The Buchanan Ceilidh Band comprises highly experienced musicians who are spontaneous and quirky when playing for ceilidhs/barn dances!
Scottish Ceilidh in particular! And Barn Dances!
The Buchanan Ceilidh Band will provide a full Scottish Dance Band traditional sound modelled on the legendary Jimmy Shand Dance Band sound. The full band comprises accordion, fiddle, guitar and bass and plays all the well-known dances one would expect for a ceilidh e.g. the GayGordons, the Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow. But with other fun numbers thrown in if the mood suits e.g. the 500 Miles Dance devised by our band leader, the Paul Jones Dance (2 circles going clockwise and anti clockwise, then meeting a new partner each time for a fun dance).
One of the most important requirements for any ceilidh however is to have a 'good caller' if novices are in attendance and band leader David has much experience of this having played for ceilidhs in Scotland and England now for over 40 years. David has a head-mic which allows him to get on the dance floor and show the dances/arrange the sets, (the hands free mic is key to this!). We pride ourselves on making sure everyone is engaged and knows what they are doing. There is nothing worse than folk getting disheartened if they don't know what they are doing. Our caller David will often stay on the floor for a bit and join sets if help is required!
Although Scottish ceilidh is at the heart of the band's repertoire, all ceilidh dances including barn type dances e.g. the Virginia Reel, the Pattacake Polka are included in the normal set list (see below).
And pops can be thrown in (see below) if the opportunity arises! Particularly during much needed breaks between the dances!
Typical Set List for a Scottish Ceilidh Night
1)Gaygordons
2) Virginia Reel
3) Dashing White Sergeant
4)Canadian Barn Dance
5)St Bernards Waltz (Scottish Waltz)
6) Strip the Willow
7) The Circassian Circle
8)Pattacake Polka
9) Military 2 Step
10)500 Miles Dance
The band was absolutely amazing! We had a brilliant time dancing the evening away! All our guests absolutely loved it, and David got everybody up and dancing.
Great for all ages - from grandparents to small children, everybody had a fantastic time. David's calling was fantastic and the band was wonderful. Couldn't recommend them highly enough.
From the very first, with friendly and quick email exchanges, to the evening itself, the whole thing was marvellous. Toe-tapping, side-splitting laughter, much joy and going the extra mile to make the day special for us - even bringing out the bagpipes to call us all into the barn for the ceilidh. Out of ten, it's a twelve from us!
Event didn't take place because of COVID restrictions
Absolutely fantastic band, David couldn't have done more to make the evening fun and his patience with first timers and children was wonderful. Our friends all commented on how good the music was and we would definitely recommend them..
David and the Buchanan Ceilidh Band were fantastic. They got all the students dancing, and David was very clear in his instructions and we danced the night away until past midnight. David made Hogmanay an unforgettable evening and we’re so grateful for his involvement!
Scottish ceilidh dancing and Scottish songs during the breaks, celebrating everything that is great about traditional Scottish music!
Seeing happy folk who have really enjoyed themselves at the end of each night!
Can bring in bagpipes at any point, and we can also play Scottish pop eg Rod Stewart, The Proclaimers, Wet Wet Wet, Deacon Blue, Waterboys, Amy MacDonald, The Fratellis. Also do traditional Scottish singalongs e.g. I Belong to Glasgow, Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen, Flower of Scotland, Skye Boat Song, Donald Where's Your Troosers etc!
Wedding Ceilidh (usually with a Scottish connection) Any Birthday Party/Wedding Anniversary Burns Suppers,
MacDonald Hotels Group Hilton Hotels Group Golf clubs in Sussex and Surrey Restaurants in Sussex and Surrey
Usually 2-3 hours over the duration of an evening.
Yes
Yes
We can get into tight areas! And can be mobile eg move around a room and play.
Yes! Of course we will aim to do so! As long as not something like Bohemian Rhapsody, we will try!!
Depends on the night. Happy to fit in with whatever is required.
Specialising in Scottish Ceilidh dancing, including the Gaygordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow, Canadian Barn Dance, the Flying Scotsman, the Virginia Reel, and the 500 Miles Celebratory Dance!