SATURDAY, MARCH 16
10:00 am-Noon
Children's Crafts
Share the Irish heritage with a new generation or expand your children's cultural horizons by creating some Irish-themed crafts. All ages are welcome.
Location: Youth Library (downstairs), Fletcher Free Library, 235 College St., Burlington.
Admission: Free! Donations welcome
10:00-Noon
Instrument Petting Zoo – Young Tradition Vermont
Adjoining the Children's Crafts event, this is a chance for your youngsters to get up close and friendly with some of the most important instruments used in traditional music. Display and hands-on guidance graciously provided by Young Tradition Vermont. All ages are welcome.
Location: Youth Library (downstairs), Fletcher Free Library, 235 College St., Burlington.
Admission: Free! Donations welcome
10:30-noon
Presentation: 'Bright Vision: How Blind Musicians Became the Royalty of Irish Music' - Benedict Koehler and Hilari Farrington
If you simply shut your eyes, you can begin to understand the how the lack of sight can intensify your appreciation of sound, and of music in particular. In many cultures, including in Ireland, blind children were trained as musicians. Why this was, and who some of these musicians were, will be the subject of this lively talk and concert. Multi-instrumentalists Benedict Koehler and Hilari Farrington are known across the U.S. and Canada as teachers and performers of Irish traditional music. Founders of the Vermont School of Irish Traditional Music, this couple has helped to create and promote a thriving Irish music community in the state.
Location: Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, 235 College St., Burlington
Donations welcome.
12:30-1:30 pm
Tin Whistle Workshop with Mary Ann Samuels
The tin whistle, iconic instrument of Irish music, is a simple, yet amazing instrument. At this workshop students will use D whistles to learn the basics, plus a few tunes by ear. Attendees are encouraged to bring a recording device. Sheet music for the tunes will be provided at the end of the workshop. Mary Ann Samuels has played tin whistles since the late 1970's. She performs with Full Circle and Champlain Consort, playing hammered dulcimer and recorders as well as whistles. She has taught music in schools and now teaches private lessons at home.
Location: Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, 235 College St., Burlington
Donations welcome.
SUNDAY, MARCH 17
1:00-3:00 pm
Burlington Irish Heritage Festival Ceili
'Ceili' is the Irish word for a music, dancing, hand-clapping good time! The annual Festival Ceili, co-sponsored with Young Tradition Vermont, is fun for the whole family with Irish step dancing and some fine traditional musicians. Hear fiddles and flutes, Irish pipes and pennywhistles; and the bodhrán, an Irish frame drum. This music session will be hosted by Sarah King and Yasi Zeichner (from Young Tradition Vermont) with others, featuring the finale of the YTV Fiddleheads residency. Area musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and join in for a lively seisun. Bake sale; display tables with information on Irish language, culture and other events. Members of the McFadden Academy of Irish Dance will perform and also lead audience participation in Ceili dances. Grand Prize drawing for 'Luck of the Irish' raffle (and other prize drawings) at the end of the Ceili.
Location: Contois Auditorium, City Hall, 149 Church St., Burlington
Admission: Free! Donations welcome