St. Mary’s has always been the place of “the big welcome.” At the core of Celtic spirituality is hospitality—friendliness that is so overwhelmingly genuine that it has often been called “radical.” The Celtic music ministry evolved organically, growing out of our studies in Celtic spirituality, plus interest in this genre of music. This unique and spirit-filled ministry provides an opportunity for community engagement and consists of a concert series, the Celtoids music education program, and an occasional service of Celtic Evening Prayer

St. Mary’s hosts top name touring bands from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and the United States. We host a spring and fall series, with the end of year highlight, New World String Project’s brilliant Christmas program called “Winterdance.” Tickets are available at celticsociety.org.

Concerts this Season

February 18, 2024 - Cantrip

March 17, 2024 - Party for Paddy

April 12, 2024 - Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas

May 1, 2024 - Old Blind Dogs

Follow St. Mary’s on Facebook to get invited to fabulous concerts and events.

If you would like to be a part of this fun hospitality ministry, contact Jackie Pierce, 831-224-3819. Sales from our bistro benefit our music program and community food pantry.

Jam on with the Celtoids led by fiddler John Weed (Molly’s Revenge, New World String Project) on Wednesdays in Edwards Hall. For students just beginning to learn tunes by ear, the slow and easy session runs from 4 pm – 5 pm, and more experienced jammers meet from 5 pm – 6 pm. Knowledge of basic fiddle in the first position is recommended. The sessions are free and open to the public. We are intergenerational and welcome students of all ages.

A group of teen musicians formed a band called McMonarchs, which also meets regularly at St. Mary's under the leadership of John Weed.

For info, contact Jackie Pierce, (831) 224-3819 or fiddlejamjp@gmail.com. See you at the jam!

John is a classically trained violinist who has spent the last 20 years immersed in various fiddle styles. John lived in Ireland in 2000 and taught fiddle workshops at the Flowing Tide International Music School in Doonbeg, County Clare. He has honed his skills since, attending the Frankie Kennedy Winter School in Dunlewey, County Donegal where he studied with Ciaran O’Maonaigh and Dermot Mcloughlin. Having an affinity for American fiddle styles, John explores the connection between Irish, Scottish, and old-time fiddle.