How do I find Irish music sessions and dance classes in my US city?
Work three routes. First, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the Irish traditional music organisation, has branches across North America that run sessions, classes and céilís; its branch list is the most reliable starting point. Second, session listings: The Session (thesession.org) carries member-posted sessions worldwide, and Irish pubs with a session night usually list them by weekday. Third, dance: registered Irish dance schools teach in most large cities, and cultural centres host adult céilí and set dancing classes that take beginners without costume or commitment. A session is a social gathering, not a concert: listeners are welcome, tunes are taken seriously, and a new player is usually steered to the slower session first.
Useful pages: Irish in USA · The Irish surnames map · Trace your Irish roots · Coming home · Irish around the world
Sources
- Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann: traditional music, sessions and branches, comhaltas.ie
- The Session: traditional music session listings, thesession.org
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