By Kerry Roberson

How often do you have the chance to attend a traditional Irish song workshop from world-renowned Irish singers like, Méabh Begley? What about the chance to learn about the fiddle, a traditional Irish instrument from award-winning musician, John Carty? This weekend you will have that chance. The Center for Irish Music is hosting their 10th annual Irish Music Festival this weekend. During this festival there will be a variety of workshops taught by singers, dancers, and composers, as well as a concert on Saturday by the very same artists that lead the workshops and the traditional Irish music industry.

Great Session Experience
Opening this weekend of Celtic music and learning is the Great Session Experience. This free event invites all members of the community to come together for a night of music and learning. There will be six Sessions all happening simultaneously on Friday, June 9th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. One Session will be dedicated to songs while the others invite all musicians to bring their instruments from home and either alone or with a group play their instruments and fill the Celtic Junction with upbeat Irish music and dance.

Concert
The Center for Irish Music will be holding their Master Artists Concert on Saturday, June 10th at the Celtic Junction in North St. Paul. There will be a pre-concert gathering that is free to the public at 5 p.m. where dinner will be served to those that reserve it before the day of the concert. The paid concert begins at 7:30 p.m. where award-winning artists will perform their songs, dances and play instruments.

Workshops
A wide range of workshops are offered during this weekend festival. Workshops are taught by singers, fiddlers, banjo and pipe players that all want to pass down their in-depth knowledge of Irish culture and tradition to the public. There are beginners’ programs for children ages 7 and up, programs for teenagers and others for adults where they’ll have the chance to meet with visiting artists for workshops, interviews and lectures. Programs and workshops are held Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet artists that are known around the world for their award-winning talents right in your neighborhood!