The Big Shoogle - ceilidh band with a rocky edge! For over 10 years They've been renowned for their energetic and fun performances at weddings, ceilidhs, corporate events and really at any function with an excuse for a great ceilidh band.
Davie says "We call all of the dances so that everyone can participate, so no previous ceilidh knowledge or experience is required and it's always a great fun getting folks through the steps and even more fun when they mess up! We keep it informal but with clear and concise instruction without turning your event into a dance class... This also provokes a lot of interaction and backchat between the band and the guests which is always great craic.
We play all the popular ceilidh dances which range from jigs and reels, to marches, waltzes, so the tempoes vary so that we don't wear everyone out (or ourselves!) too soon...
Dances like The Gay Gordons, Canadian Barn Dance, Dashing White Sergeant, St. Bernard's Waltz, Strip the Willow, The Virginia Reel, The Circassian Circle, Highland Schottische, Pride of Erin Waltz, The Cumberland Square Eight (!), Hooligans Jig (!) The Flying Scotsman, Military Two Step and many more.. As well as the high energy, traditional tunes, we mash up some rock tunes and riffs in amongst it all which keeps it full of surprises and interesting for audiences as well as for us. It’s kind of our trademark. Our goal being to keep the dance floor full."
And if you'd like a break from the ceilidh dancing, the band are able to play a selection of rock and pop cover songs later in the evening. These are all played 100% live.
The band is a 4 piece, comprising accordion (with midi bass/keyboards), guitar, fiddle, drums, 2 vocals and ceilidh dance caller. However, occasionally they work as a duo or a trio, depending upon an event's requirement or clients' budgets. The accordion/fiddle duo is often booked to play background music at events and dinners.
It'd be our pleasure to play for you.