I’m new to C&F and I’m wondering if anyone knows where I may be able to find a session (or even music group) in Lancashire?
I only started playing tin whistle last December so I’m almost a complete beginner.
I’m really keen to see irish musicians play the wonderful music and to hopefully learn a bit as well perhaps even join in. I’ve never really seen irish music live except for one time in Ireland which was amazing. My goal would be to eventually become good enough to play alongside others…and to play to an audience.
I recall there is an Irish Oyster festival at Guys Thatched Hamlet, Garstang sometime in September, There are bands there from Cork, you could take your whistle. You could call to confirm on 01995 640010 or visit their web site at http://www.guysthatchedhamlet.com/.
The usefulness of this may depend on where you are in Lancs! It’s a big county. First of all you should check/search on The Session and Folk Orbit and anywhere else with listings, but bear in mind that such lists are dependent on updates from contributors and don’t check info themselves, so sessions and events listed can be moved or defunct - always best to make use of any phone no.s provided.
If you are close enough to Liverpool, there is an excellent Monday night session in The Edinburgh which I attend occasionally - would certainly introduce you to good standard ITM, but is not snooty. There are many regular sessions in Manchester, most notably on a Wednesday night at The Union in Levenshulme, led by Grace Kelly, sister of Flook bodhran legend John-Joe - can be a bit stratospheric, so not a join-in one for an early stages player, but worth it to listen. I know there are both ITM and other traditions sessions in Lancaster too - I forget the name of the venue (you’ll find it on the resources mentioned) and haven’t been myself, but hearsay is positive. I’m sure there’s plenty more to be found…
FWIW, one of the best ways into performing is to go along to a folk club - they tend to be dominated by singer/guitarists and are usually quite welcoming of other types of musician and mostly very encouraging of newbies - they offer a good way into getting up and performing semi-formally without too much stress - as soon as you can play a couple of sets tolerably reliably, you can give it a go (and will learn from doing so) - you don’t need a huge repertory as you do to join in much at a session, though in that context you are less exposed, of course. You should be able to find club listings on Folk Orbit too.
Thank you edster for your suggestion. May take a look if i can get over there!
Thanks also jemtheflute for your advice. Will take note. I’ve followed the link to groups in the vicinity which look positive…planned to go to a slow session soon which I feel may be a bit of an eye/ear-opener in a good way!
