It was this weekend last year that we were all going around doing our business like it was just another day in paradise. I likely was practicing with my band for our St. Paddy’s day gig, going to spinning classes and meeting friends for drinks at one of the local watering holes here in town. Who knew that in the following week all our lives would change drastically.
It’s been an interesting year to say the least. What I learned most was that I have taken so many things for granted in my pre-covid times. They are truly right when they say that you never know what you got until it’s gone.
For the past year, although I’ve been able to take music classes, see my favorite artists perform, and play my own fiddle, what I miss most is that human connection. I miss performing for people, and I miss going concerts, having parties, watching parades, and going to music festivals. Mostly, though I miss playing music with my friends and bandmates and I miss going to sessions.
Luckily, musicians, music schools, and music promoters have gotten pretty creative in keeping the music alive and keeping us all from going stir crazy. This week one of my favorite festivals is back on and is going virtual with lot’s of great music, workshops, and virtual camaraderie. And up pops another music festival right after that celebrating Celtic music.
Here are the deets:
Burlington Irish Heritage Festival
March 13-17, 2021
Each year the Burlington Irish Heritage Music Festival celebrates and raises awareness of Irish and Irish-American culture in Burlington, Vermont and the surrounding region, around St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Usually there is a festival ceili, and all sorts of live concerts and in person workshops. This year it is still offering great concerts, workshops and classes only the entire festival is virtual.
Check out all the great workshops available this coming week and learn more info: Burlington Irish Heritage Festival
Celtic Equinox
March 19-21, 2021
This is a weekend filled with a trans-Atlantic selection of emerging acts of traditional and contemporary Celtic music. During this weekend’s show you’ll have access to prerecorded videos produced in the homes and home studios of the musicians. A remarkably intimate look & listen with musicians on both sides of the Atlantic. Plus you’ll get to see up and coming musicians from Young Traditions Vermont and Féile na Tána! There will also be a selection of workshops (TBA) during the show. Registration for the workshops is separate.
Visit Celtic Equinox to find see the lineup of amazing musicians and register.
With a vaccine in progress and more and more people being inoculated, things are starting to look up. I’m not sure we’ll ever return to normal but seeing all these great festivals gives me a bit of hope.
I hope everyone has a happy and healthy St. Patrick’s Day and are able to attend any if not all of the above events.
Session Obsession 