Real-time event on festival day with pre-registration required. You can find the registration link near the top of the program page when the link is ready.
Shay Black is known for his extensive knowledge of the Irish, English, Scottish, and other folk traditions. His teaching style is through learning by repetition, so no background knowledge of music theory is necessary. He starts from “If you can hum it, you can sing it.” In this hour-long class, Shay will teach 5-8 songs. Use a recording device to help memorize melody, and Shay will provide the lyrics…lots of them!
Born in Ireland, Shay has lived in the East Bay for over twenty five years, and his most regular gig these days is the weekly “Starry Irish Session” at The Starry Plough pub in Berkeley. With a background steeped in traditional and folk music, he regularly performs with brothers Michael and Martin, and also at times with sisters Frances and Mary Black. In Europe, he has also toured and recorded with the late great Stan Hugill and the fabled sea shanty group Stormalong John and Irish band Garva. Shay continues to be an avid songcatcher. He has a huge song collection, and has taught repertoire building at many music camps and festivals.