Bringin' Back Old Country

Irish spirit is alive and well at Delta of Venus on Wednesdays

By: Jacob Bahrman
the California Aggie

From reels and jigs to hornpipes and sweet subtle ballads, the atmosphere in Delta of Venus is engulfed with the charm of traditional Irish music on Wednesday nights...the intoxicating melody of a live Irish Session.

In a nutshell, an Irish Session, or seisiun in Gaelic, is an informal gathering of individuals with a common interest in Irish music. More importantly, seisiuns are concerned with preserving Irish traditions and take place all over the world.

"There's probably a session in China right now," said Bob Wren, local musician and leader of the Session in Davis. "People live for the session."

On Wednesday nights, informality is a major aspect of the Irish Session. The musicians sit comfortably tucked in a circle with a clear view of the pleasant smiles on each other's faces, each with their supper or a beer beside them. Between songs the musicians enjoy a quick bite, a casual conversation about a new instrument, or they giggle at a joke.

There is no rhyme or reason concerning who plays on which song at any given moment. A musician will grab an instrument and dig up a tune from the seemingly endless catalogue of Irish music from memory. As conversation recedes, it is progressively replaced with music as the remaining members contribute their respective parts to the song, again from their internal vaults.

Though there are mandolins, banjos, pennywhistles, fiddles, guitars and drums, it is hard to keep count of the ever changing session. Most musicians were seen toting more than one instrument case. And as the amount of musicians begins to dwindle toward the end of the night, there is no less charm - even a simple mandolin and fiddle duo will produce the feeling of being confined in a cozy Irish pub.

If the music can be called the heart of the session, the spectators must be the limbs. Murmurs of Irish heritage fill the background while people enjoy a beverage or study over the relaxing ambiance of Celtic song.

Mike Ellison, who was visiting from North Carolina - partly to attend the session - said, "People are hungry for real music."

The Traditional Irish/Celtic Session in Davis has met weekly for the past seven years. Anyone with any level of experience can join in on any session. Musicians travel from Sacramento and beyond to make music with the session.

"We are beginner friendly," Wren said.

So if you find yourself in need of a charming and relaxing evening, be sure to drop in on the Irish Session, and don't forget your fiddle. When you go, close your eyes and you might feel as though you have suddenly been sucked into the Irish countryside by your Celtic roots, because "roots is what this is."

The Traditional Irish/Celtic Sessions take place every Wednesday at Delta of Venus from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. Delta of Venus is located at 122 B St.