info@pembrokeshire-ceilidh-band.co.uk

Polly

Polly's rhythmic, Donegal influenced fiddle playing drives the melody in the band. Whilst attending a Donegal fiddle school from the age of 18 for over 20 years she had master classes with the likes of Tommy Peoples, Paddy Glackin, Paul O'shaughnessy (Altan), Seamus Gibson and many more. Playing with musicians from Bristol, the West Country and Wales, Polly has made a name for herself as being a strong and talented session player with an appetite for the music that takes her regularly back to the west coast of Ireland for inspiration and musical development. Over the years Polly has played regularly for dancers and with gigging bands, including a recent tour of Germany. Currently a self employed fiddle teacher and freelance session musician, she regularly performs throughout Wales.  

Mandy

Mandy has played concertina for over 30 years. She is a veteran player in Ceilidh bands - cutting her teeth in sessions around Pembrokeshire with musicians from the soon to become band Afterhours and going on to feature in bands such as Westwind, Narberth Ceili and Redwing. She has played all over Ireland, Wales and France including the Festival Interceltique at Lorient in Brittany. She plays tunes from across many different cultures gleaned from countless sessions and gigs in different line-ups. Her subtle, melodic playing perfectly compliments the passion and energy of the fiddle.

Ant

Ant has played guitars since he was 11. Originally inspired by some of the great ballads, he soon discovered traditional music and has never looked back. He joined his first Ceilidh band at 18 and developed his driving rhythms with prominent bass riffs to suit the dances. He gradually expanded his instrumental portfolio to include mandolin, mandola, whistle, bodhran and banjo. He has learned his craft playing throughout Wales, Ireland, England and Brittany and has been a central figure in Pembrokeshire sessions for the last 20 years. Playing a tenor guitar in the Caper Ceilidh Band, his punchy rhythms provide the bedrock upon which the fiddle and concertina weave their intricate dance around the traditional melodies.