I’m so stoked! I got in touch with a representative from the Monterey area branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and there’s a slow/learner’s session here in Santa Cruz on third Sundays! That’ll be about perfect for me, because I’m not used to playing with other musicians, and my dance tune repetoire isn’t all it could be (playing by myself, for the most part, I’ve tended to concentrate on slow airs). I’m really excited! I’ve been trying to hook up with other Irish musicians in the Santa Cruz area for years, and the Northern Californian C&F gathering just whetted my appetite for more.
[Redwolf does the happy dance and plays “Britches Full of Stitches” on her Burke]
Thats so great Redwolf! You will have so much fun, learning new
tunes right along with everyone else.
When I joined the Santa Barbara session, they had been going
strong for 4 years and could play all the tunes in their
sleep, so it was really hard to just jump in and learn to play
all those tunes.
Lolly
According to what Redwolf told me, it’s at the off campus UC Santa Cruz Marine research center next to Long Marine Labs. Check your PM’s DCrom, and I’ll send you what Redwolf sent me as far as who to call and general directions. The more the merrier.
Yay Redwolf! That’s great! I think I’ll play “Britches Full of Stitches” on my Sweetheart just for you
Someday I’d love to play in a session too…right now I don’t feel very confident though. Perhaps one day Until then, I can life vicariously through all of you
Neither do I, which is why I’m so excited to find a slow session. According to the person I spoke with, it’s geared toward beginners. While I’m not a beginner on the whistle, I am a beginner when it comes to playing with a group (not as easy as one might think…even when I’m playing with a recording I sometimes find myself getting flustered, missing notes, losing my place in the tune, etc.), so it should be just about my speed.
It’s been getting to the point where playing by myself all the time was less than satisfying (this music really works best in community), so I’m thrilled to find other people who a) like the music and b) aren’t likely to be so intimidatingly good that I’d be scared to death to join in.
Hooray for your session, Redwolf! That will be fun. Be sure to tell us how it went.
I just assume that anyone who’s been on the board longer than I have must be a way better player than me. As if by posting more, I could have a reputation as a really hot whistle player.
Funny. There’s sort of a dance folks do (at least I do), making excuses for how we play. But secretly being relieved to see someone else admit they’re not very good. Wish I could quit trying to assess and compare, and do more listening to the music.
It looks like there’s even a slow session closer to home for me (Cupertino).
Of course, it met LAST Sunday. Oh, well - maybe I can do it next month. This is getting complicated.
By the way - I have a conditional go-ahead from She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed for a C & F gathering in Feb/March, but need to avoid both the SF Piper’s Club Tional and the local sessions.
This means that Sundays are out, as is Feb 12 (Tional), and Feb & March 26 (personal commitment).
This leaves Feb 5. Feb 19, March 5, March 12, and March 19 as possible dates. If there’s any interest, folks, let me know what dates work best for you I’ll try to narrow the date down.
Congrats on finding a session! I’m still trying the whole ‘practicing on my own’ thing, and pleased that I’m not yet driving the dog or cat even more insane.
I too, am interested in DCrom’s proposal of a ‘local’ gathering, and as I personally have no life, any of the dates are just fine for me
Of course… this probably means I should be practicing more… hm…
edit: I lied. I do seem to have a life! the 19th would be out for me as well (Chinese New Year parade in SF) and the 12th would be out as well (yarn convention here in the valley)
Well, I called to double check, and the slow session is definitely on for this coming Sunday (Jan 16). You coming, Mike? Dana, you ought to bop on over the hill and join us, since you missed the Cupertino session this month.
I’m just especially pleased to find a slow session, as I still have problems playing along with other people, and it will be a great opportunity to learn, I think, without stepping on any toes.
I may be on taxi duty for daughter #1 and her (ex?) boyfriend - they’re attending a con and I somehow got roped into driving.
I’ll post a thread about the possible winter gathering this weekend - and yes, we’ll try to work around your schedule. Daughter #2 will be very disappointed if you and Johanna can’t make it.
A…con? Which con? I ask, as I sit here at a con in the San Jose doubletree…
Speaking of which.. there are San Jose area C&Fers?? For the love of…
… Look, come play with me, please! :> I haven’t played with people in a long time. There are apparently a few sessions in SF and Berkeley, but that’s pretty hard for me to get to, and from accounts I’ve read sound a bit stuffy.
I’m somewhat in the same boat as RedWolf in that way – And actually the Comhaltas thing looks somewhat interesting.
I’m definitely gonna be there tomorrow Audrey, wouldn’tmiss this for anything! Kysh, if you’re still in San Jose this summer, that’s where I live when I’m not in school, perhaps we’ll see each other at the newly discovered Cupertino sesion. I’m not allowed in the O’Flaherty’s Pub session (stupid drinking age that no one really abides by, but still makes things no fun). See you tomorrow at the session Audrey!
I think I’ll play “Britches Full of Stitches” on my Sweetheart just for you 
