The
Old Mettle Dance Band plays for barn dances in and around North
Oxfordshire. We perform for wedding receptions, sports and social clubs
and
private parties and provide a whole evening of entertainment based on
traditional English music and dance with a modern twist. We also
provide music for a whole range of outdoor events including fetes,
festivals and historical re-enactments. We have also
performed at venues ranging from folk clubs to museum foyers.
Our usual six piece line up includes
melodeon, concertina, saxophone, fiddles, whistle, flute, bass guitar, lead guitar and a variety of
percussion. We play and teach a range of dances mainly from the tradition of
English country dancing, most are lively some are more relaxing. We have
also specialised in dance music from the period of the English Civil
War and can provide a programme of period music specially tailored to
the needs of groups interested in historic dance.
All we
need is a large hall or barn and somewhere to plug in then the fun
starts. We have our own caller who will take your guests through the simple
instructions for each dance and keep them all on track as the music
begins. While the dancers get their breath back we step forward with a
selection of tunes for listening to and the occasional dance display. The
normal format is an evening which begins around 8.00 p.m. and ends
around midnight, however, this can be varied to suit your needs. Most
organisers
put in a supper break mid-way through the evening.
Some
of our musicians play in other local bands including Fat Freddy's Cat,
Chaemeleon and Paperback Writers as well playing for local dance
teams:Bloxham and Adderbury Morris and Mr. Street's Rapper. All members
of the band have lives outside folk music and the line up includes an
architect, a software engineer, an archaeologist, a teacher, a law
student and a press officer. You will be in good hands!
Click below to hear us play a couple more of our medleys.
Are
you planning a family celebration, a staff party or a winter festival
event like Twelfth Night or Valentine's Day? Why not warm up the
evening with some music, dancing and traditional festivities?
We will be happy to
discuss your individual requirements and quote you a fee for an event, email us
here
or phone Verna on 01295 758222.
Old Mettle
