About

A brilliant traditional music band

If you are organising a wedding, party or corporate function, then contact Wraggle Taggle Ceilidh Band for traditional music in London or the South East. 
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All-Ireland champion musicians

Wraggle Taggle features  all-Ireland champion musicians Carlene Anglim (fiddle), Eugene Teevan (accordion), and Mick O'Connor (tenor banjo) . 


Carlene Anglim (Fiddle)BBC2 Young Traditional Musician of the Year (1994 -5). All-Ireland Fiddle Champion (1992). Havering Young Musican of the Year (1991) Carlene learnt both Classical and Irish Traditional Music from age 6 and went on to win Traditional Irish music 'Fleadh Ceol' competitions. She gained classical grades up to grade 8, studied violin at Guildhall School of Music and became professional at age 17.


Caroline Regan (concertina/ whistles / vocals) is a professional, experienced singer and musician who has played with Wraggle Taggle since January 2006.

She has a vast repertoire which includes songs from the Irish and folk tradition, religious hymns, country, pop and contemporary ballads. As an instrumentalist she also plays Irish traditional music on the concertina and tin-whistle. 

Caroline has a wealth of experience and has performed across the world at venues in the UK, Ireland, America, Qatar, Switzerland and Germany.

She holds a Masters Degree in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the University of Limerick and a Diploma in Contemporary Vocal Performance from the ICMP in London.


Mick O'Connor (tenor banjo) won the all-Ireland tenor banjo championship in 1971 and two All-Ireland ceilidh band medals in 1986 and 1987. He was also invited by Irish president, Mary McAleese to a special reception for traditional Irish musicians at her official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin, in Phoenix Park, Dublin in 2004. He also received a Bardic Award at the All-Ireland Fleadh music festival in Derry. 


Mick Bailey (guitar/vocals) who founded the band in 1998 completes the line-up with other guest musicians in a variety of line-ups. Anything from a duo to a six-piece amplified or acoustic with or without a caller. The band's most common format for a ceilidh consists of four musicians plus a caller who will teach the dances from scratch - no experience needed! A ceilidh is something really different and ideal for a successful party, as it is a fun way to get families, friends and colleagues to mix and meet and because all age groups become involved. The faster dances are an energetic work out, and Wraggle Taggle also play in a more relaxed romantic mood.



People

Irish, Scottish, English and American songs and tunes 

Wraggle Taggle are inspired by
  • Altan
  • Ally Bain
  • Battlefield
  • The Bothy Band
  • Boys of the Lough
  • Cherish the Ladies
  • The Chieftains
  • Christy Moore
  • Clancy Brothers
  • The Corries
  • Deanta
  • De Dannan
  • Dick Gaughan
  • Dolores Keane
  • The Dubliners
  • Eddi Reader
  • Eric Bogle
  • Four Men & a Dog
  • The Fureys
  • Jimmy Shand
  • Liz Carroll
  • Mary Black
  • Phill Cunningham
  • Planxty
  • The Pogues
  • Sharon Shannon
  • Stockton's Wing
  • Van Morrison
  • Many other artists of all styles and genres
  • Many talented friends  in the vibrant traditional music scene. 
  • All the Wraggle Taggle musicians have been performing, touring and recording for many years.

Frequently asked questions

How much space do we need for a ceilidh?

How many of your guests are likely to want to dance at any one time? Inevitably some will sit out to drink, chat or have a rest. Others may be very keen to dance all night! 


Each set of eight couples facing each other need at least a square meter each plus a meter all round the set to dance in and out or behind. So for each 16 people 10 X 4 meters = 40 square meters. 


In an ideal world, please clear as much space as possible with chairs around the perimeter of the room for exhausted dancers to collapse into and a few tables. 


The band needs approximately 4 meters by 2 meters space though we can and often do squeeze into less space. If possible Wraggle Taggle prefer to work from a proper stage.


How long do you play For?

As a guide, two one hour sets or three 45min sets but really the intention is to fit in with your arrangements. Wraggle Taggle can play longer or for less time.


What about our first dance?

There is a tradition that the happy couple start the dancing with a slow romantic dance. It is a photo opportunity that could result in a treasured memento and the band has some beautiful suitable pieces to play. Wraggle Taggle will call other couples up to join you reasonably soon. 


Some couples ask for a favorite romantic track to be played via iPod or other device for their first dance. Other newlyweds do without the first dance and go straight in to the ceilidh. The band can start with a ceilidh dance featuring the two of you or one that doesn't do so. Nothing is so complicated that the band can't teach you on the night. 

What musicians are available?

All-Ireland champion musicians Carlene Anglim (fiddle), Eugene Teevan (accordion), and Mick O'Connor (tenor banjo) are joined by Mick Bailey (guitar/vocals) to form the "core" of the band. 


There are several very talented "guest" Musicians e.g flute, Irish pipes or bodhran / percussion who join Wraggle Taggle when we bring a larger band. The band would be delighted to include one or more of them in addition if that is your wish.


Do you provide recorded music as well?

Wraggle Taggle do bring an iPod to provide similar background music in the breaks. A wide selection of tracks are available. The iPod can play from a few minutes after arrival and during set up as well as during the breaks.


Sometimes clients make their own separate arrangements to book a disco after the ceilidh.

What is in a typical program?

Wraggle Taggle like to work with each audience and to do requests if we know them. There is information about our extensive repertoire on the music page.


Is it necessary for the music to be amplified?

It is not essential to bring the amplification. However it may be too quiet without, though Wraggle Taggle is delighted to perform acoustic too. The equipment helps the band balance the instruments better. Your guests will have to be very attentive for the caller to be heard without a microphone. 


Wraggle Taggle are really an acoustic band and (with your agreement) only use the amplification so they can be heard. They are sensitive musicians and will gladly turn down if you direct them to. Wraggle Taggle don't use drums or electric instruments which are inherently louder. 


Wraggle Taggle use a Dynacord Powermate 600 Mixer Amp and a Behringer Eurolive B205D, two EV speakers and Shure SM58 microphones. This is sufficient for most venues. If your venue is very large or you have a lot of guests the band may need to hire something more powerful.


What about lighting?

It is best to dim the lights in the hall where the ceilidh is taking place, as this can encourage people to dance. It's best to avoid making the dance floor very dark as you do need to see what you are doing! The controls for any stage lights are often locked unless someone specifically organizes access. Wraggle Taggle do bring colour changing spotlights to light the band.


Can we see the band live?

You can check a regularly updated list of Wraggle Taggle gigs anytime at the giglist page . Most of these are private but Wraggle Taggle may be able to obtain permission for you to look in briefly. Please contact bandleader Mick Bailey to discuss coming to see the band.


How do we book?

Wraggle Taggle are a popular band and get booked up well in advance so the sooner you book the better. Contact  bandleader Mick Bailey now to confirm your booking. If you are booking direct, Mick will request a deposit to secure the booking, the balance to be paid in advance or in cash on the day. 


If you are booking through an agent or booking service, Mick will refer you back to the them to finalise the booking. 


If you are an agent or corporate customer Wraggle Taggle will work within your usual terms and conditions. 


Mick will keep in touch to finalise the details. 

Feedback
Call us on
020 7267 7737
or
07906 470991

if you want traditional music at your upcoming event in Greater London or the South East.
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