Hear the pluck of the Irish
and the Scots, Bretons and more as the coast goes Celtic
Festival headliners Dervish are playing to a sold-out crowd on Sunday, but you can catch lead singer Cathy Jordan in a solo set on Saturday afternoon.
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
It’s a world-class festival of all things Celtic, featuring international musicians, food, vendors and an audience of dedicated fans. The Yachats Celtic Music Festival once again transforms the idyllic village by the sea into a magical weekend of entertainment with some of the best names in traditional and not-so-traditional Celtic-inspired music this Friday through Sunday, Nov. 10 through 12.
“This year’s lineup is phenomenal,” Music Director Stephen Farish said. “We are so lucky to have this quality of artistry here. Their combined experiences, years and maturity are something to appreciate. If you know Celtic music and look at our roster, it’s amazing.”
Indeed, it is amazing. And if you aren’t familiar with the many variations of the Celtic scene, it’s a sure thing you’ll develop an appreciation for the music, culture and depth of talent.
The weekend is loaded with entertainment at multiple venues, from the Yachats Commons stage to the Presbyterian Church as well as outdoors at the Yachats State Park. While tickets to some of the main shows and the weekend passes are already sold out, there are many free events and shows still available.
So, how did Farish manage to bring such accomplished musicians to Yachats?
“Maybe I have the audacity to ask,” he said. “We are grateful that all of them are coming and playing at the same show. The Celtic groups have a family connection and they enjoy playing their music around the world. They come because they are among friends. Maybe we are building a reputation for outstanding shows here in Yachats. We are fortunate to be on the Oregon Coast. That’s a big thing going in our favor.”
The festival kicks off with a free event on Friday at noon in the Yachats Commons multipurpose room. Farish says it will be a “slow start” and an introduction to the different variations of Celtic music. It will feature a jam or extended session of music as musicians from different bands play on stage together.
Saturday morning’s free event is an Irish breakfast concert featuring three bands for two hours of Celtic music. Another free Celtic music event follows at 4 pm.
Both Friday and Saturday see the return of Kevin Carr playing bagpipes as the “Piper on the Point” at 4:30 pm in Yachats State Park. This is a free event which will delight the family as dusk settles over the Pacific.
Also on Friday and Saturday are more “free flow” concerts at the Yachats Presbyterian Church. These events, at 1 and 5 pm on Friday and noon and 4 pm on Saturday, are much more intimate, with musicians performing less structured sets.
On Sunday at 10 am is a free event featuring various musicians playing Celtic music and Ceili dance instruction and subsequent open floor dancing with Biddy on the Bench. The ticketed concert follows at 2 pm with On the Lash and 2:30 pm with Dervish, who close the show.
Lastly, there are three Whistle Workshops on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as a hands-on Celtic Harp instruction, offered twice on Saturday.
For more information on these workshops and a copy of the Yachats Celtic Music Festival events schedule, go to yachatscelticmusicfestival.org.