When Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band heard their band leader Judy had agreed to play her violin near Exeter in Devon with another band the last weekend in August, some of us in Barnbuskers band breathed a sigh of relief. Our summer of dances has been so busy around Devon and Somerset. It was enticing to have a weekend off. Of course, we love playing for barn dances and ceilidhs but a gig free weekend gave the opportunity of getting the hedges cut (after checking for nests), the lawn mown and a myriad of other gardening tasks done that are so often left when one is part of a busy ceilidh barn dance band.
We spoke too soon. Covid hit the other band’s dance caller … and dance callers are very difficult to find at short notice. Fortunately, the other band’s accordionist, who is also an accomplished dance caller, agreed to step in to do the calling. This created a gap in the band for an accordionist. This was solved by our violinist band leader Judy, who also plays the accordion, stepping in to play accordion instead. This left a gap in the band for a violinist. Happily, Judy’s brother, Barnbuskers musician Rob, who lives conveniently in the Barnstaple area of North Devon, came to the rescue by stepping in as lead fiddler. Problem solved!
All of which goes to show how important it is to have multi-instrumentalists in the band and to have plan Bs for almost everything. The band must turn up on time and ready to play. The dance must go on. Everyone must have a great time.
In fact, backups and plan Bs are almost an obsession at Barnbuskers. We even mostly use two cars to go to our ceilidh barn dance engagements. If one breaks down, the other one can double back and collect the other musicians, instruments and electronic gear so the dance starts on time.
Our instrumentalists carry a second instrument. If the caller is unable to turn up, we have another caller who can step in. If the PA amplification system doesn’t work, we have a second one that can be switched in. (Some farm venues can have really dodgy electrics!)
In cases of illness, Barnbuskers has a total of about eight musicians, located throughout Devon and Somerset who can be brought in to play. Most of us can play multiple instruments which gives great flexibility not only when choosing who can play but also for emergency backups. At the end of the day, it’s all about the band turning up and providing a great dance so the dancers have lots of fun and no worries.
So, if you would like Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band to reliably turn up and play for your anniversary, birthday party, wedding or other celebration, Judy (see photo below), our ever hard working and industrious band leader would love to hear from you, to discuss arrangements and our availability. Simply visit our Barnbuskers contact page.
Even if you are not currently planning a ceilidh or barn dance in Devon or Somerset to celebrate a special event, Barnbuskers would love for you to keep in touch. We put out our news on lots of social media with lots of photos of all our lovely band members. As well as Barnbuskers blog, we can be found on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, X or Bluesky. There is also a mailing list. Needless to say, we absolutely love building our online community of people who enjoy ceilidhs and barn dances! So please follow us and we look forward to sharing our barn dance and ceilidh news with you soon!
From time to time, we add new players and so we mustn’t forget guitar and banjo playing Sarah.
And lastly, but not least, Barnbuskers band leader Judy and wind instrument player partner Robin
Barnbuskers 