Meet The Crew...
 | DEBS, our Caller has been a dancer all her life, and has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge over the years. She can call for novice and experienced dancers alike, and has called for Wedding Ceilidhs at some of Devon’s most prestigious Country Houses. She has even called for a Ceilidh at a converted Napoleonic Fort! At the other end of the scale, she is equally at home calling for Birthday Ceilidhs at local village halls. |
 |
LYNNETTE has a classical background with Violin and Viola, having performed with Orchestras all over the South West, and is no stranger to London's Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall. About 4 years ago she decided to swap her Violin for a Fiddle because Ceilidh Music was more fun! She also plays Flute. Along with John, Lynn is jointly responsible for our arrangements. Lyn quite likes playing in actual barns for Ceilidhs and Barn Dances, but not when it is so cold that the propane heater cylinder is covered in white frost!! Brr!! |
 | MEL, well he just plays Guitar. But it’s his driving rhythm that you find your feet moving to. He likes to think he is in charge, but Lynn and Debs know better. |
 |
JOHN is new to the area, being an import from Kent. He has played Keyboards, Accordion and Bass Guitar in a variety of Bands for most of his life. Possibly his biggest venue to date has been playing with Moondance for the late night Ceilidh at the Guilfest Festival a couple of years ago. He has a vast repertoire of tunes to entertain and get you dancing. As above, John keeps us supplied with sheet music and tune set arrangements. I have only recently discovered that he also plays Saxaphone and Clarinet (hmm, will have to see how we can get them into the act...Klesmer?) Both John and Lynn have an extensive knowledge of musical theory. STOP PRESS !! John now has his ROLAND Accordian, what an instrument! Listen out for instruments like double bass, flute , hammond organ and many more when we are playing :) |
 | MARK, our sound engineer has over 30 years experience and has worked with leading musicians such as Martin Carthy, Liza Carthy, Dr. Faustus, and John Kirkpatrick to name but a few. |
Put this lot together and you have a tight ship guaranteed to give you a good night. | |
WHAT IS A CEILIDH?
Originally, a ceilidh was a social gathering of any sort, and did not necessarily involve dancing. Céilidh music may be provided by an assortment of fiddle, flute, tin whistle, accordion, bodhrán, and in more recent times also drums and electric bass guitar. The music is cheerful and lively, and the basic steps can be learned easily; a short instructional session is often provided for new dancers before the start of the dance itself. In Ireland the first céilidh band was put together in 1926 by Séamus Clandillon, Radio Éireann's director of Music, in order to have dance music for his studio-based programmes
Dancing at céilidhe is usually in the form of céilidh dances, set dances or couple dances. A "Set" consists of four couples, with each pair of couples facing another in a square or rectangular formation. Each couple exchanges position with the facing couple, and also facing couples exchange partners, while all the time keeping in step with the beat of the music. However, about half of the dances in the modern Scots céilidh are couple dances performed in a ring. These can be performed by fixed couples or in the more sociable "progressive" manner, with the lady moving to the next gentleman in the ring at or near the end of each repetition of the steps. In Ireland, the similar style of dance is called céili dance or fíor (true) céili dance. Some of the dances are named after famous historical battles and events, others after items of daily rural life. The "Siege of Ennis", "The Walls of Limerick" and "The Stack of Barley" are popular dances in this genre.
These days, a ceilidh or barn dance is simply a dance party with traditional folk music. It is suitable for all ages and, although the dances are generally quite lively, there will be some suited to the very old or young. The movements may often be made by walking, but it's more fun to dance/step to the tunes. The dancing does not require any experience because a 'caller' explains or demonstrates each dance first — it's easy !
That's why a ceilidh is so good for weddings or gatherings where people are brought together and wish to share a "fun" experience.
Wikipedia has a more detailed explanation of the meaning of 'Ceilidh'.
Contact dawntreadermusic@btinternet.com or Tel: 01803 812387