Looking for Anglo concertina instructor Capital District, NY area near Saratoga Springs

[Verner Reed]

Have been playing for about a year and a half, learning entirely online with the Online Academy of Irish Music and Irish Concertina Lessons.com.  Making progress, but would probably benefit more from in-person lessons.  Was going to go to Noel Hill's Catskill Irish Concertina Week last year but had to back out at the last minute due to a family medical issue. Will try again in 2026. I've found most people in this area to be unfamiliar with the concertina.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[David Barnert]

Hmmm... Since we lost John Roberts last year I can’t think of any Anglo players around here (I’m in Albany but don’t play Anglo). And even John played English style, not Irish. But keep looking. I may not know everybody.

[adamhuestis]

Our area feels like a dead zone for the concertina. I have only seen one in the wild and it was an EC.  The Parting Glass in Saratoga has a session on Wednesday (or at least they did).  There could be someone there that might be able to point you in the right direction.

[David Barnert]

And by all means, consider coming to the Flurry Festival in February at the Saratoga Springs City Center (both of you). There will be no shortage of concertinas there, though mostly from out of town.

[Ray Wall]

I take zoom lessons from Lexie Boatright. She is very good teacher.  Her band the Consequences is performing at the Irish American Heritage Museum on January 31,2026  at 7 pm earlier in the day they are all doing workshops. Lexie is doing one for the concertina at 3:30 I believe. ive already signed up for it.  I've done Caitlin's and OAIM and they are both very good but a real teacher is better. In person is best of course but zoom is almost as good. Lexie teaches Irish traditional.

Btw, I was in a band with John Roberts for many years (I'm on one of his albums, too), I also went to high school with his long time partner, Lisa. I miss him. His passing is a big loss for many.