Whistles/Irish Music in NYC

Whistle
1

I’m going to be in New York City for the week of Thanksgiving, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for shops that sell whistles, good places for sessions, etc.

I understand that the Blarney Star is open again, although the concert series has been relocated due to damage following Sept. 11. Does anyone know if they have more informal music there, or is it primarily a concert venue?

I’m looking mainly for places in Manhattan, although I’d be willing to travel to anywhere (preferably subway-accessible) in the five boroughs.

Thanks,
gg

2

I would think Tom Dowling could answer that one if he’s lurking about. He did play at the Blarney Star I believe. Gm

3

Check out Kate Kearney’s (50th between 2nd and 3rd, or was it 51st?) on Saturday night to hear Andy McGann play a great session. Just to see the man who recorded “A tribute to Michael Coleman” with Felix Dolan and Joe Burke is amazing. Can’t promise you a whistle in that session, though. Lot’s of regulars. I think he plays with Don Meade & Patrick Orzoun, but am not sure. Have not been in several months. If you do go, make sure to speak to the bar tender, Paddy from Kildare, first cousing to Christy Moore, and a great guy! (Manfred says hi. I’ve since moved from NYC…)

On Sunday night there is a good, fairly open session at 11th Street Bar (that’s not the name, but everyone calls it that). Find it on 11th Street btwn Ave A & B, south side (Guiness sign in the window, no other sign, but you can’t miss it). Cilian Vallely plays the uillean pipes there, if he isn’t touring with Lunasa at the moment. Great bouzouki player/singer whose name escapes me right now. Some amateurs join in, quality is good.

On Tuesday nights there is an amateur session at Dempsey’s on Second Ave around fourth Street. I’ve never been. Don’t know about whistles :slight_smile:

There used to be a good session on Friday nights at O’Neill’s, I only went once and I forget the location. But I did see my first low D there, and was impressed (I had not started playing the whistle). I talked to the guy who played it and he claimed that he had played it in the movie Titanic. I never saw the movie, forget the guy’s name, but it was a great time (which explains my forgetfulness, O’Neills was only the first stop in a very long night…). He may have been pulling my leg, but he could play pretty damn well, I remember that. If you’re on this board, Titanic-low-D-whistle-player, hi!

There’s lots of other stuff, I am sure. I was too busy to get out much, especially on weekends. Best thing is to ask the musicians.

Have fun in NYC!
Sleante.

Forgot to say that I’ve heard of a good sessions in Brooklyn, but never made it to any. Cross the river? Are you kidding me?

[ This Message was edited by: Bloomfield on 2001-11-16 11:26 ]

4

Sunday night at 11th Street sounds perfect, I’ll be right in the neighborhood.

Thanks very much for the detailed info!

5

gg,
check this link http://www.inx.net/~mardidom/rcnycal.htm

It lists alot of the sessions in the NYC area and also lists concerts and Ceili’s that will be going on while you are there.

Enjoy the trip

Ron