I always see you guys talking about irish festivals, weeks, seminars, ect. I’ve never been to one and I would like to go because it sounds like there are many venues, venders, classes, and players and I didn’t want to miss one because I don’t know when they are. Do you guys know of any celtic gatherings in the northern Califoria area(bay area, sacramento, ect.) in the near future?
Thanks,
Jack Murphy
[ This Message was edited by: MurphyStout on 2002-06-09 01:22 ]
Just a matter of time before this is answered but I think Tony Higgins and another Tinker’s Damn member went to one in Sebastopol last October. I think he may have mentioned a weblink in fact. Big names they had there.I’m a thinking of going if I’m not homeless by then from Whoa/IRTRAD obsession.
Here’s a place to find most of what’s going on in California…Highland](http://www.maclachlans.org/internet/CA.HTM%22%3EHighland) Games and Celtic Festivals for CA Despite the title, it is a listing almost exclusively of Scottish Festivals.
For a listing of Irish Fairs throughout the U.S. try 2002](http://www.erintimes.com/festivals/2002fests.htm%22%3E2002) Celtic Music Festival Listing.
When the Sebastopol festival rolls around again, presumably in Oct, I’ll certainly post a notice about it. I’ve only been to that one and the San Francisco “festival” at Fort Mason Center. To contrast the two: Sebastopol should not be missed. One hour concerts going on all day on various stages by really good local and world class bands and solo performers. I saw Paddy Keenan. These are free. There is an evening concert w/ big names (not free). I saw Cherish the Ladies and Lunasa. Kevin Burke and Martin Hayes, who were in the audience, joined them on stage. During the day, there was a session area under a central open tent (the kind that provides shade, no walls. It was relatively informal, friendly, and not too demanding. Anyone could feel comfortably sitting in and giving it a try. That was all day long. There were vendors for all manner of artsy gimmicks, food, cd’s, and you could get cheap whistles (no expensive ones) and bodhrans. It was mainly set up in a couple of athletic fields and didn’t feel crowded.
Now, the SF thing at Fort Mason. Hmmm… It all takes place in this gigantic warehouse type building. You could never stand anywhere without being able to reach out at arms length and touch someone. Elbow to elbow in many areas. Pretty much the same kinds of vendors, only lots more. Cheap whistles, probably bodhrans. Lot of music books. The building is divided between the vendors and the music area by a giant stage. Unfortunately, the acoustics are terrible in the echoey building. The venue is much less traditional, with various celtic rock and what-have-you, as well as traditional mucicians. Plenty of big names. Pricey to get in. I didn’t bother last time. Parking is the worst. The visitors were nice and well-mannered, except by the beer vendors row, where they were red-faced and loud. There was a session advertised, but a friend of ours couldn’t locate it. (I hope I haven’t jaundiced your opinion 
)
I haven’t been to any others around here except one that was in Marin county at some fair grounds, but I don’t think it ever returned. I bought a ton of great cd’s there. It was a nice day out, but it was just a stage with local bands and some vendors.
I’d be curious about other peoples’ experiences at these events.
Tony