The Tradition - Ceilidh Band

This four piece Cork-based group play an exciting mixture of traditional and contemporary Irish folk music dominated by the mystical sounds of the Uilleann pipes.

When they perform at the 'afters' of a wedding, it’s usually in the form of a céilí with a dance-instructor. This works especially well when many of the guests at the wedding are from outside Ireland. Using a radio microphone, the dance instructor will teach the guests some simple Irish dances in an entertaining and light-hearted way. The emphasis here is only on fun and not on perfection of dancing technique! You do not need to know any Irish dancing. 

The band will play for up to 2.5 hours with a short 15 minute break half way through. Songs will also be included between the dances. Full PA and lighting would be used.

Band Options:

5 piece plus dance instructor:

  • Uilleann piper / flute / whistle player
  • Guitar / mandolin player
  • Bodhrán / percussionist
  • Singer
  • Fiddle player
  • The Dance instructor also plays accordion.

4 piece plus dance instructor:

  • Musicians are as above without fiddle player.

Drinks Reception & After Dinner Entertainment:

If you decide to hire the band for both ceremony and céílí, there will be a significant discount. If we were to do this, we would play more laid back background music for the drinks reception (e.g. a lot of O’ Carolan pieces). We would keep the livelier music then for the céilí later on. 

The various members of the group have crossed paths over the years in several different bands and at many a local session and offer:

  • Uilleann Pipes, Panpipes and Quena 
  • Flute, Whistles
  • Guitars and Mandolin 
  • Percussion

If your were to pick a word to describe this group's music it would be 'diverse'. As well as an impressive array of traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany  (and even a little from Peru and Bolivia), they play many of their own compositions.

Although the primary focus of the group is instrumental, some lively and diverse songs are also included in the band's colourful performance.

They will take you on a musical journey from the rugged music of Donegal to the valleys of Cork and Kerry and the driving music of Sliabh Luachra.

Note:

  • Unfortunately, the band is too busy to learn any special requests.
  • Public Liability Insurance certificate can be provided upon request

 

View similar acts:

The Tradition - Ceilidh Band Repertoire

Wedding Ceremony Music

  • Bridal March: Inis Oirr 
  • Two Candles: The Pretty Maid 
  • Psalm: On Eagle's Wings 
  • Gospel Acclamation: Seinn Alleliua 
  • Single Candle: O'Carolan's Sí Beag Sí Mór 
  • Offertry: Ag Críost an Síol 
  • Sign of Peace: Tabhair dom do Lámh 
  • Communion: Ave Maria, Gabriel's Oboe 
  • Register: The Voyage 
  • Recessional: Out on the Ocean

Popular Songs

  • Wild Rover
  • Whiskey in the Jar
  • Fields of Athenry
  • Galway Girl
  • Go Lassie Go
  • Boston Burglar
  • Danny Boy
  • Ride On
  • Black is the Colour
  • Bright Blue Rose
  • Sweet 16
  • Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore
  • Grace
  • City of Chicago
  • The Parting Glass
  • Carrickfergus
  • Dirty Old Town
  • The Contender
  • The Old Man
  • Lakes of Ponchertrain
  • Say You Love Me
  • Fiddlers Green
  • Leaving of Liverpool
    ....and many more


The Tradition - Ceilidh Band Feedback

“The band were absolutely fantastic. far exceeded expectations, had everyone up on the dancefloor for the ceili. everyone kept asking me where i found such a great band. would highly recommend. thanks again for making our wedding weekend so brilliant! ”

Niamh Meade, , Wedding (July, 2018)

“Great band and such fun with the dance instructor getting us all up dancing. They arrived in good time to set up. ”

Tricia Turner, , none (December 2017)

“I'm sorry it has taken me so long to write to you after the wedding but it has been a bit hectic. I just wanted to thank you and the rest of your group so much for the wonderful music you played at our wedding ceremony, it sounded absolutely amazing and it made the ceremony all the more special for us. All of our guests commented on how talented the musicians were and how much it added to the overall ceremony. Thank you again ”

Ann,

“Hi, We are back from honeymoon and had a great time. I just wanted to drop a quick mail to you to thank you and your partner for playing at our wedding. The music was amazing and made the mass so special for us. Everyone commented how beautiful the music was. Also watched the DVD over the weekend and it was so nice to listen to it all again. I hope to be at a wedding in the near future where ye are playing again so I can listen again! Thanks again for making it so special ”

Debbie and Henry,

“Hi guys, Just want to Thank you for providing such perfect music for our wedding, it really made the ceremony. Everybody was asking about you, several wondered did you have a CD? Thanks again ”

Teresa and Joe,

“John and the group were absolutely wonderful and everyone had a ball. John is so multi talented as a musician, Johnny Bongos kept the beat, and Mags McCarthy stole the show with her fiddling and dancing. If any group is looking for the best in Gaelic music......this is the group!!! ”

Jon Colton, , none (July 2017)

The Tradition - Ceilidh Band Videos