Tweed in Bourbon
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Description
Tweed in Bourbon are a high energy Folk, Covers, Ceilidh & Americana wedding & events band, based in Dorset.
We believe in crafting valuable, long-lasting memories. We're achieving this by challenging traditional misconceptions about Folk weddings & events - providing both ceilidhs and concerts filled with dancing, joy and celebration!
Our musical genres range from long-established Irish, Scottish and English folk music and ceilidh tune sets - to Americana classics, modern covers (Mumford & Sons, George Ezra, etc) - and even the occasional bit of Britpop! This is alongside unique covers, 'Live Lounge' style chart hits and sometimes our own unique take on folk.
We are one of the few folk bands that offer both ceilidh and concert options; uniquely enabling an exciting mix between the worlds of traditional and modern music. Contact us the learn more and explore availability.
Tweed in Bourbon are the recommended ceilidh band for many UK wedding venues including Larmer Tree Gardens in Wiltshire, and recently were featured in articles published by Whimsical Wonderland Weddings (http://bit.ly/2Ja2ECk) and The Wedding Community (http://bit.ly/2DVDUJM). Reviews are available on this profile, as well as on our Facebook page @TweedinBourbon. You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram!
Our sets are carefully thought out to ensure guests are not only entertained but also up and dancing all night. We balance the order and style of songs performed so that everyone is catered for, and customise each gig to suit clients unique bespoke requirements.
Available to play at your - Wedding, Ceilidh (including Traditional Scottish), Barn Dance, Birthday, Festival or other celebration. We regularly cater for Burns Night, St.Patrick’s Day & other Special Events.
The band consists of:
Andrew Helson (Mandolin, Accordion, Guitar & Vocals)
Frederick Sedgeley (Drum Kit & Cajon drum)
*For larger events (especially weddings and festivals) we have a network of musicians, singers and callers who can add to our sound. Championing our dep musicians are Bronco Hutchings (multi-instrumentalist), Richard Helson (fiddle and vocals), and Emma-Jane Toop (guitar and female vocals).
Your Wedding
Band Format
Typically the band consists of four members. 6 members can be requested, or alternatively, smaller three or two-person line-ups are available. We also work with substitute musicians and a community of callers; If a larger sound is required we bring in dep musicians on a case-by-case basis. For weddings, we offer songs and tune sets for:-
Wedding Ceremony - Background music and entertaining guests | Entrances and walking down the aisle | Signing the register | Grand exits | Atmosphere after the ceremony.
Daytime Entertainment - Guest reception | Between day activities | During photographs | Socialising | Filling the gaps.
Dinnertime - Peaceful, happy eating | Non-interruptive background music | Transitioning the tone from daytime to evening | Entertaining guests.
First Dance - Creating a memorable moment of happiness | Bespoke to your requirements | Songs learnt to your specifications | Band happy to attempt any song requests.
Evening Performance - Dancing, Singing, Audience Involvement, Excitement, Joy! | Sets performed as-per our core setlists, but confirmed with clients and tailored to their requirements/preferences.
Optional disco services are also available on request.
Ceilidhs
Barn dance, hoedown, ceilidh - whatever your country or folk dance requirements, we have options to suit. From the highly traditional, to the unconventional, we have the dances and capability to get everyone on their feet joining in.
For dancing and crowd participation.
Simple clear instructions provided by a highly experienced caller.
Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Tailored to clients event attendees, venue requirements, and musical preferences.
Huge variety of dances available including traditionally requested favourites.
We work with a number of quality callers who can be used for specific themes.
Festivals & Other Events
For large audiences, sets that get crowds involved, amazing atmospheres and 'stop to listen', attention-grabbing music | Reliable musicians, easy to work with, quick to set up and able to collaborate positively with the sound engineer.
Pub / Club / Party Booking
For varying venue sizes and styles, varying occasion demands, adaptable to varying audience types to make for a memorable performance | Fun, happy, non-offensive, family friendly, some sing-alongs and classics | Perfect for Folk dates including St.Patricks Day and Burns Night | Ideal for mini-festivals and seasonal events.
Note, we have public liability insurance and our equipment is PAT tested - certification for both available.
For a full breakdown of our services, the band, booking processes, FAQ and more...
Contact us today for our availability and performance quotes!
Vicky Robinson
• May 26, 2019The band were fantastic, really nice people who went out of their way to make the evening very special! lots of praise for the mix of music, and our old barn was a perfect venue. We would recommend the band to anyone.
Sarah
• June 16, 2018
Tweed in Bourbon came and played at my sisters hen party in Dorset. They were absolutely incredible! We all had the absolute best time and we couldn’t be more grateful. Such a great band!!!! Can’t recommend highly enough.
Jess
• Jan. 1, 2018
We booked Tweed in Bourbon for our wedding on New Years Eve 2017. What an amazing group of musicians they are! The band were simply amazing; from their excellent communication leading up to the event to engaging brilliantly with the crowd on the night. All of our guests commented on how great the band were. We have many wonderful photos and videos of everyone jigging along to a very eclectic range of songs. Wonderful memories - that we will treasure forever!
Jane Poore
• Nov. 24, 2017Booked for our wedding last year, amazing band, perfect set, ran to time and created a phenomenal atmosphere if you want a night you wont forget book this band!
FAQs
Please, describe your act or business in on sentence:
Tweed in Bourbon | A Lively Wedding & Events Folk, Covers, Ceilidh and Americana Band.
What is your competitive advantage (special features)?
Flexibility. That is our ultimate advantage, as, given our range of musical skills, large network of musicians and 'client first' attitude, you are certain to get exactly what you need and more!
What kind of events do you usually serve?
Weddings St. Patricks Day events Burns Night events Birthdays Ceilidh's / Barn Dances Special Occasions Pub Events Festivals
Who are your previous clients?
Brides & Grooms Schools / Colleges / Universities Private Bookings Pubs / Clubs Festivals
How can event planners pay for your services?
Account Transfers, Direct Deposit or Cash
How long do you play for?
The standard is 2x 45 minute set. This however, is a hugely adjustable aspect, and will be customised to your needs.
Do you have your own PA and lighting?
We have everything required to put on a great show - PA desk, speakers, lighting etc... Also, we'll work with the event location to ensure correct setup that works with the environment.
Do you have Public Liability Insurance and PAT tested equipment?
PAT tested and Public Liability Insurance
How much space do you require?
We've performed in some small spaces before, but preferably need at least 10ft (width) and access to power.
My favourite tune is not on your list. Will you be able to play it?
Speak to us, give us notice and yes, theres a good chance we'll be able to learn your song.
How many breaks do you take? How long are they?
In a standard 2x 45min set gig, we will only take a break of around 10-20min between the two sets. For other gigs, this will vary and be discussed prior to the event.
Can everyone dance in a Ceilidh?
That is certainly our aim. Andy is an experienced caller (dance leader), and has run Ceilidhs for every age-range and demographic you could imagine. We have a wide selection of dances, so will always ‘read the room’ and adjust accordingly to get everyone involved.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
We ask for a non-refundable deposit, typically 10-20% of the total (dependant on distance) at the time of booking.
What is a Ceilidh?
Good question, you’ll probably know it better as a barn dance. Essentially a ‘caller' gets your guests up and dancing, explaining and guiding them through each dance. We, the band, then provide tunes to accompany this - normally starting slow and building up as people get to grips with the moves! It’s incredibly good fun and a perfect way to avoid ‘empty dancefloor’ scenarios, with everyone getting involved! You could even share your first dance as part of the Ceilidh.
Set List/Services
Our set list is always evolving, and if you want a particular song(s) learnt, we can cater given enough notice. As an example, some of our more popular songs include;
Johnny Cash Mash-Up
Up To The Riggs (Of London Town)
10,000 Miles Away
Mustang Sally
Whiskey In The Jar
Wake Me Up
Tell Me Ma
Rattlin' Bog
Auld Lang Syne
New York Girls
Rochdale Coconut Dance
Barrels of Whiskey
Lovers Of The Light
Yarmouth Reel
500 Miles
Mairi's Wedding
Roll Away Your Stone
Uncle Penn / Old Joe Clarke
Lion Man
7 Drunken Nights
Irish Rover
Haste To The Wedding
The Sloe
John Ryan's Polka
Scotland The Brave
Irish Washerwoman
Tenpenny Bit
Atholl Highlanders
Cooley's Reel
Wild Rover
Drunken Sailor
Galway Girl
Folsom Prison Blues
Tune For A Found Harmonium
The Bare Necessities
No Diggity Mashup
JCB / Breakfast at Tiffany's
Sweet Home Alabama
Funky Matty Groves & Tunes
Friday I'm In Love
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Take Me Home Country Roads
Budapest / Shotgun / Paradise
and many, many more...
This is only a small portion of our full repertoire, please just ask if you have particular song requirements.