But once the ear is tuned into the subtleties, a remarkable array of musical strains emerged. To the uninitiated, the day might’ve seemed like one long Irish jig. Saturday was another crowded, dazzling, multi-stage success for BCMFest. Yet that joke pointed up an unassailable truth about the 5th annual BCMFest: This event needs no big-name stars, because it’s flourishing without them. It was an inside joke: New England mainstays Flynn Cohen and Matt Heaton playing the music of Brady and Irvine.
What? Two of the most famous folk stars in Irish music making a surprise appearance at this low-key fest? “Give a warm BCMFest welcome to Paul Brady and Andy Irvine!” His work can be found at .“Ladies and gentlemen,” bellowed the announcer at the Boston Celtic Music Festival. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. Whether it’s its acclaimed down home, pub food favorites like Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Guinness, or the lure of local Irish talent, owners Ed & Ellen Brown welcome friends and families to come together for great food, live music and the perfect pint. Located in Boston’s South Shore, The Snug pub welcomes acts of local, national and international status, while also offering its own take on the traditional Irish ‘Sessuin,’ every Monday afternoon at 5:30, hosted by local Skip Toomey. Related: Best Boston Bars Without A Cover Charge Add to this a tantalizing menu of Irish favorites like sausage, beans & mash, shephard’s pie and seafood stew, and you’ve got yourself a winner in The Druid. Utilizing such vintage Irish instrumentation as flute and tin whistle, the talents of Noel Scott, Tina Lech, Ted Davis and a revolving cast of friends lend an air of authenticity Ireland’s magic, melancholy musical heritage. The Irish ‘Sessuin’ is a tradition kept with joy and pride at The Druid, taking place every Tuesday from 9pm and Saturday afternoon at 4pm. Anyone can bring their own instrument & join in on the jam. The bar boasts the longest running traditional Irish Seisiun in Boston. READ MORE: Antonio Brown On His Friendship With Tom Brady: 'He Needs Me To Play Football'Įvery Monday night starting at 7 p.m., for as long as anyone can remember, The Green Briar hosts an open musical seisiun with live traditional Irish music. Whether it’s an impromptu ‘Sessuin’ by local, aspiring players or sets from established acts like “The Chieftains” the Black Rose is a sure bet for live music including Celtic music from Sundays Well. Beloved by tourists and townies alike, The Black Rose is located within historical Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, and features two stages upon which local and amateur musicians alike may ply their wares. The guarantee of live entertainment seven nights a week is something that The Black Rose takes seriously. Sometimes, the city’s best secrets are lurking right under your nose. The bar hosts live entertainment from Friday to Sunday while maintaining its well-earned downtown reputation for being the place to go for a pint.
Dooley’s’ is often heard upon the lips of locals when it comes to Boston’s most beloved Irish pubs. Proudly hosting many of the city’s aspiring musicians, the name ‘Mr. Burren owners Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello are musicians themselves, with the emotional power of music being something duly understood amongst all those who step through the Burren doors. It also hosts open mic nights, stand up comedy, acoustic sessions and live singer/songwriters. Somerville pub The Burren, celebrating more than 15 years now in Davis Square, prides itself on featuring live, traditional Irish music seven nights a week. Photo Credit: READ MORE: Walpole, Norwood Among Towns That Hit Snow 'Jackpot' With Over 13"