The Songs of Ireland—an Irish Camp Production

The UICC is committed to providing top-notch cultural programming opportunities, with special attention to youth as we build for the next generation of Irish Americans. We are delighted to welcome back the international creative force, Máire Clerkin, as Camp Director. She is eager to work with a talented and diverse team of artists in a variety of activities and experiences for our Campers ages 8-16 years and a Junior Camp for the wee folk of 6–7-year-olds. With such variety, every Camper will discover new passions and find their way to shine!

Máire has revealed an exciting theme for 2024—celebrating the songs of Ireland. Campers will learn traditional ballads and party songs, made popular by iconic Irish musicians (past and present) such as Sinead O’Connor, Christy Dignam, Christy Moore, Shane MacGowan, Mary Black, Dolores Keane, Van Morrison, Dolores O’Riordan, and Lisa O’Neill. “Ireland is famous for its music,” says Máire. “Campers will explore the sounds and stories of Ireland’s songs, singers, and vocal legends as we take a journey through old familiar standards to new and contemporary sounds. We will celebrate and interpret a rich variety of melodies and lyrics and see how to dramatize the stories in the songs, creating theatrical scenes from Irish poems, shanties and ballads.”

Campers will learn songs, rap out the rhymes, act out the stories, dress for the part, hip hop and Irish ceili dance to favorite tunes, and play instruments to bring it all together. In addition, Campers will enjoy outdoor activities with daily sports and games, learn new computer and technology skills, and hone their arts and crafts skills with the guidance of expert teaching artists!

Campers from 6-16 will no doubt form friendships and discover new talents while enjoying the rich experience of Irish arts and culture. With three weeks of fun sessions in singing, drama, drumming, hip hop and ceili dance, fiddle, piano, storytelling, visual arts and crafts, outdoor sports, web design, video making, and theater performance, Campers will work to create a theatrical production by Camp’s end for all to enjoy.

“There is certainly something for everyone,” says Máire. “Every camper chooses their favorite activities, and our experienced camp leaders will show them how to gain new skills and prepare to perform on the final night!” So, save the date for Friday, June 28, 2024, for a unique musical and theatrical experience.

Irish Camp enrollment space is limited. Irish Camp is available to 8-16 years old and a Junior Camp (for the wee folk) is available for 6–7-year-olds (new for 2024) and it runs from June 10 – June 28 and runs Monday through Friday from 9 am–3 pm at the Irish Center (2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco, 94116).

DATES:
(Monday through Friday)
Week 1 (June 10 - June 14)
Week 2 (June 17 - June 21)
Week 3 (June 28 - June 28)

REGISTER:

www.irishcentersf.org/irish-camp

About the Director:

Máire Clerkin is a writer, director, choreographer, teacher, actor, storyteller, and former Irish dance adjudicator. Education credits: Loyola Marymount University, Cois Céim, Blás, The Players Conservatory, Aman Dance Educators, & Santa Monica College. Currently examiner at University of Limerick and Teaching Artist with The Music Center, Segerstrom Center, & LA Arts Group. Steeped in Irish arts her entire life, Máire was born in London of Irish parents—her mother was a renowned Irish dance teacher, adjudicator, and feis musician.

Máire’s education credits: Loyola Marymount University, Cois Céim, Blás, The Players Conservatory, Aman Dance Educators, & Santa Monica College. Currently examiner at University of Limerick and Teaching Artist with The Music Center, Segerstrom Center, & LA Arts Group.

Máire’s theatre credits: Telling LA, PBS TV; World City, Walt Disney Concert Hall; Music Makers, BBC TV; Revolver, BBC World Service; Dancing on Dangerous Ground, Radio City NY and Theatre Royal Drury Lane; Unconnected Soundings, Royal Opera House; Centenary Knees Up, South Bank. Collaborations with DV8, John Hegley, Peter Sheridan; co-founder The Hairy Marys and Clerkinworks. Máire's storytelling program Once Upon a Time in Ireland tours schools and libraries. Her screenplay, The Jig is Up is in development.

Host or Publisher United Irish Cultural Center