FREE workshop in Irish singing and language with instructor/singer Beth Benedetto.

The Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) is sponsoring a FREE workshop in Irish singing and language with instructor/singer Beth Benedetto on Saturday, May 3, from 2-4 pm, at the 214 Community Arts Center, 214 Rugby Road in Charlottesville. Ms. Benedetto will focus on several types of Irish sean-nos (old style, unaccompanied) singing styles and basic Gaelic words and expressions. This event is free to the public and is sponsored by BRIMS, the Blue Ridge Irish Music School.

Beth Benedetto studied in Ireland with traditional singers Karan Casey (original member of Solas) and Lillis Laoire, and gained much of her Irish-language expertise at Oideas Gael Institute in County Donegal. Ms. Benedetto sings and teaches at such events as the Potomac Celtic Festival and the Fairfax Irish Festival, and is also the subject of a recent film to be seen on-line at YouTube Beth Benedetto.

For more information and to register, please contact Kevin Donleavy at (434) 984-1916 or Lori Madden at (434) 409-9631, or email to brimstunes@yahoo.com

BRIMS Trad Scoil and Trad Ensemble - Instruction Resumes This Fall - Reserve Your Space Now!

A great way to learn tunes, Irish step dance, traditional Irish songs, and become part of the growing community of Irish artists in Charlottesville. Trad Scoil, designed especially for those with little experience is a great way to get started, while the Traditional Ensemble is for more experienced musicians and dancers. For more information and to register, please contact Lori Madden at (434) 409-9631, or email to brimstunes@yahoo.com

Recent Events Hosted by BRIMS: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19TH: Master classes and workshops with the members of Irish band GRADA. 5pm at 214 Community Arts Center at 214 Rugby Road. Master classes include: Irish flute/tin whistle, guitar, singing, bodhran and Irish repertoire. $40 (BRIMS members: $35/$30, adult/youth). Package price available for workshop and concert (concert is on the following evening) For more information, or to register, please call 434-409-9631.

Sunday April 6, 2008 IRISH SOCIAL DANCE ("The Other Irish Dance" --- NOT Riverdance Style) Open to the public, beginners and spectators welcome. For more info call 434-409-9631 Live Music by the BRIMS Ceili Band and local guest bands 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Family dances for all ages and square set for adults and teens; beginners welcome, dances taught and called. Ceili will end at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a potluck dinner followed by an open session. $7 at the door, $5 for BRIMS members, $4 under 16, $2 under 16 BRIMS members , $3 Spectators. BRIMS home