interested if it's Saturday.
This week, Shillelagh's session is on Saturday 12th -
Are you sure you cannot make it Sarah?
John, how do I get my hands on Mick Mulvey's cd? If you're a pal of his, would it be possible to bring a copy to a Shillelagh session and I'll give you the money?
Will keep you informed about the next session day after this weekend.
The great thing about the saturday is that nobody has to get up the next day and the landlady has had moans from neighbours on sundays - which is why we have to finish so early. What a shame.
The Shillelagh's Session will sit earlier in the day ... one week only
A wee note to all and sundry that the Shillelagh's sessioneers should be nicely warmed up this Saturday, given that we're playing earlier in the day - 4.00, am I right, Cath? - at the Catford Beer Festival. At which point we are going under the name of "How's Maggie?" (to which, no doubt, the correct response is Drowsy ... ha, ha, fetching the coat as I write!). Given that we're being paid for the earlier jaunt in free beer, maybe we'll be a bit TOO warmed up! Anyway, if you want to come along and give your support at the Catford Beer(gut) Festival, it's at the Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green Catford (next door to the Town Hall). God knows what the local real ale afficionados will make of us!
Still no good! Some of us will be at work while you are supping. Then a quick dash home and off to a gig. No peace for the wicked!
BUT hey I'm going to the Blythe tonight...now that's a marginally more sensible day of the week!!!
And (debatably) a much more sensible pub. (But don't let Barbara and co hear that I've said that. ... Actually, don't strike the comment from the record, by any measure The Blythe is a MUCH more sensible pub than Shillelagh's. Which doesn't mean to say that a pub run by dipsomaniac barmaids is devoid of charm and humour, just not very sensible, that's all!)
LOL Aidan - I agree totally. But although it's a bit ragged round the edges, it's a likeable wee dive. And let's face it, The Drunken Landlady has been very supportive of our efforts thus far!
:~}
And their dypsomania is certainly matched by the flute player and occasionally the mandola-ist. BTW Andy banjo said he may pop in. I'm looking forward to a hazy day tomorrow - also BTW - my offer of hospitality before the beerfest still stands - 2:00pm, guys!
Paul, sorry we did not respond to your question but we started early on Saturday before even going to Shillelagh.
The next one will be Saturday 19th June starting at 8.30 ish. Hope some of you can make it. I'll be there but it might be a turn off to some.
Sunday (yesterday) was not a thing of beauty. Surprised I got through it at all really. Memories of Saturday night very hazy. I remember launching into that long jig set as we arrived and then very little except emarrassing snippets such as me golderin' "whiskey" every five minutes and getting very carried away with a few songs which should probably have remained unsung. It's a long time since I've been so comprehensively refreshed and I'd forgotten just how incendiary it can be! Ah well ... I assume no-one was mortally offended/wounded in the process!?
Barbara and Maria at S's said 'see you all next saturday', so no need to worry Aidan. And we are still on very good terms (phew!) with each other. I can remember everything and it was a laugh for me I can tell you. Yes you did should Whiskey and you and Danny had some curious choice of four letter words to praise those of us able to play a tune all the way through. Thankfully, John, who is a regular helped us with some good songs. I hope he got some free drinks too, he's earned them.
Hope Andy and his mate the box player weren't too put off by our antics Talk to us Andy! You understand that was quite an inordinate affair, what with the Beer Fest on before the session.
Par for the course, unfortunately. Blue touchpaper time! Kicking off at 4.00 or whatever in a beer festival and being paid with free beer. It wouldn't have needed Mystic Meg to predict the result!
I suppose it could have been worse; no-one was accidentally shot and the gaffe wasn't burned down (both of which have happened in session-hosting pubs I've frequented). (Not that I did the accidental shooting, nor indeed the setting-fire.) Nor did I waken the next morning to find any instruments in bits (which has sometimes happened). And at least I did waken the next morning ... there's a few who've had a charge of scoops and gone Lethe-wards for real. Still it would have been nice to have been sufficiently composed to have given some sort of support to the guests who travelled a way to play a few tunes with us. As it was I'm sure Andy and his mate felt like they were playing a few tunes FOR us. Hangs head in shame, though with the terrible knowledge that at some stage in the future this probably all happen again!
I do hope Andy and his friend had fun, but as Shillelagh's give free drinks to all the musicians and treats us all with the same respect, I don't think they minded holding the session together on Saturday. In any case, they played some lovely sets. I've made a note of some of their tunes and hope to get some to become regular.
Andy, if you come across this, we hope the two of you will be able to come again one of these days.
As with the Blythe, it's great to get a variation of player around a very small nucleus of regulars, the session would go stale if it were only the 5 or 7 of us.
an interesting visit last saturday. to quote the old description, one might say that the regulars "had drink taken". nevertheless, a welcoming venue where we were treated with great consideration (free drinks, table cleared for the musicians, TV turned off)- a rare thing to find. i'm sure that the music would have been fine in other circumstances but the catford beerfest had (predictably) intervened. well, we knew that was likely before we went ............. worth a trip on another occasion.
You can't say fairer than that Andy, thanks for your understanding.
And well done for making the point that the pub staff are very kind to the musicians, it's not always the case with some other pubs.
I think Andy's reply is very impressive. Cath, of course, has no call to apologise for anything, being as ever the soul of hospitality and good manners. Unfortunately I couldn't say the same thing! I was really worried at having offended good people who came a long way to share a few tunes with us. Thankfully Andy let me know separately that he expected all hands to be somewhat the worse for wear and had made allowances. Even so, here's one sessioneer who makes sure he's not in bits for Andy's next visit.
Calling session friends out there - if you can come down to Shillelagh's on 19th June, I'd be eternally grateful.
No early night anticipated, and Big Dave, we'll let you in if you get there at around 11.00 - I'll tell Barbara and she'll be fine about it. She'd said so last week.
Phew!
Ken, Sheila, Andy and Alistair and I played and the guys in there were singing and dancing to the tunes. Thanks again Andy for travelling such a distance to this little pub, it made all the difference, but I'm grateful to all four of you for coming up.
Barbara, the landlady loved it and hoped we weren't put out by the lively behaviour from a couple of young women, down from Scotland, who were stomping away during the polkas. Not at all, we're getting free drinks to give these folks a good time as well as enjoying ourselves. John helped out again with a song at the end of the night and shifted the mood to mad sing song session. We left then (as diddlers always do).
For the record, Peter's the name of the great accordion player who came to Shillelagh's last week.
Ken and Sheila unlikely to make it next Saturday (26th). Andy probably won't make it either as he works on Sundays.
Billy should be there as well as myself, and hopefully big Dave - nearly a quorum.
We are stopping Shillelagh's session for the summer months. Back in September - kicking of with a session on the sunday of the all Ireland finals - if somebody more knowledgeable on this subject would care to enlighten us it would be good.
I called Shillelagh's today, they are looking forward to resuming sessions.
We could play this Sunday 12th if any of you can make it. And there the all Ireland's finals Sunday 26th September.
We would start reasonably early, 8.00 sharp and finish at around 11.30.
Please email me or let me know when you see me either at the Blythe or the Holly Tree
Cath
Thanks Danny. I'm taking a vote on the 12th September but it's too late in the week to have it happen. I'm thinking of 18th September (Saturday), before the all Ireland finals on Sunday 26th. As mentioned by some of us, the landlady, bar staff, and customers always make us feel welcome and genuinely enjoy the music.
Sorry Danny, it's usually on Saturday, but some weeks people have other commitments, that's when we switch to Sunday, so I'm afraid it may change from time to time.
Well ... what a night! Apart from the fact that it was hard at times to hear the other players over the din of the various Mayo and Kerry contingents slagging each other off about the afternoon's match, it was a quality night of music (from my perspective in any event). Many thanks to Pete (accordion), Andy (banjo), Ken (guitar) and Ian (pipes, whistle, banjo) who covered a fair few miles between them to join the small bunch of regulars. They gave the session a real lift and it was a pleasure to be in their company. Shillelagh's is great place to play ... although the pub is a bit "mad", the staff and the punters really get off on the music, much more so than in any of the other local session pubs, and it can be quite exhilarating to do your stuff where it's appreciated as opposed to tolerated!
Saturday 9/11/04. A good oul' crowd already ensconced owing to the fact that the Ireland/France World Cup qualifier was showing. As soon as the final whistle blew we are away with the tunes and a great night was had by all. Let's see. The line-up was banjo, banjo/mandolin, guitar, whistles/bodhran, whistle/flute/box, whistle, low whistle ... Very appreciative bar staff and punters (as usual). Shillelagh's is turning out to be a treat. If any visitors fancied a skite over, I'd recommend the evening of 23rd October; we're trying to make itt a special night since the landlady's friends are due to visit from Ireland and she'd like to make it a night to remember!
Hope you are better Cath. I meant to go last Sat but got laid low with a really bad cold. Alas not this Sat - gigs Thurs, Sat & Sun nights (people should really stop getting married so often!!!).
Hope you feel better too Sarah. After the holiday season comes the colds seasons, hope we can all sustains our various sessions.
Ok Aidan, let's see what the others have to say.
Most enjoyable last night - just me, Aidan, Cath, Billy and Orson. The way I like it. Sorry my version of McKeown's Polka is still rather...erm, nascent, incipient, shall we say, but it can only get better...I hope.
I agree Danny, the session felt just right.
We need to sort out that part 2 of McKeown's - either you need to look at the dots (provided by Aidan), or I need to hear your recorded version of the tune. It would be great to have it as a regular session tune.
Cath - it's entirely my ineptitude - but I think you mean the 4th part - it's an 8-part Polka, remember. It sounds OK when I play it at home, then when I give it a public airing it all falls apart. I must give you a copy of the tape (yes, tape!) where I got it from. But here's a link to it:
The one on the Sean McNamara cassette is a 4 parter (not 8) - in any case this is more than enough parts for me! I'm pasting in the version we play which is fairly close to the recording and seems to work OK at our sessions.
AF BF|AF BF|AB cd|dc G>G|
GE BE|GE BE|GA Bc|BA F>G|
AF BF|AF BF|AB cd|eB B2|
ed cB|BA A2|^GA Bc|d2 d2:||
ba fd|dc c2|B>B Bc|BA A2|
^GA Bc|dc df|ba ^gb|a2 d>d|
dc ed|cB B2|^GA Bc|BA F2|EF GA|Bc ed|(3cBA (3GFE|D4:||
f2 (3efe|dd dB/2c/2|dd ed|dc c2|
g2 (3fgf|ee e2|ee fd|dc BA|
f2 (3efe|dd dB/2c/2|dd ed|c2 B2|
B2 Bc/2d/2|e2 ef|ed cB|A4:||
FA FE|DF BF|AG GF|G3 A|
B2 B>B|BB cB|BA A^G|A2 Bc|
d2 dc/2d/2|ed AB|cB BA|B3 B|
cc c>B|AA Bc|ed dc| d4:||
The above should paste into ABC2Win if you'd prefer to see it in notation form.
Delighted to know others are playing this great tune which in the past would only be heard wherever the Liverpool lads were playing. It's a great favourite down at the Cois na hAbhna session in Ennis and we're all looking forward to the Fleadh Nua next May when we'll have a chance to play it along with Sean Mac himself. It will be a bonus if any musicians from farther afield can also be there to join us!
My normal reason for complaint is that there is never enough information in session site comments. This one is bigger than many of the threads in the discussion area. It must be your strategy to keep all the session chit chat here thus allowing you more playing time on the night - great idea!
And just to keep Bannerman happy - here's another comment on the session.
Aidan, Danny, that mob turned up on Saturday and Jim with his spoon, AND the French whistle maniac who only ever plays one tune at a time. Shall I tell him 'vas te faire foutre?'
If it hadn't been for Orson, his two really nice sisters, and Max, I'd have gone home without even taking one drink.
Cath - Andy & Co wanted to know if they can come and invade if there is a sesh on New Years Day - they appear to be plotting a mass invasion from Kent if its on
Thank goodness I was up in Birmingham then. Now Orson knows the real truth about the session scene in Lewisham! - or at least its soft underbelly. If that lot make that their regular watering hole of a Saturday I'm outa there for keeps.
OK, OK guys, wrt McKeown's - 4 parts it is, then - I stand corrected. I'm sure I read on the sleeve notes it was 8 parts - obviously I'm wrong (again)!
I'm sure it would be great to see Andy & co on New Years day....Cath?
Bannerman - yes, precisely, that is the strategy - although we mouth off in the discussion section as well! In fact I think I brought this very topic up as a discussion a while back, and it helps to keep an interest in the session going. If you look at the notes for the Blythe Hill Tavern, you'll see the same kind of thing.
That's a shame, Cath. I'd have been really hacked off if that shower had showed up.
As regards the "pair" ... dear, oh dear! Presumably yer woman had the complete set of shaky everythings ... I was waiting for a major scene in the Blythe after Danny stopped playing to reprimand her for shaking the egg. But it came to nothing. I wished they'd done the daycent thing and stormed off, huffy and disgusted. But no result.
Max in particular finds it very hard to play over bad guitar accompaniment and was having a real job of blotting yer man out on Thursday. I have to admit that on several occasions he threw me completely off the scent. I should have said something and I now regret having just bitten my lip. "If you don't know the chords, and you can't work them out after the first four bars then just stop. We've got along without you so far, mate, so if you park your guitar for a few tunes, we won't miss you."
As regards yer man on the whistle, he is really beginning to do my nut in. It's not even the fact that he's just getting to grips with the music and yet insists on turning up that bugs me so much as the fact that he caught me at the bar twice last week and asked me to get him a whiskey. The bloke is simply an irritant and yet he feels he's entitled to free booze from Con?!?!
(However, at least we got a joke out of it. Me "Oh, and give us a Bell's as well, would you Terry?" Terry "D'ye want anything in it?" Me "A couple of grains of arsenic." Boom, boom!!
However, any session at which the family Carte make an appearance is an event and I'm glad Max could make it along to Shillelaghs. I just hope that Max and Orson and co don't feel that the journey was wasted.
4 parts/8 parts ... ye're both right ... the tune has four parts, right enough, but since each of the parts is sixteen bars long rather than the usual eight, it has the equivalent "weight of notes" of an 8-part tune. (And is proving to me to be as hard to learn as a bleedin' symphony!)
don't worry yersell Aidan...ye didnae miss too much at the Blythe tonight (are we allowed to discuss other sessions on a session thread?). Other threads might tell you I was on the verge of asking a certain gent outside, and not to locate the location of Ursa Minor.
The older I get, the less *peacefull* I think I'm becoming. Thank god I'm very... nay, extremely, fit.
Yes, it's still on Country Bumpkin.
Tel 020 8265 5516 Starting at around 8.30 - 9.00 on Saturdays. Please come down and join us. What instrument do you play?
I think I can make it this Saturday. I play the Bodhran (& am learning the whistle at home!). I have just moved to Thornton Heath and so sessions in Lewisham are now within reach - before I would go to sessions in West and SW London.
Thank you for coming Country Bumpkin, we needed some extra hands that night, we'll see you again.
And Paul, if you ever see this, we really are happy with a further banjo player, they're always welcome at our session.
They yased tae gie us free bevvies, noo they don't, so thon's a keech. An that wis the original deal. Bit it least they still dae loack-ins. The session itsell wis good, though. Bit cause ay the lack a free bevvies, am no gonny go aw that oaften. Purely oot a principle, cos ah normally don't mind pittin ma hon in ma poacket.
Actually, there's a partial pot. They've decided that drinks are free for the regulars, and the visitors so we all buy rounds, and it's actually less than it should be.
In any event, it was a really good session and I really hope to see everyone who was there Saturday again.
I reckon my normal rudeness of health is returning after a long chest infection...nearly 2 months. Amazing how this can affect your psychological well-being.
And so the Shillelaghs regulars had to thus endure my marathon-length flute sets of obscure reels. But that aside, it was a classic gathering of regulars, even some free beers, great genuine crack, and nice to see the pub busying up later in the evening. I can't promise regular attendance, but will get down when I can.
Barbara asked if some of us could make it Thursday afternoon 17th March - around 3.00pm - I can take the time off - anybody else?
It would be better than evening in any case as all the pubs will be mobbed.
Kick off 3.00pm Thursday - food and drinks will be provided. Well, we're not getting paid for it but we're still enthusiastic enough to play for pleasure... and drinks!
It's getting difficult keeping it going, not enough musicians - I'd like to take a vote on whether we should really carry on. I'll be going tonight but I know I'm away next week and I'm not sure who can make it there at all then.
Well, I've been away, and will probably be away fairly frequently at weekends. Besides that my attendance has always been patchy. It has to be said they have reneged on the original deal, ie free drinks for players. That bugs me a bit. The fact that the pub is often quite empty is their problem, not ours. But all that said, when a good session emerges there, it really is good. It's easy for me to say "keep it going" so I can always have a local session to turn up to when I have a free Saturday. So I'll leave it up to the more regular people.
I went down to the Compasses in Kent last night and I was telling them about the shortage at Shillelaghs. They asked if there was any possibility of shifting it to a Sunday night to alternate with sessions at the Compasses cos if so they might muster up a crowd to venture forth over the Medway. Is that any help Cath? Sat nights are usually pretty impossible for me....Sunday not ideal but I might be allowed out if it wasn't every Sunday
Hi Sarah,
That's very kind of you. When I think of all the musicians on this site who cannot find a session anywhere, and then this... I can try and work something out with Shillelagh's, although to be honest, Sunday evening is not ideal for me as I've started going to the Duke on that day. I will see what the others say and contact our Compasses session friends directly. Thanks, Sarah
Four of the regulars cannot make it this Saturday so I will ring Shillelahg's tonight and tell them that there will be no session tomorrow. If you have any disagreement with this please post it as comment asap. We WILL start again Saturday 23rd.
Cath
Thanks Peter, Ian and Paul for coming such a long distance to play at Shillelagh's last night - there would have been no session without you!
There will be no session next Saturday 14th May (birthday party for 'our special little guy' who's going to be 30 - Aaah!) - but we'll be back on 21st.
I cannot make this Saturday nor the next - can anyone of the 'regulars' sustain it? Please email me soon so that I can warn them in advance and cancel the sessions over the summer until early September, like we did last year. Thanks.
Catherine
Definitely NOT happening this Saturday. I'll call Maria and tell her. Anyone wants to play there before next September? If so, then I'll tell her what happens from week to week, if not, I'll tell Maria we'll be back for the all Ireland finals.
C
Sorry, still nothing happening but if any of you text me, then we could have a one off night there.
I have plenty of other sessions to keep me busy so not so bothered one way or the other.
Alasdair, we're going to try and restart Shillelagh's - are you up for it? Some of us (Billy, Paul, Nick, possibly Bob and I) are aiming to start again on Saturday 19th November.
c
Cath I'm gigless on sat 19th Nov at present and so might be free to saunter along to shilelaghs. I'll email andy and pete who i met up with last wednesday and see if they fancy a trip up from Kent. Would we all fit in????!!!!
Please get in touch with Billy - if you email me I can give you his mobile number to make arrangements.
I'm having to go to France (burn a few cars..., see the family) and won't be back until 20th but that should not stop you.
Sarah, Paul who plays banjo should be there and you'll have a real laugh with him.
c
A one off at Shillelagh's this Sunday 29th at 8.00pm - something to do with a baby's christening or anniversary. Will discuss with the landlady on the day about resuming Saturday night until the summer.
Well, just two banjos, joined by two fiddles - it was fun though. the landlady wants to start it up again on Saturdays, I mentioned that it's hard to get people but if anyone fancies it, please let me know in advance and I'll call and warn them. So please Danny, can you place the schedule for Saturdays, and I'll update when I get volunteers.
Cheers
c
Friday 17th, St Patrick's session starting between 4 and 5pm. If anyone can make it, contact me so I can tell the landlady how many bacon/cabbage dinners will be required.
It was pretty tasty last year.
c
There will be a session this Saturday 25th March.
We would not want to let Slainte down, and look forward to seeing any of the London area musicians who fancy joining us.
Slainte, having checked your webpages carefully, I realise you're way too modest. You sound wonderful and know an incredible amount of tunes. There would have been no session that night if it weren't for you, thank you. It was great.
Ah, Cath. I should be quiet on this site and take a rest for a while, you know. The alcohol I consumed at Shillelagh's is still running through my blood vessels and does something nasty to me. Thanks for the night, and I'll email you much earlier next time.
Some of you contacted me for Saturday just gone, but please if you want the session, let me know earlier in the week so Barbara the landlady can advertise it. Anyway, for those of you who know Paul, a great banjo player, will have his 40th birthday party there on Saturday 22nd, so we hope he can have a great session at the same time.
Surfacing again after months of too much work to do. I have gigs on Fri and Sun but maybe....just maybe ....I can get another pass on Sat night and make this one!!!!
Sarah
(Hmmm it's so long since I posted that it appears Danny has turned into a real person!)
Well I did try to get there Cath but I was so KN****rd after the gig on Fri and than Sat at work that sleep got the better of me...sorry. Maybe next Sat (I've a gig on Sunday nite but Monday is a HOLIDAY!!!!)
Back on a regular basis it would seem.
Sarah, I understand the pressure you're under, family, work and gigs. Andy P came up Saturday before last, it was great to have him join us.
It was pretty good last Saturday - Aidan, Bob, Paul, Billy, me and a German lass called Martina. Nearly as much talking as playing, which is usually a good sign for a relaxed session.
Now called The Temple Bar, formerly Shillelagh's.
Last Saturday a gang of us, who had previously been playing at a christening, dropped in for a load of tunes. this was received very well. Maybe it's premature to post it as a regular session as yet, so email me via this site if you're up for tunes and we'll try and get something sorted for you.
A session will re-commence at the Temple Bar every friday night (starting this friday the 26th) from 9pm. Myself, Fergie, Steve Mulhern and Cath should all be in attendance (as far as I know) and the session is welcome to ALL those who wish to join in. This is a great pub and after a few weeks i'm sure this could well become a friday night Tir Na Nog of SE London!
N.B. This will not be a 'Purist' session! - songs will be sung, tunes will be played at various speeds (depending on who starts a set) & all contributors will be welcomed.
Keep an eye on this webpage for the first month or 2 till we get it going properly. I will put a post on here if the session is not running for any reason.
OK, I've changed the schedule so it now says Fridays, as opposed to cancelled. Don't say I'm not good to ye's. Good luck with it. Me? I'm heavily booked on Friday nights watching Jonathan Woss on telly.
Hi Dan,
Why not post this as a new session and calling it Temple Bar as well as having the link. I'll also mention that on the Holly Tree if you've not already done it.
Cath
Hmm Cath...I don't know if it's allowed. We had this as a discussion a while back. I think you are allowed to change the name of the pub which is what I have done if you read the front page of this listing - it now says Temple Bar. I might take a look in tonight or soon.....
Thanks to all who came down last night - we had whistles, bodhran, accordion, madolin, guitar, fiddles and some great music! The pub didn't have many in however as there was a ceili on around the corner at the irish centre. 'Alikz fiddler' from brighton turned up as well and gave us some thoroughly enjoyable sets and we carried on till about 12.30 or 1. This session will really do very well if we can get the crowd in. Spread the word!
The session will not be running until future notice. This may (hopefully) just be a fortnight but who knows. Shaun, the landlord is thinking about a changing the night it's on. Keep an eye on this page for more info.
Shillelagh's Session
Sunday nights, commencing Sunday 16th May 2004.
We aim to get started at 9.00pm.
This is a small friendly and very Irish pub, which used to do a session on a Tuesday. There should be free drinks for musicians. The accoustics are good and the audience was, in the past, receptive.
The pub is at the Catford end of Lewisham High Road, opposite the health centre, and that's just down from Lewisham Hospital.
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=537919&y=174336&z=1&sv=537750,174250&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf
4 rail stations are almost equidistant:
Ladywell, Catford, Catford Bridge, Hither Green.
If you come by DLR, Lewisham DLR is maybe 1mile away and there are endless buses to and from the pub.
The session will start off with the usual suspects from the Blythe, but no doubt as time goes on it will develop its own individual character.
Wish us luck!
# Posted on May 11th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Shillelagh
It was a really great start musically, now if we can settle on an agreed time of week, we'll be away.
# Posted on May 16th 2004 by Cath
Hear hear
Yeah ... it was a good night musically ... but the gaffe was very warm (not Shillelagh's fault that summer decided to make a sudden appearance this weekend, but it was uncomfortably hot nevertheless). For those who don't know the pub, then beware. When Danny says that it's small he means *small*. As far as I can make out there's only four tables in the joint (well - five if you count the pool table). That said, the punters were well into the music - one collared me and said that the pub was crying out for a weekend session and several of the regulars had made noises about this to the management. (If you think it's hard as a sessioneer to find a venue, I reckon it's doubly hard as a venue to find a bunch of session people to play!) Having had a few beers earlier in the day, I'm afraid that the pub's very generous policy of free drinks for the players meant that by about half-ten I was langered! After three sessions over the course of the past few days, and Saturday evening spent playing a few tunes with a guitarist friend, I'm now officially sessioned-out. If I so much as hear a snatch of a tune over the course of the next few days I'll lose the will to live! Definitely aiming for a quiet week this week ... early to bed, etc. so that I can get my enthusiasm back for Thursday's jaunt. Good to see yer man Carte there last night. It was a long haul and I hope he enjoyed the sesh ... some of us will have to repay the compliment some time!
# Posted on May 16th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Worth the trek
I had a great time. I was amazed to find Lewisham is only 40 minutes by bus from Liverpool St, and got to see lots of fabled places on the way e.g. Surrey Quays shopping centre
Thanks for a real Sarf London welcome, even though there were very few Sarf London accents in evidence. It was nice to put a few more faces to names from The Session. The free drinks almost did for me too, but as with most things, practice makes perfect, so I may have to make a return visit 
# Posted on May 18th 2004 by Wuhoo
Great Stuff!
Ach, yer welcome anytime, OC. I really enjoyed the tunes - and as it's a small pub, it got a bit crowded and thus noisy, but you could clearly hear the session throughout. It was great towards the end when it got that intimate touch - set after set after set. Different from the Blythe - but it was no less enjoyable.
# Posted on May 18th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
So what day is it on this week?
Has any consensus emerged as to the timing of this week's session? I got the impression it *wasn't* going to be Sunday again. I know you Sarf London types are laid back, but some of us have to get bus passes, visas, inoculations and such organised
# Posted on May 20th 2004 by Wuhoo
If they can't make their minds up you'll just have to trot along to the Blythe on Thurs OC
# Posted on May 21st 2004 by Sarah the Flute
OOps..
Orson. This is the deal. This coming weekend it will be a Sunday sesh, because various people couldn't make it Saturday. But thereafter it will be on Saturdays.
To make things slightly more complicated, although Saturday will be the "official" day, we can still have improptu Sunday ones as well. Clear as mud eh?
I take it you'd be interested if it is Sunday but not interested if it's Saturday.
# Posted on May 21st 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
oh poo!...and I could make this Saturday - after that no free Saturdays til about October! Too many people getting married wanting ceilidhs.
# Posted on May 21st 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Well, we were lucky enough to have Mick Mulvey down tonight - so double poo, sarah!
# Posted on May 23rd 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
triple poo if you ask me
# Posted on May 23rd 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Yeah, it was really good that Mulvey got to play all the tracks off his album for us too
# Posted on May 23rd 2004 by Wuhoo
This week, Shillelagh's session is on Saturday 12th -
Are you sure you cannot make it Sarah?
John, how do I get my hands on Mick Mulvey's cd? If you're a pal of his, would it be possible to bring a copy to a Shillelagh session and I'll give you the money?
Will keep you informed about the next session day after this weekend.
The great thing about the saturday is that nobody has to get up the next day and the landlady has had moans from neighbours on sundays - which is why we have to finish so early. What a shame.
# Posted on June 8th 2004 by Cath
Sorry Cath I've got a gig that night but hope to see you at the Blythe on Thurs
# Posted on June 8th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
The Shillelagh's Session will sit earlier in the day ... one week only
A wee note to all and sundry that the Shillelagh's sessioneers should be nicely warmed up this Saturday, given that we're playing earlier in the day - 4.00, am I right, Cath? - at the Catford Beer Festival. At which point we are going under the name of "How's Maggie?" (to which, no doubt, the correct response is Drowsy ... ha, ha, fetching the coat as I write!). Given that we're being paid for the earlier jaunt in free beer, maybe we'll be a bit TOO warmed up! Anyway, if you want to come along and give your support at the Catford Beer(gut) Festival, it's at the Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green Catford (next door to the Town Hall). God knows what the local real ale afficionados will make of us!
# Posted on June 9th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Still no good! Some of us will be at work while you are supping. Then a quick dash home and off to a gig. No peace for the wicked!
BUT hey I'm going to the Blythe tonight...now that's a marginally more sensible day of the week!!!
# Posted on June 10th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
And (debatably) a much more sensible pub. (But don't let Barbara and co hear that I've said that. ... Actually, don't strike the comment from the record, by any measure The Blythe is a MUCH more sensible pub than Shillelagh's. Which doesn't mean to say that a pub run by dipsomaniac barmaids is devoid of charm and humour, just not very sensible, that's all!)
# Posted on June 10th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
LOL Aidan - I agree totally. But although it's a bit ragged round the edges, it's a likeable wee dive. And let's face it, The Drunken Landlady has been very supportive of our efforts thus far!
:~}
And their dypsomania is certainly matched by the flute player and occasionally the mandola-ist. BTW Andy banjo said he may pop in. I'm looking forward to a hazy day tomorrow - also BTW - my offer of hospitality before the beerfest still stands - 2:00pm, guys!
# Posted on June 11th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
What time are you intending to get to Shillaghs?
# Posted on June 11th 2004 by Paul_draper
Paul, sorry we did not respond to your question but we started early on Saturday before even going to Shillelagh.
The next one will be Saturday 19th June starting at 8.30 ish. Hope some of you can make it. I'll be there but it might be a turn off to some.
# Posted on June 13th 2004 by Cath
I assumed you just hadn't gone online between my post and the beer festival. I'll try to get over in a couple of weeks time.
# Posted on June 13th 2004 by Paul_draper
On again on 19th
Paul, it would be great to welcome you there.
Catherine
# Posted on June 13th 2004 by Cath
Oh my god ...
Sunday (yesterday) was not a thing of beauty. Surprised I got through it at all really. Memories of Saturday night very hazy. I remember launching into that long jig set as we arrived and then very little except emarrassing snippets such as me golderin' "whiskey" every five minutes and getting very carried away with a few songs which should probably have remained unsung. It's a long time since I've been so comprehensively refreshed and I'd forgotten just how incendiary it can be! Ah well ... I assume no-one was mortally offended/wounded in the process!?
# Posted on June 13th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Barbara and Maria at S's said 'see you all next saturday', so no need to worry Aidan. And we are still on very good terms (phew!) with each other. I can remember everything and it was a laugh for me I can tell you. Yes you did should Whiskey and you and Danny had some curious choice of four letter words to praise those of us able to play a tune all the way through. Thankfully, John, who is a regular helped us with some good songs. I hope he got some free drinks too, he's earned them.
# Posted on June 13th 2004 by Cath
Hope Andy and his mate the box player weren't too put off by our antics Talk to us Andy! You understand that was quite an inordinate affair, what with the Beer Fest on before the session.
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Par for the course, unfortunately. Blue touchpaper time! Kicking off at 4.00 or whatever in a beer festival and being paid with free beer. It wouldn't have needed Mystic Meg to predict the result!
I suppose it could have been worse; no-one was accidentally shot and the gaffe wasn't burned down (both of which have happened in session-hosting pubs I've frequented). (Not that I did the accidental shooting, nor indeed the setting-fire.) Nor did I waken the next morning to find any instruments in bits (which has sometimes happened). And at least I did waken the next morning ... there's a few who've had a charge of scoops and gone Lethe-wards for real. Still it would have been nice to have been sufficiently composed to have given some sort of support to the guests who travelled a way to play a few tunes with us. As it was I'm sure Andy and his mate felt like they were playing a few tunes FOR us. Hangs head in shame, though with the terrible knowledge that at some stage in the future this probably all happen again!
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
I do hope Andy and his friend had fun, but as Shillelagh's give free drinks to all the musicians and treats us all with the same respect, I don't think they minded holding the session together on Saturday. In any case, they played some lovely sets. I've made a note of some of their tunes and hope to get some to become regular.
Andy, if you come across this, we hope the two of you will be able to come again one of these days.
As with the Blythe, it's great to get a variation of player around a very small nucleus of regulars, the session would go stale if it were only the 5 or 7 of us.
# Posted on June 14th 2004 by Cath
Shillelagh's
an interesting visit last saturday. to quote the old description, one might say that the regulars "had drink taken". nevertheless, a welcoming venue where we were treated with great consideration (free drinks, table cleared for the musicians, TV turned off)- a rare thing to find. i'm sure that the music would have been fine in other circumstances but the catford beerfest had (predictably) intervened. well, we knew that was likely before we went ............. worth a trip on another occasion.
# Posted on June 16th 2004 by teetotaller
You can't say fairer than that Andy, thanks for your understanding.
And well done for making the point that the pub staff are very kind to the musicians, it's not always the case with some other pubs.
# Posted on June 17th 2004 by Cath
I think Andy's reply is very impressive. Cath, of course, has no call to apologise for anything, being as ever the soul of hospitality and good manners. Unfortunately I couldn't say the same thing! I was really worried at having offended good people who came a long way to share a few tunes with us. Thankfully Andy let me know separately that he expected all hands to be somewhat the worse for wear and had made allowances. Even so, here's one sessioneer who makes sure he's not in bits for Andy's next visit.
# Posted on June 17th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
famous last words Aidan
# Posted on June 17th 2004 by Cath
Calling session friends out there - if you can come down to Shillelagh's on 19th June, I'd be eternally grateful.
No early night anticipated, and Big Dave, we'll let you in if you get there at around 11.00 - I'll tell Barbara and she'll be fine about it. She'd said so last week.
# Posted on June 18th 2004 by Cath
11.45 is the earliest i could get there on public transport,so will have to be next week,i'm afraid!
# Posted on June 18th 2004 by biggus dave
Phew!
Ken, Sheila, Andy and Alistair and I played and the guys in there were singing and dancing to the tunes. Thanks again Andy for travelling such a distance to this little pub, it made all the difference, but I'm grateful to all four of you for coming up.
Barbara, the landlady loved it and hoped we weren't put out by the lively behaviour from a couple of young women, down from Scotland, who were stomping away during the polkas. Not at all, we're getting free drinks to give these folks a good time as well as enjoying ourselves. John helped out again with a song at the end of the night and shifted the mood to mad sing song session. We left then (as diddlers always do).
For the record, Peter's the name of the great accordion player who came to Shillelagh's last week.
# Posted on June 19th 2004 by Cath
Ken and Sheila unlikely to make it next Saturday (26th). Andy probably won't make it either as he works on Sundays.
Billy should be there as well as myself, and hopefully big Dave - nearly a quorum.
# Posted on June 20th 2004 by Cath
SUMMER RECESS
We are stopping Shillelagh's session for the summer months. Back in September - kicking of with a session on the sunday of the all Ireland finals - if somebody more knowledgeable on this subject would care to enlighten us it would be good.
# Posted on June 27th 2004 by Cath
SHILLELAGH'S STARTING AGAIN
I called Shillelagh's today, they are looking forward to resuming sessions.
We could play this Sunday 12th if any of you can make it. And there the all Ireland's finals Sunday 26th September.
We would start reasonably early, 8.00 sharp and finish at around 11.30.
Please email me or let me know when you see me either at the Blythe or the Holly Tree
Cath
# Posted on September 9th 2004 by Cath
SUNDAYS ....
....for the time being, anyhow. I'll change this back if and when.
# Posted on September 10th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Shillelagh's
Thanks Danny. I'm taking a vote on the 12th September but it's too late in the week to have it happen. I'm thinking of 18th September (Saturday), before the all Ireland finals on Sunday 26th. As mentioned by some of us, the landlady, bar staff, and customers always make us feel welcome and genuinely enjoy the music.
# Posted on September 10th 2004 by Cath
Shillelagh's
This Sunday, 8.00pm sharp. See you all there.
# Posted on September 22nd 2004 by Cath
Saturday 2nd October
It's gone back to Saturday now....is this going to be the regular night from now, Cath?
# Posted on September 28th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Shillelagh's
Sorry Danny, it's usually on Saturday, but some weeks people have other commitments, that's when we switch to Sunday, so I'm afraid it may change from time to time.
# Posted on September 28th 2004 by Cath
Shillelagh's 26th September
Well ... what a night! Apart from the fact that it was hard at times to hear the other players over the din of the various Mayo and Kerry contingents slagging each other off about the afternoon's match, it was a quality night of music (from my perspective in any event). Many thanks to Pete (accordion), Andy (banjo), Ken (guitar) and Ian (pipes, whistle, banjo) who covered a fair few miles between them to join the small bunch of regulars. They gave the session a real lift and it was a pleasure to be in their company. Shillelagh's is great place to play ... although the pub is a bit "mad", the staff and the punters really get off on the music, much more so than in any of the other local session pubs, and it can be quite exhilarating to do your stuff where it's appreciated as opposed to tolerated!
# Posted on September 28th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Saturday 9/11/04. A good oul' crowd already ensconced owing to the fact that the Ireland/France World Cup qualifier was showing. As soon as the final whistle blew we are away with the tunes and a great night was had by all. Let's see. The line-up was banjo, banjo/mandolin, guitar, whistles/bodhran, whistle/flute/box, whistle, low whistle ... Very appreciative bar staff and punters (as usual). Shillelagh's is turning out to be a treat. If any visitors fancied a skite over, I'd recommend the evening of 23rd October; we're trying to make itt a special night since the landlady's friends are due to visit from Ireland and she'd like to make it a night to remember!
# Posted on October 12th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Shillelagh's
What about this Saturday 16th, are we all on? I am. I'm still upset that I missed last week's. Hope to see you all there.
# Posted on October 13th 2004 by Cath
Hope you are better Cath. I meant to go last Sat but got laid low with a really bad cold. Alas not this Sat - gigs Thurs, Sat & Sun nights (people should really stop getting married so often!!!).
Maybe next time
Hope it goes well
Sarah
# Posted on October 13th 2004 by Sarah the Flute
I'll see what I can do, Cath. Might have to be at home on the 16th ...
# Posted on October 14th 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Shillelagh's
Hope you feel better too Sarah. After the holiday season comes the colds seasons, hope we can all sustains our various sessions.
Ok Aidan, let's see what the others have to say.
# Posted on October 14th 2004 by Cath
SHILLELAGH'S 4TH DECEMBER
Should go ahead, albeit a bit late in the evening.
# Posted on December 3rd 2004 by Cath
Most enjoyable last night - just me, Aidan, Cath, Billy and Orson. The way I like it. Sorry my version of McKeown's Polka is still rather...erm, nascent, incipient, shall we say, but it can only get better...I hope.
More of the same please.
# Posted on December 12th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
SHILLELAGH'S
I agree Danny, the session felt just right.
We need to sort out that part 2 of McKeown's - either you need to look at the dots (provided by Aidan), or I need to hear your recorded version of the tune. It would be great to have it as a regular session tune.
# Posted on December 13th 2004 by Cath
Cath - it's entirely my ineptitude - but I think you mean the 4th part - it's an 8-part Polka, remember. It sounds OK when I play it at home, then when I give it a public airing it all falls apart. I must give you a copy of the tape (yes, tape!) where I got it from. But here's a link to it:
http://www.irishmusicreview.com/discv.htm#veteran
# Posted on December 16th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
McKeon's Polka
The one on the Sean McNamara cassette is a 4 parter (not 8) - in any case this is more than enough parts for me! I'm pasting in the version we play which is fairly close to the recording and seems to work OK at our sessions.
AF BF|AF BF|AB cd|dc G>G|
GE BE|GE BE|GA Bc|BA F>G|
AF BF|AF BF|AB cd|eB B2|
ed cB|BA A2|^GA Bc|d2 d2:||
ba fd|dc c2|B>B Bc|BA A2|
^GA Bc|dc df|ba ^gb|a2 d>d|
dc ed|cB B2|^GA Bc|BA F2|EF GA|Bc ed|(3cBA (3GFE|D4:||
f2 (3efe|dd dB/2c/2|dd ed|dc c2|
g2 (3fgf|ee e2|ee fd|dc BA|
f2 (3efe|dd dB/2c/2|dd ed|c2 B2|
B2 Bc/2d/2|e2 ef|ed cB|A4:||
FA FE|DF BF|AG GF|G3 A|
B2 B>B|BB cB|BA A^G|A2 Bc|
d2 dc/2d/2|ed AB|cB BA|B3 B|
cc c>B|AA Bc|ed dc| d4:||
The above should paste into ABC2Win if you'd prefer to see it in notation form.
# Posted on December 16th 2004 by Bannerman
McKeown
Thanks, Bannerman - and yes, it's a 4 part as far as I know.
# Posted on December 17th 2004 by Cath
Delighted to know others are playing this great tune which in the past would only be heard wherever the Liverpool lads were playing. It's a great favourite down at the Cois na hAbhna session in Ennis and we're all looking forward to the Fleadh Nua next May when we'll have a chance to play it along with Sean Mac himself. It will be a bonus if any musicians from farther afield can also be there to join us!
# Posted on December 17th 2004 by Bannerman
PS
My normal reason for complaint is that there is never enough information in session site comments. This one is bigger than many of the threads in the discussion area. It must be your strategy to keep all the session chit chat here thus allowing you more playing time on the night - great idea!
# Posted on December 17th 2004 by Bannerman
Shillelagh's
And just to keep Bannerman happy - here's another comment on the session.
Aidan, Danny, that mob turned up on Saturday and Jim with his spoon, AND the French whistle maniac who only ever plays one tune at a time. Shall I tell him 'vas te faire foutre?'
If it hadn't been for Orson, his two really nice sisters, and Max, I'd have gone home without even taking one drink.
# Posted on December 21st 2004 by Cath
Cath - Andy & Co wanted to know if they can come and invade if there is a sesh on New Years Day - they appear to be plotting a mass invasion from Kent if its on
Cheers
Sarah
# Posted on December 22nd 2004 by Sarah the Flute
Thank goodness I was up in Birmingham then. Now Orson knows the real truth about the session scene in Lewisham! - or at least its soft underbelly. If that lot make that their regular watering hole of a Saturday I'm outa there for keeps.
OK, OK guys, wrt McKeown's - 4 parts it is, then - I stand corrected. I'm sure I read on the sleeve notes it was 8 parts - obviously I'm wrong (again)!
I'm sure it would be great to see Andy & co on New Years day....Cath?
# Posted on December 23rd 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Session Chit Chat
Bannerman - yes, precisely, that is the strategy - although we mouth off in the discussion section as well! In fact I think I brought this very topic up as a discussion a while back, and it helps to keep an interest in the session going. If you look at the notes for the Blythe Hill Tavern, you'll see the same kind of thing.
# Posted on December 23rd 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
That's a shame, Cath. I'd have been really hacked off if that shower had showed up.
As regards the "pair" ... dear, oh dear! Presumably yer woman had the complete set of shaky everythings ... I was waiting for a major scene in the Blythe after Danny stopped playing to reprimand her for shaking the egg. But it came to nothing. I wished they'd done the daycent thing and stormed off, huffy and disgusted. But no result.
Max in particular finds it very hard to play over bad guitar accompaniment and was having a real job of blotting yer man out on Thursday. I have to admit that on several occasions he threw me completely off the scent. I should have said something and I now regret having just bitten my lip. "If you don't know the chords, and you can't work them out after the first four bars then just stop. We've got along without you so far, mate, so if you park your guitar for a few tunes, we won't miss you."
As regards yer man on the whistle, he is really beginning to do my nut in. It's not even the fact that he's just getting to grips with the music and yet insists on turning up that bugs me so much as the fact that he caught me at the bar twice last week and asked me to get him a whiskey. The bloke is simply an irritant and yet he feels he's entitled to free booze from Con?!?!
(However, at least we got a joke out of it. Me "Oh, and give us a Bell's as well, would you Terry?" Terry "D'ye want anything in it?" Me "A couple of grains of arsenic." Boom, boom!!
However, any session at which the family Carte make an appearance is an event and I'm glad Max could make it along to Shillelaghs. I just hope that Max and Orson and co don't feel that the journey was wasted.
# Posted on December 23rd 2004 by Aidan Crossey
Consolation ...
4 parts/8 parts ... ye're both right ... the tune has four parts, right enough, but since each of the parts is sixteen bars long rather than the usual eight, it has the equivalent "weight of notes" of an 8-part tune. (And is proving to me to be as hard to learn as a bleedin' symphony!)
# Posted on December 23rd 2004 by Aidan Crossey
The blythe tonight
don't worry yersell Aidan...ye didnae miss too much at the Blythe tonight (are we allowed to discuss other sessions on a session thread?). Other threads might tell you I was on the verge of asking a certain gent outside, and not to locate the location of Ursa Minor.
The older I get, the less *peacefull* I think I'm becoming. Thank god I'm very... nay, extremely, fit.
# Posted on December 24th 2004 by Key Maniac Lad
Is it still on?
Is this session still running?
Wanted to go on Saturday 15 Jan 2005 but could find no active phone number for the pub anywhere.
Thanks
CB
# Posted on January 18th 2005 by country bumpkin
Yes, it's still on Country Bumpkin.
Tel 020 8265 5516 Starting at around 8.30 - 9.00 on Saturdays. Please come down and join us. What instrument do you play?
# Posted on January 18th 2005 by Cath
Many Thanks
I think I can make it this Saturday. I play the Bodhran (& am learning the whistle at home!). I have just moved to Thornton Heath and so sessions in Lewisham are now within reach - before I would go to sessions in West and SW London.
# Posted on January 18th 2005 by country bumpkin
Well, come up anyway
# Posted on January 21st 2005 by Cath
Shillelagh's
Thank you for coming Country Bumpkin, we needed some extra hands that night, we'll see you again.
And Paul, if you ever see this, we really are happy with a further banjo player, they're always welcome at our session.
# Posted on January 24th 2005 by Cath
Nae free bevvy noo.
They yased tae gie us free bevvies, noo they don't, so thon's a keech. An that wis the original deal. Bit it least they still dae loack-ins. The session itsell wis good, though. Bit cause ay the lack a free bevvies, am no gonny go aw that oaften. Purely oot a principle, cos ah normally don't mind pittin ma hon in ma poacket.
# Posted on January 30th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Shillelagh's
Actually, there's a partial pot. They've decided that drinks are free for the regulars, and the visitors so we all buy rounds, and it's actually less than it should be.
In any event, it was a really good session and I really hope to see everyone who was there Saturday again.
# Posted on January 31st 2005 by Cath
Rudeness of health
I reckon my normal rudeness of health is returning after a long chest infection...nearly 2 months. Amazing how this can affect your psychological well-being.
And so the Shillelaghs regulars had to thus endure my marathon-length flute sets of obscure reels. But that aside, it was a classic gathering of regulars, even some free beers, great genuine crack, and nice to see the pub busying up later in the evening. I can't promise regular attendance, but will get down when I can.
# Posted on February 8th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Paddy's day at Shillelagh's
Barbara asked if some of us could make it Thursday afternoon 17th March - around 3.00pm - I can take the time off - anybody else?
It would be better than evening in any case as all the pubs will be mobbed.
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by Cath
Paddy's Day...
So, what's the deal?
That's the one week of the year when we actually get to earn some reasonable dosh at this game.
(....That said, I don't have anything booked yet!)
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
i'll be there and me thinks aidan is off too!!
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by billy
Shillelagh's Saturday 12th March
It will be the landlady's birthday so hope some of you CAN make it - that would be nice for her as she'll be 40
# Posted on March 6th 2005 by Cath
Shillelagh's Saturday 12th March
I'll try and be there, better late than never eh?
# Posted on March 6th 2005 by Wuhoo
40?
again?
# Posted on March 7th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
Shillelagh's
Ooooh! bitchy!
# Posted on March 8th 2005 by Cath
Oh yeah, you're talking about the other one - that would make sense I suppose.
# Posted on March 8th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
PADDY'S DAY AT SHILLELAGH'S
Kick off 3.00pm Thursday - food and drinks will be provided. Well, we're not getting paid for it but we're still enthusiastic enough to play for pleasure... and drinks!
# Posted on March 16th 2005 by Cath
Shillelagh's
It's getting difficult keeping it going, not enough musicians - I'd like to take a vote on whether we should really carry on. I'll be going tonight but I know I'm away next week and I'm not sure who can make it there at all then.
# Posted on April 2nd 2005 by Cath
Well, I've been away, and will probably be away fairly frequently at weekends. Besides that my attendance has always been patchy. It has to be said they have reneged on the original deal, ie free drinks for players. That bugs me a bit. The fact that the pub is often quite empty is their problem, not ours. But all that said, when a good session emerges there, it really is good. It's easy for me to say "keep it going" so I can always have a local session to turn up to when I have a free Saturday. So I'll leave it up to the more regular people.
# Posted on April 4th 2005 by Key Maniac Lad
I went down to the Compasses in Kent last night and I was telling them about the shortage at Shillelaghs. They asked if there was any possibility of shifting it to a Sunday night to alternate with sessions at the Compasses cos if so they might muster up a crowd to venture forth over the Medway. Is that any help Cath? Sat nights are usually pretty impossible for me....Sunday not ideal but I might be allowed out if it wasn't every Sunday
Sarah
# Posted on April 4th 2005 by Sarah the Flute
Shillelagh's
Hi Sarah,
That's very kind of you. When I think of all the musicians on this site who cannot find a session anywhere, and then this... I can try and work something out with Shillelagh's, although to be honest, Sunday evening is not ideal for me as I've started going to the Duke on that day. I will see what the others say and contact our Compasses session friends directly. Thanks, Sarah
# Posted on April 4th 2005 by Cath
Hi Cath
That would be good. I think the main clan are meeting this Wed at their Canterbury sesh but Pete is away for a week on hols.
Cheers
Sarah
# Posted on April 4th 2005 by Sarah the Flute
No session at Shillelagh's this Saturday (16th)
Four of the regulars cannot make it this Saturday so I will ring Shillelahg's tonight and tell them that there will be no session tomorrow. If you have any disagreement with this please post it as comment asap. We WILL start again Saturday 23rd.
Cath
# Posted on April 15th 2005 by Cath
Shillelagh's
We'll be back next Saturday 23rd = hope some of you can make it apart from Billy and myself.
Cath
# Posted on April 17th 2005 by Cath
Kentish men to the rescue
Thanks Peter, Ian and Paul for coming such a long distance to play at Shillelagh's last night - there would have been no session without you!
There will be no session next Saturday 14th May (birthday party for 'our special little guy' who's going to be 30 - Aaah!) - but we'll be back on 21st.
# Posted on May 8th 2005 by Cath
SHILLELAGH'S SUMMER RECESS?
I cannot make this Saturday nor the next - can anyone of the 'regulars' sustain it? Please email me soon so that I can warn them in advance and cancel the sessions over the summer until early September, like we did last year. Thanks.
Catherine
# Posted on May 31st 2005 by Cath
Shillelagh's
Definitely NOT happening this Saturday. I'll call Maria and tell her. Anyone wants to play there before next September? If so, then I'll tell her what happens from week to week, if not, I'll tell Maria we'll be back for the all Ireland finals.
C
# Posted on June 11th 2005 by Cath
Shillelagh's dormant
Sorry, still nothing happening but if any of you text me, then we could have a one off night there.
I have plenty of other sessions to keep me busy so not so bothered one way or the other.
# Posted on October 15th 2005 by Cath
Shillelahg's starting again?
Alasdair, we're going to try and restart Shillelagh's - are you up for it? Some of us (Billy, Paul, Nick, possibly Bob and I) are aiming to start again on Saturday 19th November.
c
# Posted on November 5th 2005 by Cath
Cath I'm gigless on sat 19th Nov at present and so might be free to saunter along to shilelaghs. I'll email andy and pete who i met up with last wednesday and see if they fancy a trip up from Kent. Would we all fit in????!!!!
Sarah
# Posted on November 5th 2005 by Sarah the Flute
good news _ should be there
# Posted on November 6th 2005 by Alasdair
Shillelagh's
Please get in touch with Billy - if you email me I can give you his mobile number to make arrangements.
I'm having to go to France (burn a few cars..., see the family) and won't be back until 20th but that should not stop you.
Sarah, Paul who plays banjo should be there and you'll have a real laugh with him.
c
# Posted on November 7th 2005 by Cath
Shillelagh,s
Paul phoned me last night ,said he will be there,so will I
Bob
# Posted on November 8th 2005 by Bob .C.
Shillelagh's
A one off at Shillelagh's this Sunday 29th at 8.00pm - something to do with a baby's christening or anniversary. Will discuss with the landlady on the day about resuming Saturday night until the summer.
# Posted on January 26th 2006 by Cath
Who's the side?
You know me, I'd like to. But got a big day Monday, big part of the process as to how I spend over 150,000 GBP in a one off.
True.
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Shillelagh's
Well, just two banjos, joined by two fiddles - it was fun though. the landlady wants to start it up again on Saturdays, I mentioned that it's hard to get people but if anyone fancies it, please let me know in advance and I'll call and warn them. So please Danny, can you place the schedule for Saturdays, and I'll update when I get volunteers.
Cheers
c
# Posted on January 30th 2006 by Cath
Shillelagh's 17th March
Friday 17th, St Patrick's session starting between 4 and 5pm. If anyone can make it, contact me so I can tell the landlady how many bacon/cabbage dinners will be required.
It was pretty tasty last year.
c
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Cath
Will anyone be there this Saturday (25th March)?
# Posted on March 21st 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Shillelagh's on
There will be a session this Saturday 25th March.
We would not want to let Slainte down, and look forward to seeing any of the London area musicians who fancy joining us.
# Posted on March 24th 2006 by Cath
Shillelagh's
Slainte, having checked your webpages carefully, I realise you're way too modest. You sound wonderful and know an incredible amount of tunes. There would have been no session that night if it weren't for you, thank you. It was great.
# Posted on March 29th 2006 by Cath
Ah, Cath. I should be quiet on this site and take a rest for a while, you know. The alcohol I consumed at Shillelagh's is still running through my blood vessels and does something nasty to me. Thanks for the night, and I'll email you much earlier next time.
# Posted on April 1st 2006 by slainte
SHILLELAGH'S THIS SATURDAY
It's on this Saturday, 8th, minus Slainte, but we'll be thinking of you.
# Posted on April 6th 2006 by Cath
Shillelagh's
Some of you contacted me for Saturday just gone, but please if you want the session, let me know earlier in the week so Barbara the landlady can advertise it. Anyway, for those of you who know Paul, a great banjo player, will have his 40th birthday party there on Saturday 22nd, so we hope he can have a great session at the same time.
# Posted on April 17th 2006 by Cath
Surfacing again after months of too much work to do. I have gigs on Fri and Sun but maybe....just maybe ....I can get another pass on Sat night and make this one!!!!
Sarah
(Hmmm it's so long since I posted that it appears Danny has turned into a real person!)
# Posted on April 20th 2006 by Sarah the Flute
Shillelagh's
We're trying to start it regularly again, it should certainly happen next Saturday, 29th.
Hi Sarah!
# Posted on April 23rd 2006 by Cath
Well I did try to get there Cath but I was so KN****rd after the gig on Fri and than Sat at work that sleep got the better of me...sorry. Maybe next Sat (I've a gig on Sunday nite but Monday is a HOLIDAY!!!!)
Hope it went well
Sarah
# Posted on April 23rd 2006 by Sarah the Flute
Shillelagh's
Back on a regular basis it would seem.
Sarah, I understand the pressure you're under, family, work and gigs. Andy P came up Saturday before last, it was great to have him join us.
# Posted on May 8th 2006 by Cath
It was pretty good last Saturday - Aidan, Bob, Paul, Billy, me and a German lass called Martina. Nearly as much talking as playing, which is usually a good sign for a relaxed session.
# Posted on May 11th 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Shilellagh's
Ach! Sorry I missed it. Went to a friend's party, overdid it with Pimm's and lemonade. Hope you can all make it this week as I'm definitely coming.
# Posted on May 17th 2006 by Cath
Again....
Quite possibly.....
# Posted on May 17th 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
No Shillelagh's this Saturday 27th May
Back first week of June
# Posted on May 23rd 2006 by Cath
Shillelagh's
No session Saturday 17th June. If you can make following Saturday, please let me know and I'll advise the landlady.
# Posted on June 13th 2006 by Cath
Shillelagh's
On this Saturday 24th
# Posted on June 21st 2006 by Cath
Shillelagh's
Back on this Saturday
# Posted on July 5th 2006 by Cath
Shillelagh's
Nothing at moment, but if any of the regulars fancy it, please text me and I'll arrange it with the landlady.
# Posted on July 31st 2006 by Cath
I've unticked the day boxes for the time being as nothing is happening at present. Who knows this may change at some time in the future.
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Now called The Temple Bar, formerly Shillelagh's.
Last Saturday a gang of us, who had previously been playing at a christening, dropped in for a load of tunes. this was received very well. Maybe it's premature to post it as a regular session as yet, so email me via this site if you're up for tunes and we'll try and get something sorted for you.
# Posted on February 26th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
The Temple Bar
Just to repeat: Now called: The Temple Bar
# Posted on February 26th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
No session at present.
Nothing doing for the time being. Sorry if anyone has turned up on spec. Maybe best trying emailing one of the would-be regulars beforehand.
# Posted on September 22nd 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Session re-active
A session will re-commence at the Temple Bar every friday night (starting this friday the 26th) from 9pm. Myself, Fergie, Steve Mulhern and Cath should all be in attendance (as far as I know) and the session is welcome to ALL those who wish to join in. This is a great pub and after a few weeks i'm sure this could well become a friday night Tir Na Nog of SE London!
N.B. This will not be a 'Purist' session! - songs will be sung, tunes will be played at various speeds (depending on who starts a set) & all contributors will be welcomed.
Keep an eye on this webpage for the first month or 2 till we get it going properly. I will put a post on here if the session is not running for any reason.
Dan
# Posted on October 25th 2007 by Daniel Gott
A great re-opening
Thanks to everyone that came down last night. It was an enjoyable evening with some fine music. On again next friday 9pm onwards :D
# Posted on October 27th 2007 by Daniel Gott
OK, I've changed the schedule so it now says Fridays, as opposed to cancelled. Don't say I'm not good to ye's. Good luck with it. Me? I'm heavily booked on Friday nights watching Jonathan Woss on telly.
# Posted on October 30th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
cheers Danny
# Posted on October 30th 2007 by Daniel Gott
Renaming as new
Hi Dan,
Why not post this as a new session and calling it Temple Bar as well as having the link. I'll also mention that on the Holly Tree if you've not already done it.
Cath
# Posted on November 2nd 2007 by Cath
****Now Temple Bar - not Shillelagh's****
Hmm Cath...I don't know if it's allowed. We had this as a discussion a while back. I think you are allowed to change the name of the pub which is what I have done if you read the front page of this listing - it now says Temple Bar. I might take a look in tonight or soon.....
# Posted on November 3rd 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Thanks to all who came down last night - we had whistles, bodhran, accordion, madolin, guitar, fiddles and some great music! The pub didn't have many in however as there was a ceili on around the corner at the irish centre. 'Alikz fiddler' from brighton turned up as well and gave us some thoroughly enjoyable sets and we carried on till about 12.30 or 1. This session will really do very well if we can get the crowd in. Spread the word!
# Posted on November 3rd 2007 by Daniel Gott
Suspended
The session will not be running until future notice. This may (hopefully) just be a fortnight but who knows. Shaun, the landlord is thinking about a changing the night it's on. Keep an eye on this page for more info.
Dan
# Posted on November 13th 2007 by Daniel Gott