Lilting is a form of mouth music which uses nonsensical vocables to convey a tune, i.e. deedle-di-do diddle dee dum... Lilting is a great way for musicians to learn new tunes and for vocalists to add variety to their songs. Non-musicians are also welcome! No experience is required, so join us to learn about this fun and entertaining style of singing and performing Irish tunes with rhythmic and melodic pizazz.. The class is taught by IrishFest 2023 feature artist Eimear Arkins, multi-instrumentalist, singer, dancer, and All-Ireland champion from County Clare.

Olivia is an Irish vocalist, bodhran player, and Irish dancer. A graduate of Clayton State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, she has performed with professional Irish musicians all over the US and is a touring member of the Celtic Angels. Olivia is a national champion Irish Gaelic singer, competing on the world stage in 2015 at the All Ireland competition in Sligo, Ireland. Olivia’s class focuses on common traditional Irish and Irish-American songs in English and Irish Gaelic for singers with a basic understanding of vocal technique. Perfect for singers looking to build their traditional song repertoire or who simply want a tune to sing at the session.

This workshop is for musicians that are either new to Irish music or are still working on mastering technique and ornamentation. We’ll learn about the different tune types, common ornamentation and bowing patterns as well as the differences in regional styles. Of course, we’ll also learn a few tunes and then what to do with all this new information! Katherine is a school orchestra teacher with Fulton County Schools, holds her TTCT in Irish Fiddle from CCÉ and has had a long and intimate relationship with her fiddle.

John Maschinot has been playing Uilleann pipes, Irish flute and tin whistle for nearly four decades of teaching experience both privately and as an instructor with the Phoenix School of Irish Arts and The Frank Hamilton School. He’s also a teaching artist, doing programs in schools throughout the Southeast. John’s workshop will highlight important aspects of playing Irish music, with an emphasis on learning to play “by ear”, listening, phrasing, rhythms and tune types, and basic ornamentation. This workshop is suitable for beginner and intermediate musicians who have at least some experience on their instrument.

This workshop will explore the world of melodic opportunities for picking tunes (using fingers and picks) on fretted instruments. The workshop, offered by featured artist David McKindley-Ward, award winning singer and multi-instrumentalist. The class will teach new songs and/or tunes while exploring techniques for translating tunes onto these instruments that highlight interesting rhythmic opportunities and ways to explore melodic variations across the fretboard. Time permitting we will also explore creating solo arrangements of the tunes, and how to incorporate melodic solos into songs.

Mary Branick Ujda, TCRG, has been introducing dancers of all ages to the fun of ceili dancing for over 20 years and has been a part of IrishFest Atlanta since the very beginning. This year’s workshops will start with the basic ceili footwork followed by a selection of dances from the Irish social dance tradition. The instruction will start with simple progressive dances working towards more involved figures. Different dances will be taught each day so that dancers can enjoy back to back workshops. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Dance partners are not required. Wear comfortable dance or athletic shoes, and clothes that are easy to move in.

International recording artist and Atlanta favorite Ashley Davis will be back leading this intimate workshop about singing, and communicating, through songs. While exploring songs from Ashley’s repertoire, this class will consider vocal techniques and ornaments to help take your singing to the next level. Ashley will also offer opportunities to discuss where the songs come from, how they are written and arranged, and how the story and performance come together to bring your songs alive. Singers of all experience levels are welcome. This workshop is also open for registration to anyone with an interest in learning more about the music and Ashley’s approach as a singer-songwriter.

World-renowned award-winning fiddler (Lunasa, Ashley Davis Band, and many others), prolific composer, IrishFest featured artist, and multi-year festival favorite Colin Farrell returns to IrishFest Atlanta again this year. This workshop will add to your repertoire and focus on how bowing, ornamentation, and variations can enhance your playing. This class will explore different approaches and practice techniques to optimize the rhythmic and melodic elements of the tunes on the fiddle, and consider how to make your playing lively and authentic. This workshop is suitable for advanced fiddlers, and for intermediate players comfortable learning at a faster pace.

Dave Curley is one of Ireland’s leading multi-instrumentalists and vocalists, and has performed around the world with top Irish and folk musicians. Last at the Festival with Crannua in 2019, Dave returns to IrishFest this year with the Ashley Davis Band. This workshop will look at intermediate to advanced rhythm patterns for a variety of tune types and time signatures. We will focus on technique and incorporate the back hand to develop dynamics and tone. This class will be taught at a pace appropriate for intermediate and advanced players, although beginners are welcome to sit in and observe.

Will is a talented multi-instrumentalist, producer, and teacher who has toured nationally and internationally with Seven Nations, The Ashley Davis Band, and others, and is the founding member of the Celtic group Glen Echo. We are thrilled he is joining this year’s IrishFest with the Ashley Davis Band. This class is for newer guitarists and those new to Irish traditional music. Students will learn chord shapes and patterns for Drop D guitar tuning and strumming patterns for jigs, reels, and other melodies. We will focus on common keys within Irish traditional music, how to be creative with your own playing, and also discuss the ‘ins and outs’ of playing with others. An audio recorder is recommended.

Shannon is a professor and program director at the University of Notre Dame, developing and leading classes and performing ensembles in Traditional Irish Music and Dance. She is the founder of Shannon Dunne Dance/Capital Irish Arts and produced several All-Ireland medalists. She has been the recipient of many grants awards for her work and in 2016 she received a special commendation from the CCE at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Ennis. “Sets” are danced by eight people in a formation similar to that of American square dancing. Each dance consists of several figures with a short pause between each. The dances come from different regions of Ireland. Dance partner not required. During the workshop you will learn at least one dance, perhaps even more! Bring comfortable, slip soled shoes. (No taps or hard Irish dance shoes please.)