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Though New Jersey is separated from Ireland by some 3,000 miles of ocean, you may just be able to hear pipes, flutes and fiddles ringing out late into the night across the Garden State, too. From the Hudson to the Delaware, handfuls of musicians regularly meet in pubs and gathering places to accompany each other in traditional Irish folk-music sessions.
These sessions, or seisiúns in Irish Gaelic, are mostly free-form ensemble performances where anyone who shows up with an instrument can join in and play. At a typical session, you’ll find musicians sitting in a circle or around a table, locked in deep concentration on their instruments—and a pint of Guinness here and there.
At a twice-monthly session hosted by Flounder Brewing Co. in Hillsborough, the atmosphere is warm and lighthearted. On a recent night, musicians laughed and drank between songs as patrons reminisced about old times and discussed the frigid temperatures they braved to make it to the bar. In contrast to a typical concert, the musicians here were tucked into the corner, undemanding of attention. Bargoers were free to converse as the music floated through the room.
“The friendliness at sessions is a really intentional thing,” says Nathan Bishop, a fiddler who regularly plays at Flounder Brewing Co.’s sessions. “The dichotomy of the session is that we’re there to play music, but we’re also there to see each other. I think that’s important, not only for the longevity of the session, but also just as people. We’re at a bar and we’re there to have fun.”
Photo: Justin Borucki
The Irish music session, in its origins, was mostly held in private spaces, often in the kitchen of someone’s house. As time went on, the tradition started finding a regular home in pubs and taverns. Eventually, Irish emigrants carried the tradition with them across the pond to the United States, and it’s still going strong in New Jersey today.
Flounder Brewing Co., though not an Irish bar, has given a home to the tradition by holding open sessions that anyone can join. Hosted by a core group of musicians, Flounder’s sessions have featured world-renowned Irish musicians, but are welcoming to new faces, too. “The barrier for entry is nothing more than love of the music,” Bishop says.
One rule of thumb guides every session: Don’t jump in unless you know the tune. Session musicians typically play from a canon of Irish folk standards, many of which date back to the 19th century. Songs consist of jigs, reels, hornpipes and more—usually up-tempo tunes of varying rhythms, time signatures and other musical intricacies.
While the songs themselves are not improvised, the playing is usually spontaneous, with no set list in place. Musicians will often jump into different songs at the spur of the moment, only communicating through the music itself. Sometimes, a lead player will teach a tune to the other musicians, and they’ll learn the melody and changes on the spot as the song goes on.
“Playing a tune when you’re starting off is kind of scary, but you know that most of the tunes you’re going to be doing, people will know. You’re not going to be alone,” says Brian Szura, a piper from Highland Park. “It’s welcoming, because everybody started at the point of not knowing anything.”
The music’s sound is defined by the combination of various wind, string and percussion instruments. Flutists and fiddlers, for instance, will often play the same melody in unison, blending their timbres to create a powerful sound. Instruments at sessions range from the common guitar to the lesser-known Irish bouzouki and uilleann pipes. These unique instruments are often crafted with delicate care and expertise and require a lot of maintenance.
Photo: Justin Borucki
Beyond Flounder Brewing Co., a handful of New Jersey pubs regularly host sessions, including the Hutton Bar & Grill in Jersey City, Mitchell’s Café in Lambertville, and Tir Na Nog in Trenton. At thesession.org, musicians can locate sessions being held across the state and around the world, as well as learn tunes and have discussions with other players.
Like any tradition, however, Irish music in New Jersey remains at risk of losing popularity and fading away—a danger complicated by the fact that different regions of Ireland play the music with slight variations and nuances, making some aspects of the music more likely to be forgotten.
“Many regional styles are now in danger of being lost because of urbanization, improved communication, cultural homogenization, and all the things you hear about that have endangered local folk styles,” says Charlie Sporn, a Plainfield fiddler. “A few of us are learning to play the old ways and [trying to] keep these traditions alive.”
Nurturing the customs of Irish folk music has required a concerted effort from musicians, which includes efforts to pass the music down to new generations. The Irish American Association of North West Jersey (IAANWJ) holds regular sessions, as well as Irish music classes for children, in Rockaway.
“We’re all about encouraging the next generation,” says Iris Nevins, session leader and music teacher at the IAANWJ. “We feel it’s very important to not just have a place where people can come play music, but to kind of pass the torch on to the kids.”
Many of the students also participate in music competitions, such as the prestigious Mid-Atlantic Fleadh. Competitions have become a major force in promoting and maintaining interest in Irish music among children. “The kids are fabulous players. Some of them are sitting in for the adults now,” Nevins adds.
Beyond classes and competitions for kids, the close ties that musicians have maintained has been one of the strongest safeguards of Irish music in New Jersey. Players here have created a community where the collective spirit and an appreciation for one another are valued above virtuosity and expertise. At a session, even the most world-renowned player is just another friendly face at the pub.
“I think a really critical and vital part of our community is that we have this shared love of the music,” Bishop says. “And then, knowing that there’s not a lot of people who have that incredible desire and addiction to these tunes, we all kind of look out for each other.”
To keep the tradition alive, the Irish music session’s caretakers depend on each other—both to sustain their community and keep the music’s flame burning.
“I think of it in the way that a plant sits in the ground, where tradition is the soil,” Bishop says. “Being an artist is about growth. And just like a plant, you can’t grow if its roots aren’t fully settled into really good soil.”
Looking for a jig? Check out these sessions across New Jersey.
Flounder Brewing Co. in Hillsborough: This large open session is heavy on the instrumentals and attracts accomplished players and beginners alike. The brewery is warm and welcoming, with long tables where patrons can sit and drink while listening. 7-9 pm on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.
2 Clerico Lane, Building 4
The Hutton Bar & Grill in Jersey City: This open and well-attended session in the Heights draws big names as well as amateur players performing traditional Irish tunes. In addition to serving drinks, there is a full menu of food. 5-8 pm on Sundays.
225 Hutton Street
Mitchell’s Café in Lambertville: Perhaps the longest-running Irish session in New Jersey, it tends to attract old friends with intermediate to advanced abilities. There are no beers on tap, but this eclectic spot boasts an otherwise full bar and menu. 8 pm-midnight on the first and third Wednesday of every month.
11 Church Street; 609-397-9853
Irish American Association of North West Jersey in Rockaway: Traditional Irish music is played by talented local musicians of all ages, along with friendly conversations, card games, and set dancing. Coffee, tea and desserts are served. Once a month on Saturdays at 8 pm; check the Facebook group for the schedule.
352 Richard Mine Road
Tir Na Nog in Trenton: If your voice is in fine fiddle and you fancy a heartfelt Irish air, this session, which concentrates more on singing, is for you. 3-6 pm on the first Sunday of every month.
1324 Hamilton Avenue
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