SUMMER IRISH SONG WORKSHOPS:
Wednesdays* from July 25th to August 29th 7-8:30 p.m.
A Renaissance School of Arts and Science
These stand-alone workshops will feature a variety of song types that span the breadth of human experience. Each class is thematically organized and will be taught “by ear” so be sure to bring a recording device. Lyric sheets will be supplied. No singing experience is required but students will be encouraged to sing out if moved!
Each class is $25 or you may enroll for all six classes for $120. RSVP and advanced payment is required. A minimum enrollment of 5 people per class is required to avoid cancellation (students will be reimbursed). Be sure to invite your singing buddies! To RSVP and arrange payment contact Brian at ohairt@gmail.com or (314) 974-7073.
SCHEDULE:
1) Wednesday July 25th: Songs of merriment & devilment—courting songs, work songs, night visiting songs, and licentious songs that celebrate the more unlaced aspects of Irish life. Perhaps not suitable for the younger folk!
2) Wednesday August 1st: Songs of emigration & transportation—songs that feature emigration from Ireland to places like Amerikay and Van Diemen’s Land due to famine, political dissent, poverty, or the search for a better life.
3) Wednesday August 8th: Songs of love won & lost—the most widely-celebrated genre of songs of true love, false love, broken pledges, death of a loved one, unattainable lovers, and the occasional crossdresser or ghost!
4) Thursday* August 16th: Songs in translation—these songs were originally composed in Irish Gaelic and have been masterfully translated into English preserving aspects of the original composition.
5) Wednesday August 22nd: Songs of the Ó Domhnaill’s—decades ago, Mícheál, Maighread, and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill brought to Portland songs from their naive Dublin, beloved Donegal, and beyond in both the Irish and English languages. Explore their repertoire and importance to the Portland community.
6) Wednesday August 29th: Songs of Joe Heaney—Seosamh Éinniú is widely accepted as the most influential singer of the sean-nós style. His repertoire is vast and spans both Irish and English languages. He lived several years in Seattle and has left an indelible mark on the singing community here in the Pacific Northwest.