I will admit it publicly – I was born with two left feet. You might not notice it at first, but as soon as you get me on the dance floor it will become evident. Remember that scene in “Seinfeld” when Elaine showed off her dance moves? My skills are on that level.

Regardless of my lack of coordination, I would like to highly recommend a monthly céií­ that takes place right in our own backyard! I’ve had the pleasure of attending some of these events in the past, and I can guarantee you a warm welcome, wonderful people, great music and dance, and a good time to be had!

The Michael Rafferty Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will hold their next monthly céilí on Sunday October 15th in the VFW Hall at 239 Leonia Avenue in Bogota, New Jersey. There is a free set lesson at 3pm. The ceili runs from 4pm to 8pm with live music by John and Gerry Kennedy, Eileen Goodman, Mike Rafferty and friends. All musicians are welcome. Admission is $15. For information or directions, please call 201-288-4267.

The Michael Rafferty CCÉ is a non-profit organization supporting traditional Irish culture, dance and music and making it available for people in the NJ/NY area to enjoy and participate in. Their céilí­ is held on the third Sunday of every month, subject to change due to holidays or conflicting major regional Irish cultural events in the area. You can find their schedule at www.raffertymusic.com .

Even if you aren’t familiar with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), you are benefiting from their work to preserve and perpetuate traditional Irish music.

Back in 1951 members of a Dublin Piping club met with some traditional music enthusiasts from County Westmeath. This meetind ended with the formation of two goals – to set up an organization that would promote traditional music and to organize a festival of traditional music, song and dance. While Irish music had always played an important role in Irish heritage, the role of the music had been diminishing in popular social activities that were evolving in the mid 20th century.

The first festival in 1951, known as Fleadh Cheoil, only attracted a few hundred enthusiasts, but within five years the gathering would become a national event that attracted thousands of musicians, singers and dancers from all parts of Ireland as well as other countries.

The organization would soon be known as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and branches would be organized throughout Ireland as well as around the globe. These branches would hold their own fleadhs as well as classes, concerts, and sessions.

Because of the important work performed by CCÉ over the decades, Irish traditional music has thrived. I often wish American folk musicians had a similar organization to benefit from. American youth often feel put-off by our own traditions, making assumptions that the music is no longer relevant and “uncool”. CCÉ has instilled a pride in the Irish traditions by dusting off the cobwebs and making young people feel connected to the music.

So, if you are looking for a wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening – mark your calendar for October 15th. In addition to partipating in a lovely céilí­, you can also wish the iconic Mike Rafferty a belated happy birthday!

Mike turns 80 on September 27th. He grew up in Ballinakill, East Galway surrounded by a strong music tradition. He learned from his father, Tom “Barrel” Rafferty, who played the flute and uilleann pipes. Mike came to this country in 1948 and has become one of the leading proponents of traditional music. In 1976 he was participated in the Smithsonian Institutions Bicentennial Festival of American Folklife to critical acclaim. He would soon tour with the Green Fields of America. His soulful style and wealth of music drew attention. In addition to performing at céilí­s, concerts and festivals, Mike became a teacher. Many students had the unique privalage of being instructed by Mike and learning from a master of old style traditional music. His legacy is being shared by his daughter Mary Rafferty, who spent several years performing with Cherish the Ladies and now with her husband Dónal Clancy (the son of Liam Clancy.) It is fitting that the local chapter of CCÉ was named in his honor.

Recently, Lesl Harker put together transcribed many of Mike’s tunes along with notes from Mike in a book appropriately titled “300 Tunes from Mike Rafferty“.

Folk music in the United States is filled with stories of musicians learning from masters. Musicians who had the honor of taking a lesson from someone like Rev. Gary Davis (or simply watching him perform) gained knowledge that stayed with them and influenced their music. Mike Rafferty is one of the finest musicians you will ever have the pleasure of experiencing. Seeing him performer with his peers and friends is an experience not to be missed!