Dublin Dancers, Sonoma State • Feb 23
Dublin Irish Dance is an exhilarating company whose members have performed throughout the world. The all-star cast brings to life the epic tale of Celtic culture, carrying its traditional melodies and steps to the New World with a celebration of Irish Music and Dance. Tickets
The Heart of an Irishwoman • Feb 4
Irish actor Sheelagh Cullen in a tour de force performance along with Katherine Trimble (singer) and Bella Issakova (violin), take us home to the heart of great Irish women in an afternoon of literature, song and music. From the producer of An Irish Christmas. Vacaville Performing Arts Theater tickets
McKeever Dancers, Sacramento • Feb 25
Join Director and former Riverdance star Nicole McKeever as she graces the stage with her talented dancers for this exciting first ever school-wide showcase! The McKeever School of Irish dance is Sacramento’s premiere Irish Dance School and a proud tenant of the prestigious E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts. With over 100 students from beginners through champions, children and adults, The McKeever School trains its students to be artists and athletes as well as dancers. tickets
Rhythm in The Night, Campbell • Mar 3
Led by former Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance lead dancer, Justin Boros, the accomplished cast, featuring 20 of the world’s most skilled Irish dancers and musicians, brings an inspiring story of love and salvation to life.
The world-renowned Irish dance troupe performs lightning fast hard shoe rhythms and graceful soft shoe jigs to an epic orchestral soundtrack, while state of the art lighting ignites the stage into an explosive display of dance and music. Strength, agility, and precision formulate the fast-paced and breath-taking experience on stage, as the cast performs to heart-pounding and fluid symphonic music! more
Children’s Hour of Song and Dance • Mar 12
Join Crossroads for a lively hour of Irish dancing and music for children of all ages. The Brosnan School of Irish Dance will provide a wonderful array of Jigs, Reels and Hornpipes for all to enjoy. There’ll also be a sampling of Irish traditional music and recitation for a fun-filled and foot-tapping hour of song and dance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! San Francisco Public Library. Visit Crossroads website for information on this and the many other events scheduled for March 2017.
An Irish Christmas • Napa, Mountain View
“…The capacity crowd nearly brought the house down at the end of the evening.” – The Irish Herald
Dancers dance through the generations over brooms, on half doors, around butter churns, into the world of mythology and out again. Songs spinning out of the mists and into the familiar Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy and Carol of the Bells, and superb music of the pipes, flutes, fiddles, and bodhráns are just the beginning of this great Irish night.
An Irish Christmas brings just about everything to the table with a superb team of Irish traditional musicians, dancers from the Kerry Dance Troupe lead by Scott Doherty (Riverdance & Lord of the Dance), and the Kerry Irish Productions voice squad.
Journey through Christmas in Ireland and celebrate the great tradition of butter making, chase the wren on St. Stephen’s day, draw down the half door for spectacular dance, enjoy superb music-making and singing of Christmas carols in an unforgettable Irish night.
Thursday, December 1, 8.00pm – Uptown Theater, Napa, CA more
7:30pm – Mountain View, Center for the Performing Arts, CA more
Dickens Fair • Cow Palace SF to Dec 18
Scottish swordsmen stand for the ladies at Fezziwig’s Dance Party, at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure into Victorian London – an elaborate party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 120,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and Christmas shops. It’s a twilight evening in Charles Dickens’ London Town – a city of winding lanes filled with colorful characters from both literature and history. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Cries of street vendors hawking their wares ring out above the bustling crowd. Dozens of lamplit shops are filled to overflowing with Christmas gifts. The Dickens Christmas Fair is a treasured Bay Area tradition since 1970 and a splendid way to celebrate the holidays.
Bangers & Mash provide lively ballroom and English country dance music, with reels, jigs, polkas and waltzes. You might even see young Ebenezer Scrooge dancing with his sweetheart. The Siamsa Scottish & Irish Dancers are there as well, with lilting Highland tunes and stirring steps, joined on occasion by visiting carolers or dance troupes sporting seasonal bells. When the musicians pause for a well-earned rest, visitors can join in a lively round of “Wink,” “Stagecoach,” or other Victorian parlour games. more
Irish Christmas in America • Berkeley, Dec. 1, Santa Cruz, Dec 2
Produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, the popular and family friendly Irish Christmas in America show features top Irish music, song and dance in an engaging performance rich in humour and boundless energy. The 2016 tour features special guest singer Niamh Farrell, a Sligo vocalist who has toured with UK singer/songwriting star David Gray. Niamh teams up with legendary West Kerry singer Séamus Begley, famous for his charming wit and stunning voice. more
May events
3rd Annual Silicon Valley Fleadh • May 7, 8
Fleadh (pronounced “Fla”) is a festival and gathering to celebrate Irish culture. After an acclaimed second edition, the 2016 and third edition of the Silicon Valley Irish Fleadh will take place on May 7th and 8th 2016 in downtown Mountain View. This two-day event will feature Irish performers both traditional and modern, Irish dancers, Irish arts & crafts, Irish food vendors and a Kids’ Zone. Bands featured included The Shams, Martin L, The Kavanaugh Brothers, Culann’s Hounds, The Wild Rovers, and the Crooked Road Céilí Band. Festival website
March events
Kennelly Dancers join Eileen Ivers • March 4
A Grammy award-winning artist, Ivers “suggests the future of the Celtic fiddle” (Washington Post) while illuminating the influences of the Celtic tradition on roots music, bluegrass, Cajun, Appalachian and American country music traditions. Do not miss this event of the St. Patrick’s Day season! Also featuring Whelan-Kennelly Academy of Irish Dance. more
Children’s Hour of Dance & Music • March 5
Crossroads welcomed the talented Autumn Rhodes and Darcy Noonan and the high-stepping Brosnan School of Irish Dance to the Children’s Hour, a perennial Festival favorite! Since 2010, Autumn Rhodes and Darcy Noonan have been bringing traditional Irish music with a novel twist to the Bay Area and beyond. From the high-energy driving rhythm of Irish jigs and reels to slower-paced airs with sean-nós (‘old style’) songs (sung in both Irish and English), they stay well in touch with the roots of the music, while infusing it with their own special style. The duo played several instruments, including fiddle, Irish flute concertina and tin whistle. Children enjoyed a chance to learn and sing along to a few Irish Gaelic children’s songs, too. more
January events
Crooked Road Ceili, Felton • Jan 30
Catch some New Year’s lively up-tempo Irish melodies and traditional dancing and cheer as The Crooked Road Ceili Band presents their third community set dance and ceili at the historic Trout Farm in Felton. Michael Murphy calls and music features Jack Gilder (concertina, flute), Julia Horner (hammered dulcimer), David Chadwick (fiddle, banjo), Doug Lowder (fiddle), and Ken Bewick (guitar). All ages welcome – see calendar for details.
Irish Dance Demonstration, San Rafael • Jan 14
McBride School of Irish Dance presents a free demonstration of Irish dance on January 14, 2016 at 5:30 PM at Marinwood, 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael.
On Thursdays, there are ongoing classes with award-winning dance instruction for adults. Irish reels, jigs, and folk dances for fun and competition. Anne McBride has been teaching since 1960. Monthly tuition is payable regardless of number of classes taken. Classes are ongoing. more
Jiggin’ Bootcamp Irish Dance Lessons • Jan 18
Always wanted to learn Irish Dance? Is it an ambition to appear in the SF St. Patrick’s Day parade? You can participate in the parade with the World Champion Dillon Magh Adhair Academy, following a special 8-week beginner program, beginning the week of January 18th
Learn the basics of Irish Dance, with classes in Walnut Creek, San Francisco and Dublin. $120 fee includes a complimentary T-shirt!
Email [email protected] or call (415)-205-8090 for more information
Crooked Road Ceili, Felton • Jan 30
Catch some New Year’s lively up-tempo Irish melodies and traditional dancing and cheer as The Crooked Road Ceili Band presents their third community set dance and ceili at the historic Trout Farm in Felton. Michael Murphy calls and music features Jack Gilder (concertina, flute), Julia Horner (hammered dulcimer), David Chadwick (fiddle, banjo), Doug Lowder (fiddle), and Ken Bewick (guitar). All ages welcome – see calendar for details.
December Events
Winterland Celtic Christmas • December Dates
Molly’s Revenge, starring David Brewer, John Weed and Stu Mason and guest vocalist Christa Burch along with the Rosemary Turco Irish Dancers provide a festive evening of music, song and dance with a Celtic twist.
“There is an engaging freshness and yet an impressive maturity in their playing. There is also a lovely balance of repertoire, alternating a familiar with a most arcane selection of tunes and songs.” –Mick Moloney, National Heritage Award recipient.
Trinity Cathedral, San Jose, December 11 – see calendar listing for more information.
Don Quixote’s Felton, December 3 – see calendar listing for more information.
Irish Christmas In America • December 12, 13
An exuberant holiday celebration with high-energy Irish music, dance, and storytelling featuring All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Oisin Mac Diarmada from the award-winning group, Teada; West Kerry ‘Singer of the Year’ & button accordionist, Seamus Begley; Uilleann piper & flute player, Sean Gavin; Harpist & concertina player, Grainne Hambly; Irish singer & flute player, Teresa Horgan; Champion Irish step dancer, Samantha Harvey
Now in its 11th year, this atmospheric, family-friendly production is rich in history, humor & boundless enthusiasm. Bringing to life ancient customs, the evening will be filled with lively traditional tunes, evocative Irish ballads & carols, stirring narration, and thrilling Irish step dancing. Visit the website for more information.
Freight and Salvage, Berkeley, December 13. tickets
Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz, December 12. tickets
November Events
Riverdance Tour • San Jose Nov 24-29
Riverdance 20th Anniversary Tour. The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand, drawing on Irish traditions and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland in recent decades, nothing has carried the energy and the spectacle of Riverdance, composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan. Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour comes directly to North America from a sold out run across Europe and Asia. Visit the Riverdance site for more show information. See calendar for venue info and show times.
Read interview with Emma Warren, principal dancer here
November 24-29 • Broadway San Jose
Discounted Tickets! San Jose Show (enter Promotional Code ICBA)
An Irish Christmas, Napa Nov 25, Folsom Nov 27-29
An Irish Christmas brings a celebration, of life through storytelling, music song, and dance in a night that sparkles with life and holiday cheer. “Spectacular Irish dance that leaves everyone with the urge to grab their loved ones and dance down the aisles, drawing cheers and chants from the crowd as they effortlessly perform complicated dance that appears as simple as breathing!” – The Village News
The Kerry Dance Troupe was established by Kerry Records, an Irish owned production company based in Los Angeles, with the intention of promoting and celebrating Irish culture and its rich traditions through the medium of music, dance, song and storytelling. Kerry Records’ Irish productions are presented in performing arts centers throughout the United States.
Uptown Theater Napa. November 25th
Harris Center, Folsom. November 27th-29th. Check calendar for updates
Riverdance 20th Anniversary Tour • November 2015
The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand, drawing on Irish traditions and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland in recent decades, nothing has carried the energy and the spectacle of Riverdance, composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan. Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour comes directly to North America from a sold out run across Europe and Asia.
Visit Riverdance site for more show information. See calendar for venue info and show times.
Read interview with Emma Warren, principal dancer here
November 4-8 • San Francisco Golden Gate Theater
Discounted Tickets! Go to www.shnsf.com (enter Promotional Code ICBA)
November 24-29 • Broadway San Jose
Discounted Tickets! San Jose Show (enter Promotional Code ICBA)
October Events
Brosnan Dancers at Fairfax Festival • Oct 23-25
The fifth annual – and free – festival is shaping up to be one of the best yet, showcasing the very best in local talent including Brosnan School of Irish Dance dancers, Culann’s Hounds, Mild Colonial Boys, Marla Fibish & Bruce Victor, The Gas Men, Kyle Alden, Jack Gilder, The Gallowglasses, and many more. Visit festival website for updates and lineup and keep an eye on Facebook page too.
July Events
Crooked Road Céilí Band Irish Dance Party • July 11
Get your dancing shoes on at the Trout Farm Inn, Felton, on July 11. Back by popular demand, The Crooked Road Céilí Band invites you to the second community Irish dance party in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
This is an all ages event, full dinner menu and bar. Bring the whole family for a swim in the afternoon and stay into the evening for a lovely summer supper, and real Irish music for real Irish dancing!
Dance instruction is provided by Michael Murphy.
June Events
Irish Set Dancing Workshop at SF Festival June 20
(event has passed) Set Dancing is the traditional social dance of Ireland, combining interesting patterns of movement among the four couples in each “set” with simple footwork that complements the different rhythms of reels, jigs, polkas or hornpipes to which each figure is danced. During the workshop we will learn and dance a complete traditional set, touching on some of the elements of style and footwork that make the patterns flow smoothly and add to the enjoyment of these lively dances. No previous experience (or partner) is needed, but dancers from other backgrounds often find interesting connections and contrasts with other, more familiar folk dance forms.
Michael Riemer has been dancing the sets for over twenty years, and teaching them for the past twelve or so. He is a popular instructor of classes with the local branch of Comhaltas, the Irish Cultural organization, and leads classes and workshops annually at special events including the SFFMC Camp Harmony, BACDS Family Camp, and Lark Camp. He also plays music for Irish dancing (on the wooden flute), and loves the way musicians and dancers can build upon each other’s best efforts. see calendar
The Allure of Irish Dancing – Tue, Mar 17th
Commonwealth Club of California – Michael Dillon, ADCRG, Dillon Magh Adhair Academy of Irish Dance
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a demonstration of Irish dancing by championship-level dancers from a renowned Bay Area dance school. Dillon, an Ard Diploma Coimisiuin le Rinci Gaelacha (a teacher certified by the worldwide governing body of Irish dance), will also explain the history that permeates this detailed and disciplined dance culture.
555 Post St., San Francisco. 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Commonwealth Club posting
Beginners Irish Dance Class – March 21st
Dance class with Whelan-Kennelly Academy. Celebrate Outer Sunset Irish heritage and attend an introductory course to learn the beginning steps of traditional Irish dance with Sharon Whelan MacSweeney of the Whelan-Kennelly Academy of Irish Dance. (Free) RSVP
Join Supervisor Tang in discovering the Sunset District through a series of events partnering with our local businesses and community organizations. These events give community members an opportunity to try a new business, learn a new skill and meet our local merchants and Supervisor Tang. more on the series. See calendar March 21st
Women of Ireland features an-all female lineup of Irish step dancers comprising three long term lead dancers from Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, along with a number of other tantalizing female dancers who excel in other dance disciplines. The show also features very special guest male dancer, the four-time world champion and former lead dancer with Riverdance – Anthony Fallon.
Women of Ireland showcases a select group of female artists during the North American tour in an effort to demonstrate the wealth of talent that exists within Ireland’s traditions of music, song and dance. The common theme inherent in all performances will be the presentation of the most revered qualities of Ireland’s ethnic music, which will be transported from the Irish fireside to the international concert hall platform. Special significance will be placed on depicting the pure qualities of Irish music in a contemporary setting while the performance will also include well known popular songs which will be given a stirring celtic treatment. more
Irish Dancers at Silicon Valley Fleadh – May 8 & 9
Fleadh (fla) is the Gaelic word for festival, and is a gathering and celebration of Irish music and culture. This two-day May 9th – 10th event is hosted by St. Stephen’s Green, an Irish Bar & Restaurant in the heart of Silicon Valley in Downtown Mountain View.
The fleadh will feature Irish performers – traditional and modern – Irish dancers, Irish arts & crafts, Irish food vendors and a Kids’ Zone. Featured artists are: Martin L, The Whelan Kennelly Dance Academy, The Crubeens, The Black Donnellys, The Shams, Zoo Station. See calendar, or visit the fleadh website for more
Congratulations to the Dillon Magh Adhair Academy of Irish Dance, who brought home two globes from the World Championships this month – one First Place in Dance Drama and one Second Place in Dance Drama. In addition, they had two world medal holders and two ceili teams that placed.