Greetings, friends of Portal Irish Music Week!
We’re set with our instructors for the 2026 camp!
Classes will run from Thursday, Sept. 17 – Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. Arrival and orientation will be on the 16th, and you can plan to travel home on the 22nd. The nearest airports are Albuquerque and El Paso, both are about 3 hours away, and we will help you find transportation to the camp from the airports, if needed.
Joining our staff for the first time this year will be Marty Smith, teaching accompaniment (Bouzouki & Guitar)! Marty has been playing Irish music for close to 30 years, and is a renowned singer! He has recorded and performed with Randal bays, and plays in the band Cóisir, along with PIMW alumni, Pete Strickler and Johnny B. Connolly. We are very excited to welcome Marty to our 2026 staff!
Here’s our complete staff lineup for 2026:
Brian Conway – Fiddle
Marla Fibish – Mandolin
Shannon Heaton – Flute/Whistle
Marty Smith – Accompaniment
Pete Strickler – Tenor Banjo
Colin Lindsay – Concertina and Fiddle
You can read more about the instructors on our Staff page.
Registration for prior attendees will open a few days early, with general registration opening on March 1, 2026. Registration will be done directly with Susan again, and then you will be able to book your lodging through Catherine and the Black Range Lodge.
We’re very excited for our 2026 camp, and hope that you can join us!
Sincerely,
Susan, Pete, and the entire 2026 PIMW Staff.