2022

Celtic Holiday Hooley, December 17

The Hooley is hosted by comedians Joshua Will and Natalie O’Shea, and presented by the O’Shea Irish Dancers and a world-class live band. Choreography by original Riverdancer Cormac O’Sé of Dublin. This variety show is a party for all ages with Irish music, stories, sketches, step dance, caroling, and more.

Celtic Holiday Hooley Matinee, December 17

Celtic Holiday Hooley, December 16

100 Years of T.S. Eliot's "The Wasteland," Dec 14

Dr. Patrick O'Donnell and poet Lynette Reini-Grandell return to host another fascinating discussion in this Zoom webinar. Free.

Celtic Holiday Hooley Matinee, December 11

Celtic Holiday Hooley, December 10

Celtic Holiday Hooley Matinee, December 10

The Hooley is hosted by comedians Joshua Will and Natalie O’Shea and presented by the O’Shea Irish Dancers and a world-class live band. Choreography by original Riverdancer Cormac O’Sé of Dublin.

Celtic Holiday Hooley, December 9

Opening night! The Hooley is hosted by comedians Joshua Will and Natalie O’Shea, and presented by the O’Shea Irish Dancers and a world-class live band. Choreography by original Riverdancer Cormac O’Sé of Dublin.

A Clogger's Tale, Dec 3

The Fellowship of the Strings

Wild Goose Chase Cloggers and Chicken Sedan! Join them for merriment, live music, dancing, and a touch of silliness!

An Evening with John Dingley, November 20

Join us for an evening of entertainment with local Welsh-native, singer, poet, actor, author, and character extraordinaire! John will also be signing copies of his latest book, A Visit Home.

CIM Youth Ensemble Concert, November 19

The annual Center for Irish Music Youth Ensembles Holiday Concert, featuring award-winning musicians from our Advanced Youth Ensemble, with an opening set by the Starling Ensemble.

Brass Lassie in Concert, November 18

Brass Lassie boldly combines traditional tunes, songs, and style with dazzling modern horn lines, creating their own genre of remarkable music. They perform extraordinary takes on Scottish, Irish, and continental music.

Women in Irish Street Art, November 14

Webinar on street art in Northern Ireland; beautiful and moving murals made by local artists, exploring the Northern Irish conflict in a way that only witnesses could portray, with images reflecting over thirty years of history, resistance, and conflict.

Van Orman & Helwin in Concert, November 12

Concert by John C. Van Orman and Adam Helwin. Joined by Todd Menton (Boiled in Lead), Drew Miller (Boiled in Lead, Kinda Fonda Wanda), and Mark Black (Other Country Ensemble) for this noteworthy event.

Irish Arts Minnesota Honors Tom Klein, November 11

The 2022 IAM Honors recipient, uilleann piper, community organizer, and teacher Tom Klein, is recognized for his contributions to Irish traditional music in the Twin Cities and across the United States.

Book Discussion: “Michael Collins: A Life”, Nov 10

Dr. Kevin Byrne and Dr. Steven Griffith offer a free two-night discussion of James Mackay’s Michael Collins: A Life. Collins was one of the most consequential figures in early 20th century Irish history. Online.

Indigenous Language and Land Connections, November 7

An exploratory conversation about language and land, seeking what is lost when Indigenous language connections to place are overshadowed by colonization.

Ye Vagabonds in Concert, November 5

Brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn. A core force in the traditional Irish music circuit, Ye Vagabonds fuse reflective folk music with traditional elements. Opening set by Danny Diamond and Brian Miller!

Seamus Heaney and His Contemporaries, November 4

“The Worker Who Reads: Hermeneutics of Class in the Poetry of Seamus Heaney and His British and European Contemporaries” - a free hybrid lecture by Dr. Attila Dosa.

Altan at the Dakota, October 29

With a career in Irish music for 35 years, Altan has achieved legendary status in a genre that has been equally shaped by the band’s influence and genius. CJAC was proud to co-present this pair of concerts.

Book Discussion: “Michael Collins: A Life”, Oct 27

Transformative figures..., October 16

... and the challenge of archiving their work. Archivist Niamh Ní Charra discusses her experience working on two iconic Irish archives: The Gaelic League and the Mary Robinson collections at the University of Galway. Hybrid event, limited to 20 in-person attendees.

CJAC's Fall Fundraiser with Niamh Ní Charra, October 15

Cocktails, dinner, and a dynamic concert featuring musician, archivist, and former Riverdance soloist Niamh Ní Charra with her long-time accompanist, Kevin Corbett.

Dòrain Album Release Party, October 1

Local four-piece Dòrain celebrates their new album, False Orchard. Luscious four-part vocal harmonies, songs ranging from Child ballads and Scots Gaelic gems to Scottish Romantic works set to music, and trad tunes to get your toes tapping.

Northerly Gales “Road Back Home” Album Launch, September 23

This second release by The Northerly Gales comes of over three years of hard work and good craic. Traditional and modern pieces alongside original compositions, from the raucous to the serene and back again.

Hannah Flowers Album Launch, September 16

Hannah Flowers celebrates the release of her new album Hall-Gate House with harp tunes and traditional songs. This album is a celebration and extension of her master’s degree studies at Maynooth University in Ireland.

Oisín Mac Diarmada, Seán Gavin, and Patrick Doocey in Concert, September 15

Leading trad exponents Oisín Mac Diarmada, Seán Gavin, and Patrick Doocey make a rare trio appearance at the Celtic Junction in St. Paul.

Kerri Joy Album Release Party, August 31

Fiddle player and vocalist Kerri Joy splashes out with a nuanced and boldly lyrical sound; hers is a journey through a myriad of musical expressions, born out of years of collection, growth, introspection, and adventures.

Blood Drive, August 31

The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. All blood types are needed. If you need help making an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Open House, August 28

Celtic Junction Arts Center Open House in tandem with partners Center for Irish Music, and O’Shea Irish Dance.

Brian Boru 60th Anniversary Party, August 27

The Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band has been a highlight of all the major community events held at the Celtic Junction Arts Center along with so many other noteworthy events in Minnesota.

Minnesota Scottish Fair Street Party, August 6

Celtic Music • Bagpipes and Drums • Heavy Games Demo • Scottish Highland Dance • Scottish Country Dancing + Fling • Clan Row & Scottish Exhibitors • Scottish Marketplace • British Cars + Motorcycles • Food Trucks • McCracken Pub + Food

JigJam in Concert, August 5

A multi-award-winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland. Blending the best of traditional Irish music with bluegrass and Americana in a new genre which has been branded as ‘iGrass.’

Brand Launch Party, July 30

Have you heard? The IMDA is RE-BRANDING!!

After 40 years as the Irish Music and Dance Association, we are taking a big step into our next chapter and we want to share the journey with YOU.

Blood Drive, July 27

The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. All blood types are needed. If you need help making an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

“The Importance of Being Earnest,” July 22-24

Spill the tea with Out of The Mist Celtic Theatre as they take on Oscar Wilde’s witty and romantic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest.

“The Importance of Being Earnest,” July 14-17

Spill the tea with Out of The Mist Celtic Theatre as they take on Oscar Wilde’s witty and romantic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest.

“The Unsung Hero,” a play by David Gilna, June 24

The Unsung Hero is a love story from Easter week 1916 between Michael O’Rahilly (The O’Rahilly) the Co-Founder of The Irish Volunteers and his wife Nancy O’Rahilly Vice-president of the Cumann na mBan.

Paddy Keenan in Concert, June 18

Uillean piper Paddy Keenan, founding member of The Bothy Band and 2002 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year, returns to the Celtic Junction for a concert with accompaniment by guitarist Patsy O’Brien.

Master Artists Concert, June 11

The signature event of the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend. Don’t miss this rare chance to see Kathleen Conneely (whistle), Seán Clohessy (fiddle), and John Coyne (bouzouki/song) play from their recently released album “All Jokes Aside”.

Great Session Experience, June 10

The 2022 Great Session Experience brings together the Twin Cities Irish music community for many simultaneous in-person sessions around the Celtic Junction Arts Center. Outdoors; masking indoors in case of rain.

Minnesota Irish Music Weekend June 9 - 12

14th annual Minnesota Irish Music Weekend!

Presented by the Center for Irish Music, Minnesota Irish Music Weekend is a unique festival that pairs world-class traditional Irish musicians and teachers with learners of all ages.

Colm Broderick & Patrick Finley in Concert, June 4

Colm Broderick (County Carlow, Ireland) and Patrick Finley (Atlanta, Georgia) have created a wonderful partnership in Irish traditional music.

Musicians for Ukraine, June 4

Musicians for Ukraine is one Ukrainian-American’s effort to help Ukraine and those fighting to defend it. It’s a series of benefit concerts in Minnesota—hosted by singer-composer Natalie Nowytski.

Gretchen Fitzgerald Memorial, May 21

Gretchen Fitzgerald was a well-known and beloved figure in our community. A gathering to share stories and celebrate her life.

O’Shea Irish Dance Recitals, May 7

Celebrate the joy, progress, and hard work that O’Shea Irish Dancers have been putting into their steps for the past year!

Dick Hensold & Patsy O’Brien CD Release Concert, May 6

Dick & Patsy’s new CD is available for the first time at this concert! Half of The Welcome Companion features their tight instrumentals, the other half, traditional songs, sung by Patsy and beautifully recorded by John Scherf.

Family Ceili with The Gunn Slingers, April 30

Scottish social dance and concert at the Celtic Junction Arts Center.

A Tale of Two Shows: Secrets from the Greenroom, April 29

Take a peek behind the curtain and explore how Irish theatre is defined, and what makes it dynamic and unique. Discover why theatre is so often at the forefront of politics, and why producing theatre is still important.

Appropriation of Irish Cultural Arts & Symbols by White Nationalist Groups, April 28

The public rise of white nationalism has led to adherents’ more public usage of Celtic symbolism.

Manchán Magan’s Arán agus Im, April 24

Arán & Im is a theatrical performance/installation in which the writer and documentary-maker Manchán Magan bakes sourdough bread for 70 minutes while offering insights into the wonders of the Irish language.

Irish American Club: lecture and panel discussion, April 24

The McKiernan Library will host a talk by Director Brian Miller on the history of the Twin Cities Irish American Club (circa 1948-1983) with the unveiling of the library’s new audiovisual exhibition on that group.

Appreciating the Greatness of Seán Ó Riada and Mise Éire, April 23

Understand Seán Ó Riada’s musical genius and the role of Gael Linn in creating the first ever full-length Irish Language film covering the struggle for Irish independence from the early 1890s to 1917.

The Bodhrán: All you need to know before you have a go!, April 23

Fergal O’Brien, Bodhrán Tutor of The Traditional Arts Partnership South Armagh. Includes Fergal’s launch of his online instruction manual Grade 2 Bodhrán Tutor & CD.

Anamchairde / Kindred Spirits: A Concert Collaboration, April 22

Musicians from Traditional Arts Partnership (Armagh) and Center for Irish Music, and the Sullivan Squad of Lac Courte Oreilles, WI.

Deireadh Seachtaine Gaeilge / Irish Language Weekend, April 22-24

I gComhar le Gaeltacht MN
In collaboration with Gaeltacht MN

Gallery Showing: Watercolors by Yvonne Foster, April 20

This body of work includes the fields of Wisconsin where she grew up; the shores of Lake Superior where she had a summer home; and even Ireland where she visited frequently.

Food, Health, and Hygiene Drive, April 18

In addition to non-perishable food items, the Midway Project is accepting donations of diapers, wipes, and formula as well as personal care items like soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

Ten Important Dates in Irish History: A Presentation, March 31

Join Dr. Steven Griffith for a “taste” of Irish history from prehistoric times to the present day. This overview of Irish history will be of special interest to those intending to travel to the Emerald Isle.

JigJam in Concert, March 27

Multi-award-winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland, blending the best of traditional Irish music with bluegrass and Americana in a new genre which has been branded as ‘iGrass.’

Kickin’ It Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17

We celebrate Saint Paddy’s Day in true Irish style with Kickin’ It Irish, the family-friendly live Irish music and dance spectacular.

Kickin’ It Irish Matinee on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17

We celebrate Saint Paddy’s Day in true Irish style with Kickin’ It Irish, the family-friendly live Irish music and dance spectacular!

Screaming Orphans in Concert, March 16

A genre-breaking, chart-topping all-sister band from Donegal, Ireland, are known worldwide for their award-winning sound, combining their original pop songs with a unique take on traditional Irish music.

Kickin’ It Irish Matinee, March 13

Kickin’ It Irish is a modern fusion of show-style Irish dance and live Irish music. The lineup consists of 20 world-class dancers, including regional and national champions, and an international six-piece band.

Lúnasa at the Pantages Theatre, March 12

We’ve enjoyed concerts with Kevin Crawford and Cillian Vallely here at CJAC, and now the whole band perform at the Pantages Theatre. Co-presented with TaLuk Presents.

Kickin’ It Irish Matinee, March 12

Celebrate Saint Paddy’s Day in true Irish style with Kickin’ It Irish, the family-friendly live Irish music and dance spectacular featuring Dublin native and original Riverdancer Cormac O’Sé

Kickin’ It Irish, March 6

The lineup consists of 20 world-class dancers, including regional and national champions, and an international six-piece band.

Kickin’ It Irish, March 5

The driving dance band includes Aidín Ní Shé, Midwest Fleadh champion in English and Irish song; Todd Menton, multi-instrumentalist and lead singer of band Boiled in Lead; and Brian Miller of acclaimed band Bua.

Kickin’ It Irish Matinee, March 5

Kickin’ It Irish Opening Night, March 4

Celebrate Saint Paddy’s Day in true Irish style with Kickin’ It Irish, the family-friendly live Irish music and dance spectacular featuring Dublin native and original Riverdancer Cormac O’Sé.

Éigse CIM, a Virtual Gaela Event, Feb 26

he Center for Irish Music and emcee Máirtín de Cógáin invite you to cozy up and join us for Éigse CIM, a Virtual Gaela Event! Éigse [eg-shuh] is an Irish word used for festivals celebrating traditional Irish arts and culture.

Blood Drive, February 16

The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. All blood types are needed. Need help finding an appointment? Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

The Power of Indigenous Languages, February 12

A discussion on the value, preservation, and challenges facing the languages of the Gaeltacht and of the Anishinaabe nation

Why James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses” matters on its 100th anniversary, February 2

Dr. Patrick O’Donnell and Dr. Lynette Reini-Grandell: Free webinar! On the day James Joyce turned 40, in Paris, Shakespeare & Co. published Ulysses.