Being able to play traditional Irish music is truly a blessing. Not just because it’s beautiful music that spans hundreds of years, but because it brings people together, from around the globe.
I have traveled through the US and many countries and sometimes have hopped in to listen to or play in a session. And even at the sessions where I didn’t speak that country’s language, I could still sit down and play a tune, have a laugh, and even make a new friend. It’s magical and it’s one of the things that makes this music so special.
With all the divisiveness going on in this country right now, I think what the world needs is a little more music and a lot more empathy for people who are different from ourselves. When you actually sit down to play or listen to music together, you’ll likely find, we all have more in common than you think.
One of the things I love about our country is that it is a melting pot. People come from all over the world to live here, share their experiences and their music. I, for one, am so thankful for that.
Sanctuary Sessions: Irish Traditional Music for Civil Rights on March 5
On March 5, 2017, Vermonters will join players of Irish music from across the country in organizing massive Irish sessions to fundraise for the ACLU, an organization which strives to protect the rights of all people in these troubling times.
Vermont’s event will take place in Montpelier on Sunday, March 5 at La Puerta Negra on Main St. in Montpelier from 4-6 p.m.
This is an open session: ALL players, ALL instruments, ALL singers, dancers, and listeners are invited to join what we expect will be a great party in honor of the millions of immigrants (including the Irish) whose stories are woven into the fabric of our nation. Musicians and listeners: be sure to bring a contribution to support the ACLU.
So let’s stand together, make some music and raise some money to help unite us again. Because after all this land was made for ALL of us:
As we head toward St. Patrick’s Day, please put this on your calendar and see how much the Irish music fans of our brave little state can raise for the cause.
View the Sanctuary Sessions for ACLU Facebook page. Please help spread the word.
Session Obsession 