3rd Friday Céilí with Betsy Branch
May 16 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
$15
Final 3rd Friday Céilí of the Season – Live Irish Music & Dance!
Friday, May 16 • 7:00 – 10:00 PM • Waverly, 3300 SE Woodward St
The 3rd Friday Céilí wraps up its season with a night of joy, rhythm, and community connection. Featuring live music by Betsy Branch, joined by the CCE Youth musicians, and spirited dance calling by Maldon Meehan and Phil Meehan, this event is open to all—no experience or partner required.
What is a céilí? It’s a traditional Irish social gathering filled with music and dancing. Much like American square dances, we’ll dance Irish “sets” (square formations) to lively reels, jigs, polkas, slides, and hornpipes. Dances hail from regions across Ireland including Cork, Kerry, and Clare. All dances are taught and called—perfect for newcomers and seasoned dancers alike.
About the Musicians
Betsy Branch is a dancer’s musician. Her driving fiddle tunes lift your feet off the floor and into motion. A gifted teacher and collaborator, Betsy will be joined by talented local youth musicians.
A versatile performer, Betsy’s musical path began with classical training at age five and grew to embrace folk fiddle traditions from Ireland, Scotland, Appalachia, Quebec, Sweden, England, Bulgaria, and New England. She plays regularly for contra and English Country dances and has served as Associate Music Director for the Portland Revels (2006–2022), where she composed and arranged choral and instrumental music. Her collaborations include Kevin Burke’s book project, The Portland Collection tune books, and the recording A Portland Playalong Selection.
Betsy teaches fiddle to students of all ages, and her musical adventures take her across the country to events like the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina and Pinewoods Camp near Boston. She also creates glass mosaic art and is a passionate lifelong learner.
More on her teaching and projects: https://fiddlefrau.com/
About the Callers
Maldon Meehan is a seasoned Irish dance instructor known for her deep knowledge and warmth with beginners. Her journey began dancing with her father and led to a Master’s in Ethnochoreology from the University of Limerick. She teaches and performs set dance, céilí, sean-nós, old-style step, Cape Breton, and Appalachian flatfooting.
Her passion for community-based dance and cultural tradition is at the heart of everything she does. Maldon’s instruction is accessible and joyful—whether you’re stepping onto the floor for the first time or returning to your roots.
She is the creator of the first instructional DVD on sean-nós dance and performs at festivals, céilís, and special events across North America. Her Portland-based troupe, the Maldon Meehan Dancers, brings Irish dance to a wide range of audiences.
More on Maldon’s work: https://www.maldonmeehan.com
Event Info:
All Sets Céilí
Friday, May 16 • 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Waverly, 3300 SE Woodward St, Portland, OR
Band: Betsy Branch, Greta, Sam, Charlie
Non-gendered calling
All ages welcome
No partner or experience needed
Music Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qityiNDnNuNfkZxkq6vZZ
Facebook Event:
https://www.facebook.com/share/16d1MLHGYh/
Example of the Dances:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHFWC42DkugqzLZ9RL0pZMlgL1SZjVFCm&si=g-8HlHRJuZ1gZ7Go