KICK OFF

The 21st Annual South Buffalo Irish Festival 

presents its second annual cultural program:

The Culture Circle

FREE!

South Buffalo Roots Presents the Second Annual Culture Circle/Fáinne Cultúrtha

Buffalo Irish Center | 245 Abbott Rd | Buffalo, NY

​

Now everybody can be Irish! 

​

The Culture Circle - or Fáinne Cultúrtha in the Irish language -  is for those who are curious. It is a space for those who want to know what this Irish stuff is all about. Join us for an evening of free and family friendly workshops and masterclasses in Irish music, song, dance, and more, culminating in an open traditional Irish music session.

​

Workshops
Sean Nós Singing Circle

Owen Ó Súilleabháin, song leader - 4:00pm, GAAA Library

Come and learn to sing a song in the Sean Nós style of Irish traditional music with singer, composer, and storyteller, Owen Ó Súilleabháin.

Beginner Fiddle Workshop

Charlie Coughlin, fiddle - 4:00pm, Claddagh Room

What’s the difference between the violin and the fiddle? It’s all in the way you play it! Learn the fundamentals of basic bowings and ornamentation in the Irish style with Crikwater fiddle player Charlie Coughlin.

Please Note: Schedule is subject to change. Please check back here for the most up-to-date schedule of events!

Intro to Irish Solo & Ceili Dancing 1

Katie Cunningham (TCRG) & Glenna Rankin - 5:00pm, BIC Dance Studio, 2nd Floor

Ceili dancing is one of the oldest dance traditions in Ireland. Like contra or even square dancing, the social aspect of this group dance is just as important as the footwork. Bring a friend or make a new one with this introduction to solo and ceili dancing led by Katie Cunningham and Glenna Rankin of the Rince na Tiarna Adult Irish Dance team. No prior dance experience required.

Upstate Crossroads: Fiddle Music from Upstate New York

Tim Ball, fiddle & Max Newman, guitar - 5:00pm, GAAA Library

Tim Ball explores the Celtic roots of fiddle music in upstate New York, from old-time square dance tunes to the intricate Sligo/New York style of Irish-American fiddle playing. Open to musicians and non-musicians alike! 

Tunes & Ballads Workshop 

John Dady, guitar/vocals & John Ryan, tin whistle/button accordion - 5:00pm, Claddagh Room

Rochester-based musicians John Dady and John Ryan explore the intersection between Irish tunes and ballads. Open to musicians and non-musicians alike!

Intro to Irish Solo & Ceili Dancing 2

Katie Cunningham (TCRG) & Glenna Rankin - 6:00pm, BIC Dance Studio, 2nd Floor

Ceili dancing is one of the oldest dance traditions in Ireland. Like contra or even square dancing, the social aspect of this group dance is just as important as the footwork. Bring a friend or make a new one with this introduction to solo and ceili dancing led by Katie Cunningham and Glenna Rankin of the Rince na Tiarna Adult Irish Dance team. No prior dance experience required.

Irish Music for Classical Players

Leah Rankin, cello - 6:00pm, GAAA Library

You’ve practiced, practiced, and practiced but the tune still doesn’t sound Irish! It’s time to take that hard-earned classical technique and turn it loose Irish style with classical-turned-trad cellist, Leah Rankin. Open to all instruments, ages, and skill levels. 

Intro to Irish Accompaniment

Matt Sperber, guitar - 6:00pm, Claddagh Room

Crikwater guitar player Matt Sperber teaches simple harmony and backing rhythms that will allow you to accompany any Irish tune.

South Buffalo Irish Trivia with TE Caulfield

TE Caulfield, host - 7:00pm, Claddagh Room

Learn some fun facts about South Buffalo’s fascinating Irish history as you test your knowledge with a game of South Buffalo Irish Trivia, hosted by South Buffalo’s own TE Caulfield!

Traditional Irish Music Session - 9:00pm, BIC Pub

Put what you learned in today’s music and dance workshops into practice with a traditional Irish music session, open to all ages and levels.