Monthly Seisiún
The Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley branch holds monthly Seisiúns (traditional Irish music and dance sessions, or ceilis – say “kay-lee” for the uninitiated) October through June, at the Canadian-American Hall, 202 Arlington Street, Watertown, Massachusetts.
Consult our calendar for the next scheduled ceili.
Ceili ~ Music & Dancing
There is great music for set, ceili, old time waltz and other dancing at our ceilis on the first Sunday of the month. Oftentimes, special guests, skillful musicians, gifted singers and dancers, stop by and add to the enjoyment.
Coffee, tea, and breads are served. Donations of raffle prizes and baked goods are always needed and very much appreciated. Discounted admission is available for members.
Irish Ceili and Set Dance Workshops
Irish Ceili and Set Dance Workshops sponsored by our Comhaltas organization are held from October through May on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM located at the Canadian-American Hall, 202 Arlington Street, Watertown, with Teacher, Sally Harney. All levels are welcome. There is a modest cost for this two hour workshop.
There are many other community Irish dances and classes that take place in the Greater Boston and New England area. There is likely a class or regular get-together at a venue near you.
About Sally
Sally’s contribution to the success of set dancing in the Boston area has been enormous. She not only teaches weekly set and ceili dance classes, but volunteers at the Comhaltas tent at the festival for the Irish Cultural Center where new people of all ages are exposed and intrigued by the fun of Irish music and dance.
Traditional Irish Music Instruction
The CCÉ Boston Music School was established with the express purpose of teaching and preserving Irish traditional music in the Boston area. It provides instruction for adults and children in fiddle, flute, tin whistle, button accordion, guitar, bodhran, harp, tenor banjo, mandolin, singing, C/G anglo concertina, and uilleann pipes. Online classes for adults and children take place on Saturday mornings during the regular school year.
Passing On The Music
Dedicated to the preservation of traditional Irish music, Comhaltas works assiduously in teaching music to the young. Youthful musicians, under the auspices of the Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch, have performed in world championship competitions in Ireland, bringing honor to themselves and to their teachers and proving to the world their continuing love of Ireland and her music in America.
Music School Scholarships
The Comhaltas branch organization offers several scholarships related to Irish traditional music. Click here for scholarship information.
Donations Fund Our Scholarships
The generosity of our members and friends and that of all the volunteers who plan and support our fundraisers help to keep the scholarship programs funded for learning and sharing traditional Irish music and culture. Make a donation to the branch or to support the music school.
Thanks for your support in keeping the tradition alive!
Boston Comhaltas Ceili Band
The Boston Comhaltas Ceili Band brings musicians together to perform live Irish traditional music in the Greater Boston area. See CCE Boston Ceili Band page for more information.
Irish Language Classes
Our Comhaltas branch is partnered with Cumann na Gaelige, the Irish language society of Boston, which offers classes in the Irish language at various locations in the area. This program provides opportunities for beginners as well as advanced speakers. Contact Cumann na Gaelige directly for venues, schedules, etc. at (617) 244-7435, (781) 769-0059 or (617) 734-7472.
Other Events
There are many other local and international events in which Comhaltas members participate throughout the year. A Monthly Newsletter keeps you posted on these activities. Take a quick peek at what’s coming up.