Fire In The Bellies

Ceilidh Band

We’re not a formal Ceili band but rather than be strict with formation dances that have to be by the book, I adapt dances to the level that the audience are at. This means that when they are able for it they keep going themselves and when they’re not able I miss out the complicated bits. End result Lots of Fun!!!

When we play in a pub situation for a typical evening we play 1 x 60 minute spot and 1 x 75 minute spot, which is more than most bands play but at the end of the day, we’re there, with our gear and we might as well carry on and enjoy the evening

Typically we play songs from The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, Fureys, Christy Moore, Wolfe Tones etc etc and mix it up with Polkas, Jigs, Reels and a few O’Carolan Tunes. We like to get people joining in with choruses and we generally create a bit of banter with the audience.

We don’t dress up in uniforms like showbands of old and we don’t do gimmicky ‘plastic paddy’ stuff but we dress as if we are invited guests at the event. That could be collar and tie, smart casual or even jeans and T shirt in some of the pubs as smart casual would stand out 

Our lineup is:
Brendan: Mandola, Guitar, Bodhran, Vocals
Anne: Banjolin, Fiddle, Vocals
Steve: Guitar, Ukelele, Vocals
Paul: Tenor Banjo
Jim: Low whistle, Tin whistle

When we do ceili dances Brendan is the caller and we draft in our friend Stuart on Banjo, Mandolin, Mandola Guitar, quite often our good friend from Cork, Jerry, comes along with his own inimitable fiddle style.