Looking for a new home
for traditional Celtic music sessions
By NATHAN HAYWARD
VANCOUVER – A Friday in late November local Celtic musicians gathered in a Vancouver bar to celebrate their music and community.
Tunes flowed from the fiddles, flutes, tenor banjos, uilleann pipes, Scottish smallpipes, guitars, whistles and bodhrans. Even the great Highland bagpipes were heard in their traditional folk setting.
The patrons cheered, danced and joined in for the chorus of popular Celtic ballads and songs. Much joy and enthusiasm was created amongst the musicians and audience alike, a softening of the disappointment that this was to be the last traditional session hosted by the Wolf and Hound.
The Vancouver area has a wealth and diversity of amateur to semi-professional musicians that represent and meld music traditions that include those of Ireland, Scotland, Cape Breton and Quebec.
The format of sessions in Vancouver is primarily modelled on those of Ireland, and similar to those in cities across Canada and the world.
Each session is led by one or two (often professional/paid) musicians, which sustains the energy of the music, ensures a consistent weekly attendance, and enables others to lead a set of tunes. Commonly a set consists of three tunes, each repeated three times, in part so that session newcomers may learn them.
The musical and cultural diversity of the Vancouver sessions has developed into a flourishing community.
The music played is as diverse as the cultural heritage of the players, but embellishes upon a foundation of internationally shared tunes. Much as Vancouver is hosting the world in 2010, the Celtic community has always welcomed visiting musicians.
Session format varies in accordance with the musical traditions encompassed, and the players’ abilities. Each of the three former sessions at the Wolf and Hound thus had a unique flavour.
Generally, Monday was a beginner to intermediate session (in collaboration with the Celtic Traditions Music School) supporting and inspiring the youth of the community and ensuring a strong future for young Celtic musicians in the city.
Wednesday was a tunes only (Advanced) Irish session hosted by Mary Brunner, one of the most accomplished fiddlers in Vancouver.
Friday was a (Intermediate to Advanced) Kitchen Party (East Coast) style session, which incorporated tunes and songs. Also hosted by Mary Brunner and accompanied by one of a number of professional folk guitarist/singers.
The Monday session has since moved to Thursday (8 PM) at the Celtic Traditions Music School (www.celtictraditions.ca).
However, the remnants of the Wednesday session now only occurs on the second Monday (7:30 PM) of each month at the Railway Club (www.therailwayclub.com), and a venue has not been found to host those of the community who supported the Friday session.
Other sessions in the Vancouver area include a weekly Sunday evening (7-10 PM) (Intermediate) at the Billy Bishop Legion (www.billybishoplegion.com).
The atmosphere is relaxed and the music largely consists of Irish dance tunes, but Scottish, English, and others are not uncommon.
A Celtic jam session (Intermediate) is held each Sunday (4–7 PM) at the Heritage Grill, New Westminster (www.heritagegrill.com) and hosted by Lorne and Wayne of the band Streels (www.streels.com).
If any local Celtic musicians are interested in joining one of the current sessions then you are welcome to drop by and talk to the session host.
However the core of the traditional music community who used to attend the weekly Wednesday and Friday sessions still seek a venue in which to join weekly in music, fellowship and song.
Perhaps a local bar, restaurant or café would welcome a traditional session of diverse and talented musicians? If so, please contact me at: thelonelypiper@hotmail.com. Sláinte!
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