關於我： It's difficult to keep still when you listen to Celtic music -- and at the Boston Urban Ceilidh, where the music is set to a solid rock-n-roll beat, trying to stay in your seat is nearly impossible.
The "BUC," which features some of Boston's premier Celtic musicians playing high-energy dance music of Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton (Canada), is built on audience participation. "Ceilidh" (pronounced "kay-lee") is an old Gaelic word that refers to a user-friendly social dance party, with emphasis on "user-friendly." Think "contra dance meets mosh pit" -- centuries-old dance traditions in a contemporary style, where the idea is just to get out there on the floor and move with the music.
The Boston Urban Ceilidh makes a point of helping newcomers to Celtic tradition find their feet in the dances: Everyone gets a chance to learn and walk through the steps and figures beforehand. Most are couple dances, but even if you come alone, you will have no problem finding someone to dance with -- and in fact, don't be surprised if someone literally takes you by the hand. The dances aren't particularly difficult, and if you do make a mistake, don't worry. The main thing is for everyone to enjoy themselves.
The "BUC" is often presented in conjunction with the Boston Celtic Music Fest, which showcases the Greater Boston area's finest performers in the Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton and other Celtic traditions. But be sure to come back here regularly and check for news and updates: You never know when or where the Urban Ceilidh might end up!
Want to get a taste of what the BUC is like? Check out these photos and video clips.
BUC@BCMFest 2008
Recorded at Springstep, Medford, Mass.
BUC@BCMFest 2005
Recorded at the Canadian-American Hall, Watertown, Mass.
