News

'06 GAIF To Feature Open Sessions

May 25, 2006

Have you always wanted to play at the Great American Irish Festival? Well, here’s your chance. No, you won't be taking the stage with Solas, but you can share a playing area with some of Central New York's most respected musicians. The 2006 Great American Irish festival will present, for the first time, an open session, where musicians of all skill levels are invited to join and play traditional jigs and reels of Ireland. Festivalgoers are invited to bring whatever instruments they play (although drum kits and electric guitars will probably not be welcomed with open arms) and join in with members from the well-established Syracuse session, which meets on (at least) a weekly basis at venues throughout Syracuse. The sessions will be geared to beginners as well as advanced musicians. All that is required is a basic knowledge of some of the tunes traditionally played at sessions. Times will be posted as the schedules are finalized.