John Doyle and Mike McGoldrick, together, represent the finest musicians performing in traditional Irish music today. Born in Manchester, UK, of Irish parents, Mike has been a road warrior since his teen years, and most notably distinguished himself in the top shelf bands, Lunasa and Capercaillie. With his powerful and yet subtle flute, whistles and uillean pipes, Mike has performed all over Europe, the US, Canada and worldwide with Kate Rusby, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, and like John is a regular for many years with the Transatlantic Sessions at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow.
John likewise has been a professional since a teenager when he hit the road with Seamus Egan and Joanie Madden; he then went on along with Seamus to found the groundbreaking Irish American band, Solas. He has since forged a formidable solo career as producer, musician, songwriter and singer. John's signature percussive and emotive finger picking has been the choice on over 150 recordings of traditional Irish, bluegrass, oldtime, English folk and Americana with everyone from Eric Clapton to Tim O'Brien, Kate Rusby, Alison Brown, Liz Carroll, Linda Thompson, and a very long list of luminaries in folk music.
John and Mike individually are the very best in each of their respective instruments; collectively they are a powerhouse and truly not to be missed.
Every 1st Friday of the Month starting at 7:30 p.m.
Traditional Irish Session hosted by Hollis Payer sponsored by the Philadelphia Ceili Group and the Irish Center. Takes place at the Irish Center, 6815 Emlen St. Philadelphia, PA 191119
The first hour is a slow tempo session for beginners. This is a traditional Irish session in all ways except one: the tempo. You will play common session tunes at a slower than normal pace, so that beginning and intermediate players can more easily learn the tunes and join in the session. Also great for experienced players who are picking up another instrument! Standard tunes that are played include: Kesh Jig (G), Tar Road to Sligo (Bmin/Dmaj), Morrison's (Emin), Tripping Up the Stairs (Dmaj/Bmin).
February 7, 2025, March 7, 2025, April 4, 2025, May 2, 2025, June 6, 2025, July 4, 2025, August 1, 2025, September 5, 2025,
October 3, 2025, November 7, 2025, December 5, 2025
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SINGERS SESSION - Hosted by Terry Kane
Every 2nd Thursday of the Month at the Irish Center, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, 6815 Emlen St. Philadelphia, PA
All are welcome: any age, any skill level, accompanied or solo. Microphone is provided for amplification. Sing alone, sing with friends, or just join in on a chorus with everyone. Terry begins the session at 730pm and singers are free to wander in and out as needed. Feel free to bring snacks and the bar will be open serving drinks and light pub fare.
February 13, 2025, March 13, 2025, April 10, 2025, May 8, 2025, June 12, 2025
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CEILI OG - Monthly Instructed Ceili for Young People (and those young at heart!)
Sponsored by the Philadelphia Ceili Group & The Irish Center
Music by The Next Generation Session
2nd Sunday of the Month, 3:00pm - 5:pm.
Takes place at the Irish Center, 6815 Emlen St. Philadelphia, PA 191119
FREE Monthly Instructed Ceili for Everyone with Live Music by The Next Generation Session. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Ceili Group & The Irish Center. The Next Generation Youth Session* happens from 1-3pm prior to the Ceili Og. Join us for both & bring something to share. Limited Bar Menu available. Pass the Hat donations & potluck contributions are welcome.
A Ceili (kay-lee) is a traditional Irish gathering for fun, fellowship, and laughs for all ages and skill levels. Traditional ceili dances were enjoyed at house parties and corner road gatherings in the rural countryside. Many of these traditional dances have a follow-the-leader pattern that new dancers can pick up easily. Dances will be taught prior and may include: The Walls Of Limerick, The Siege Of Ennis, The Haymaker’s Jig, Shoe The Donkey, The Stack Of Barley, The Barn Dance, The Gay Gordon, The Three Tunes, The Trip to the Cottage, The 2 Hand Reel, The Sweets of May and more!
*The Next Generation Session happens from 1-3pm before the Ceili Og. The first hour is devoted to teaching one or two new tunes. Players of all levels are welcome. All tunes are taught “by ear” in small groups. At the end of the hour, all the musicians reassemble in front of the fireplace for the session. Each player gets to kick off the tune of their choice and anybody who knows it joins in.
Feb. 9, 2025, March 9, 2025, Apr. 13, 2025, May 11, 2025 Mother's day, June 8, 2025