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SESSIONS & SINGAROUNDS

Two important parts of the Mill Race Festival of Traditional Folk Music are the Pub Sessions and Singarounds. These are two of the ways in which those who are not paid performers at the festival can get together for informal music making.

Both of these are features adopted from festival in the British Isles and Europe. A Pub Session is a gathering of musicians who play similar styles of music. They sit down (often with a glass on hand) with no stage or PA and simply play instrumental music together in a spontaneous and often very exciting way.

The Pub Sessions are held in the Golden Kiwi Pub on Dickson Street throughout the weekend. They are hosted by specifically named musicians, but all those with an interest in playing traditional jigs, reels, etc. are welcome to join in.

Singarounds are better known in North America as Song circles. Again, these are informal gatherings without a stage or sound system. These are held in quieter settings than the pub sessions and listening is very important. Unlike the Pub Sessions, the focus is on songs.

At the 2010 Festival the Singarounds are hosted by The Mill Race Folk Club, The Old Chestnuts Song Circle, the Oakville Song Circle, and Fergus Acoustic Sessions.  

Singarounds also occur all year round - please see the Events page and the Grand River Folk Community listings for schedules.