Thanksgiving is a time for good food, great company, and pausing to appreciate all the wonderful things in life. And if you’re anything like me, music is near the top of that list. This year, as I prepare for the big meal, I can’t help but think about the connections between Thanksgiving and the traditions of Irish music.
For starters, both are rooted in community. Irish music thrives in sessions where everyone gathers, instruments in hand, to share tunes, stories, laughter, and maybe a pint or two. Isn’t that the heart of Thanksgiving, too? Whether it’s friends or family around the table, or musicians around a circle in a cozy pub, it’s all about creating something bigger than ourselves—a shared experience.
There’s also a sense of tradition. Just as Thanksgiving recipes get handed down—”This pie crust was your great-grandma’s secret weapon!”—so do Irish tunes. A jig or reel you play today might have been hummed in a kitchen in County Clare generations ago. It’s the same comforting feeling of connection to something older and larger than yourself.
And then there’s the emotion. Thanksgiving can be nostalgic, even a little bittersweet as we think about loved ones who aren’t around the table this year. Irish music has that same depth—songs like The Parting Glass or Danny Boy can make you feel all the feels. But just like how Thanksgiving always has room for laughter, Irish music has its lively side. A fast-paced reel or cheeky drinking song can bring a room to life just as easily as pumpkin pie and hot chocolate can bring smiles.
So this Thanksgiving, I’ll be raising a glass (or maybe a pint of Guinness) and giving thanks for the magic of Irish music. It’s brought me great friends, stories, and more joy than I can express.
How about you? What are you thankful for when it comes to Irish music? Whether it’s a session with friends, a favorite album, or a memory of dancing in a kitchen, drop me a comment. Let’s give thanks together, one tune at a time.
Sláinte,
Keep the music playing!
Looking for an Irish band to play at your holiday or New Year’s Eve party? One More Time still has openings for the holiday season. Book us today!
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