2024 FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS
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.
​
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
-
You must purchase a ticket to the festival in addition to the workshop fee. Both must be purchased here online on the ticket tab.
-
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.
-
If you have not already purchased a Festival ticket, you can do so at this time.
-
If you have already purchased a Festival Ticket, there is no need to purchase another.
-
Print out the email confirmation page from our ticketing system as proof of payment for the workshop if one is required
SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
IRISH CÉILÍ DANCE WORKSHOP WITH INISHFREE DANCERS
Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Time: 12:30 p.m.- 1:45 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: FREE FOR ALL AGES
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.
​
IRISH DADGAD GUITAR with JEFF MOORE
Date: Saturday, November 2nd 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.-2:15 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.
​
INTRO TO IRISH FLUTE AND WHISTLE WITH JOHN WILLIAMS
Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Time: 2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: FREE
Internationally regarded as one of the foremost players of Irish music, John Williams brings his extraordinary talent to this introductory workshop on the Irish flute and whistle. A five-time All-Ireland champion and founding member of Solas, John’s expertise spans multiple instruments, making him a highly sought-after musician. His unique style, shaped by years of performing across Ireland and internationally, will inspire and guide participants as they explore the rich sounds of traditional Irish music.
​
INTERMEDIATE IRISH FIDDLE WITH KATIE GRENNAN
Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m., Ainsworth House (Next to the Dancehall)
Fee: FREE
Katie Grennan brings her remarkable blend of classical precision and the vibrant soul of an Irish dancer to this intermediate-level fiddle workshop. As a former member of Gaelic Storm and a current player with Reverie Road and The Bow Tides, Katie has toured internationally, recording solo albums and collaborating with top Irish artists. Her expertise extends to both music and dance, making her a unique instructor. Katie is also an award-winning teacher with students excelling at the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil.
​
SCOTCH TASTING WITH MACALLAN & KIERON ELLIOTT
Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Time: 3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: $35.00 (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. $35 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
​
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE WORKSHOP FOR ALL AGES
Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Time: 5:15 p.m.-6:30 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.
​
SUNDAY WORKSHOPS
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE WORKSHOP FOR ALL AGES
Date: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
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.
​
SCOTCH TASTING WITH MACALLAN & KIERON ELLIOTT
Date: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: $35.00 (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. $35 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
​
INTRO TO IRISH FIDDLE WITH CHRIS BUCKLEY
Date: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
Time: 03:15 p.m.- 04:15 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: FREE
Join us for an exciting opportunity to learn the basics of Irish fiddle playing from one of the most esteemed fiddlers in the scene! Chris Buckley, a founding member of the band Here & Now, has been captivating audiences for years with his expressive style and deep understanding of traditional Irish music. This workshop is perfect for beginners looking to get started on their journey with the Irish fiddle. Chris will guide you through essential techniques, basic tunes, and provide invaluable tips to help you develop your skills.
​
IRISH CÉILÍ DANCE WORKSHOP WITH INISHFREE DANCERS
Date: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
Time: 04:30 p.m.- 05:30 p.m., Kelpie Dance Stage
Fee: FREE FOR ALL AGES
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.
​