FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS & LECTURES
NOTICE: ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE THIS YEAR TO FESTIVAL TICKET HOLDERS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SCOTCH TASTINGS
The Austin Celtic Festival is proud to offer students and interested parties the chance to be directed and counseled by some of today's leading experts in Celtic music. In general, our paid workshops, led by our headliners are casual, question-and-answer arenas for persons already familiar with the subject instrument and are looking for progressive instruction or a chance to ask more complex questions. You should also be prepared for the practical application of a particular technique or style favored by the headlining instructor.
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The direction and focus of the workshops can be fluid and developed based on the needs of the attending students. Although they might not necessarily be needed, a well-prepared student will have their instrument, pen and paper, and a recorder with them. These workshops are limited to a smaller number to be more effective. Novice or beginners may purchase tickets and attend as observers.
REMINDERS
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You must purchase a ticket to the festival in addition to the workshop fee. Both must be purchased here online on the ticket tab.
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Click on the "Buy Tickets" button and scroll down to the workshop you wish to attend and purchase a ticket if there is a charge.
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If you have not already purchased a Festival ticket, you can do so at this time.
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If you have already purchased a Festival Ticket, there is no need to purchase another.
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Print out the email confirmation page from our ticketing system as proof of payment for the workshop if one is required
SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
INISHFREE IRISH DANCE FOR ALL AGES
Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m.- 2:15 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: FREE
Come join the Inishfree dancers and learn the basics of Irish Ceili (party) dancing. Fun for all ages! With intricate and exciting choreography, rhythms, beautiful costumes, and music, Inishfree Irish Dance showcases a brilliant mix of traditional style and modern athleticism that has made Irish dancing one of the most respected and exciting dance forms in the world.
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IRISH DADGAD GUITAR with JEFF MOORE
Date: Saturday, November 4th 2023
Time: 2:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Ainsworth House (Next to the Dancehall)
Fee: FREE
Jeff Moore is a highly sought-after accompanist living in Austin, Texas, and has performed with many of the foremost Irish and Scottish music ensembles and musicians in the Southwest. An accomplished guitarist and singer, Jeff has also accompanied international touring musicians such as Cape Breton fiddler Jerry Holland, Dublin-born Irish accordion legend James Keane, Liz Carroll, master Irish fiddler James Kelly, and Irish music icon Joe Burke.
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MANDOLIN AND TENOR BANJO FUNDAMENTALS
KEN FLEMING
Date: Saturday, November 4th 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m., Ainsworth House (Next to the Dancehall)
Fee: FREE
This workshop on mandolin and tenor banjo will focus on the stylistic elements of playing melodies (not chords) in Irish traditional style and the techniques to produce them, plus how and when to incorporate them into any given tune. The idea is that attendees come away with a box of tools that they can apply to all the tunes they already know and the tunes they have yet to learn, to produce a traditional Irish sound. The workshop applies equally to tenor banjo, mandolin, tenor guitar and octave mandolin.
SCOTCH TASTING WITH MACALLAN & KIERON ELLIOTT
Date: Saturday, November 4th, 2023
Time: 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: $28.00 (ages 21 and up)
MACALLAN SCOTCH TASTING with Kieron Elliott: You have a chance both days of the Austin Celtic Festival​ this year to learn and experience the smooth varieties of Scotch created by Macallan. 21 and up! Saturday at 2:45pm at the Kelpie Stage and Sunday at 1:45pm at the Kelpie Stage. $28 with your Fest ticket. Only 50 tickets are available per tasting. To reserve your seat and purchase your entry visit our workshop page: http://austincelticfestival.com/tickets
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SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE WORKSHOP FOR ALL AGES
Date: Saturday, November 4th, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: FREE
Scottish country dance challenges both the body and the mind. The moves are known in advance, so you don't have to worry about making them up as you go along. Also, you get to meet new people and make new friends! No partner is needed because everyone dances with everyone else. So, come alone or bring a friend. Hosted by the Scottish Country Dance Alliance.
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SUNDAY WORKSHOPS
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE WORKSHOP FOR ALL AGES
Date: Sunday, November 5th, 2023
Time: 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: FREE
Scottish country dance challenges both the body and the mind. The moves are known in advance, so you don't have to worry about making them up as you go along. Also, you get to meet new people and make new friends! No partner is needed because everyone dances with everyone else. So, come alone or bring a friend. Hosted by the Scottish Country Dance Alliance.
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SCOTCH TASTING WITH MACALLAN & KIERON ELLIOTT
Date: Sunday, November 5th, 2023
Time: 1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: $28.00 (ages 21 and up)
MACALLAN SCOTCH TASTING with Kieron Elliott: You have a chance both days of the Austin Celtic Festival​ this year to learn and experience the smooth varieties of Scotch created by Macallan. 21 and up! Saturday at 2:45pm at the Kelpie Stage and Sunday at 1:45pm at the Kelpie Stage. $28 with your Fest ticket. Only 50 tickets are available per tasting. To reserve your seat and purchase your entry visit our workshop page: http://austincelticfestival.com/tickets
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FIDDLE WORKSHOP: LET's MAKE 'EM DANCE!
with Fiddle Champion Mari Black
Date: Sunday, November 6th, 2022
Time: 04:00 p.m.- 05:15 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: FREE
Come learn some beloved toe-tapping Celtic tunes — AND discover how to play them in a way that will get your listeners up and dancing! We’ll explore how to create the authentic phrasing, bowings, and groove that will help you turn all of your fiddle tunes into irresistible dance music.
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INISHFREE IRISH CEILI DANCE FOR ALL AGES
Date: Sunday, November 6th, 2022
Time: 04:30 p.m.- 05:30 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: FREE
Come join the Inishfree dancers and learn the basics of Irish Ceili (party) dancing. Fun for all ages! With intricate and exciting choreography, rhythms, beautiful costumes, and music, Inishfree Irish Dance showcases a brilliant mix of traditional style and modern athleticism that has made Irish dancing one of the most respected and exciting dance forms in the world.
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