Irish Eyes are Smiling...

IRISH EYES ARE SMILING...

Céili of the Valley Society has been actively celebrating all things Irish (and then some) for more than 15 years… and they do it all year-round. Of course, March is an extra special time to connect and here’s what they have in store —

Kick up your heels at the Second Friday Ceili (kay-lee). This monthly social dance featuring live music is offered, you guessed it, on the second Friday of every month. No experience, partner or special shoes are needed and all ages are welcome. The fun takes place at the VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Doors open at 7 p.m. with instruction at 7:15 and live tunes from 8 p.m. on. Cost is $10.

If you want to get some practice before jumping into a Ceili, the society offers a weekly dance class every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and at the VFW Hall. Taught by the kind and patient Elisa Chandler, the dances are walked first so you can learn the steps, then called so you don’t have to worry about remembering everything right from the start. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. No partner is needed. $5 and the first class is free for newbies.

But Ceili of the Valley does more than dance, they also organize the annual St. Patrick’s Walk-About. On Saturday, March 18, the group will gather at 11:30 a.m. at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, 101 Front St NE, then parade through the park with live music provided by the Willamette Valley Pipes & Drums beginning at 12 p.m. Everyone is welcome including wee folks and well-behaved pets. Learn more at ceiliofthevalley.org.

And if you want to hear more, you’ll find Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums playing on March 17 and 18 at Half Penny Public House, 3743 Commercial St SE. Find out more at wvpnd.band.

Finally, if you enjoyed the music, be sure to tune in to the Celtic Music Hour 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays on KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM. The show, hosted live by Beth and Ann, features music from the seven Celtic nations and from musicians throughout the world. The show rebroadcasts Friday evenings at 7 p.m. For more info, visit kmuz.org.

STAY TUNE...

Keep in the loop of all things Celtic in the valley at www.ceiliofthevalley.org and watch for more ways to celebrate your Irish side at PressPlaySalem.com