Some local bands, dance callers and other artistes.
If you'd like to have your details listed here, please get in touch.
Solo accordionist with a big duet sound for lively music for dancing. Venues large and small will be filled with music that'll make you want to get up and dance. Ideal for weddings, ceilidhs, celebrations of all kinds. Will travel, and entertain with any caller, making your event fun and successful.
We aim to support the Caller and the Participants, actively joining in and being a part of the event.We play for the dancers, not just for ourselves, and it shows. An integral part of this support is the lively foot tapping music which produces smiles and impromptu dance steps.
We also run the Honiton Folk Dance Club in Offwell every Monday evening.
Carol Arblaster is a singer, composer, and Celtic Harp player who lives in Wells, Somerset though most of her life was spent on the West Coast U.S.A. where in Southern California in the late 60's she began performing with the help of a friend- songwriter, rocker, Jackson Browne. Her songs today, mostly original, are often themed on local places and histories of Somerset. Carol sometimes shares inspirational songs based on the spirituality of the Celts, such as Brendan and Columba. The music may be enhanced by powerpoint visuals accompaniment. Celtic Harp Offering is her recently released 2010 CD of harp instrumentals recorded in the Bishops Palace, Wells. Brendan Soul (a Celtic companion) was released in 2005 and Holy Thorn, 2003. Her music is sensitive and soul-touching.
We play our own cooking pot of folk music with influences from Irish, English traditional, jazz, rock, indie, blues, a tinge of ska and psychodelic skiffle!!!!!!!!!
Baladines are a folk band based in Somerset and Devon. Laurelie, Paul and Will have been playing in bands together for about 10 years and are now playing as a three piece performing a mix of self-penned songs, traditional songs and tunes and some contemporary songs. Their lively enthusiastic playing combined with Laurelie's calling of unusual as well as standard Ceilidh dances ensures that a fun evening is there for the taking....
Baladines play throughout Devon, Dorset and Somerset for Ceilidhs, Barn Dances, Weddings, Parties, Pubs, Cafes, Anything....
Cask Conditioned Celtic Rock.
The artists formerly know as Strong Country have now blasted through the eighties, nineties and into the naughties entertaining at dances and pubs all over Dorset and occasionally beyond.
Comprising:
Titch - Fiddle
Bilbo - Melodeon & Concertina
Johno - Bass
Plim - Drums
Big Al - Caller
Check out our website for local public gigs, sound samples, and fantastic double CD offer :-)
THE one to watch, we play the tunes you want to dance to. Ceilidhs, barn dances, parties, festivals...
6-piece band plus built-in Caller (Rog Wade). English-style music with squeezebox, fiddles, various woodwind, backed up with guitar, keyboards and bass plus beat-laden percussion.
Boyd and Wain is an Acoustic/Americana/Folk duo. Katy Boyd is an award winning singer/songwriter from California and Benny is one of the South West's great fiddle players. They won the Trowbridge Village Pump Unsigned Artist Competition in 2009 and are about to release their first album.
They are playing festivals, pubs and clubs all over the UK and would love to come play somewhere near you! Check out their Myspace and see what you think.
A Contemporary Ceilidh Band. Stewing Funk, Ska and Folk, Brementown creates its unique skip ska, a syrup of deep bass lines, knee flexing, head nodding rhythmns, all washed down with a sensible topping of original folk.
Tel: Andy on 07812 345 089
Singer of traditional songs, mainly English and inevitably Scottish, though not usually Irish on the grounds of cultural imperialism. And as England is run by the Scots anyway, that's not a problem.
More often than not unaccompanied on account of dubious talent on instruments that need strumming or blowing rather than hitting, at which he is pretty good.
Often sings songs from the Hammond Brothers collection which, given that he lives in Dorset, is only to be expected.
Is rumoured to have a sense of humour.
(Black velvet - Irish) (Blackmore vale - English) etc.
Band available for pub gigs, ceilidhs, weddings. Dance caller in the band.
Instruments available are wooden flute, fiddles, bouzouki/guitar, melodeon, bodrhan.
North Dorset based prepared to travel.
An experienced acoustic band playing mostly English tunes, including originals, with a few French and Irish and a touch of rock influence. Melodeon, concertina, mandolin and guitar produce punchy danceable tunes and rythyms. PA and caller provided. This band plays music for dancers to dance to. Satisfaction guaranteed.
The Casterbridge Band are Colin Thompson and Will Ferris: a small band with a big sound driven by fiddle and keyboard. All accoustic, mainly English music with strong, danceable rhythm. They will come with their own regular caller, Ruth Thompson, or one of your own choice
Ceildhs / Pub Gigs / Weddings
Jigs/Reels/Polkas/Hornpipes/Waltzes/Airs
Four piece band playing irish/scottish music.
Comprises violin, guitar, accordian, hammered dulcimer/whistle/bouzouki.
Indie Anglicana acoustic folk rock
Pete Christie lives on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset and has been performing his melodic and lyrical songs for over 30 years. Audiences enjoy his crafted songs, acoustic fingerstyle playing, 'acoustic, folk, blues, rock, country and back again’ and general great entertainment value.
Pete has been a guest for Dave Pegg - Fairport Convention - as Peggy and PJ Wright, Nick Harper, Jeff Lang, Glenn Tillbrook, Ezio, Ruby Turner, Derrin Nauendorf, Hugh Cornwell, Bob Brozman, Martin Harley, Ben Montague, Alex Roberts
and in September for Canadian, Americana acoustic blues and roots man Matt Andersen
Steve has been calling for over 25 years and has experience of all sorts of events, from large festivals to small village hall hops
I've worked with quite a few local bands. These days my 'usual' band is the Rum and Kidney Band (not least because my wife plays for them), but I'm still more than happy to call for other bands as well.
A variable sized Barn Dance band to suit your budget. Available now. We play standard English, Irish and Scottish music with the occasional bit of Cajun thrown in. Can supply a caller or work with yours. Contact Colin Everest 01963 251 533
Cilla Caswell on Flute and Piano Accordion.
Bill Caswell on Double Bass.
Charlie Holding on Djembe, Bodhran and anything that shakes or rattles or bangs!
Dave Mitchell on Guitar.
Graham Vincent on Fiddle.
Plus occasional appearances from others!
Caller - more often than not is Will Antell.
Fidddlestix is a band from the local area which plays irresistible Celtic toe-tapping music... fusing fiddles, accordion, flute, double bass and guitar with djembe drum and percussion. You will hear jigs, reels, hornpipes and
waltzes and we invite you to dance under the instruction of caller Will Antell.
Traditional Irish music
Julian - Flute, Clive - Fiddle/Vocals, Malc - bouzouki, Sally - bodrhan
Availible for: Concerts, pub gigs, weddings, ceilidhs, parties.
Please email julian or call 078257388565
the wonderfully entertaining group from Dorset
Charles on guitar and Sammy Upton lead singer and guitar, with Steve Sutton fiddle, mandolin, were joined in 2009 by musicians Bill Bailey on clarinet and fiddle, and Vaughan Danning on bass guitar and vocals to form this exciting new quintet. The group's toe-tapping arrangements of folk and jazz have been developed through improvisation and a wide experience of performing to audiences in a range of formal and informal venues. With warm hearted humour and a varied programme played by very experienced musicians, Fippenny Piece are set to entertain you
Flash Co are a four-piece barn dance / ceilidh band playing traditional folk music with a modern rock backline and rhythms from around the world.
Traditional folk with original material, Somerset based band available for bookings and we will be producing events in the near future.
Influences — Dave Swarbrick, Martin Carthy and Steeleye Span, The Bothy Band, Maddy Prior, June Tabor, Nick Dow, Rory McLeod, Sheila Chandra, Flook, Blowzabella, Django Reinhardt, Christy Moore. Genres: Folk, World music, Blues, Jazz, classical and rock.
Sounds Like — Old human stories of love, betrayal, sport, hunger, death, travel, Earth and Wildness.
Dora McKinley: Vocals, fiddle, Piano Accordion, Flute, Guitar, composer and lyricist.
Gem Quinn: 6&12 string Guitar, Kick Drum, backing vocals.
Sophie Harrison: Fiddle.
Dan Chalmers, Bodhran hand percussion.
Exciting, uplifting Celtic music. Play for village dances, celebrations, including wedding receptions, anniversaries and birthday parties. Line-up includes accordian, flute, whistles, bagpipes, guitar, mandola and bodhran. Caller included in the booking of the band. Tel 01823 461632
Robin Gray is once again very much on the scene, singing many of the songs he made popular at the Queen Vic, Priddy and the Cheddar Folk Club, back in the old days. Robin started his folk singing life at 'Folk Song at the Railway', Catford Bridge, in the 60s. He sang with the Taverners, Brothers Gray, and the Four Square Circle and made several appearances on Country Meets Folk with Malcolm Price and Wally Whyton. Many will remember his chorus songs including Men of Kent and the ever popular music hall number, Body in the Bag. Robin also plays a mean guitar and tells fabulous stories. He is available for bookings anywhere.
The band was formed in 1985 and has been going strong in Dorset and surrounding counties ever since, providing ceilidhs for community fundraising events, private parties and weddings. We have a reputation for having a fun time in a relaxed and friendly way, playing lively and spirited music to well explained dances that everyone of all ages and abilities can enjoy. The music is traditional from British Isles mixed with contemporary folk music written by the band to give an exciting edge to our sound. Most people go home with smiles on their faces plus a few previously undiscovered tired muscles! Very experienced caller and have own PA.
We are a Dorset based Barn Dance / Ceilidh Band playing a mixture of English,Irish and Scottish music, providing a fun packed time for all ages and occasions.
PA and Caller provided.
For more information please contact John on 01929421077.
A long established 4 piece band who play in a straight-forward style eminently suitable for dancing to. Can provide a caller if necessary, and are happy to work with other callers if required.
phone 01458 834192
Heelstone are a three piece, brothers and sister act from Salisbury. They perform various popular folk songs from around the British Isles on acoustic guitar, fiddle and bass in an exciting, lively and humorous style. They specialize in entertainment for parties and weddings and can call dances for an informal ceilidh, they can also be seen at the odd festival, folk club and pub.
Ann Hinchliffe has managed to work with more ceilidh bands and morris sides than there are candles on her birthday cake. She's danced, played (Anglo concertina, percussion, guitar) and led workshops in London and East Anglia for over 30 years. Recently moved to Yeovil, she's available for barn dance or other bookings. Particular interests are historical dance, storytelling, and dance for people with learning difficulties. Phone 01935 472771
A six peice band Based in Bath. Their music is a well crafted tapestry from the traditions of Ireland, Scotland, England, France and Eastern Europe.
The line up includes Flutes, Whistles, cello, Mandola, guitars, Bodhrán and Singing.
Their music demonstrates power and sublety in equal measure.
They are available for concerts, ceilidhs and weddings.
The Jeffersons are a barn dance/ceilidh band who are based in Bath, Somerset and can travel throughout the South West. Available for events such as weddings, parties, functions etc. Check out our website for more information.
acoustic folk, barndance and ceilidh band.
Lively music for dancing or listening, for ceilidhs, barndances, parties, festivals and events of all descriptions.
A five piece contemporary folk band who combine stomping traditional and exciting original material into a boiling hot dish of...
Aural Delight.
Method:
Add Violin, whistles, didgeridoo, Irish bouzouki, keyboards, mandolin, guitar, bass, drums and vocals.
Allow to mature(?) for over 20 years
Serve often with relish - your guests will ask for more...
This tasty group can provide music to suit most events - from an intimate dinner gathering, wedding, ceilidh or party, to a packed festival marquee!
Guitarist able to deputise at next-to-no notice, can sight-read notation or chords, or play by ear as required. Particularly interested in playing for barn dances and the like; primarily acoustic, can also offer electric guitar or bass guitar as well. Big speciality is classical guitar, for which can do extensive repertoire for weddings and other functions to high professional level.
Also offers home studio facilities for recording up to good demo quality.
Tel 01305 257099
Traditional song and dance music with bouzouki and english concertina. Pete lives in Wells, Somerset. 'a real joy to listen to and sing along with' - Bob Berry (Devizes Folk Club/ Chippenham Festival) CD 'Gunpowder Tea' available
LeDPiN are a band of four musicians (Flutes & Whistles & Vocals/Accordion & Bass & Vocals/Guitar/Bodhran & Cello. Our music is mainly of Irish origin, however we are known to throw in a few surprises along the way. See our website for booking information
A three piece ( two guitars and a bouzouki) playing a wide range of traditional music mixed with original compositions.
Meltdown regularly plays as resident band for Halsway Contra Dance Club (with Ron Rudd, resident tutor) and ventures out to perform diverse music for various folk dance clubs (Halsway FDG, Willand, Honiton), parties and weddings. We performed at Sidmouth FolkWeek 06 & 07. Meltdown aim to play traditional style dance music with strong lift from the melody and gentle rhythm to support the caller, with our eyes on the dancers on the floor!
As many dancers have probably guessed, the idea for the current band name “Meltdown” came from the contra dancing term “gypsy meltdown”, where dancers look into each other eyes while circling and “melt” into each others arms for the following swing.
Experienced dancer, musician and caller is available as a caller for barndances or ceilidhs. Nice varied repertoire of dances. Can also call or run workshops in Breton dancing if required.
Morrigan Dagda are a young, upbeat Ceilidh Band based in Dorset. Available for Ceilidhs, Weddings, Barn Dances & Festivals. Contact Sam on 07745 596 410.
Amanda and Emma entertain you with a fun and varied repertoire of songs from Somerset as collected by Cecil Sharp. Come and hear about the antics of 'Dicky from Taunton Dean,' and 'Sovay' the female highway woman. Find out why 'Foggy Dew' was banned in the 20th Century and why it's good to suck cider through a straw. Learn too about the local singers who performed them over a hundred years ago.
Please contact 07772431679 or email
Bournemouth based celtic band, specialising in traditional Irish music, ceilidhs and general good craic!
We perform a good selection of traditional and contemporary Irish music - tunes to dance to and songs to sing along with. If you don?t know the dances, our caller will teach you. If you don’t know the songs, just tap your feet and clap your hands!
Muzeltov are a Klezmar style folk trio with Jack Maguire and Gillian Toliday (from Stromenti String Quartet) and Damian Maguire (Jazz/Latin specialist) on drums.
The style of Klezmar is from a musical tradition which parallels Hasidic and Ashkenazik Judaism. To accompany circle dances this tradition of secular music was developed by musicians called kleyzmorim or kleyzmerim who draw on devotional traditions extending back to Biblical times.
Muzeltov are available for weddings, parties, special occasions and dances.
Members
Jack Maguire — Co-leader of BSO & Violinist in Stromenti String Quartet has recently established the ‘CODA Music Fiddle Orchestra’ in aid of young/under-privileged children.
Gillian Toliday — Professional Folk violinist (Tutor with CODA Music School, Christchurch) and also in Stromenti String Quartet
Damian Maguire (BA Hons Performing Music and Business Undergraduate) — Jazz/Latin specialist with over 10 years professional experience including performing on Thompson Cruise, Caribbean and with the ‘Karin Karian Quintet’ (Age 17)
North South Collide hails from Dorset/Wilts border.They play/sing traditional and original material,with guitar and bazoukiacompaniment, and featuring the wonderful harmonies that make this duo popular and distinctive. TV and festival appearances on their CV.
The Music of Turlough O'Carolan and Traditional Folk Tunes
Ian Parfitt — Harmonica
Norma Parfitt — Violin
An experienced group of musicians and singers playing a healthy range of traditional Celtic, British and Original Folk music. Available for weddings, festivals, pubs and more and specialising in Ceilidhs. O'Dalaigh's Ceili Band are: Pete Shutler - Accordion Mac McCulloch - Guitar and Banjo Richard Helson - Fiddle Phil Biggs - Drums Andrew Helson - Caller Phone Andrew for information and bookings on 01935 814607
A long established and experienced barn dance/ceilidh band based in North Somerset playing traditional English, Irish, Scottish and American dance music. Line-up: Nigel Hall - banjo/mandolin/guitar; Pete Thompson - guitar/fiddle/banjo; Jill Elliot - fiddle/calling and Pete Vowles - accordion.
Contact Nigel Hall 01761 221012 or by email
Our New Band, The One Step Ahead, is now launched and is taking bookings for Special Functions, Ceilidh, Folk Gigs, Weddings and other entertainments.
The band line up consist of very talented musicians and singers who have all been in previous bands and folk groups They have come together making a very special sound and with a very large inventory of music and song which will not disappoint you
Pass the Buck, based in East Dorset, has developed a strong mix of
traditional folk tunes with driving bass and drum rhythms. Our music is
always interesting, for listening to, as well as for dancing and we have
even been known to burst into song on occasion.
In addition to playing the more traditional barn dance-type melodies,
members of the band have written a number of cracking tunes.
Our regular caller, Jenney Lambert has over 20 years experience coaching
dance groups and calling for barn dances and brings all her creativity to
the occasion to ensure that even those trying folk dance for the first time
find lots of enjoyment from the experience.
The lady with the lovely voice.
One woman musical variety act with lovely soprano voice, singing songs from musicals, folk, singalong, classical and novelty songs. i.e. Joyce Grenfell, Flanders and Swan. Instruments include piano accordion, guitar and harmonica.
A new ceilidh band with two members in Somerset, and the rest of the band in Birmingham, Telford and Bucks. You will see from our spec that we are all experienced and seasoned musicians with good "CVs" Duncan Moss played with the popular folk rock outfit Shave the Monkey for some years and now plays with Dragonsfly. He have also performed with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. Duncan plays hurdy gurdies, bagpipes, saxes, flute, and synths Alistair Gillies plays saxes, whistles and recorders also with All Blacked Up, a popular established ceilidh band Drummer, Trevor Foster spent some years with The Albion Band and Little Johnny England etc etc Graham Ford, bass, played with the London based Kafoozalum John Buckley, a skilled, established and experienced guitarist has played across the uk for many years. More information from Duncan Moss 01458 851654
Cheddar based ceilidh band comprising Issy & David Emeney on melodeons and guitar, Nigel Hall on mandolin and mandola, Frank Bradley and Matt Norman on fiddle and mandolin. Rapscallion play a mix of traditional and original tunes and are great to listen to as well as to dance to. First class musicianship from one of Somerset's premier dance bands.
Contact Issy on 01934 741551 to book or email
Red Shed are a six-piece dance band playing traditional English and Irish dance tunes with a special twist - music for the feet, head and heart.
Traditional music for barn dances, weddings, family parties. We are happy to play music and sing songs as well as play for dancing.
The Reel Thing are:
Dance caller, musician, singer, entertainer I also teach Mandolin and Tenor Banjo I can perform on my own calling to recorded music or with a talented bunch of musicians collectively known as "The Canny Band" The Canny Band is a four piece ceilidh band who also play for entertainment and concerts. We are available to travel any distance at a price.
We are a Mid Somerset group who enjoy playing and singing a variety of material including Irish and Scottish traditional tunes, modern and traditional songs about the sea and about mining, and popular choruses. We play some of our own compositions too, and often like to try something a bit different.
Our line up includes vocals, fiddle, flute, whistles, mandolin, guitar, percussion and occasionally banjo and harmonica.
We are equally at home in pub sessions, folk clubs, and on stage. Available for concerts, parties, festivals etc.
Demo CD is available, hoping to have our first commercial CD by summer 2009.
The Rum and Kidney band play for barn dances and similar occasions. We're based on the Somerset Dorset border. We'd like to play for your barn dance! Have a look at our web site to find out more.
I have been around the Glos, Somerset, Wilts scene for many years, and now, with greater leasure time, I'm keen to venture further afield. I am available for bookings, if anyone is prepared to take a punt, but I appreciate that people are reluctant to 'come out' for a name they don't recognise, so I am aiming more for support spots to better known acts, or the lower end of festival bills.
Traditional-style accordion and fiddle band, specialising in Scottish Country Dancing.
Contact: Kate Carpenter (RSCDS teacher)
Telephone: 01202 882858
Dance Caller, with or without band. Shaftesbury
Chris and Celia Street have played traditional folk music for many years, performing English, Irish and Scottish folk music, including a little classical music here and there, with Celia lending a vocal harmony. Chris and Celia are skilled musicians and provide excellent entertainment for small parties and functions.
Lively ceilidh band playing music from Scotland, Ireland, England, Europe and beyond. Fiddle, accordion, guitar and percussion. Available for weddings, dances and workshops.
Contact: Kate Carpenter
Telephone: 01202 882858
We are a dorchester based english/celtic folk duo. We perform self penned songs alongside taditional songs and tunes on guitar and fiddle
We provide music from Britain and the Continent for ceilidhs/concerts/incidental music. Line-up includes: Squeezeboxes,hurdy-gurdy, fiddle, mandola, bagpipes, bass
A caller with many years calling experience with all abilities catered for. Your band or hers. Mainly English style barn dancing but all challenges considered! Based in West Dorset: long distances can be a problem but always willing to discuss.
When three fellas got together in 1998 Trefellas was created! We have since played a range of gigs from social clubs to pubs, fields to village halls, dances to concerts and are still going strong in 2007.
We play a celtic mix of folk (Irish, Scotish, French) with some American and a few songs thrown in. We are now a band of 5 with banjo, fiddle, bodhran, guitar and flute as our main instruments but we add border pipes, bass, oboe, mandolas, mandolin, whistles, melodeon and shaky eggs to keep you guessing!
We can be found playing on most Wednesday nights at pubs local to Taunton. We generally play acoustic on Wednesday nights but on bookings at other times play through small amps or our PA depending on the venue.
An experienced caller with a large repertoire of dances old and new. Able to assess the ability of the dancers, and to provide a programme of dances at the optimum level for their enjoyment.
phone 01458 834192
We are not a band but a collection of individual musicians who play on stage together, thus saving all that time of multiple intros. and tuning up. Great value for money for traditional, contemporary and a bit of humour. Guitars and accordian plus a couple of good singers.
The Wessex Ceilidh Band is a highly experienced group led by professional musicians Thomas Gold and Fiona Cormack. We provide some of the most exciting and danceable music in the South West. The size of the Band is up to you: choose from a duo up to a five-piece ensemble. For dancing events, we include a caller who will expertly guide you through the steps. Contact Thomas Gold on 07855 218608
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