Irish Jam
PENN TWP — Those yearning to hear some traditional Irish tunes played by local musicians might want to check out the North Country Session Players, who jam together once or twice a month.
Called a “session” instead of a band, the group of about eight plays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the cottage at Succop Conservancy off Route 8.
On occasion, you also can find them at North Country Brewery in Slippery Rock.
Greg McCall, a computer tech supervisor, who plays the acoustic guitar, started the session at Succop Conservancy two years ago.
Currently, the group includes several members who enjoy playing acoustic Irish instruments, including paralegal Judy Jones, Irish flute and tin whistle; cardiologist Marvin Baker, guitar; real estate businessman Bret Gordon, button box; teacher Debbie Takacs, Irish drum; Adam Valenti, pipe; educators Janet Leise and Patsy Ann Johnson, flute; Kirk Hudson, mandolin; and computer applications manager John Flynn, Irish banjo played with a pick.
Jones said she loves the music and is overjoyed at finding a local group to join.
“My husband and I had an interest in the music for years because an old friend of ours used to really be into it,” she said. “Once I started learning to play the tin whistle, while in Dallas, Texas, we started talking about starting a session in Butler when we moved back. It was started before we got moved back here, so we just started attending, too,” Jones said.
“It's a real mood lifter. Irish traditional music is really dance music: jigs, reels, etc. So, it's very uplifting music,” she added.McCall appreciates the opportunity given to the players by Succop Conservancy.“We are there because of the graciousness of the Conservancy leaders which include Nancy Lawry,” McCall said. “Looking for a local venue in Butler was very hard to find. We will be in our second year at Succop Conservancy.”The group said there are sometimes as many as 15 to 20 people who show up for sessions, and attendance is voluntary.“We are just friends who get together and play traditional Irish music,” McCall said. “We get around in a circle and everyone gets a chance to play. We play around 60 different tunes.”The players are always looking for new members interested in playing or learning to play traditional Irish music with a flute, banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, bodhran (Irish drum), button box or tin whistle. They especially are seeking someone to join them who plays the fiddle.For more information, either stop by the Conservancy during a session and speak with any of the players or e-mail McCall at gmccall@zbzoom.net.
