The idea of a session, in the older sense of the word... or at least as I understand it,is...

A gathering of musicians, singers, people interested, listeners, dancers etc. Who all get together for an evenings entertainment and craic.

Yes, there's lots of tunes, with a nice smattering of songs all mixed in. If someone there who is listening and wants to dance, then that is fine too. After all, the music is for dancing to!

And if someone is dancing, then play some tunes that will last long enough for them to finish their dance, or at least until you have finished the set.

I go to alot of session, I suppose you could say that I am new generation, but I do believe very firmly that sessions should be an ALL inclusive event. We've even had a story teller getting up in ours and doing his bit too.

I sing and play an instrument, and yes sometimes it can be very hard to get people to realise you are singing. But usually a quick... SONG IN THE HOUSE usually sorts it all.

I've been to sessions that are majority all instrumental, and some of them have asked me to sing a song, it this session which doesn't usually have a song sang unaccompanied.. but it is a very fast session.

I prefer my regular one, a mix of both singers, tunes, sean nos, dancing, and the odd story teller...

And socially I prefer the regular one, as you have time to go and chat to the locals and regular drinkers, who then feel confident as the time goes on that they can come and sing a song.

Ella