Blue Ridge Irish Music School
The Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) is dedicated to teaching the living art of Irish traditiona
The Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) is dedicated to teaching the living art of Irish traditional music and fostering a dynamic environment for it in Central Virginia and beyond. https://www.blueridgeirishmusic.org/
BRIMS is supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
09/01/2024
As we say goodbye to August we are looking forward to Blue Ridge Irish Music Schools 25th Anniversary Year!
Our school year turns over in August and our wonderful BRIMS Family is invited to renew their memberships or join us as new members! This year we've expanded our membership options (and benefits!!) We'd love to welcome you to the BRIMS family with a membership that makes sense for you!
BRIMS Members directly support our programs including our scholarship funds, visit artists and concerts, instrument library, organization operations and much more!! Learn more about what your membership dollars do and become a member for our biggest best year yet!!
https://www.blueridgeirishmusic.org/membership
08/31/2024
🎟 Get Tickets --> Get your tickets ahead of time!
08/30/2024
Wednesday 9/4
The Gothard Sisters Live At Thistlerock
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gothard-sisters-live-at-thistlerock-tickets-919140141907?aff=erelexpmlt
Thistlerock Mead Company and the Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS), in partnership with WTJU, invite you to a magical evening with The Gothard Sisters as they perform live at Thistlerock Amphitheatre! Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with mesmerizing music and captivating performances. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see the talented sisters in person at this beautiful outdoor venue. Grab your friends and family and get ready for a night to remember!
The Gothard Sisters are a dynamic musical group of three sisters who play contemporary Celtic folk music. Through over 10 years of performing, touring and writing music together, the optimistic style of their music and performances continue to resonate with their fans, building a loyal international following.
Blending Celtic, folk, classical and new age musical influences, the Gothard Sisters bring songs to life with violin, acoustic guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle and vocal harmonies, creating music that is "vivid, inspirational and captivating." (Tim Carroll, Folk Words Review 2018).
08/25/2024
08/24/2024
08/23/2024
08/20/2024
Not to be missed! This Thursday 8/22 at doors at 6:30, music at 7pm!
tix in bio or
https://tinyurl.com/2d286sz9
In the heart of Nova Scotia, where the salt of the sea mingles with the depth of the soul, JUNO nominated sisters, Cassie and Maggie, unite as a powerful and commanding folk duo. Rooted in their deep Celtic heritage, their melodies sing of truths that resonate through time while bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. With spellbinding harmonies and virtuosic instrumental prowess these sisters infuse the rich traditions of their region with a contemporary vitality, resulting in a sound that's both timeless and fresh. Their accolades include a JUNO nomination and numerous Canadian Folk Music Awards and East Coast Music Awards, underscoring their exceptional musical talents and their ability to connect with audiences across the globe. Cassie and Maggie's achievements resonate as a testament to their dedication and passion for preserving and evolving the folk traditions of Nova Scotia.
08/19/2024
We can't wait for our next big Piping Event! Join us in celebrating the Uilleann Pipes on Nov 2 for International Uilleann Piping Day! We'll be joined this year by Patrick D'Arcy!
Patrick hails from Dublin, Ireland. As a young man, he started his learning journey with the help of Na Píobairí Uilleann – the Dublin piping club, as well as attending classes and various Tionóil - including the West Coast Tionól and also the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, Ireland.
He is the creator of UilleannObsession.com and a founding member of the
Southern California Pipers Club. Now living in Nashville Tennessee! In the early 2020’s, he had the opportunity to host an online uilleann pipe specific talk show called PIPER SUNDAY for the So Cal Pipers Club. He has written music for TV and played with many folk and pop performers.
Patrick tours regularly both in the US and internationally teaching workshops and performing.
Stay tuned for workshop announcements, registration and more!
08/18/2024
Slow Session today at Albemarle CiderWorks!
Join us at 2:30 for a chance to learn and play tunes with a little less pressure. All levels and ages are welcome as we slow down a bit and get to know this wonderful tradition.
If you're curious about what tunes we've played at past gatherings you can check out a list here: https://thesession.org/members/173865/tunebook
08/15/2024
Nova Scotian sisters Cassie and Maggie have been lighting up the world with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic instrumentals and vocals. Appearing on stages across North America, the UK, and Europe the sisters have enchanted audiences far and wide with lively fiddle, piano and guitar arrangements, stunning sibling vocal harmonies in both English and Gaelic, all complemented by their intricate and percussive stepdancing style.
Tickets can be purchased at the link in our bio or at https://cassieandmaggieplaytmc.eventbrite.com
"2016 Live Ireland Radio’s “VOCALISTS OF THE YEAR” “NEW GROUP OF THE YEAR”, Chicago Irish-American Newspaper’s EMERGING ARTIST RECORDING OF THE YEAR winners, Galaxie Radio Rising Stars, Independent Music Award "World Song of the Year" nominees, multiple Canadian Folk Music Award, East Coast Music Award and Music Nova Scotia Award nominees, Nova Scotian sisters Cassie & Maggie "are among the top musical acts in demand on the Irish/American/Canadian scene"- Irish Music Magazine
08/13/2024
It's under 90 so it's basically fall right?
We're looking forward to September and the start of the Fall Semester! Registration is OPEN! Check the link in our bio or brimstunes.com/classes
There are several new offerings for ball ages beginners, advanced and everyone in between...
- Soft and Hardshoe from beginners - advanced
- Cape Breton dance
- Sean Nos dance
- Singing
- Tin Whistle for Kids
- Guitar and Bouzouki
- Fiddle
- Repertoire Building
- Bodhran Drum
...and more!
08/07/2024
We're still at BRIMS Summer Camp, but let's face facts.....FALL. 🍁
We've got some amazing concerts, classes and community events just over the horizon. Hope you'll join us.
08/06/2024
And away we goooooooo!!!
BRIMS Camp got off to a magical musical start today with Whistle Lessons, Dance Classes and a Concert from (Matthew O'Donnell)
If you're a little jealous, we understand 😉 But don't worry - you can get signed up for our fall classes that begin in September and join in on the adventure!
Registration link is in out bio (or on our website)
07/28/2024
🍀🌞
BRIMS camp is full and we can wait to meet our 2024 Crew!
Thank you to everyone who registered! See you soon.
THIS WEEKEND! Sunday 7/28
Come boogie trad style at
We'll be up to our usual Ceili antics with live music and called set dances. You don't need any experience or a partner to participate and enjoy yourself! Come sip a cider and tap your toes with us!
07/24/2024
Together with we are so excited to welcome Cassie and Maggie to Charlottesville!
have been lighting up the world with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic instrumentals and vocals. Appearing on stages across North America, the UK, and Europe the sisters have enchanted audiences far and wide with lively fiddle, piano and guitar arrangements, stunning sibling vocal harmonies in both English and Gaelic, all complemented by their intricate and percussive stepdancing style.
The Thistlerock Amphitheater will be full of joyful music - don't miss it!
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cassie-and-maggie-live-at-thistlerock-amphitheater-tickets-926342785207?aff=oddtdtcreator
07/22/2024
Every July, traditional Irish musicians, dancers, and singers from around the world find their way to West Clare- Miltown Malbay- for the Willie Clancy Music Festival.
This year, 1,500 students took part in classes for the week. The six-day festival draws thousands more for the best “craic” in Ireland.
This year, BRIMS had two pipers attend classes. They also attended the “Piping Heaven and Hell” session in Ennis, organized by Blackie O’Connell- one of the best Irish pipers. Great music- great friends- great fun!!
07/10/2024
Setdancing, W***y Clancy, stowaways…
07/10/2024
Doolin was the shortest stop of our trip but we packed it with amazing workshops, sessions and a concert!
We took classes from Dermie Sheedy (bodhran), Bruce Foley & Mary Coogan (ballads and signing), John Daly (Fiddle), and Joanie Madden (tin whistle). Some incredible talent willing to share their knowledge with us. We were like little slices of brown bread sopping it up! Get on the newsletter to hear more about these amazing musicians and the classes they taught!
Huge thanks to in Miltown Malbay for being so welcoming to us for an afternoon session before the concert 💕🎶💕
We were lucky enough to take an excursion the Cliffs of Moher while we were in the area.
07/09/2024
Music at the Market
7.6.2024
Blue Ridge Irish Music School
BRIMS is summer ready with hot tunes and cool moves....🫠
But seriously, we hope you join us this month at a session or try out a bit of dancing at the BRIMS Ceili! Ceili's are a great way to meet friends and have a bit of fun learning some traditional Irish Set dances. They're sort of like the Irish version of square dances! All the dances are called and no experience is needed! Come join the fun!
Don't worry - we'll still be sharing lots of photos and stories form our adventures in Ireland so stay tuned!
These two goofs! It was an absolute TREAT for our crew to get a bodhran lesson from Dermie in Doolin this week. Thanks for the amazing time 🎶🥁❤️
06/26/2024
Bofin welcomed us with the most gorgeous weather and generous spirit. This is one of BRIMS favorite places to visit on our trips to Ireland. "One of the most beautiful islands off Ireland's west coast, Inishbofin is a serene place, with a population of less than 200 people, lovely views and ancient sites." (Discovering Ireland)
We hiked, walked, and biked our way all over this island. But our adventures weren't limited to the natural wonders of Inishbofin! We took workshops with Liz and Yvonne Kane, Nathan Pilatzke, Mirella Murray and John Faulkner. Sessions late into the night with world class musicians - it really was an incredible few days.
We've arrived in Doolin for the next leg of our travels!
06/23/2024
On the boat to Bofin!
06/23/2024
Late night stroll home from The Crane Bar session results in what is surely the cover art for BRIMS' first Grammy winning album
🎶🏆😉
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Our Story
The Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) is dedicated to teaching the living art of traditional Irish music, as well as to fostering a dynamic environment for it in our community. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Charlottesville, Virginia. BRIMS offers regular classes in Irish traditional music on various instruments, and presents educational workshops, social events, and ceilis. We sponsor master classes and field trips and actively support the local session scene. BRIMS is constantly seeking new opportunities to teach Irish traditional music and its social context to our more than 100 members and our community. Our performing group and instructors perform extensively in the local community, both formally and informally, contributing to its cultural richness and diversity. We are dedicated, in all our educational efforts, to nurturing and supporting musical integrity and the learning process. We always welcome new members.
Irish traditional music was developed by the Irish people, both at home and in countries where they have emigrated in the last several centuries, and is now played and enjoyed by many without any familial connection with Ireland. An oral tradition, Irish traditional music is ideally transmitted from one generation to the next and from musician to musician.
In our early stages, members of BRIMS traveled to Ireland in April 2000 as part of our commitment to teaching and to keeping the tradition alive and true to its roots. By traveling to Ireland, the members of BRIMS discovered the music in its original contexts, learned repertoire, technique, and perspective from local musicians, and returned to Central Virginia able to further enrich the community through performances, session playing, and presentations in the area. Alex Davis, a 13-year-old fiddle student, wrote, “I hope to bring back to the community more tunes to share, stories of new Irish friends, and a deeper sense of what my music and instrument are all about.” Irish traditional music is alive and well in the United States, and its popularity has been steadily growing in Irish-American communities and beyond.
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Address
2146 Lakeside Drive
Charlottesville, VA
22901
Opening Hours
| Tuesday | 4pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 4pm - 8:30pm |
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