Should ceilidh bands smile?

Subject: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: CharleyR
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 11:23 AM

Someone suggested to our ceilidh band at a gig last week that, although musically we were fine, we should try and put on more of an 'act' on stage. I think by that they meant something to do with smiling and 'looking like you're enjoying yourselves' (although we do all enjoy playing, so it must not be obvious to spectators).

So I'd be interested to know what you all think about this. Is it important for ceilidh bands to put on some kind of visual act as well as playing good music for dancing to, and what do you like to see bands doing in order to make them look better/more interesting to watch? What can dance bands do to create a visual act?

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 12:00 PM

When people book a ceildh band they want entertainment, so give them it.
If that means wearing matching shirts or waistcoats to look good, then its worth it if they remember you and book you again.

The band I work most with - the Family Band (http://homepages.which.net/~katriona.moulton/index.html) has a humourous approach (mostly at my expense), which seems to go down well.

But more important is the willingness to do whatever is needed, - keep playing dance tunes if the crowd want to dance, play tunes to listen to if they all need a rest, accompany the Birthday boy on his electronic bagpipes (he was good, but the invited guests will appreciate that even if he isn't), or whatever.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 12:04 PM

And, of course, take a good caller with you, who will:-
call suitable dances for the crowd, whatever their age and experience;
encourage everyone to have a go;
and make the evening fun.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: GUEST, Topsie
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 12:21 PM

I can't say I've ever noticed whether the band are smiling or not. I'm generally looking at the other people in my set, or at my partner amd those around me if it's a couple dance.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: breezy
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 12:40 PM

Staying awake does help too.

not smiling is 'attitude'

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: gnu
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 12:40 PM

Most assuredly!! Not that "put on" smile directed AT the audience you see from a lot of performers. Just your own expression of enjoyment, even if it's just tapping your feet and nodding your head with the beat. Smiling and gesturing, however you do it, in acknowledgement of your appreciation of your band mates helps to motivate the crowd. If you are sombre, so are they... even if they like the tunes. Take it up a notch... enjoy!

Laugh and the world laughs with you... applies to more than attitude.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Paul Burke
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 10:55 AM

The flute player should smile. I suspect the rest of the musicians will be too busy getting the music right to worry about their facial expression. Does whoever asked you to smile know how much concentration it takes to play well?

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: GUEST,Dazbo
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 11:37 AM

I certainly think the band should try and look like they're having fun, not necessarily smiling though. I know from my own playing (for morris) that it is hard to smile when you're concentrating on playing but my enjoyment of a ceilidh is enhanced by the band having (or seeming to have) fun too.

Whapweasel are, in my opinion, almost as much fun to watch than to listen or dance to. But they have the advantage of seven members who are not all playing together at the same time so they can have some fun on the stage. Smaller bands, such as a trio like the Bismarcks are working all the time so don't have that possibility.

Also the instruments and amplification makes a difference too: how do you smile when playing a flute, whistle or sax? How much freedom do you have to wander around the stage?

So, try and look like you're having the fun that you are experiencing. It'll go down well and people won't think you're being mardy or bored.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 11:39 AM

Charley, thanks for making a ceilidh bandsman smile. I nearly spat out a kidney when I read the thread title. 'Nuff said.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: radriano
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 11:41 AM

Unless you find yourself appearing on the Lawrence Welk Show, smiling is optional.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: GUEST,Pavane in Amsterdam
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 11:52 AM

Look as if you are enjoying yourselves. We had at least one repeat booking for only that reason - the previous year's band had looked as if they were just playing the notes.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Rasener
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 11:57 AM

If you are enthusiastic, you pass that on to the punters and they pick up on the vibes.
Smiling when you can doesn't hurt aybody, but it goes a long way to making other people feel happy.


I remember an old colleague of mine, never smiled, and one day another colleague suddenly said to me "Bloody hell Norman is smiling. He must have farted"

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: running.hare
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 12:20 PM

If your really into what your doing your eyes & body language shoud provide all the smle you need - U just have to leave all the woes of daily life at the door & go for it.

Last time I consiousely watched a ceidh band member, it was because the dance wasn't gripping & I had time to watch melodeon players fingers & isten to hm - n an attempt to inspire my own playing...
I don't think he was 'smiling' but he was right n the moment & he's playng was a joy to behold - although thinking about it he did grin when he looked yup at fiddlers to judge changes etc...

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 12:26 PM

Glowering all the time never did the late Sir Jimmy Shand any harm!
Giok

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 12:33 PM

when I play for dances I dont think about it and to be honest some musicians faces go through all sorts of contortions when theyre playing,
such as eyebrows going up with the higher notes etc.. it can be pretty entertaining in itself.
but I suppose to look like youre having fun would definitely be good advice.

on another note, some players like Martin Hayes and especially Liz Carroll are fascinating to watch while they perform. They move with the music and almost dance in their seats - and this is felt in turn by the audience.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 01:38 PM

If you can look like Alistair Anderson and play as well you'll have half of the audience swooning (or is it just me?).

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: greg stephens
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 05:27 PM

Definitely smile. If it doesnt come naturally, it can be achieved easily by watching the dancers closely. There will be someone in high heels falling over, some inappropriately attired(mutton dressed as lamb, excessively displays of cleavage, midriff etc). Drunken incompetent male dancers. The sheer enjoyment of people having fun. Some people look so nice that you've just got to smile. Then there are fellow members of the bnad playing bum notes. Or the caller getting mixed up and calling the wrong figure. there is always something to enjoy. Of course you should look as if you are having fun.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Nancy King
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 06:19 PM

I think it's important for any performer to look as if they're enjoying themselves. If they look bored, the audience will be bored too. Putting a little energy in the performance never hurt anyone, though really hoking it up probably isn't necessary or desirable.

My two cents' worth.

Nancy

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Compton
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 09:48 AM

If the band aren't enjoying the Gig / Caller/ Dancers / Organisers/Beer!!..there probably isn't much for a band to be happy about!...It could even be that the band are enjoying being with each other. There is precious little anyone can do about it then!

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Kaleea
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 01:10 PM

I haven't observed many dancers watching band members during the sets. Occasionally, I've been known to pick & grin whilst observing certain sights such as the little & big step-dancing students performing, or the time playing for a Civil-War-era-dress when I noticed that some of the girls dancing in fancy satin hoop skirts with bunches of petticoats had color coordinated rubber thong sandals on their feet.

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: treewind
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 05:27 PM

Many players (me included) don't have much control over their facial expressions when they playing. I'm too busy concentrating on what I'm doing and look quite grim unless I remember to put on a cheesy smile that doesn't last long.

Occasionally in our band Fendragon Dave the fiddler and I have a bit of a laugh that's usually provoked by one of us playing something silly.
Watching the dancers, always a good thing to do anyway, can also be a good source of entertainment at times.

"it could even be that the band are enjoying being with each other"
Certainly - It would be much fun if we didn't!

Anahata

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: Cluin
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 10:41 PM

What th'hell've ye got t'smile about?

`Cept when one of those prancin' nancies trips 'n' falls on 'is face. ;)

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 04:27 AM

As one who has laughed at the antics of some of the dancers while I played [for a short time thank god] in a Ceilidh band. Beware of looking directly at some people too closely, I once had a drunk stagger up to the stage and roar in my face "Are you laughing at me pal!!" His mates dragged him off but he was about to take a swing at me when they did.
Maybe it's just the low dives I frequent.
Giok

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: GUEST,shawn
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 07:28 AM

Subject: RE: Should ceilidh bands smile?
From: GUEST,shawn
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 07:32 AM

Sorry bout that! There was a Manc band in the late 80's called Sharp Practice who got the mix of playing good rocky dance tunes and looning about just about right. Booked 'em three times before they split.