They had a great night as did the audience going by all the comments we have received since.

Fir Óg are in Seward on the 5th of June at the Resurrect Art Coffee House and Gallery.

320 3rd Avenue, Seward, AK, 99664 - 907-224-7161

Fir Óg are Philip Price, John Walsh & BenSaylor

Ben Saylor has joined Fir Óg

Ben has been a multi-instrumentalist and composer for most of his life. He began playing Irish traditional music in 2007 after being introduced to it by Anchorage musicians Jim Kerr and Denise Martin, first on mandolin and banjo, then on flute, which has become his main instrument. He has since played regularly at local sessions, and has studied with a number of great players including Catherine McEvoy, Conal Ó Grada, and Hammy Hamilton. He joined Fir Óg in early 2010.

Philip Price

Philip Price: Singer/Songwriter. Irish ballads/traditional.

After many years in the music scene in Ireland, England, and the lower 48, Philip Price is thrilled to be a part of the vibrant Irish and folk scene in Alaska. Although an academic by day at the University of Alaska, Philip (or "the real Dr. Phil") as he is known to many of his students) has a true passion for Irish ballads. Born and reared in Dublin, Philip has performed and recorded with a variety of Dublin traditional and bluegrass bands including the Druids, the Blasket Sound, and Turlough and has opened for internationally known bands including the Dubliners.

The other member of Fir Óg, John Walsh, has more info here: About Me

Weekly Events

Session at Middle Way Cafe

Tuesday night session at Middle Way Cafe

7ish to 10 pm - 1200 W. Northern Lights Anchorage 99503 (272-6433).

O’Brady’s Pub: (Huffman Carrs Center)

Improver’s Irish Session every Wednesday Night 7-9pm with Lia Zito

THURSDAY SESSION NEWS

John Walsh and friends are still at McGinley's every Thursday night, starting 8.00pm

645 G St. Suite 101

279-1782

You just never know who might show up.

Monthly Events

First Friday Session at Suzi's Woollies

420 G Street - 277-9660

Song Session Last Saturday of the Month 4 PM Celtic Treasures.

Singers and players welcome.

Celtic Treasures.

City Center Mall

4240 Old Seward Hwy. 333-2358

Annual Events

Samhain celebration (Celtic New Year)

TBA

FUNDRAISER FOR THE GERARD MCDONNELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Irish Club of Alaska presents the Holiday Ceili on November 14th at 7 PM at the Snow Goose Theater.

The evening will be a fund raiser for the Gerard McDonnell Memorial Scholarship Fund and the recipient of this year's award will be announced.

Gerard McDonnell (1971-2008) was a beloved member of the Alaska Irish Music Community. Gerard's musical abilities were well respected in the community. He encouraged young people to participate in Irish music, dance and promoting those arts in Alaska. Gerard was born in Ireland but considered Alaska his home away from home.

Ceili is a Irish word that means party; specifically one with live musicians, dancing, and/or general merriment. The Holiday Ceili will feature live music by Fir Og, The Derry Aires and The Feckin' Wrecked Ceili Band.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Doors open at 6:30 and there will be food and beverage service available throughout the evening. Tickets are available at Celtic Treasures, Suzi's Woolies or by calling 245-7311.

GERARD MCDONNELL MEMORIAL AWARD

The McDonnell Family presented the Irish Club of Alaska with the above mentioned award and the Irish Club board feels it is appropriate to present this award each year to a young individual from the nominations presented to them, so please feel free to nominate.

Nominations for the award should be a person, under 25 who participates and contributes to the Irish Music/Dance/Culture and community of Alaska.

You can download the nomination form here

Gerard McDonnell Award Nomination Form

Also in November

NOVEMBERFEST

Anchorage Folk Festival fundraiser

April

Probably the biggest music event in Alaska, at least for most players anyway, is the Alaska Folk Festival in Juneau. Every type of music is presented in some shape or form and the Irish musicians are generally there in big numbers, but there is also plenty of other music going on all around the town and on stage.

ALASKA FOLK FESTIVAL

Centennial Hall, Juneau, Alaska

The 35th Alaska Folk Festival is April 13-19, 2009.

The 35th Annual Alaska Folk Festival.

Alaska Folk Festival Posters are here.

Anchorage Press Online Events Calendar

I've replaced the Anchorge Press Summer Festival with a link to their Online Events Calendar as the other link seems dead, hopefully this link will stay active.