Discover the Vibrant Atmosphere of Mrs. Murphy's Sunday Session
Session: Irish Music School of Chicago Session led by Seán Cleland and friends
Location: Mrs. Murphy's Irish Bistro 3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60613
Day: Sunday 1-3 pm
If you find yourself on the Northside of Chicago, Mrs. Murphy’s Irish Bistro is the place to be on Sunday afternoons. The session, led by the talented fiddler Seán Cleland, is a lively and welcoming gathering that brings together professional musicians, amateur hobbyists and students alike.
As you walk into Mrs. Murphy's the first thing you'll notice is the inviting atmosphere. The leading musicians and regulars sit in a small circle, and as the session grows, additional circles form around them. This setup makes it easy for anyone to join in. On one memorable Sunday, I found myself on a vinyl bench between Cleland and flute player, James Riley, who often assists in leading the session. Beside them was guitar accompanist, Jesse Langen, who's rhythm and chord choices makes musicians of all levels sound amazing. As we started playing the Ballydesmond Polka set, their foot-tapping was so vigorous that I was bouncing off the chair. I could barely play my whistle, I was laughing so hard. You can't help but get caught up in the energy. After the set, James jokingly yelled to the bar, "We love you Chicago!!" like he was performing for thousands at Soldier Field.
This session is incredibly welcoming making it a comfortable spot for your very first Irish music trad session. The leaders make it a point to greet everyone by name, and newcomers are always introduced to the group. Children often join for a few tunes, especially after their classes finish. I remember one little girl, Sammy, who was learning the bodhrán. She nervously slid into a chair between me and her grandmother, Jeanette. As she played, the joy on her face was inspiring. The group cheered her on, lifting her spirits and celebrating her effort.
Two years ago, Mrs. Murphy's was my first experience in a session too. I quietly slunk in to the circle with absolutely no idea what to expect. During the pandemic, we played outside where Mrs. Murphy's and the neighboring bar and music venue, Martyr's, converted their parking lot into a patio. I showed up with my whistle and a notebook of full of sheet music that I'd learned in preparation. I didn't have anything memorized, but Cleland encouraged me to play anyway. For about a month, I showed up at sessions and sneakily set up my music on the floor so I could play along. The group was incredibly welcoming and helped me learn about the etiquette of sessions while I worked on memorizing as many tunes as possible. Had I gone to one of the bigger sessions in Chicago, I'm not sure how my Irish music experience would have progressed. At Mrs. Murphy's, I felt that my growth as a musician was well supported.
The session caters to the students of the Irish Music School of Chicago, making it an excellent environment for learners. Tunes are played at various speeds to accommodate different skill levels. Beginners might play a set like Britches Full of Stitches and Peg Ryan's Polka at a slower place, while more advanced played enjoy the challenge of fast reels like The Green Mountain and the Rookery.
The atmosphere is incredibly supportive; mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, and the leaders are quick to offer help and advice. James Reilly often has a philosophy or practice trick to share. Jesse Langen is generous sharing chords or a rhythm with other backers. Seán Cleland is always telling historical anecdotes about trad music and it’s musicians. Learning is always happening in this session.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the session is how it brings people together. On any given Sunday, you might see visitors from out of town joining in. Recently, a set of Irish college students in town for the summer on their J1 visas joined in, Cleland invited them in to sit next to him and start a set of tunes. One even got up to show a Sean Nos dance. I’ve met people from all over the world in this session. The sense of community extends beyond the music. After the session, it's common for a group to hover over a big plate of french fries with curry sauce, engaging in great conversations and building lasting friendships.
The tradition of celebrating great sets with cheers, yelping, and shouts of "We love you, Chicago!" is a fun way to acknowledge our wins and remind ourselves not to take things too seriously. This session truly feels like a family, learning and growing together while caring for one another.
To capture the spirit of this session, I've chosen the Ballydesmond Polkas 1, 2 and 3 as played in the session. The set was taught to the Irish Music School of Chicago's Online Adult Class from the 1969 recording of Denis Murphy and Julia Clifford on the album "The Star Above the Garter." These tunes embody the energy and camaraderie that define Mrs. Murphy's Sunday Session. The sheet music is provided here for members of The Trad Tourist.
Mrs. Murphy's Sunday Session is more than just a musical gathering; its a vibrant community where musicians of all ages and skill levels come together to celebrate their love for Irish music. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn or an experienced player wanting to enjoy a lively session, this is the place to be. Join in on Sundays from 1-3 pm and experience the magic for yourself!
