Community

Welcome! Our session is made of a core group of local Princeton musicians. My goal is to bring the traditional Irish session to Princeton as an authentic Irish-American musical experience.

Listening to live, acoustic music used to be a regular pastime in America (as it is in Ireland still), but unfortunately our culture hasn't prioritized this invaluable shared experience. My goal is to bring this art form back to the pub(lic) space for musicians to play together and new friends to come and get lost in the music. I invite you to remember how to listen, even for those of us who go to see live music often. Allowing yourself to engage with other humans in this way is a meditation and a way to connect with your neighbors outside of our busy lives. We musicians love seeing everyone come together and enjoy the social aspect of this gathering, but more than that we love seeing and feeling you listen to the music. When the energy is shared in this way, it's truly magical.

A quick note on the acoustics: there will be many moments when the group plays all together and the sound will be at the max! At other times, we will bring the energy down to be able to hear a story through song. Each individual voice has its own decibel resonance and some need more silence than others so please come closer if you'd like to hear the words. You may notice at certain moments the musicians or listeners who are closer to the music will "shush" the pub - this isn't a negative emotion or sign of frustration, but an invitation to all to listen and join the experience (as well as allow the musicians to hear each other). This music has been passed down as an oral tradition and by listening, you are participating in this cultural revival!

As we all get to know each other and widen the circle, my vision is that this music touches you in the way that it touches our own souls. There may be moments where you feel inclined to get up and dance, and this is very welcomed! There may be other moments when you are invited to join in singing and we hope that you will allow your heart to be opened alongside ours.

I'm so grateful to the owners and staff at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room and the Nassau Inn for supporting this unique happening. With that said, please take full advantage of their menu and bar and TIP WELL! And if you're enjoying the music and want to buy a round for the musicians, we'll gladly accept. None of us are paid for playing as it's not a performance.

Here is a wonderful resource for you to check out about being a listener at a trad session: https://doolin.ie/11-tips-to-enjoy-an-authentic-irish-trad-session/

And of course if you found yourself sitting here and don't want to be bothered with loud music, please find a quieter spot on the other side of the pub where you can be more comfortable and carry on your conversation!

If you have any questions at all, please email me directly at bethanybeach18@gmail.com or come to the Yankee Doodle Tap Room and say hello!