Baltimore Irish Trad Fest 2023

A WEEKEND OF WORKSHOPS, PERFORMANCES AND SESSIONS IN IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC, DANCE AND SONG TAKING PLACE AT SEVERAL VENUES AROUND BALTIMORE!

Some of the world's finest traditional Irish musicians will gather in Baltimore to teach workshops, perform and lead sessions. Highlights include an all-star concert on Saturday evening at the Creative Alliance, workshops on Saturday and Sunday, and sessions all weekend long. 

See Schedule Page for event details, Workshops page for class descriptions

Below is a list of Trad Fest events with fees. We work hard bringing in and hiring some of the best Irish traditional performers and teachers and ticket sales only cover a portion of the costs so we greatly appreciate donations!  Sessions are all free and open to the public so if you're just here for the "craic", please consider a donation (on the Donations page) - and  THANK YOU for supporting live music and dance!

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FULL WEEKEND PASS: Early Bird: $155 // March 16-March 19 $170

Includes entry to any and ALL events Friday through Sunday

(Full Weekend Passes are sold out - please register for events a la carte)

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Friday April 14 Ceili and Sessions 7:30-10:30pm

$20 general public //  $10 for workshop participants

Where: The Center for the Arts (MD State Boychoir), 3400 Norman Ave., Baltimore, MD 21213

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Saturday April 15th Music and Dance Workshops 9:30am-3:30pm

$95 Early Bird rate until March 15 // $110 March 16-April 10 // $130 After April 10 & Walk-Ins

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Tuition for Saturday workshops include the full day of workshops, morning warm up, all Saturday & Sunday sessions and some discounts to other events. They do not include the Concert or Sunday Classes/Seminars

What: A fun and intensive small group class in one of the many classes described on the Workshops page PLUS lunchtime intermediate session. This is a great opportunity to meet other musicians and learn from the masters! It's recommended that students enroll in just one class for the day however half days may be possible - contact Laura to inquire.

When: Saturday April 15th Start the day with a 9:30am orientation to get your bearings, learn about the instructors and warm up with a tune or two. Class starts at 10:00am. Lunch will be from 12-1:30 . Class resumes 1:30-3:30 pm and there will be a session during lunch

Where: The Center for the Arts (MD State Boychoir), 3400 Norman Ave., Baltimore, MD 21213

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(Gourmet sandwich lunch boxes available to purchase during the lunch break. $15 please bring cash, exact change)

See Workshops for class descriptions, Performers for instructor bios and Schedule for more event details.

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Saturday April 15th Irish Music Masters Concert Featuring 2023 Trad Fest Faculty 8pm

Fee: $32 Tickets to the Saturday evening faculty concert tickets are not included in workshop fee unless you have signed up for the "full weekend package".  Where: Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD

Concert is SOLD OUT

11:00am-12:30pm // Advanced Harp workshop with Lexie Boatright

$40 (included in the full weekend pass)

This workshop is for players who are familiar with the harp and would like to take a deeper dive into the approach to playing Irish traditional music on the instrument.  Harps are not provided. @ BLUEBIRD GREEN ROOM (Main Level) 3600 Hickory Avenue

SUNDAY AFTERNOON CLASSES 

$20 per class or $50 for a Full Sunday Afternoon Pass (Included in the Full Weekend Package)

12:00pm-1:00pm // Musician Health and Wellness Seminar with Sean McComiskey, PT DPT@NEPENTHE BREWING CO - 3626 Falls Rd

1:15-2:30pm Choose one:

• Panel: History of Irish Traditional Music and Dance in America @ BLUEBIRD GREEN ROOM (Main Level) - 3600 Hickory Avenue
• Mindful Movement with Kieran Jordan @BLUEBIRD PUB (Lower Level) - 3600 Hickory Avenue

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2:45-4:00pm Choose one: ​

• Tune Repertoire Class with staff TBA  @American Legion Post 2 - 3606 Hickory Ave
• Irish Traditional Singing Style and Technique with Eileen Estes @American Legion Post 2 - 3606 Hickory Avenue

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4:15-5:30pm Choose one:

• History of Irish Traditional Music in Baltimore with Billy McComiskey and friends @ BLUEBIRD GREEN ROOM (Main Level)
• Song Repertoire Class with Eileen Estes & Catherine O'Kelly @ BLUEBIRD PUB (Lower Level) - 3600 Hickory Avenue

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 Refund - Transfer Policies 

Workshops: To qualify for a workshop or weekend package full refund, a written cancellation must be received by close of business March 31, 2023. For cancellations received by close of business April 8, 2023, a 50 percent (50%) refund will apply. After April 8th, no refunds will be issued. Any “no-shows” will not be issued a refund. Registrations are transferable. Requests to transfer must be made in writing to the Baltimore Irish Trad Fest Director by April 10th and a separate registration form must be completed and signed by the new registrant. All requests for refunds will incur a $10.00 administrative fee per registration.

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Cancellations for medical emergencies after the above deadlines will be considered on an individual basis and will require a physician's signed letter.

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Concert tickets to the Concert at the Creative Alliance are non-refundable.

Programming subject to change