I’m not talking about a money making band but I’m at the point now (talentwise) where I’d like to play in public with like minded folk in a pub or venue. Does anybody have any good ideas to go about doing this? Do any of you play in a similar setting and if so how did you get started? I’d like to now go beyond friends and family as the’ve suggested. Ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Are you looking to form a band or join one? Forming a band is somewhat out of your control. It’s luck to find the right people to work with. You have to be very persistant. Chemistry is everything. Finding a band that is already established can be difficult, if you have a certain sound in your head that you are looking for. If this is the case your best bet would be schools. Check around in the music departments. Hang fliers in the practice rooms. Good luck.
Hi. To find other players, I guess you’re checking out possibilities among your local session/ceili players?
For venues, a lot of folk/Celtic etc. bands start out at coffee shops, street fairs and small festivals, like your local “Main Street” day, or “Arts Festival,” etc. Or a First Night celebration. Some parks have a summer concert series. There’s always open mic at the pub.
Good luck!
Heather M.
You might try putting an ad in the paper.
That’s what I did, and it worked.
Good luck and best wishes,
–James
http://www.flutesite.com
Here’s the official thread for our fledgling Boise session group. It’s small now and meets at a house but if we get big enough we will move to a public venue.
My own band began as a duo and grew from there. A suggestion would be to find a like- minded guitar player, build your playing and repertoire chops, and simply continue…
Cheers.
Byll
I guess I just got lucky. I started going to the local session right about the time a couple of the folks were wanting to start a band and were lookin for a whistler. It didn’t hurt that I’d already been playin for years. 
Heres a link to a series of articles on how to start an Irish Band. It’s kind of geared towards Arizona, but there is a lot of good general advice in there as well.
http://www.azirishmusic.com/articles_band_series.htm
Aodhan
Thanks for the great replies. We have a folk dance group in town that I never even thought about. Avanutria, I may be looking you up in the near future.
Good times!