Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann - Craobh Dugan

The Dugan Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, pronounced col-tus kyol-tory airin, was established in 1978 in Clinton, NY and later moved to Utica, NY. Comhaltas is a worldwide organization which has over 400 branches worldwide, and 50 branches in North America. The headquarters are located in Monkstown, County Dublin, Ireland. Our chapter's aims are non-political and non-religious and people of all ages participate in our events. Regular activities locally include music lessons, music jam sessions, Irish dance workshops, Ceilis (kay-lees), and language instruction at a local college.

MUSIC
Our local chapter has close links with and maintains joint activities with the area’s cultural and arts organizations. A sampling of our annual events include St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Celtic Festival at Rome Capital Theater, General Herkimer Historic Site concert, Utica Monday Night Heritage Celebration, Great American Irish Festival, Western Town Hall cultural series concert, and the Thea Bowman House concert.

Our instrumentation varies but most often we have a fiddle, accordion, bouzouki, flute, bodhran, guitar, harp, and small pipes.

Ceili Dance classes and Open Sessions
All are Welcome!

Ceili dance classes every Friday at SETON CENTER, Our Lady of Lourdes at 7:00

Address: Corner of Sunset Ave. and Barton Ave., Utica, New York

Here is a link to Google Maps for directions.

Open Session on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the NAIL CREEK PUB  at 7:30.

Address: 720 Varick Street, Utica, New York

Here is a link to Google Maps for directions.

Open Session on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the ALBANY STREET CAFE at 7:30

Address: 122 West Albany Street, Herkimer, New York

Here is a link to Google Maps for directions.

 

DANCE
Irish music is dance music and our branch has a very active dance group. Our musical performances often include a lively presentation of traditional Irish folk dancing. We are always looking for people interested in becoming a Ceili dancer.

LANGUAGE
Our branch has a strong commitment to teaching the Irish language. We offer classes in Irish Language at Herkimer County Community College.