Workshops & Jam Sessions

Join us to learn how to find different sounds and play basic patterns on your Irish drum. Bring your own bodhran or make one out of a pizza box (materials provided). No experience necessary.

This workshop for folks who have been playing violin for three years or more will help you get your bearings in the lively world of Irish reels, jigs, polkas and more. We’ll learn a tune by ear (dots provided at the end for take-home study), discuss the concept of ‘good lift', cover common tune ornamentations and dip into the magical world of bowing. Recording devices highly encouraged.

Dublin-born singer and bouzouki player Pat Broaders is a member of Open the Door for Three and a longtime figure on the worldwide Irish music scene. Known for his rich vocal style and powerful rhythmic accompaniment, Pat brings his deep knowledge of the tradition to every performance. In this workshop, he’ll share his highly personal accompaniment style, including his approach to phrasing, rhythm, and interpretation.

Kieran O’Hare is one of the most respected and accomplished uilleann pipers performing today. A member of Open the Door for Three, Kieran brings deep musical insight and decades of teaching experience to this workshop. He’ll guide participants through techniques that give piping its signature lift and expression—covering ornamentation, rhythm, and phrasing, along with thoughtful insights on tone and style. This class is ideal for intermediate and advanced players, but newer pipers and those interested in learning more about the instrument are also welcome to attend and observe.

The singing of songs is a very different beast in Ireland. It is traditionally unaccompanied, with calls for ciúnas! (“a bit of hush!”); it can happen at the drop of a hat, in the pub, or in the home. Most incredibly, people actually listen! It can be an intimidating prospect, and virtually impossible to initiate in North America where it simply isn’t built into session culture. So, let’s get together and sing some songs. Mostly we'll focus on lyrics, cadence, and melody. Let’s talk a bit about how we learn songs, how we transmit them, and why it’s important. With any luck, maybe we can help integrate the odd song into your local session. And let’s also destigmatize being “just a singer”.

Known for her expressive playing and fearless musicality, Liz Knowles brings a broad artistic perspective to Irish fiddle. A member of Open the Door for Three, Liz has performed with a wide range of artists from traditional Irish ensembles to orchestras and chamber groups. In this workshop, Liz will explore ornamentation, tone, and the finer points of musical interpretation—encouraging players to develop their own unique voice within the tradition. She will also share her unique insights about the practice of practicing! This workshop is intended for advanced fiddlers and for intermediate players ready to push their musicianship to the next level.

Beginner class for all ages. No experience required. Participants will learn breath control, finger placement, cuts, taps and how to pick up a tune by ear. No instrument required (loaners provided), but if you have a favorite whistle in D, bring it along!

Take your bodhrán playing to the next level in Advanced Bodhrán Techniques, a workshop designed for experienced players looking to expand their expressive range and technical precision. We’ll dive into tonal variations to add depth and color to your sound, explore proven methods for building speed and endurance, and focus on developing advanced phrasing techniques that bring greater musicality and nuance to your playing. This session is ideal for players ready to move beyond the basics and unlock the full potential of the instrument.

Ceili of the Valley will perform a couple of dances, then invite the audience to join in. All dances will be taught and no partner or experience is necessary. Dancing will be accompanied by live music from the Portland band, Triple File.

Come and join festival musicians at an open jam session. Play or just listen. All instruments are welcome.

Join Hanz Araki (Steeplechase) as he leads a session devoted to the songs of Scotland, Ireland, and beyond. This will be an informal gathering to sing and hear songs unaccompanied as is common at his favorite sessions in Ireland. Bring a favorite song to share, join in on choruses–or just listen and hopefully learn a new favorite song for yourself!

Join in or just come to listen at this open jam session. All instruments welcome.

This session is hosted by YOU! Bring your favorite slow tunes (O’Carolan tunes, waltzes, slow reels, airs, etc.) and we’ll end the festival playing them and relaxing in the shade at Common Fields. All instruments and musicians welcome.