Dear Friends of the CIM,

February is an exciting month as we start our spring term and get ready for Éigse CIM, A Gaela Event on February 22nd. Our creative instructors are collaborating on music for the Éigse concert, and emcee Máirtín de Cógáin is working on his script from Joanie Madden's Folk 'n Cruise with Mike & Jan Casey! If you don't have your tickets yet, it's not too late. Your attendance at this event helps to ensure CIM can teach Irish traditional music through accessible lessons and group classes, present the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend, and run an instrument rental program with more than 65 instruments - all out of our beautifully-renovated new leased space at The Celtic Junction Arts Center.

In these uncertain times, our Irish music community is a source of hope and stability. Join us at Éigse as we celebrate 20 years, and look ahead to 20 more.

You have surely heard by now that Irish on Grand is closing its doors on March 30th. Be sure to stop by in the next several weeks to say hello to Maeve and Liam and thank them for their support for CIM, starting with Maeve being the founding board president of the CIM. Irish On Grand has been a central part of the Irish community for 35 years - selling dance shoes, wedding rings, household goods, cd's, instruments, and being the place where we go to catch up on community news. We are sad to see this hub go, but also want to congratulate Maeve & Liam on their retirement. If it's warm enough for a front porch session before the 30th, let's find a time and meet up for a tune.

Spring term is off to a good start with a host of new classes, and many ensembles working towards St. Patrick's Day performances in the community including Toddler Tuesdays at the Mall of America (March 11th), many St. Patrick's Day Celebrations, and the Landmark Center events organized by Irish Arts Minnesota. Keep an eye on our events calendar to find out more.

I look forward to seeing you at Éigse!

Norah Rendell

Executive Artistic Director

Center for Irish Music

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Summer is a great time to explore a new extra-curricular activity or to spend more time learning about Irish music and arts. The Center for Irish Music offers summer camps for children and teenagers. New and currently-enrolled students are welcome to any of our camps. View additional details now on our registration page.

Sibling Discount: Register two or more siblings by March 31st and receive 5% off.

Early Bird Discount: Register by March 31st to get $20 off half-day camps and $35 off the full day camp tuition.

INTRODUCTION TO IRISH HARP

July 7-11 (M-F)

9:30am-12:30pm

For children going into grades 2-7

Click here for details

IRISH FIDDLE FOR VIOLINISTS

July 7-11 (M-F)

9:30am-12:30pm

For children going into grades 3-8

Click here for details

IRISH MUSIC & ARTS FULL DAY CAMP

July 14-18 (M-F)

9:00am-3:00pm

For children going into grades 1-6

Click here for details

IRISH MUSIC & ARTS HALF DAY CAMP

July 21-25 (M-F)

9:00am-12:00pm

For children going into grades 1-6

Click here for details

UPCOMING SPRING CLASSES FOR KIDS & ADULTS

Spring Term is in full swing, but there are still a few classes that are starting soon or have just begun! Visit centerforirishmusic.org/register for details and to sign up.

YOUTH CLASSES

• Celtic Cuties: Spring - starting 3/28 and 3/29
• Singing Sweeties - starting 2/8
• Sprouting Songsters: A Singing Class for Kids - starting 2/3

ADULT CLASSES

• Irish Pub Songs - starting 2/4
• The Irish Folk Boom of the 60s - starting 4/17

Minnesota Irish Music Weekend is a unique festival that pairs world-class traditional Irish musicians and teachers with learners of all ages for a weekend of workshops, lectures, sessions and concerts.

Each of our visiting artists is recognized for their musical mastery, and will offer insights and techniques to help learners tap into the deep roots of traditional Irish music.

Watch your inbox in the coming weeks for updates and registration details!

ORDER YOUR CIM LOGOWEAR TODAY

ONLINE STORE OPEN THROUGH MARCH 9TH

If you missed out on CIM logowear this fall, you're in luck! The store is open now through March 9th, and merch will be available for delivery or pickup the week of April 14th - just in time for the Midwest Fleadh! Click here to visit our online store and place your order now!

SAVE THE DATE:

ST. PATRICK'S DAY & DAY OF IRISH DANCE

Join the Center for Irish Music at the Landmark Center for Irish Arts Minnesota's Day of Irish Dance (March 16th) and St. Patrick's Day Celebration (March 17th). Bookmark our website for a full list (coming soon!) of CIM student and instructor performances, as well as volunteer opportunities, at both events.

UPCOMING CIM & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Parentheses indicate CIM instructors, students or staff members performing with a group

SATURDAY, FEB. 8 | 7:00-10:00 PM

Rince Na Chroi Irish Dance: From the Stage to Your Heart (with music by Norah Rendell, Mary Vanorny, Brian Miller)

The O'Shaughnessy

FRIDAY, FEB. 14 | 7:00-9:00 PM

Family Movie Night: Gnomeo & Juliet, presented by the CJAC Youth Advisory Council

Celtic Junction Arts Center

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19 | 7:00-10:00 PM

Twin Cities Ceili Band (Kate Wade)

Dubliner Pub

SATURDAY, FEB. 22 | 6:00-10:00 PM

Éigse CIM, a Gaela Event

Celtic Junction Arts Center

SUNDAY, FEB. 23 | 7:30 PM

Solas 30th Anniversary Tour, presented by the Celtic Junction Arts Center

Pantages Theater

MARCH 8 | 7:00 PM

Mackenzie, Sproule & Sutter: Music of Ireland & Scotland

West Denmark Lutheran Church (Luck, WI)

This is not an exhaustive listing of all events in the Twin Cities Irish community. For more listings, visit the IAM Event Calendar and the Celtic Junction Arts Center (CJAC). CJAC concerts are free for ages 18 and under.