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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!

The Session Stage is known for 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 – professional musicians from the Main Stage – setting the tone and ground rules. There is comfortable seating out of sun and rain for players and listeners alike. Pull up a chair and play!

Regional Celtic Sessions sending players to the Session Stage this year include:

MusicSessions

Summer McCall

With an enthusiastic and infectious love for movement, Summer has found herself with long standing experience and joy calling traditional dances for Scottish ceilidhs (pronounced kālē). With a background of well over a decade in ballet, modern, Middle Eastern, Irish/Scottish step dancing and tap, calling for dances came natural in…
Ethan Eller
May 12, 2023
Sessions

Santa Rosa Session

These long-standing informal sessions play twice monthly at the Redwood Café in Cotati and also in other locations. They favor traditional Scottish and Irish music and even allow bagpipes, banjos and accordions to play at their sessions!
Ethan Eller
February 26, 2024
Sessions

National Hotel Session

This Session is hosted by musicians who have played together for decades, now playing in the National Hotel in Nevada City bar every Thursday from 5–8 p.m. and every other Sunday from 4–6 p.m. at the Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley. They play a variety of Celtic traditional tunes and…
Ethan Eller
February 26, 2024
Sessions

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 Sharon Carl and Elizabeth Townsend, we…
Ethan Eller
February 22, 2023
Sessions

Youth-Led Session

This session is led by young fiddlers and other musicians ranging in age from 8 to 22. They may be young in age but they are old in experience. Just try to keep up with these hot players!
Ethan Eller
February 22, 2023
Sessions

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. They welcome you to lead a tune set, sing a song or just follow along.
Ethan Eller
February 22, 2023
Sessions

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…
Ethan Eller
February 22, 2023
Sessions

Chico Session

These folks have hosted a session for many years in the Chico area, including Friday afternoons at Duffy’s Tavern. They are all seasoned players who maintain a true traditional feel to a large repertoire of tunes.
Ethan Eller
February 22, 2023
Sessions

Auburn Session with Pete & Phyllis Grant

Experienced players have hosted this lively session in Auburn for nearly two decades. They play every Sunday night at the Tap & Vine in Auburn from 6-8 p.m. The Auburn Session includes tunes, songs, and lots of laughter.
Ethan Eller
February 22, 2023
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