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THE elusive BLACK DOG
Ceilidh Band
GALLERY GALLERY
At every gig we see people taking photos so we decided to invite them to submit their pics for inclusion in our gig gallery.
This is a new venture but we are sure the idea will take off.
These are the gig pix submitted so far:
1. WINTER WARMER CEILIDH - BOURNE CORN EXCHANGE - January 2011 (submitted by Frank Emonds)
BAND Setting off for home after a gig in the Lincolnshire Fens an old fellow we’'d seen at dances before stopped us in the car park.
“"I like it when you play.”" he said.
“"But I never know where you are going to turn up next. You’'re harder to get a sight of than Hairy Jack!”"
A quick search revealed that, all over England, for as long as people can remember, there have been sightings of a mysterious black dog.
In Norfolk, it is known as Black Shuck, in Lincolnshire ... Hairy Jack!!
So – we are as elusive as that fabled black dog eh?
And that is how our name came to be ....
THE elusive BLACK DOG Ceilidh Band
MEET THE BAND Black Dog is a punchy five piece band based in the Eastern Counties.
This live band plays traditional and original dance tunes and provides a caller to take you through the dances.
We carry all our own sound and lighting equipment which is all annually PAT tested for electrical safety and we also have full public indemnity insurance.
Our only requirements are a place to play, a safe supply of electricity and some enthusiastic dancers!
Band members have a wealth of experience playing in bands of different genres; not only in UK but also in Ireland, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, India and USA.
Our experience means we are available for an event in virtually any venue you care to name including weddings, private parties, celebrations, fund raisers, corporate events and festivals.
Click below to meet each member of ........
THE elusive BLACK DOG CEILIDH BAND
DANCE CALLER THE DANCE CALLER
Chris is the "Dogs" dance caller.
Chris is the chap who fronts the band at a Black Dog gig and he is commonly described as "lively !!"
He has a knowledge of traditional dances from all over The British Isles and is able to draw upon these to make sure the evening runs well.
The caller makes sure each dance is well explained and is suited to the people on the floor. He walks and talks the dancers through the dance. When the band starts, the caller continues to help the dance along until a shout of, "“Now you'’re on your own!" signals that the dancers have got it and the band can really let rip. Having called for dancers at primary school parties (where everyone is a complete novice) through to full blown festivals (where seasoned dancers know each dance almost before it is introduced) and everything in between, you can rely upon Black Dog’s' caller to pitch the evening to the dancers’ abilities.
Prior to an event, our caller will contact you to confirm final arrangements and to check if there are any particular requirements such as a special dance or piece of music.
Black Dog’s caller has a lengthy history of involvement with ceilidh bands and has, in the past, also played drums with blues, rock and Cajun outfits both here and abroad.
LEAD MUSICIAN THE LEAD MUSICIAN
Pete is Black Dog’s' lead musician and is second to none!
He is an accomplished folk singer and player in his own right and has a long history in the music world.
He plays folk and roots music on fiddle, melodeon, cajun accordeon, mandolin, tenor banjo, acoustic guitar, saxophone keyboard and bass guitar, but not all at once. He has wide experience of folk, roots music: 50's and 60's style rock, ceilidh band, traditional French, traditional English, traditional Irish, old timey and Appalachian, morris, clog and sword dancing music, accompanying songs, and also Cajun music and dance. He sings at local venues and occasionally plays and calls with other bands.
This bloke also teaches music on acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin and melodeon.
The Lead Musician plays mainly fiddle and melodeon in Black Dog.
Each set of dance tunes is usually started up by our Lead Musician who keeps everything reasonably simple while the dance is being called.
Just wait until the dance really gets going to see what he can do!
GUITARIST THE GUITARIST
There are those who say that Gavin was born with a plectrum in his hand, such is his liking for the magic six strings.
It’s the solid electric guitar work from Black Dog’'s guitarist which gives the band that distinctive, full, rocky sound able to drive both the tune and the dancers.
Equally at home on bass guitar, keyboard or even drums, he sticks to his electric guitar in this line-up, alternating between solid support work for the lead musician or taking over with some blistering lead breaks.
Much of Black Dog’s versatility is down to our guitarist’'s experiences -– his popularity and the respect in which he is held means he is in constant demand with other bands who are keen to use his services if Black Dog are not performing.
Like all Black Dog players, he has a wide musical taste and understanding. This wider appreciation means the band is able to offer that much more at special functions.
If this band is having a night off, it’s a fair bet that the guitarist will be “somewhere in the world” giving his best.
The next time you actually track down The elusive Black Dog Ceilidh Band, take a good look at the guitarist and his instrument; together they have travelled the world playing in tribute bands and dance bands at major events well beyond the reaches of Ryan Air!
BASSIST THE BASSIST
Our bassist, Dom, discovered the joy of ceilidh bands by accident.
A couple of Black Dog musicians were, at one time, playing in another band whose bass guitarist was taken ill a couple of days before a gig.
After a few frantic phone calls, the name of a fellow reputed to be “pretty understanding” on bass guitar was offered so he was contacted.
Although he'’d never played in a ceilidh band before, it was evident that he liked the music and the music liked him!
He continued to play in rock bands but found himself increasingly in demand on the ceilidh circuit.
It was inevitable that he should find himself playing with Black Dog where he is now deeply entrenched.
The bass guitar in a band is best described as being viewed in the same way as the foundations of a building –- the foundations are not that noticeable because they are underneath but the building would crumble if they weren’'t there.
That’'s just the same with Black Dog's bass playing - – if it wasn'’t there, we would have no solid foundation and that mighty wall of sound would just crumble.
DRUMMER THE DRUMMER
Two other members of Black Dog are also drummers with very long pedigrees but both of them take their hats off to Bill, the band’'s “man at the back.”
Black Dog'’s drummer has pounded away at the skins for more years than he can remember. He has worked in all sorts of musical line-ups and is equally at home in rock bands as well as ceilidh bands.
This chap is one of the most useful drummers on the circuit – and we couldn’'t manage without him.
It’s no surprise to discover, though, that he is also an accomplished harmonica player and singer.
VISITORS VISITORS
You might like to post a comment here, having seen The Dogs in action, or after visiting this site. Whatever you have to say, leave the message here.
LISTEN LISTEN TO THE elusive BLACK DOG
Yes - you've worked it out!
The Dogs sing, jig and reel.
A few glasses of giggle juice usually help them along but, in fairness, these demo tracks were recorded on a very cold Sunday morning when hot coffee was more on order than frisky liquid.
Probably, enough of that kind of stuff had been swallowed at the previous night's gig!
GIGS WHERE ARE THE ELUSIVE BLACK DOG PLAYING NEXT?
A lot of Black Dog's gigs are at private functions, especially birthday parties and wedding receptions but, listed below are the public gigs currently in our diary.
Saturday 17 March
Branston Junior School (Nr Lincoln) - St Patricks Night Ceilidh - Tickets 01522 880555
Friday 1st June
Rippingale Village Hall - Queens Jubilee Weekend Celebration Ceilidh - Tickets 01778440444
Saturday 2nd June
Edenham Village Hall - Queens Jubilee Weekend Celebration Ceilidh - Tickets 07976 578877
Sunday 3rd June
The Blue Bell, Easton on the Hill - Queens Jubilee Weekend Celebration Ceilidh - Tickets 01780 763003
Fri 10 - Mon 13 August
Broadstairs Folk week
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St PATRICKS CEILIDH St PATRICKS NIGHT CEILIDH
Saturday 17 March - Branston Junior School, Near Lincoln
St Patricks Night is always a good excuse for a party and this year it's going to be great because it's on a Saturday night!
This function is being organised by the school's PTA so, in addition to joining "The Dogs" for a rip roaring ceilidh, you'll be helping the school raise some much needed cash.
To book tickets telephone 01522 880555 or email enquiries_branston-junior.lincs.sch.uk
LATEST NEWS LATEST NEWS DVD Recording
What a terrific night this year’s Winter Warmer Ceilidh turned out to be!
Once again, a complete sell–out and brilliant set of support acts.
As an added bonus, the entire gig was filmed in preparation for The Dogs new promo DVD.
We all now eagerly await the first viewing once editing has taken place.
There will be footage both on this site and on You Tube.
Look out for more news!
CONTACT HOW TO CONTACT US
You can get in touch with the band in several ways.
If you want to talk to us, just phone one of these numbers
a) 01778440444 (landline)
or
b) 07973711746 (mobile)
If you want to send an email, our address is elblckdg_aol.com
If you want to make brief contact, just complete the form on this page and click "send"
We promise we will reply to you.
WINTER WARMER 
THE WINTER WARMER CEILIDH - January 2011
A selection of photos kindly provided by Frank Emonds who enjoyed the gig immensley.
Contact Frank on
fnlemonds_btinternet.com
CLICK MOUSE ON ANY PIC TO SEE A FULL VERSION
EDENHAM JUBILEE CEILIDH EDENHAM JUBILEE CEILIDH Sat 2nd June
An action packed Jubilee Saturday is promised for the people of Edenham - a village between Bourne and Grantham.
Games, stalls and a live Jazz Band in the afternoon pave the way for the village's evening ceilidh with The Dogs in their village Hall
There will be a licensed bar and an evening barbecue.
To book tickets:
Phone 01778 591209 or 07976579977
RIPPINGALE JUBILEE RIPPINGALE JUBILEE CEILIDH Friday 1st June
Rippingale is 5 miles north of Bourne in Lincolnshire.
This vibrant community is approaching the Queen's Jubilee with a host of activities in the preceding 6 months then really pulling out all the stops for Jubilee Weekend.
The "Dogs" kick off the weekend with a Mega Ceilidh.
There will be a licensed bar and an ongoing barbecue through the evening.
Tickets are just £6:00 but food from the barbecue will be extra.
Admission is limited to just 100 paying guests and tickets are on sale now.
To book tickets:
Phone 01778 440444 or 07973711746
or
Email CHRISPETZ_AOL.COM
Shiny 
