What is a traditional Irish Music session? To us it is the noble tradition of gathering at your local for a pint, great conversation, stories and most of all the sweet hypnotising melodies that only fiddles, flutes, pipes and songs delivered by passionate traditional musicians can evoke. Well alright, some other instruments as well. It is a bit like putting on a great party - the knack is to have enough structure to make it all run smoothly, but not so much that you lose the relaxed laid-back vibe (see Zena on the mandolin here for an example of such). We also wanted to contribute to the burgeoning community and artistic scene in Jersey City, and when we saw the Curragh Room in the new Irish pub on the waterfront district we knew we had found a home.
The Musicians
The session works on the rota system so that we get a mixture of established New York session musicians, young and up-and-coming and local musicians, while at the same time encouraging both regular and occasional players.
Our featured musicians have included:
Isaac Alderson (pipes, flute, whistle), John Dillon (guitar, concertina, voice),
Tom Dunne (box and fiddle), Bernadette Fee (fiddle), Dermot Grogan (box and flute), Brian Holleran (flute, pipes), Tony Horswill (fiddle), Dan Lowery (flute), Don Meade (fiddle, banjo, guitar, harmonica etc.)
The session also depends on our regular musicians Peggy O'Mahoney and Matt Caufield, and numerous occasional such as Shane Kinsella, MaryEllen Costello and Ed Saultz.
The Curragh Room at Dorrian's is an elegant wood-panelled room which evokes a well-to-do hotel bar near a country racecourse. It's high ceilings add a marvellous echo to the music which is commented on by all the musicians. You can enjoy an excellent full menu including brunch, with individualized waiter service. The musicians particularly love the Irish Breakfast (see right). There is a cozy fireplace for chilly winter days, and in the summertime it is also a short stroll to the waterfront and a view of Manhattan.
Dorrian's (201-626-6660) is at 555 Washington Boulevard in the Newport Pavonia district of Jersey City.
The Feedback
See some sample uncompensated endorsements below:
"It's an absolute pleasure to enjoy the musicians playing an excellent selection of folk Irish music. The longer you stay the more you want to listen, as the music gets better, All the instruments with the sound of feet tapping sound so good!!" Arushi J., Jersey City, NJ
"A great time and lots of fun. A treat to hear live traditional Irish music and have a good pint at the same time" Vinnie A., Hoboken, NJ
"Superb atmosphere. Best time I've had with my clothes on" Brian O., Florida
and less helpfully(!):
"Yeah, what they said" Stevie O., West Milford, NJ
What is a traditional Irish Music session? To us it is the noble tradition of gathering at your local for a pint, great conversation, stories and most of all the sweet hypnotising melodies that only fiddles, flutes, pipes and songs delivered by passionate traditional musicians can evoke. Well alright, some other instruments as well. It is a bit like putting on a great party - the knack is to have enough structure to make it all run smoothly, but not so much that you lose the relaxed laid-back vibe (see Zena on the mandolin here for an example of such). We also wanted to contribute to the burgeoning community and artistic scene in Jersey City, and when we saw the Curragh Room in the new Irish pub on the waterfront district we knew we had found a home.
The Curragh Room at Dorrian's is an elegant wood-panelled room which evokes a well-to-do hotel bar near a country racecourse. It's high ceilings add a marvellous echo to the music which is commented on by all the musicians. You can enjoy an excellent full menu including brunch, with individualized waiter service. The musicians particularly love the Irish Breakfast (see right). There is a cozy fireplace for chilly winter days, and in the summertime it is also a short stroll to the waterfront and a view of Manhattan.
Dorrian's (201-626-6660) is at 