Tunes on the Charles
Traditional Irish Music Festival
An Authentic Irish Celebration in the Heart of Greater Boston
Thursday, April 30, 2026 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
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Concerts
Curated by the Irish Traditional Music Archive for the first time in America, we’ll be presenting some of the best Irish musicians in Ireland and America on Thursday (April 30) and Friday (May 1) in the Somerville Theatre.
Classes
Saturday morning, May 2, will offer the opportunity to learn from some of Ireland’s finest musicians at various venues in Porter Square with additional kids and young adult programming to follow.
Craic
Entertainment, friendship, and a bit of fun — expect to leave with plenty of new tunes and friends. Impossible to define, impossible to miss.
Tunes On The Charles
About the festival
We look forward to welcoming you to Greater Boston for Tunes on the Charles! This is the closest festival in America to what you might find in Ireland — focused on great music, new friends, and great times.
Boston has been home to great Irish traditional music for centuries, and the current state of music here is stronger than ever.
Please explore our website to learn more about our festival, and we can’t way to see you here in Boston in May.
Tunes On The Charles
Festival Schedule
Three days packed with music, dancing, workshops, and Irish cultural activities for all ages.
Tunes On The Charles
Tickets
Your ticket to music, dancing, workshops, and Irish cultural activities for all ages.
Thursday
April 30
7:30
PM
Drawing from the Well Concert #1
The Somerville Theatre
55 Davis Square, Somerville MA
Featuring Grammy Award winner Aoife O’Donovan (song); Aoife Ní Bhriain (fiddle); Johnny Óg Connolly, Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill & Clíodhna Costello (accordion, guitar & banjo); Joey Abarta & Jackie O’Riley (uilleann pipes & dance); Conor Connolly (accordion); Tommy McCarthy & Louise Costello (fiddle & accordion/banjo); Cormac Begley (concertina); Liam O’Connor (fiddle)
Friday
May 1
7:30
PM
Drawing from the Well Concert #2
The Somerville Theatre
55 Davis Square, Somerville MA
Founding member of the Chieftains, Matt Molloy (flute); Owners of the Burren Pub for over 30 years, Tommy McCarthy & Louise Costello (fiddle & accordion/banjo); Seán McKeon (uilleann pipes); Caitlín Nic Gabhann & Ciarán Ó Maonaigh (sean-nós dance, concertina & fiddle); Doireann Ní Ghlacáin (fiddle); Andrew Caden & Diarmuid Ó Meachair (fiddle & accordion); Edwina Guckian (sean-nós dance); Noel Hill (concertina); Liam O’Connor (fiddle)
10:30
PM
LIVE ALBUM RECORDING: Colm Gannon & friends
The Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
Be in the room as master button accordion player Colm Gannon records live — part of the inaugural Tunes on the Charles festival. Guest artists include Caoimhin O'Fearghail, Padraig O'Dubhghail, Sean Gavin and a few more surprise guests.
Saturday
May 2
2:00
PM
Boston College Lecture: Exploring Unheard Recordings and History from the Burns Library by Christian Dupont
The Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
Christian Dupont, head of the Burns Library at Boston College will explore the history of the Irish collections at Boston College including contributions from the great Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin as well as some previously unheard and unpublished recordings of Irish music housed at the Burns Library.
3:00
PM
CD Launch: Jimmy Kelly
The Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
The highly anticipated debut release of Jimmy Kelly's new recording of songs, tunes, and more.
4:00
PM
CD Launch: “Once Through the Hall” by Caitlin Finley & Will Woodson
The Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
Caitlin Finley and Will Woodson will release their highly anticipated album "Once Through the Hall!"
5:00
PM
Saturday Fiddle Recital
The Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
Enjoy selections of music from some of the finest living exponents of Ireland's fiddle tradition, including: Andrew Caden, Aoife Ní Bhriain, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Liam O'Connor and local artists.
7:00
PM
Irish Céilí Dance called by Edwina Guckian
Cambridge Masonic Hall
1950 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA
Join us for a traditional Irish Céilí called by Edwina Guckian with music from Sean Clohessy, John Coyne, Simon Lace, and friends! Admission is $20 at the door. Edwina will provide guidance throughout the event and beginners can get a few tips and tricks from Alanna Callendrello at 6:30pm before the dance.
7:30
PM
LIVE ALBUM RECORDING #2: Colm Gannon & friends
McCarthy's Toad
1912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
Be in the room as master button accordion player Colm Gannon records live — part of the inaugural Tunes on the Charles festival. Guest artists include Caoimhin O'Fearghail, Padraig O'Dubhghail, Sean Gavin and a few more surprise guests.
10:00
PM
Boston Launch of “Down South” with David Healy and Simon Lace
McCarthy's Upstairs
1912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
Celebrate with David Healy, supported by Simon Lace, for the official Boston launch of "Down South," David's outstanding new album performed for the first time in Boston. Also prepare to bid a hearty farewell to Maeve O'Brien and Padraig O'Donnell as they head to Amsterdam! All are welcome.
Sunday
May 3
10:00
AM
Sean-nós Singing Event w/ Máirín Uí Chéide
The Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
Máirín Uí Chéide, winner of the coveted Corn Uí Riada award will facilitate a presentation and performance celebrating the art of sean nós singing.
12:00
PM
“THIS IS NOT A DANCE COMPETITION!” with Edwina Guckian and Jackie O’Riley
The Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
It’s a celebration! A big, loud, joyful reclaiming of what dancing is meant to be! Calling all dancers! Edwina Guckian will host her popular event where you get to dance exactly how you want, with live music, a buzzing crowd, zero pressure and absolutely no judges. Join us at the Lilypad on Sunday May 3, 12-1:30pm and dance a few steps to celebrate our Boston Irish dance community. Pop your name in the hat when you arrive, and when you’re called, get up and dance your way - solo, duet, or group. Any traditional style goes: old-style step, sean-nós, sets, two-hand, modern step dancing… it’s your call! The only rule? You have to be a dancer, not a chancer. When everyone has danced, all names go back in the hat, and one lucky dancer wins $200.
COMPETITORS REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOfKno4huNaxKeK7beAFR242qJIC417WnXBIoUOASxvp55QA/viewform?usp=publish-editor
1:30
PM
ITMA Lecture: Connecting Artists and Archives by Liam O’Connor
The Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
Liam O’Connor, Director of the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA), discusses this national reference archive and cultural resource center for Irish traditional song, instrumental music, and dance. Founded in 1987 and now the world’s largest specialist repository for Irish traditional performing arts, ITMA documents traditions and performers on the island of Ireland, within the Irish diaspora, and among global practitioners. The lecture explores how ITMA connects artists, archivists, and communities through archival preservation and creative programming, including initiatives such as the Drawing from the Well concert series, tours, and film projects that link archival research directly with the creation of new work, alongside expanding digital access to a living tradition.
3:00
PM
Sunday Reeds Recital
The Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
Enjoy selections of music from some of the finest living exponents of Ireland's accordion, concertina and uilleann piping traditions including: Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Conor Connolly, Cormac Begley, Diarmuid O'Meachair, Liam O'Brien, Noel Hill, Sean McKeon and local artists.
3:00
PM
Comhaltas Ceili
the Canadian American Club
202 Arlington St, Watertown
The Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley branch of the CCE presents a monthly ceili. Join us for live Irish music and Irish set dancing. CASH ONLY event.
Join us for and afternoon of Irish music and Irish social dancing. This is an all ages event with a focus on set dances, two hands, and some waltzes. There is a tea and coffee break in the middle. Wear comfortable shoes! This is a CASH ONLY event, paid at the door. $15 for non-members, $10 for members.
5:00
PM
Film Screening: Brendan Gleeson’s “Farewell to Hughes’ Pub” with Director Ciarán Ó Maonaigh
the Lilypad
1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge
***Showing for the first time in the United States.*** To some it was an unassuming pub on a side street in Dublin's city center. To musicians, dancers, singers and listeners, Hughes' was a mecca of traditional Irish music for more than 35 years. Q&A to follow with director Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prs-t3w0ZXI
Tunes On The Charles
Festival Workshops
Discover new skills and deepen your connection to Irish musical heritage.
INSTRUMENT WORKSHOPS
SATURDAY, MAY 2
10:00 AM
IRISH BUTTON ACCORDION WORKSHOP (90 mins)
WITH JOHNNY ÓG CONNOLLY @ MCCARTHY's TOAD
A fast paced workshop on the Button Accordion with one of Ireland's leading traditional artists, Johnny Óg Connolly.
10:00 AM
IRISH UILLEANN PIPES WORKSHOP (90 mins)
WITH SEAN MCKEON @ MCCARTHY's UPSTAIRS
A fast paced workshop on the Uilleann Pipes with one of Ireland's leading traditional artists, Sean McKeon.
10:00 AM
IRISH FIDDLE WORKSHOP (90 mins)
WITH AOIFE NI BHRIAIN @ CAMBRIDGE MASONIC HALL
A fast paced workshop on the fiddle with one of Ireland's leading traditional artists, Aoife Ní Bhriain.
11:30 AM
IRISH FIDDLE WORKSHOP (90 mins)
WITH CIARÁN Ó MAONAIGH @ CAMBRIDGE MASONIC HALL
A fast paced workshop on the fiddle with one of Ireland's leading traditional artists, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh.
11:30 AM
IRISH FLUTE WORKSHOP (90 mins)
WITH IARLAITH MACGABHANN @ MCCARTHY's TOAD
A fast paced workshop on the Irish Flute with one of Ireland's leading traditional artists
1:00 PM
IRISH TENOR BANJO WORKSHOP (90 mins)
WITH CLIODHNA COSTELLO @ MCCARTHY's TOAD
A fast paced workshop on the Irish Tenor Banjo with one of Ireland's leading traditional artists, Cliodhna Costello.
1:00 PM
IRISH CONCERTINA WORKSHOP (90 mins)
WITH NOEL HILL @ CAMBRIDGE MASONIC HALL
A fast paced workshop on the concertina with one of Ireland's leading traditional artists, Noel Hill.
DANCE WORKSHOPS
Saturday, May 2
10:00 AM
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED SEAN-NÓS DANCING CLASS (90 mins)
WITH EDWINA GUCKIAN @ THE CAMBRIDGE MASONIC HALL
A fast paced workshop in Sean Nós Dance with Edwina Guckian focusing on reel and jig rhythms, dancing the tune and developing your own style. This class is best suited for those with some percussive dance experience (sean-nós, Irish, tap, etc.). Low-heeled leather-soled shoes are ideal. Please avoid metal taps or fiberglass to help keep volume levels manageable in a group setting.
11:30 AM
INTRODUCTION TO SEAN-NÓS DANCING CLASS (90 mins)
WITH EDWINA GUCKIAN @ MCCARTHY'S PUB, UPSTAIRS
An easy paced introduction to Sean Nós Dance with Edwina Guckian. Participants will learn the base rhythms, movements and story of this traditional dance form. A fun introduction for anyone curious about this dance form, and a great refresher for those who have tried it before but would like to build confidence. Low-heeled, leather-soled shoes are ideal, but shoes with a hard rubber sole can also work.
11:30 AM
INTERMEDIATE STEP DANCE: “ST. BRIDGET’S DAY” (90 mins)
WITH CAITLÍN NIC GABHANN @ CAMBRIDGE MASONIC HALL
Come learn Caitlin Nic Gabhann’s gorgeous 2022 composition, St. Brigid’s Day, a 4-part hard shoe slip jig. A note from Caitlin:
In 2022, ITMA generously invited me to compose a tune and dance to commemorate Brigid. Every Irish dancer around the world learns the set dance St Patrick’s Day, but there was no dance to celebrate Brigid. I thought a slip jig would be appropriate, as it is generally danced by females in the light shoe. St. Brigid’s Day falls on Feb 1st, the first day of spring, signalling light, femininity, bloom, and fertility. I chose a four-part slip jig as another nod to Brigid, reflecting the four-sided St. Brigid’s crosses and the four corners of her famous cloak, which stretched across the land when pulled by her four sisters. I set the tune in A major, a bright key that reflects the brightness of spring. After finishing the tune, I began putting percussive steps to it. The slip jig is very rarely danced in hard shoes, and I wanted the style to feel both feminine and strong, drawing mainly on old-style Irish step dancing with a small bit of battering as well.
1:00 PM
CLARE BATTERING STEPS FOR ALL LEVELS (90 mins)
WITH CAITLÍN NIC GABHANN @ THE CAMBRIDGE MASONIC HALL
**SOLD OUT** In this class, I’ll go through the movements of a set: house at home, around the house, advance retire, lead around, etc. I’ll also go through what you can do with your feet as you go through these movements in the set. I learned these movements and steps from my mother and her side of the family. Her parents were set dancers from West Clare, where there’s a richness in what you do with your feet as you move around the set. Some call it “battering,” or gliding, depending on your style and where in Clare you come from. Many of the steps you’ll see danced in sets I also dance solo. It won’t be necessary to have a partner for this class, but we may pair up in waltz hold so you can try the steps with a partner.
Tunes On The Charles
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover new skills and deepen your connection to Irish musical heritage.
What is Tunes on the Charles?
Tunes on the Charles is a four-day celebration of Boston’s thriving Traditional Irish music and dance community, featuring leading artists from Ireland alongside some of the region’s most respected local musicians. Events will take place across the Cambridge/Somerville corridor — from Inman Square to Porter Square to Davis Square — highlighting the venues and neighborhoods that have become central to Irish music in Greater Boston.
What is a Session and what is the Session Trail?
An Irish traditional music session is an informal gathering of musicians who come together to play traditional tunes—most often in a pub or community setting. Rather than being a formal performance, a session is a shared musical experience where player create a lively and spontaneous atmosphere that welcomes both musicians and listeners.
Our session trail runs from Inman Sq, up through Porter Sq, and into Davis Sq where some of Bostons best loved Irish music pubs are situated and will host sessions all weekend. Sessions are free and open to the public. Come out, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a pint with some Boston and Ireland’s finest traditional artists.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Our Session Trail events are free and open to the public, but advance booking is recommended for concerts, recitals, and ceílí as spaces are limited and some events may sell out.
How do I sign up for workshops?
You can sign up for workshops using the links above and early registration is recommended. Limited spaces maybe available on the day, but we cannot guarantee that all classes will be able to accommodate same-day sign up. We encourage everyone to book early to avoid disappointment.
What level are the instrument and dance workshops?
Workshops are designed for varying skill levels. When signing up for workshops you should indicate whether you are at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level of proficiency.
Do I need a partner for dance workshops?
No partner is required. Participants rotate and work in groups during dance sessions.
Is the festival suitable for families?
Yes, Tunes on the Charles welcomes music and dance lovers of all ages.
How do I get there?
Getting around is easy!
Festival venues are located along the Cambridge–Somerville corridor and are well served by the MBTA Red Line, with nearby stops at Central Square (a short walk to The Druid, The Síbín, and The Lilypad), Porter Square (where you’ll find McCarthy’s Bar, the Masonic Hall, and workshop venues), and Davis Square (for The Burren Bar and The Somerville Theatre)—all just a short walk from the events.
If you’re driving, please note that parking in these neighborhoods can be limited, especially in the evenings, so we encourage visitors to use public transit or rideshare where possible and enjoy the stroll between venues.
How can I support the festival?
You can support Tunes on the Charles by attending events, spreading the word, or making a donation through the Donations section of the website.
Tunes On The Charles
Donations
Support the music, the makers, and the community that brings Tunes on the Charles to life.
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