Are you going to Western or K-College? I’ve lived in Kalamazoo since 1989 (I came to study music at Western), and I play flutes & whistles with a local Irish band called Whiskey Before Breakfast. The best places to get out and hear Celtic or any live music are:
Kraftbrau
Bell’s Brewery
Arie’s Singapore (always Irish)
O’Duffy’s Pub
The Space
State Theater
The band plays every 1st Wednesday of the month at O’Duffys, which is in the Vine neighborhood, full of students. There is a weekly jam session at Kraftbrau, but it’s not Irish. Arie’s has an Irish session every other month or so. Kalamazoo is full of musicians, actors, artists, you name it. While the Irish scene is pretty weak, you’ll find your own niche pretty fast. Other Celtic bands here are Fann Mohr, Laurie’s Fault, and Celtic Roots. Fann Mohr is making the transition to national act. The flute player in that band, Richard Koontz, is a 20-something natural, very good.
Write back with any more questions! I’d be happy to give you any info you need. If you want to jam with us when you get here, let me know.
Cara
