Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)

Subject: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: Ross
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 02:31 PM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-

Present on

FRIDAY 30th JANUARY 2009 – TIME OF YOUR LIFE

The regular monthly ceilidh season continues into its eighth year in the Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 30th JANUARY 2009 with Hitchin-based ceilidh band TIME OF YOUR LIFE. The band are highly regarded both locally and nationally and have been performing since 1984. Led by Barry Goodman (melodeon and calling), the band also features Debbie Chalmers (violin), Steve Poore (guitar), Graeme Meek (bass) and Howard Newton (drums).

Much of their material is traditional, but an increasing number of tunes they use were written by serial tunesmiths Graeme and Barry. Their style is firmly E-ceilidh, designed to make novice audiences feel relaxed and confident, whilst providing drive and energy to the music for the best dance experience. (www.lifeandtimes.info)

Our interval entertainment this month are Verulam Rapper. This St. Albans based rapper team was formed in 2006. They perform the traditional sword dances that originated in the mining villages of the Northumberland and Durham coalfields. The dances are performed at speed by a team of five people, continuously linked by flexible swords called rappers, which are weaved in and out of figures for display, forming intricate pattern and knots, and the occasional lost finger!   

For more information see: http://www.rapper.org.uk/

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish – entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14.

Tickets are available at the door, or in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

There's also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks.   

For more information, visit Information here

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: Ross
Date: 21 Mar 09 - 07:15 AM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-

Present on FRIDAY 27th MARCH 2009 – MR GUBBINS' BICYCLE

The regular monthly ceilidh season continues its eighth year in the Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 27th MARCH 2009 with John Kirkpatrick's five-piece English Ceilidh Band, Mr Gubbin's Bicycle.

The line-up is:
John on button accordion and also calling the dances
Sally Kirkpatrick on stand-up percussion of all kinds
Benji Kirkpatrick on bouzouki and acoustic guitar
Jobie Kirkpatrick on bass guitar
Martin Britnell on trombone and low whistle

The band have been going since the mid 1990's, and came together because they had all been dancing for years around South Shropshire as members of the morris teams The Shropshire Bedlams and Martha Rhoden's Tuppenny Dish. You can tell from the way they play that they all love dancing.

The band's terrific drive is fuelled by John K's firm belief that English Country Dancing should be a joyful romp rather than a dull plod or an earnest waft. By combining his historical grasp of this kind of dancing with a lifetime's experience at knowing what works on the dance floor, John can not only present an unusual selection of material that is fabulous fun to do, but has behind him a dedicated band whose rock-solid tempos and easy musicianship provide a basis for sparkling improvisations that just make you want to keep on dancing.   

"He's in a class of his own for the life he instils into whatever issues from his squeezeboxes." (Froots)

http://www.johnkirkpatrick.co.uk/mrgubbinsbicycle.htm

Our interval entertainment this month are Whitethorn Morris, a ladies North West morris side from Harrow. The side was formed in 1977 and dance in characteristic red, white and blue kits. Their dances are predominantly from Lancashire and Cheshire and the north west of England, performed in inimitable Whitethorn fashion.            http://www.whitethornmorris.com/index.html

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish – entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14.

Tickets are available at the door, or in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

There's also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks.   

For more information, visit http://www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk/

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: Ross
Date: 21 Apr 09 - 03:21 PM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-

Present on

FRIDAY 24th APRIL – ASHA

The regular monthly ceilidh season continues its eighth year in the Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 24th APRIL 2009 with Milton Keynes based ceilidh band ASHA.

Asha is the result of a collaboration to put together a compelling concert and ceilidh band with an eclectic feel. Pete Lockwood's signature synthesiser, sax and drums are layered with Jackie Allen's electric fiddle, Peter Lubbock's electric, bass and classical guitar work and Lynn Swain's flutes and whistles to deliver funky rhythms, soaring melodies and lush harmonies. With a big sound and an equally big heart, Asha deliver an exciting fusion of traditional, jazz, blues, soul and Latin influences. Last time they visited Hitchin they gave an enthralling evening of driving, lively dance music, held together with consummate ease by the caller, Asha's exuberant and delightful fiddle player, Jackie Allen, who will once again be fronting the band.

http://www.shindy.dsl.pipex.com/asha/ashamain.htm

Our interval entertainment this month is St. Neots Sweeps and Milkmaids. The group was formed in 1978 and performs unique dances all made up in traditional style as a local tradition revived. Their dances are regularly performed by the group in May in the St. Neots area, or at festivals and special occasions throughout the year.

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish.

Entry is only £8.00 for adults, £4 for children under 14, £5 for Students, unwaged and Senior Citizens, and £20 for a Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 Children under 14).

Also, the first 6 Students through the doors before 8.00pm will get in FREE! (SU card required).

Tickets are available at the door. There's also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, plus wines and soft drinks.   

For more information, visit http://www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: Ross
Date: 21 May 09 - 02:11 AM

UNICORN CEILIDHS

-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-

Present on


FRIDAY 29th MAY 2009 – THE AARDVARK CEILIDH BAND


The regular monthly ceilidh season continues into its eighth year in the Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 29th May 2009 with THE AARDVARK CEILIDH BAND, who are, without a doubt, one of the most energetic and exciting bands on the English barn-dance circuit.

The dances are called by melodeon and (hammered) dulcimer-player Pete Grassby, with Colin Halliwell on drums, Martin Trewinnard on bass guitar and Pete Laity on that most traditional of folk instruments - the Fender Stratocaster.

'If Led Zeppelin had decided to go into playing ceilidhs in the early '70s this is what they would have sounded like. It warmed the cockles of an old folk-rockers heart!' (Chester Folk Festival, May 2005)

Firmly enjoyed by beginner or seasoned dancer alike, The Aardvarks bring ceilidh dancing into the 21st century with their gutsy, energetic music, that drives your feet, your legs and your body to new extremes.

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish – entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14. Students, Senior Citizens and Unwaged are £5, and a Family Ticket ( 2 Adults and up to 3 Children is only £20.

Tickets are available at the door, or in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261


There's also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks.


For more information, visit http://www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

We look forward to seeing you all.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: Ross
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 12:44 PM

Unicorn Ceilidhs – from Theo

High Energy Public Ceilidhs for Discerning Dancers of all Ages

FRIDAY 26th JUNE 2009 at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX

BOLDWOOD

Back by popular demand, Boldwood is a band forged with a passion: to rescue forgotten dance anthems from dusty manuscripts and put them back to work on the dance floor!

This exciting new 4 piece's repertoire consists entirely of traditional English and Welsh dance tunes, mainly from the 18th century - a golden age for English music, when "folk" and "classical" worlds cohabited easily, arguably for the last time.

Boldwood's unusual line-up of fiddles, accordion and bouzouki is the perfect combination for their folk/classical repertoire, providing a full, lyrical string sound, subtle arrangements, lush harmonies and driving rhythms to move the feet as well as the heart. Boldwood's musicians are classically-trained but also have a wealth of experience in, and a deep understanding of traditional music.

http://www.boldwood.co.uk                  Tonight's caller is JACKIE ALLEN
Also featuring – Letchworth Morris Men – Cotswold Morris at it's best!
Unicorn Ceilidhs run from 8.00pm till late, doors open at 7.30pm

Real Ale Bar, Raffle

Entry Prices: Adults £8, Children (U14) £4, Students & Unwaged £5, Senior Citizens £5, Family Ticket (2 Adults & up to 3 Children) £20

The first 6 Students through the door BEFORE 8.00pm – FREE (SU Card required)

We're back after our summer break on September 25th with STICK SHIFT and ADAM HUGHES
http://www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: Ross
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 03:22 PM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-
Present on

FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2009 â€" STICK SHIFT

The regular monthly ceilidh season continues its eighth year in the Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 25th September with acclaimed Contra dance band STICK SHIFT.

Stick Shift is an exciting dance band that, like all the best overnight sensations, evolved over several years. Nigel and Robbie had played together for a long time in various dance bands and in many a tunes session. Holly's arrival on fiddle and piano turned out to be the catalyst that fused with Nigel and Robbie's pyrotechnical fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar and bass playing of Scottish, Irish and American tunes to produce a driving, melodic sound underpinned by Holly's acclaimed, rock-solid piano.

Holly, Nigel and Robbie share not only a wide range of musical influences and experiences but also an obvious delight in playing together. With Stick Shift driving the dancing, the funky rhythms and infectious melodies of American contra music combine to give both dancers and listeners an exhilarating time -- you'll enjoy the drive! Adam Hughes, an all-round good m/c and caller, will guide the dancers through a mixture of old and new favourites, with some contras thrown in for a bit of a challenge!

Our interval entertainment is from Young Miscellany â€" a group of 5-16 year olds who perform a mixture of traditional dances; country, morris, broom, maypole and rapper to name just a few. Their enthusiasm is infectious, their commitment and skills amazing.

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish â€" entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14. Students, Senior Citizens and Unwaged are £6, and a Family Ticket ( 2 Adults and up to 3 Children is only £20.

Tickets are available at the door, or bookable in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

There’s also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks.

ALSO - Tickets will be on sale for THE BIG CEILIDH - New Year's Eve, Hitchin Town Hall, featuring STOMP and caller Liam Robinson. £25 per head, including Buffet.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 04:41 PM

Well done Ross, well done Ross, well done Ross, well done Ross, well done Ross and well done Ross. Keeping everyone well informed about the dancing.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: Ross
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 04:34 AM

shucks MD

It's nothing - just doing a job

Good dancing everyone

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: Ross
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 11:11 AM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-
Present on

FRIDAY 30th OCTOBER 2009 â€" FENDRAGON

The regular monthly ceilidh season continues its eighth year in the Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 25th September with acclaimed local dance band FENDRAGON.

Fendragon are a stomping good ceilidh band based in Cambridge, who play traditional English folk music, with some Irish, Scottish, French and American influences in a true uplifting ceilidh style.

The lineup comprises Dave Holland, fiddle; Gina Holland, recorder, flute; Anahata, melodeons; Mary Humphreys, electric piano.

The band started when Dave and Gina were the last remaining refugees of an incarnation of the Cambridge University Round Band, after all the other members had scattered far and wide; Mary and Anahata had just moved to Cambridge and were looking for some musicians to start a ceilidh band. http://www.fendragon.co.uk/


They are all experienced dancers, variously with Morris, Molly, North West clog, & rapper groups, plus French and of course ceilidh dancing. http://www.fendragon.co.uk/

Caller for the evening will be the wonderful Barry Goodman â€" a favourite local caller and purveyor of most excellent dances!

Our interval entertainment is Baldock Midnight Morris â€" an enthusiastic mixed Morris side, founded in 1996. They perform dances mainly from the Cotswold region with style and panache, and have recently added a few (Welsh) Border dances to their repertoire.

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish â€" entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14. Students, Senior Citizens and Unwaged are £6, and a Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is only £20.

Tickets are available at the door, or bookable in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

There’s also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks.   

For more information, visit www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk

Tickets are also available for The Big Ceilidh 2009 â€" Thursday 31st December with STOMP and Liam Robinson, plus superb buffet, Champagne raffle, real ale bar and interval entertainment from Whitethorn Morris. Price £25, which includes free entry for one child.

We look forward to seeing you all.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month
From: treewind
Date: 31 Oct 09 - 11:13 AM

"Fendragon are a stomping good ceilidh band based in Cambridge"
Why thank you sir, too kind...

We had a splendid evening and Barry was in cracking form.
Huge turnout too, almost the most they've ever had (not counting the new
year bash which always sells out in advance)

Anahata

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 21 Nov 09 - 11:08 AM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
present
FRIDAY 27th NOVEMBER 2009 â€" COCK & BULL

IMPORTANT NEWS â€" Due to the vagaries of the licensing system, we do not have a licence for Friday’s Ceilidh, so it will be a bring-your-own-beer night. Soft drinks will be available, as usual, from the Bar. We are sorry about this, and hope you will understand.

EVEN MORE IMPORTANT NEWS â€" Tickets will be on sale for THE BIG CEILIDH â€" our New Year’s Eve dance at Hitchin Town Hall with STÖMP and caller Liam Robinson.

Tickets are £25 per person (includes free entry for one child, extra children £10), with a superb buffet, Champagne raffle, and Whitethorn Morris

Don’t leave it too late, tickets are selling fast!

(If you can’t make it to the dance tickets can be purchased from 01582 733113 (days) â€" subject to availability)

-------------------------

After nearly 30 years experience on the professional folk scene, The Cock & Bull Band are widely recognised as one of the top ceilidh and barn dance bands on the circuit, and their dances offer a treat, no matter how many times you have seen them. Always prepared to surprise and delight, the quality of the band's music guarantees an amazing time for their audience, be they beginners or the most expert dancers.

The Cock & Bull Band have now been performing as a ceilidh band for over twenty years, and they still give as much energy and life to their performances as when they had just begun. They well deserve the high reputation they have built up over the years for playing both brilliant, stomping dance music.   

http://www.randomband-agency.com/pages/cockandbull.html

Caller for the evening will be PETE REES â€" a favourite caller at festivals and dances up and down the country, fast becoming something of a legend!

Our interval entertainment is Hertfordshire Holly, one of this area’s finest mixed clog morris display sides. They dance mainly in the traditional style of the North-West of England, using belled sticks, wavers or slings. www.hertfordshireholly.org.uk

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish â€" entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14. Students, Senior Citizens and Unwaged are £6, and a Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is only £20. The first 6 Students (SU card holders) before 8.00pm get in free!

http://www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk/

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 07:38 AM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-
Present on
FRIDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2010 â€" THE SIMON CARE TRIO
The regular monthly ceilidh season continues its ninth year in the magnificent Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 26th February with the wonderful SIMON CARE TRIO.
The Simon Care Trio is the acoustic wing of legendary ceilidh-rockers Tickled Pink, yet they still deliver all the energy and drive of the big band, just without the volume! Described by the renowned caller Hugh Rippon as “one of the most danceable bands he has worked withâ€쳌, the Simon Care Trio features Simon on melodeons, Gerald Claridge from Asha on acoustic guitar, Guy Fletcher from Little Johnny England on fiddle and Jim Moray on piano. (Yes, there are four of them….)
Drawing on a repertoire of familiar traditional and contemporary country dance music, this mostly acoustic line-up has plenty of punch and drive to enthuse dancers of all abilities.
In charge of the dances, as well as the acoustic guitar, is Gerald Claridge, caller extraordinaire, with a wide repertoire of most excellent dances to share with the audience.
Our interval entertainment this month is Phoenix Morris, an enthusiastic Side of Morris dancing men and women perched on the edge of London in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. They dance traditional Cotswold Morris, with some dances they have developed themselves, based on traditional Cotswold styles such as Adderbury, Bledington and Stretton-under-Fosse.
http://phoenix-morris.co.uk

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish â€" entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14. Students, Senior Citizens and Unwaged are £6, a Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is only £20.

And, the first 6 Students through the doors before 8.00pm get in FREE! (SU card required)

Tickets are available at the door, or bookable in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

There’s also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 01:14 PM

Potton ale is always yummy.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 03:22 AM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-

Present on

FRIDAY 26th MARCH 2010 â€" GECKOES

The regular monthly public ceilidh season continues its ninth year in the magnificent Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 26th March with the outstanding band GECKOES.

Geckoes are in the front rank of the bands on the English Ceilidh scene. Evolving out of the country dances of the British Isles, Europe and America, the style of dancing is typified by its exuberance, and Geckoes' music has all the energy and style that it takes to fill a floor with hundreds of delighted - if somewhat sweaty - dancers. Geckoes are a favourite attraction at dance clubs and regularly bring their exciting music to major folk festivals including Sidmouth, Towersey, Warwick, Whitby... and many others.

The band features Andy Cheyne on bass guitars, acoustic guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and fiddle, Andy Turner on anglo concertinas and one-row melodeon, Caroline Ritson on fiddle, Dave Parry on melodeons and Tom Miller on electric and acoustic guitars & keyboards.   Caller for the evening will be Alan Simpson.

Our interval entertainment this month is Step Clog dance side Stony Steppers, based in Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes. First formed in 1997, they have developed into a strong, enthusiastic dance side. Step clog dancing involves fast and intricate percussive steps, wearing clogs with wooden soles and leather uppers.   The side dances traditional step clog in a variety of styles, mostly from the north of the British Isles, including steps from Lancashire, Durham, Lakeland and East Fife. Some of the dance steps even originate from America.

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish â€" entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14. Students, Senior Citizens and Unwaged are £6, and a Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is only £20.

And, the first 6 Students through the doors before 8.00pm get in FREE! (SU card required)
Tickets are available at the door, or bookable in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

There’s also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 02:33 AM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-
Present on

FRIDAY 30th APRIL 2010 â€" THE WATCH

The regular monthly public ceilidh season continues its ninth year in the magnificent Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 26th March with the outstanding band THE WATCH.

The Watch is a three piece band playing music for English dances. They are Gareth Kiddier (ex - Bismarcks) playing stompy piano, driving the percussive and rhythmic feel; Dan Quinn, who was at the forefront of the English country music revival in the 1980s, being a founder member of Flowers and Frolics and Gas Mark 5, on melodeons, and Rob Murch (of The Dartmoor Pixie Band) on banjo. They play the tunes, play around with the tunes, and get you dancing. All three have played on the English music scene for many years and are keen advocates of the importance of re-engaging with our own musical tradition. Most of the tunes are English, although there are imports from Quebec and Cajun styles. They have also taken tunes from the 'end-of-the-pier' tradition where the banjo was so important. Rob has re-invented many of these tunes to make them work for dancing.

Our caller is the wonderful and experienced SHEENA MASSON, who divides her time between calling and playing in bands herself.

The Pirton Appalachian Clog Dancers grew from workshops run by dance teacher Kerry Fletcher, once a month on Saturday mornings in the village hall at Pirton, near Hitchin. Appalachian dancing is a form of folk dancing developed in the Appalachian Mountains of North America, where it is still popular today. Generations of settlers from all over Europe took their traditional dance steps and music with them to the New World, where they were blended together with the rhythms of African slaves and the dance steps of Cherokee Indians. You can see them perform during the ceilidh interval.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 01:59 PM

Gareth Kiddier is a busy man... he's playing with Polkaworks at the Haddenham ceilidh the night after!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 24 May 10 - 02:32 PM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-
Present on

FRIDAY 28th MAY 2010 â€" MOONDANCE

The regular monthly public ceilidh season continues its ninth year in the magnificent Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 28th May with the outstanding band MOONDANCE.

MoonDance provide a truly unique ceilidh experience. Imagine the accessibility of traditional dance music combined with power of rock and funk music. Unlike many ‘electric’ barn dance bands, the MoonDance sound is more than just an acoustic folk band grafted onto a pub-rock rhythm section. The music has been developed as true fusion of the best of traditional and modern dance rhythms. The band line-up is usually a six-piece featuring the electric guitar of Brian Heywood; the virtuoso electric fiddle playing of Mark Knight or Siân Phillips; the keyboards or fiddle of Tom Fairbairn; James Asher on drums and Paul Francis on bass guitar.    http://www.moondance.org.uk/

Our Caller is Dave Townsend, one of the UK’s leading exponents of social dance, and an expert on West Gallery Music. He is much in demand at festivals and dance hall around the country.

Our interval entertainment this month is the unusual ladies Morris side, Old Mother Redcaps. They’re a friendly women's dance side, which began in 1981, performing Garland dances from the Isle of Man traditions.

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish â€" entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14. Students, Senior Citizens and Unwaged are £6, and a Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is only £20.

And, the first 6 Students through the doors before 8.00pm get in FREE! (SU card required)
Tickets are available at the door, or bookable in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261
There’s also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 02:27 PM

UNICORN CEILIDHS-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-
Present on

FRIDAY 25th JUNE 2010 â€" TIME OF YOUR LIFE

The regular monthly public ceilidh season continues its ninth year in the magnificent Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 25th June with TIME OF YOUR LIFE, an English Country Dance Band based in this area who will be well known to many ceilidh enthusiasts. They have a vast amount of experience of playing E-Ceilidhs and barn dances for all sorts of dancers from beginners to the very experienced. A five-piece band (melodeon, flute, guitar, bass & drums) with a lively, exciting style of playing, Time of Your Life plays tunes for dancing from within the English tradition, and tunes composed in the traditional style by band members, Barry Goodman and Graeme Meek.

The band has been working since 1984, and has travelled as far afield as Yorkshire, Herefordshire (The Putley Ceilidhs), Norfolk & Kent.

As well as playing in the band, Barry Goodman also acts as caller, quickly making novice audiences feel relaxed and confident with his clear but relaxed style of teaching the dances. Experienced English Ceilidh dancers also enjoy Barry’s choice of familiar and unusual dances in the English traditional style.

Our interval entertainment this month is The Outside Capering Crew, about whom it has been said:

“Let (young people) take their lead from a group like The Outside Capering Crew and present English morris with, as they say, contemporary verve.â€쳌 - Poet Ian McMillan on BBC Radio 4's You and Yours, Jan 2009

“I caught sight of The Outside Capering Crew... dancers ran at each other, shouting 'Look out, I'm coming in' and 'Aaaarrgghh'. It was compelling and edgy.â€쳌 - Author Richard Lewis in The Magic Spring.

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX. Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish â€" entry is only £8.00 for adults and £4 for children under 14. Students, Senior Citizens and Unwaged are £6, and a Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is only £20.

And, the first 6 Students through the doors before 8.00pm get in FREE! (SU card required)
Tickets are available at the door, or bookable in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 03:07 AM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-
Present on

FRIDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2010 â€" CHALKTOWN

The regular monthly public ceilidh season returns to the magnificent Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 24th September with the wonderful locally-based band CHALKTOWN.

Chalktown are an innovative dance band, their style combining the various folk, rock and jazz influences of the band members to create a very danceable sound. Springing from the ashes of the legendary Gas Mark Five, Chalktown have now established their own name with fine original tunes and fiery improvisations from some of the best players on the scene.

Imaginative arrangements of traditional tunes, together with haunting original pieces, have produced a set that is good to listen to as well as dance to. The band features Rob Gifford on percussion, Michael Davidson on bass and guitar, Dave Blackmore on clarinets and Paul Scourfield on melodeon.

As fRoots magazine said ‘Chalktown are “Good for the Feet!!’â€쳌. The caller is the nationally renowned Pete Rees.

This month’s interval entertainment comes from ‘TAPPALACHIAN’ â€" Appalachian Clogging is a fun and lively form of percussive dance from the Appalachian Mountain region on the eastern side of the USA.

When the English, Scottish and Irish settled there they took with them a rich tradition of music, song and dance. Some of the step dance traditions were thrown into the melting plot of the multi-ethnic community along with dances brought over with the slaves and some of the native Cherokee Indian ritual dance steps. Out of this pot has come a truly American form of step dancing that, at present, is enjoying a healthy return to some of its original sources in Britain, proving it to be a thriving, living tradition. http://www.tappalachian.co.uk/

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 1HX.

Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish.

There’s also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks.   

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW PRICING STRUCTURE:-

£8 for adults. £5 for the under 18’s. £7 for Senior Citizens (65+). £6 Students (SU card required) and unwaged, and only £20 for a Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children).

And, the first 6 Students through the doors before 8.00pm get in FREE! (SU card required)

Tickets are available at the door, or you can reserve in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

Tickets will also be on sale for THE BIG CEILIDH ’10 on Friday 31st December 2010, with

Dan Quinn, Nina Hansell and Gareth Kiddier, plus caller Sheena Masson.

Interval entertainment is from WINDSOR MORRIS.

And there will be, as usual, our renowned Buffet, Grand Champagne Raffle and Real Ale Bar.

Tickets £25 (includes free entry for one child)

For more information, visit http://www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk/

We look forward to seeing you all.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 02:16 PM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-
Present on

FRIDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2010 â€" ENGLISH REBELLION

English Rebellion have been playing together since 2002. Solidly rooted in the English playing tradition, between them the band members have over 100 years of playing in high-class ceilidh bands all over the country.English Rebellion is - Mary Barber, Fiddle; Nick Barber, Melodeon, Horn, Recorder; Anahata, Melodeon, Anglo Concertina, Cello; Mary Humphreys, Electric Piano, Banjo, English Concertina.The tunes they play are mostly lively dance tunes of English origin, but they're not afraid to pinch material from other sources or use ones of their own. Whichever they are, the aim is to produce an infectious rhythm that will have you tapping your foot, and up and dancing before you know it! Unicorn Magazine said of their recent CD ‘Four Across’ â€" ‘The musicianship here is impeccable, with subtle interplay between the melody instruments, as each takes the lead, whilst the cello, horn and piano add depth and rhythm...’
http://www.englishrebellion.co.uk
>

Cambridge’s Adam Hughes is tonight’s caller, and he will oversee the running of the evening and generally make it go with a swing - as well as instructing the dancers. No previous knowledge of dancing is required, dancers of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Our interval entertainment this month is WICKET BROOD, a mixed side who principally perform dances in the Border Morris tradition, which originate from a number of sources, including some performed by original Border Morris teams from Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire. The dances are undertaken with stout sticks, either long or short, depending on the dance, and their costumes are based on traditional sources in a mix of purple, green and black. In common with many Border Morris sides, their faces are painted, originally thought to be a form of disguise.            http://www.wicketbrood.org.uk/
Tickets will be on sale for THE BIG CEILIDH 2010 â€" Unicorn's Grand New Year’s Eve party dance featuring finest English ceilidh musicians Dan Quinn, Nina Hansell and Gareth Kiddier, and top caller Sheena Masson. Combined with our usual real ale bar, free buffet, and a champagne raffle, this is an event not to be missed! Tickets are only £25, which includes free entry for one child. Tickets are also available by calling 01582 733113 or 724261.

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX.

Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish â€" entry is only £8.00 for adults and £5 for the under 18’s. Senior Citizens are £7, Students and unwaged are £6, and a Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is only £20.

And, the first 6 Students through the doors before 8.00pm get in FREE! (SU card required)

Tickets are available at the door, or reservable in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

There’s also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 06:37 AM

THE BIG CEILIDH 2010

NEW YEAR’S EVE

31st December 2010 8.00pm â€" 12.30am
It is well known that dancing can be a lot more fun than serious workouts; it can lift your mood, relieve tension and stress, and serves as an outlet for your creativity. Ceilidh dancing is a great way to meet new people, make new friends â€" just ask anyone who’s been to a ceilidh!
What better way to spend New Year’s Eve, then, than at a Unicorn Ceilidh, where you can share the experience of ceilidh dancing with a friendly crowd of all ages, enjoy good food, good company, good beer, and see the New Year in with style.
With a specially formed band â€"
With Dan Quinn, Nina Hansell and
Gareth Kiddier, and caller Sheena Masson
Interval â€" Windsor Morris
at
Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX
Superb Buffet • Grand Champagne Raffle • Real Ale Bar
Properly Sprung Dance Floor • Dancing ‘till 12.30am
Big Ceilidh tickets £25 (includes free entry for 1child)
(Extra children £10)
Tickets available now from:
01582 733113 (Day) 01582 724261 (Evening)
Unicorn Ceilidhs, Serif House, 10 Dudley Street, Luton. LU2 0NT.
CALL NOW, TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST (entry by ticket only)

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 06:41 AM

Ross,

Can you tell me the difference between a 'properly sprung'& 'improperly sprung' dance floor? From my limited experience, I'd say CSH is properly sprung, both upstairs & down.

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 07:44 AM

Hi there - no, sorry I can't - many apologies

I just pass on the message sent to me by the organisers

I just hope this thread encourages people to go out and enjoy themselves

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 05:06 AM

UNICORN CEILIDHS
-HIGH ENERGY PUBLIC CEILIDHS FOR DISCERNING DANCERS OF ALL AGES-
Present on

FRIDAY 25th MARCH 2011 – THE AARDVARK CEILIDH BAND

The regular monthly public ceilidh series continues its tenth season in the magnificent Ballroom at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday 25th March with The Aardvark Ceilidh Band - without a doubt, one of the most energetic and exciting bands on the English barn-dance circuit…

The Aardvarks have established a reputation for delivering traditional dance music in a high-energy style. Whether playing acoustic or electric instruments, this band rocks!

Featuring Pete Grassby - melodeons, hammered dulcimer, calling; The founder member of Aardvark, Pete collects many tunes and dances during his travels and brings them to the band. He also plays for and dances with Coventry Morris and has been known to call for other bands. Pete Laity - guitars, mandolin, Appalachian dulcimer. While being equally competent on a range of acoustic and electric stringed instruments, he has become widely recognised for playing with Aardvark on that most traditional of folk instruments - the Fender Stratocaster. Martin Trewinnard - bass, flute, whistles. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist (concertina, various wind instruments, guitars etc.) but mainly provides the bass in Aardvark. Colin Halliwell – percussion. Colin is widely known on the folk-dance circuit, having 'served his apprenticeship' with other ceilidh bands over many years, before joining Aardvark on drums and percussion.

http://www.theaardvarks.co.uk/

March's interval entertainment is from Bedfordshire Lace - a female side, with musicians of both sexes, formed in 1981 to dance Morris in the 'Cotswold' or 'South Midlands' style. Their repertoire is based on dances collected in the early C20th from villages in the Cotswolds (hence 'Cotswold' style). They have used the dances of Ilmington as a core, but have adapted them to their own style and have over the years composed many new dances in the same tradition. They usually have a second tradition which changes from time to time, and this is currently based on the dances of Adderbury.

http://www.bedfordshirelace.org.uk/

Unicorn Ceilidhs take place on the last Friday of the month at
Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1HX.
Doors open at 7.30 for an 8.00 p.m. start, with an 11.30 p.m. finish – entry is only £8.00 for adults and £5 for the under 18's. Senior Citizens are £7, Students and Unwaged are £6, and a Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is only £20.

The first 6 Students through the doors before 8.00pm get in FREE! (SU card required)
Tickets are available at the door, or reservable in advance from 01582 733113 / 724261

There's also a real ale bar, with a selection of beers from the Potton Brewery, and soft drinks

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 20 Sep 11 - 11:00 AM

It's Unicorn Ceilidhs time again!

Friday 30th September is the start of our Autumn Season, at Hitchin Town Hall, with its wonderful sprung dance floor. And we have the first of our Special Nights to start the ball rolling - once a year we'll organise one of the top bands in the country, and a really great caller.There'll be a slightly increased admission price on these nights.

This time we have the superb PolkaWorks with the famous Dave Hunt, calling for his 200th band! This is what we put in the publicity leaflets:
_____________________________________________________________________
Friday 30th September: **Special Night**

PolkaWorks with caller Dave Hunt.

Don't miss this folk Supergroup - they don't do many gigs, and we're lucky to get them! Nina Hansell (fiddle), Fi Fraser (fiddle), Jeannie Harris (melodeon), Sue Harris (hammered dulcimer), Katie Howson (melodeon / harmonica) and Gareth Kiddier (keyboards and token male) combine to produce an amazing sound - guaranteed to lift your spirits!

Dave has been calling for over thirty years, and is recognised as one of the country's top callers. The combination of Dave and the band promises to make it a night to remember!

Interval: New Esperance Morris - hugely talented, energetic and generally splendid!

We look forward to seeing you all - don't worry if you don't have a partner, or have never been before - there are always other singles looking for dance partners, and the caller will make sure on the walk-through that everybody understands what to do. And then you're off!

There's a Real Ale bar, clean loos and our superb sprung dance floor - dance all night without a qualm.

See www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk for details, or ring me if you'd like to have a chat.

DO FORWARD THIS TO ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE INTERESTED - Thanks.

Alan Creamer

01582 733113 (w)

Subject: RE: Hitchin, Herts CEILIDH - end of month (UK)
From: Ross
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 07:47 AM

The next UNICORN CEILIDH is on Friday week - 30th March at Hitchin Town Hall, and we have the excellent JIGALOTS with Cat Kelly calling.

Jigalots is a 4-piece band with 12 instruments between them, playing mostly traditional English music with influences from Medieval, Renaissance, French and Irish. Their eclectic range of music dates from 14th century to the 21st with a few self-penned tunes thrown into the repertoire.

Cat has a lifetime's experience of folk dancing and this is reflected in her approach to performing; as a caller her infectious enthusiasm quickly entices people on to the dance floor.

Interval: English Miscellany.

Don't forget to bring your LOYALTY CARD to be stamped - or pick one up from the door. This is the last chance to start as you need four stamps between now and June to receive the discount of £1.50 in the autumn.

We look forward to another great night of dance!

Alan