A Crossroads of Celtic Tradition
Chattanooga Celtic Connection celebrates the living cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the wider Celtic world, and explores their lasting influence on Appalachian culture.
Through music, education and community programming, we create opportunities to experience these traditions as they are practiced today, understand their histories, and consider the ways they have traveled, changed and taken root in Appalachia.
OUR MISSION
Chattanooga Celtic Connection celebrates the living cultures of the Celtic nations and their enduring influence on Appalachia through music, dance, history, heritage, language, food and storytelling.
VISITING ARTISTS
Concerts and intimate performances bringing exceptional traditional and contemporary Celtic artists to Chattanooga.
CULTURAL LEARNING
Workshops, talks and programs exploring music, history, language, heritage and the connections between Celtic traditions and Appalachia.
COMMUNITY GATHERINGS
Sessions, films, celebrations and shared experiences that make Celtic culture something we participate in, not simply preserve.
What We Believe
Culture should be lived.
Traditions endure because people practice them. We create opportunities to hear the music, learn the history, share the stories, gather together and participate.
Everyone belongs.
Cultural participation does not require Celtic ancestry. Our programs are for anyone who approaches these traditions with curiosity, respect and a desire to learn.
Understanding connects us.
Learning deeply about one culture can help us better understand others. We value historical context, cultural exchange and the complicated ways traditions influence one another.
Gathering creates community.
Music, stories, food, dance and shared experiences bring people together across generations and backgrounds. Creating places for that to happen is central to our work.
The arts keep culture alive.
Music, dance, visual art, film and storytelling do more than preserve traditions. Artists interpret them, challenge them and carry them forward. We honor what has been handed down while making room for contemporary voices and new work.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING
Chattanooga Celtic Connection is developing year-round cultural programming centered on three areas:
Concerts + Visiting Artists
Performances that connect Chattanooga audiences with exceptional traditional and contemporary artists from the Celtic world, Appalachia and the communities where those traditions meet.
Education + Cultural Exchange
Workshops, talks and learning opportunities exploring music, dance, history, language and cultural traditions in context.
Community Programs
Traditional music sessions, films, gatherings and partnerships that give people opportunities to participate, not simply observe.
Our first community program, TradChattanooga, brings musicians and listeners together twice each month for traditional Irish music in Chattanooga.
Stay tuned on this site for more information.
Get involved
Have an idea, question or want to know more? We’d love to connect with YOU.
Community Partners
