Enjoy a magical evening of Irish music with Éilís Kennedy and Bill Coulter at St. Philip the Apostle Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 pm. 

Tickets: celticscociety.org

Adult Advance $25 | Door $30
College Student $15 | Children Under 18 $10
Member discount $3

Internationally acclaimed Irish singer Éilís Kennedy and Santa Cruz's own Grammy award-winning William Coulter will perform one day only in Scotts Valley, presented by Community Music School of Santa Cruz. This family-friendly performance draws on decades of Irish musical history as well as blending classical styles into folk music.

The Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay welcomes a rare Santa Cruz area performance from County Donegal Irish music royalty, Altan on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in downtown Santa Cruz at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: celticscociety.org
Advance $35 | Door $40
Member discount $3

Altan is regarded by many as the world's finest traditional Irish band, renowned for their heartwarming and dynamic live performances that range from touching ballads to hard-hitting reels and jigs. Throughout their career Altan has shown an unwavering commitment to the beauty of traditional music, particularly that of the Donegal fiddlers and singers.

The Party for Paddy St. Patrick's Day Celebration with John and Tyler Weed, Stu Mason, and Irish step dancer Marisa Gilman takes place at St. Mary's By-The-Sea in Pacific Grove on Sunday, March 17 at 3:00 pm!

Tickets:celticscociety.org

Advance $30 | Door $35
Child Advance $12 | Child Door $15
Member discount $3

Don't miss this dynamic romp complete with Celtic tunes, American song, and Irish dancing. There will be plenty of fast jigs and reels to get you in the mood for the season of green, and St. Mary's bistro will be up and running with seasonal treats, tatties with toppings, and Guinness! Doors open at 2:30 p.m. with appearances by The McMonarchs (St. Mary's Teen Band) and Banish Misfortune (familiar faces you will recognize) to get you in the proper celebratory frame of mind!

Then, join father/son duo John and Tyler Weed with Stuart Mason for an afternoon of Celtic music, Irish dancing, and American song. This year’s Party for Paddy will feature the dancing of world champion Pacific Northwest step wizard Marisa Gilman. As is tradition, Mason and The Weeds will embark on a journey across the Atlantic, tracing the music of the Emerald Isles to one of many landing spots in the United States. Watch the folk process unfold as John Weed and “Uncle” Stuart Mason, two members of West Coast Celtic powerhouse Molly’s Revenge and Nordic band New World String Project, pass this musical lineage to West Coast banjo, mandolin, and fiddle ace Tyler Weed. The event will feature compositions on tenor banjo from Tyler, a fresh up and comer on the folk trad West Coast scene.

The Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay welcomes the "Irish dream team" Lúnasa, celebrating a much-anticipated long awaited return to Santa Cruz on Sunday, March 24 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: celticscociety.org
Advance $28 | Door $30
Member discount $3

Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. Its members have helped form the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade. Bassist Trevor Hutchinson was a key member of The Waterboys, and later he, with guitarist Donogh Hennessy, would form the dynamic rhythm section of The Sharon Shannon Band. Ed Boyd (Flook, Michael McGoldrick Band) has recently replaced Hennessy. Fiddler Sean Smyth is an All-Ireland champion who has played with Donal Lunny's Coolfin. Kevin Crawford, considered to be among the finest flutists in Ireland, played with the acclaimed traditional group Moving Cloud. Piper Cillian Vallely of the famous Vallely artistic clan has performed with Riverdance and recently recorded with Bruce Springsteen.

Don't miss this show! 

The Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay welcomes Breabac live in concert at Kuumbwa Jazz in downtown Santa Cruz on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: celticscociety.org

Advance $28 | Door $33
Member discount $3

Voted Folk Band of The Year and winners of BBC ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2022, Breabac is ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts. With deep roots in Highland and Island tradition, they released their latest studio album ‘Fàs’ in 2022. To date they have released seven increasingly acclaimed albums, whilst fueling their creative appetites in collaborations with BAFTA award winning animator Cat Bruce on short film Dùsgadh, indigenous Australasian artists Moana & The Tribe, Quebec’s Le Vent du Nord, video game composer Big Giant Circles, and as artists-in-residence at 2019’s Celtic Colours festival with Cape Bretoners, Beòlach.

“Matching fiery intensity with exquisite finesse” — The Scotsman

Don't miss this fresh new Celtic music sensation in concert in Santa Cruz! ​ 

The Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay is pleased to welcome the exciting and innovative duo of Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas at St. Mary’s By-The-Sea on Friday, April 12 at 7:00 pm.

Tickets: celticscociety.org

Advance $30 | Door $35
Child Advance $12 | Child Door $15
Member discount $3

The musical partnership between Alasdair Fraser, long regarded as Scotland's premier fiddle ambassador, and California's sizzlingly-talented cellist Natalie Haas celebrates the long cherished duo's dazzling teamwork, driving rhythms, and their shared passion for improvising on the melody and the groove of Scottish tunes. Their drive has helped reconstruct and revive the Scottish tradition of playing dance music on violin and cello. They have toured internationally for over twenty years, wowing audiences at festivals and concerts worldwide with their unique sound and have released six critically acclaimed and award winning albums along the way. Come join us for a fantastic evening of music in St. Mary's sanctuary. Doors open at 6:30 pm. ​ 

The Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay proudly presents Old Blind Dogs at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in downtown Santa Cruz on Friday, May 3 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: celticsociety.org
Advance $28 | Door $30
Member discount $3
Prices include 5% City Of Santa Cruz Admissions Tax

The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished in the Granite City during the early 90s. Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North East of Scotland on an international stage.

Featuring four of Scotland's finest traditional musicians at the top of their game. Original member Jonny Hardie (fiddle/vocals) is joined by Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar/vocals), Ali Hutton (pipes/whistles) and Donald Hay (percussion/vocals) and collectively they comprise one of the hottest live tickets on the traditional Scottish music scene today.

The Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to upholding Celtic traditions in our community. The Society depends on your membership to be able to attract world class musicianship. Here's how you can join the Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay: Individual memberships are $20 per year. Two-year individual: $36 | One-year family: $30 | Two-year family: $50 

Join the Society online at celticsociety.org or print the form and mail it to us with your check. Thank you for your support.

CELTIC MUSIC ON THE RADIO

KBCZ 89.3 FM | kbcz.org

The Mountain Road w/ Julie Horner

Mondays from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.

Accepting new music: 

KBCZ 89.3 FM c/o Julia Dream

13200 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek, CA. 95006

Digital: leap2three@gmail.com

KOWS 92.5 FM | kows92-5.org
Celtic Contrasts w/ Ann Chambers Mondays at 9:00 am.

KSQD 90.7 FM | ksqd.org
Celtic Cauldron w/ Cindy Odom Fridays at 11:00 am.