Come help blow out the candles and hear some truly fabulous music as Shay Black celebrates his birthday with a host of amazing musicians on our stage tonight! Establishing a close rapport with his audiences, Shay throws plenty of Irish humor and an irresistibly warm stage presence into a mix of traditional and humorous songs. He always welcomes audience participation, and his unalloyed joy in singing make it difficult for anyone to remain a spectator for long!

Tonight Shay is joined by artists he has sung and played with over the years, including the Solstice Ensemble from California Revels, multi-instrumentalist and early music multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Shira Kammen, harpist Diana Rowan, sacred song artist Evelie Delfino Såles Posch and the Spiral Dance Chorus, the illustrious a cappella trio Oak Ash & Thorn, Dogwatch Nautical Band, and maritime balladeer and concertina player Skip Henderson. Just to add to the evening's general fabulousness, Shay is also joined by the Black Brothers' band (with Michael Black, Bobbi Shearn Nikles on fiddle, pianist Bryan Seet, and cellist Myra Joy) plus a top-secret lineup of surprise guests.

An avid songcatcher, musician, teacher, and singer, Dublin-born Shay is the eldest member of Ireland's Black Family, who are "regarded as one of the most impressive groups of Irish singers to be found anywhere" (The Irish Echo). He has toured and recorded with the Irish band Garva, the illustrious Stan Hugill, and the fabled sea shanty group Stormalong John. Shay's most regular local gigs these days are the weekly "Starry Irish Music Session" at The Starry Plough pub and the hugely popular "Folk Song Repertoire" class he teaches at The Freight. Shay tours regularly with his brother Michael as The Black Brothers, and when time permits, with siblings Martin, Frances and Mary Black as The Black Family. Shay works on the management team of local non-profit Family Paths, a family support agency based in Oakland; tonight's show is a benefit for Family Paths, Inc.

Visit Shay's website

Visit Family Paths' website