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What’s a Session?

“A Session (seisun in Gaelic) is a gathering of traditional musicians for the purpose of celebrating their common interest in the music by playing it together in a relaxed, informal setting…. It works like this: One musician starts playing a tune, and whoever knows the tune joins in and plays along.”
Field Guide to the Irish Music Session – Barry Foy

Give us a tune or a Song – Everyone is Welcome to Join in!

Come Play or Sing on the Session Stage

For 14 years the Session Stage has been welcoming folks from all skill levels that are interested in playing traditional Celtic music in this most traditional way. Sessions last about 75 minutes, with a 30-minute break between sessions.

Each session is unique, with the hosts of the session – musicians from the Main Stage – setting the tone and ground rules. There is comfortable seating out of the weather for players and listeners alike.

The Stage invites seasoned session players from all over Northern California to play, ensuring that session hosts have robust and nimble musicians in the crowd with instruments ready to follow their lead. (You may find them playing in the campgrounds too.)

Performers

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Celtic In The Courtyard

KVMR Celtic Festival Opener: Beltane Eve at the National Hotel Thursday, April 30th 5pm-9pm $25 per guest, all-you-can-eat Please come celebrate the start of the 2026 KVMR Celtic Festival weekend at the National Exchange Hotel from 5:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursday, April 30th when the festivities get their proper…

National Hotel Session

The Welcome Session each morning of the Festival is hosted by musicians that play in the bar of the beautiful National Hotel in Nevada City every Thursday from 5–8 p.m. They play a variety of Celtic traditional tunes and often just burst into song without warning.

Celtic Song Circle

If you like to sing, these are the sessions for you. Anyone is welcome to come lead a song, join in on the choruses, or just sit and listen. A cappella mainly, but if you’d like to accompany yourself, that’s just fine. Led by Elizabeth Townsend, we focus on songs…

Wild Irish Session

Grass Valley's own (mostly) Irish session has been playing most Monday nights at the Wild Eye Pub in Grass Valley, 5-7pm and co-host the Welcome Session at the Festival. We play mostly traditional Irish tunes and songs, from lively jigs and reels to lovely waltzes.

Youth-Led Session

All are welcome to play in this lively session led by youth players. Expect to hear many traditional and modern tunes, often learned at Alasdair Fraser's fiddle camps and workshops, that are likely to have roots in Celtic regions other than Ireland. You are sure to get a taste of…

Starry Plough Session

From the famous Starry Plough pub in Berkeley, which hosts open traditional Irish music sessions (with breaks for singers) every Sunday night starting at 7:30 pm. Hosted intermediate speed session from 5:30-7:00pm. They welcome you to lead a tune set, sing a song or just follow along.

San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers

Formed in 1986 by Alasdair Fraser, SFSF is now a musical family of more than 300 musicians of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. They gather throughout the year to share the joy of playing music from the enduring Scottish tradition. Spontaneity is a key element, and they delight in breaking…

Chico Session

These folks have hosted sessions for many years in the Chico area, including bi-monthly sessions at Allies Pub, Tuesdays' Molly's Favorite sessions, and Friday afternoons at Duffy’s Tavern. They are all seasoned players who maintain a true traditional feel to a large repertoire of tunes.

Auburn Session with Pete & Phyllis Grant

Experienced players have hosted this lively session in Auburn for over two decades. They play the third Sunday of the month at Two Ass Brewery in Auburn from 6-8. The Auburn Session includes tunes, songs and lots of laughter.