Fwd: Beaver Island Traditional Celtic Music Session, August 28-30, 2026

[Bob Midden]

Below is a message from Glenn Hendrix, the founder of the traditional Irish music gathering on Beaver Island in late August. I’ve attended the last three years and found this to be a very enjoyable experience. While most of the musicians are advanced players, some who attend are at virtually every level of accomplishment. It can be worthwhile to hear a wide variety of tunes even if you can only play a few. And the environment is very pleasant albeit the accommodations at The Brothers Place are rather rustic - after all, it was a summer retreat house for Christian Brothers friars and brothers and the rooms are characteristic of the accommodation typical for cloistered religious individuals – somewhat like academic dorms with shared bathrooms and small, simple rooms. But there is some camaraderie that arises, in part, from the shared experience. And the surroundings are very pleasant and picturesque. The two-hour ferry ride helps establish the sense that you are really disconnected from the stress and worries of daily life. And we usually have a session on the ferry with the musicians who happen to be traveling at the same time. Read below for more information.

Bob Midden

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Begin forwarded message:

From: Glenn Hendrix <glennall...@gmail.com>

Subject: Beaver Island Traditional Celtic Music Session, August 28-30, 2026

Date: January 8, 2026 at 3:14:49 PM EST

Traditional Celtic Music Session and Retreat, Beaver Island, Michigan. August 28—30, 2026 

Please join traditional Celtic musicians from all over Michigan for the ninth annual Celtic Music Session/Retreat on Beaver Island. We learn and get to know one another, and have a great time playing music on America’s Emerald Isle. The session begins Friday evening, August 28, when musicians arrive and ends whenever they leave. Plan on arriving earlier and staying longer to enjoy Beaver Island—and play more music! We play at the Brothers’ Place, a former Christian Brothers’ Lodge.

The Brothers’ Place offers rustic accommodations in the north woods just a ten minute walk south of St. James and the ferry dock. We relax and play music on the large screened porch and two large parlors. The Brothers’ Place has about 30 rooms with bathrooms down the hall. Rooms are $50/night with a simple continental breakfast. Most rooms are small and have a twin bed or bunks. Call Terry at (630) 920-0719 during the off-season or (231) 448-2204 in the summer season to reserve a room at the Brothers’ Place. Tell Terry you are staying for the Session.

Other accommodations: camping, hotels, a nice beach and restaurants are nearby. Contact the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce (231.448.2505, www.beaver island.org) for other accommodations, bike or car rental, etc.

Transportation to the Island: The Beaver Island Boat Company (www.bibco.com, 231-547-2311) operates ferries from downtown Charlevoix to Beaver Island. You can bring bikes or your car on the ferry. Make an early reservation if you plan to bring your car. This is a two-hour ferry ride and sometimes is a little rough.

Island Airways (www.islandairways.com, 800-524-6895) flies from the Charlevoix Airport. Fresh Air Aviation (www.freshairaviation, 231-237-9482) flies from 06918 Old Norwood Road, next to the Charlevoix Airport. These are small twin-engine planes. Bring earplugs.

Please contact Glenn Hendrix (glennall...@gmail.com,  616.304.1480) if you plan to attend or would like more information on the Beaver Island Celtic Session. 

And please invite other traditional musicians to the Beaver Island Session.

Cead Mille Failte!