Welcome to
The Cat's Whiskers
Barn Dance Band  

The Cat's Whiskers, one of the country's most popular and experienced Barn Dance bands, play for ceilidhs, hoe-downs and barn dances at weddings, parties and clubs - from village hops to numerous guest appearances at all the major folk festivals. The band's wide repertoire of exciting dance music (click HERE for some examples) is drawn from the English, Scottish, Irish and American traditions. The Cat's Whiskers are based in the Midlands (Birmingham, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire) but can travel to any part of the country.

Read on for more on how to run a really enjoyable barn dance ...

      Why do I want a barn dance anyway?                   Listen to our music, watch a party video clip
      Barn dance, ceilidh, hoe-down - which do I want?     Band Biography
      What happens during the event?                       What they say about us - some 'thank-you' letters
      How should I prepare for the event?                  Band CDs and other items ...
      Making an enquiry or firm booking                    Tunes scores, dance notation and more ...
       Contact us on 01527 65483 or send an email to us at:
       If we can't help you, we'll happily recommend another band - and no agency fees to pay!

 

 

 

 

 

Why do I want a barn dance anyway?

  • Everyone is encouraged to get involved - the ideal social event for all ages

  • Mixer dances break the ice by getting everyone to meet each other

  • Aimed specifically for beginners and those with 2 (or more) left feet

  • The caller (MC) tells you all you need to know - but no jargon

  • Exciting, strong music from the band - but not too loud to stop you chatting to your friends

So it's particularly suitable for -

  • Weddings

  • A birthday party or anniversary

  • Club, church and works socials

  • Corporate entertainment

  • Scottish Burns Nights

  • Students 'freshers' events

 

 

Barn dance, Ceilidh, Hoe-down - which do I want?

Well, they're all:-

  • Happy social occasions for all ages

  • No experience necessary

  • Everyone is encouraged to join in and mix with the crowd

  • The caller simply explains all the steps beforehand

  • Then he prompts you again as the band plays

But they're different because:-

  • Barn dances concentrate on traditional English dances.

  • Ceilidhs include more energetic dances and louder music.

  • Scottish ceilidhs include some of the popular simple Scottish dances, such as 'The Gay Gordons' and 'The Dashing White Sergeant'. Kilts entirely optional!

  • Hoe-downs include American square-dance and contra-dance figures.

But don't worry about the technicalities; we'll be happy to help you choose the style of event best suited to you and your guests, and can even adapt the programme during the event where appropriate.

 

What happens during the event?

  • Dances typically start about 8pm, and go on for about 3 hours including breaks, but we can usually cater for other times.

  • If children are taking part a shorter duration or earlier finish may be more suitable.

  • The band and caller will arrive about half an hour beforehand, in time to set up their amplification and instruments. The band holds Public Liability Insurance to safeguard your guests, and all the equipment is regularly safety-tested (P.A.T) - often obligatory when hiring public halls.

  • The caller will enquire if there are other items to take place during the event, eg. refreshment break, raffle, speech from the happy couple. The caller will adapt the dance programme to accommodate these extra items.

  • When everyone's ready the caller invites people - in a pleasant and encouraging way - to come onto the dance floor, and explains the steps of the dances in non-technical terms.

  • The instructions  are repeated as the music plays - so you don't have to be Brain-of-Britain and remember it all.

  • As the evening progresses, the caller will assess the experience-level (and possibly the alcohol-level) of the dancers and adapt the programme accordingly from a wide repertoire of dances and music.

  • A refreshment break is particularly appropriate about half-way through the evening. During this the band can supply discreet recorded music to fill the silences.

  • Requests from the dancers for their 'favourite barn-dance' - e.g. 'Strip the Willow' - will be incorporated into the programme where practical.

 

How should I prepare for the event?

  • Your primary job is to provide a hall full of fun-loving adults and children, who are looking forward to a great evening's entertainment.

  • You should consider whether refreshments are to be provided, and make appropriate arrangements. Similarly consider if a bar is required.

  • At the start of the evening advise us what other items you intend to take place during the evening - speeches, presentations, etc - so the caller can plan accordingly.

  • Try to find time to join in the fun with all the guests.

We will be happy to discuss your plans with you, and advise on the best way to run the evening.

 

Making an enquiry or firm booking

  • Ring us - or email - to see which dates we have available. Please note we often have a few commitments to dates more than two years ahead, so early booking is advisable if you have a specific date in mind.

  • If you wish we can then put the date provisionally in our diary - without in any way committing you. We will then keep the date reserved for you - but if we get another enquiry for the same date we'll ask you to clarify and confirm your requirements straight away.

  • When the rest of your arrangements are in order, contact us again to complete the details.

  • We'll send you a simple, short booking form, summarising the requirements as we understand them.

  • You check over and sign the booking form, and return it to us - no deposit necessary. We mark the event as confirmed in the diary.

  • On request we can usually arrange for you to visit another of our gigs - or festival appearances - local to your area, where you can meet us and get a taste of what we offer.
Contact us on  01527 65483 or send an email to us at:
Listen to some short samples from our recordings  (best heard through headphones)

 

Studio Recordings Live Recordings with Caller
English Ceilidh Wedding Video (file size about 4.5MB)
Hornpipe English Reel
'Gay Gordons' Scottish jig American Hoedown
Irish Reel American Reel
Scottish Waltz (for late evening?) English Square Dance
English Hornpipe

Band Biography

The Cat's Whiskers usually comprises three musicians playing fiddle, accordion and keyboard (sometimes a few other things too),  but we can provide more or less musicians as required. We have over 70 years experience of music making between us, and a similar time spent on the dance floor learning to appreciate good dance sound. Does this make us each over 140 years old? - not yet!

We play regularly at the country's top folk dance clubs and festivals, including Sidmouth, Whitby, Broadstairs, Eastbourne, Chippenham, Bromyard, Lichfield, Southam and at the national centre for English traditional dance (Cecil Sharp House) in London. Occasionally with teams of experienced dancers we attend overseas dance festivals (Denmark, France, Spain).

We have worked with most of the country's top callers, and with guests from Europe and America. Once we understand the purpose of your event we will select the caller most suitable for you, and make all the arrangements on your behalf.

 

 

      

 

 

What they say about us - a few of the 'thank-you' letters we have received

  • Sue, Emma and I thought the band were fantastic last Saturday night, and were really everything that we had hoped for for our party. The music itself was excellent, and the dances chosen were great for getting our guests to mix together. We had loads of positive feedback from guests - they thought the music was wonderful and were very keen to get involved! (Miss.E.P, Oxfordshire)

  • You were all 100% professional and completely focussed on ensuring we and our guests had the most enjoyable & memorable wedding reception possible. Thank you. (Mrs.A.B, Rugby)

  • Thanks so much for playing at our wedding - we had a fantastic time. I was especially looking forward to the barn dancing and I wasn't disappointed! I knew we were on to a good thing when [the hotel proprietor] asked us if he and his daughter could join in the barn dancing. (Mrs.H.J, Worcestershire)

  • We've had lots of comments from our friends and family about how great the band and caller were. It was just great to see so many of our guests up on the dance floor as well as my husband who normally has two left feet! It was just fantastic - we're so pleased (Mrs.M.W, Aynho)

  • We had the most wonderful afternoon and I would like to personally thank you for making my mother in law's special birthday so very special. (Mrs.D.B, Buckinghamshire)

  • The event was superb ... I would not hesitate recommending you as a truly professional band, thank you all very much. (Mrs. C.D, Warwick)

  • I enjoyed myself enormously and the whole experience made my 40th Birthday an occasion of enjoyment and exhilaration, rather than an occasion to bury my head in the sand and cry!!! I particularly liked the fact that it was a very family-friendly activity and that everyone could join in. (Mrs.J.H, Shirley, West Midlands)

  • The band and caller were super, playing all the pieces we wanted and more. I have some lovely memories of seeing friends and family mixing up and dancing with people they would otherwise have never met! (Mrs.H.H, Cheltenham)

  • The Cats Whiskers Band were absolutely superb. They are brilliant musicians. [The caller] was a real delight. He was so friendly and easy-going. (Mrs.K.S, Peterborough)

  • Thank you so, so much for making our wedding extra special with your Barn Dance! I had only ever been to one Barn Dance, my husband had never experienced one, but we enjoyed it so much, we will always remember it! Your music and caller got everybody involved - the youngest 'dancer' was three, the oldest in her early eighties (Mrs.A.B, Pershore)

  • We had a fantastic time on the 23rd, and all our guests loved the barn dance and are still raving about it now! The whole range of ages got involved and thank you and your band the Cat's Whiskers for making the whole evening a great success.  (Mr.& Mrs.A.D, Banbury)

  • Thank you and all the band for a fantastic set on our wedding evening. We and our guests enjoyed every minute of it. We'd have no hesitation recommending you. (Mr.J.M, Wantage)

  • I had a wonderful 60th birthday celebration. The music was great and [the caller] amazing. How she managed to get everyone dancing was nothing short of a miracle. We have had lots of excellent feedback at what a great time everyone had so thank you all very much you were fantastic. (Mrs.E.W, Malvern)

  • Thank you so much for your fabulous music and calling at our wedding on 2nd September. I can't tell you what a fabulous day we had and we so enjoyed the dancing. We've had loads of praise for you from all the guests. (Mrs.S.C, Tewksbury)

  • The kids had an absolute ball and have been pestering their respective parents like mad about when they can do it again! Victoria and I could not be happier with how it all went - our focus was on providing a great day for our guests as well as ourselves and with your help we did so. (Mr.A.T, Kidderminster)

  • Everyone had a wonderful evening - even the non-dancers appreciated the music. We cannot fault it except it went too quickly! We're already looking forward to the next time. (Mrs.J.McC, Bromsgrove)

  • John and I ,and all our guests, had the most wonderful time dancing to your excellent band. The caller was fantastic, as were his instructions, and all the dances were pitched at exactly the right level. We have some wonderful photos of everyone whizzing around the dance floor and it has definitely been one of the most memorable parts of the whole day. (Mrs.P.M, Leamington Spa)

  • Wow - thank you for your wonderful music at my 40th birthday party. You were all so professional and the caller's instructions made my friends and family look like accomplished barn dancers! Everyone has made positive comments on your playing and making my party go with a real... ye hah! (Mrs.R.L, Staffordshire)

  • The dance floor was full and everybody had a great time. The caller gave even the most nervous barn dancer the confidence to give it a try and many guests have since commented on how much they enjoyed the evening. Thank you for helping to make our wedding reception such a special occasion. (Mrs.K.S, Walsall)

  • We had a wonderful night with you on Friday - I haven't laughed so much in one evening! All nations and ages were up on the dance floor - even boys from the school - just brilliant! Thanks again. (Mrs.S.E, Walsall)

  • From teenagers to pensioners we have been told that this was their best party ever. Thanks to you all for providing the main entertainment for a really memorable evening. (Mr.W.R, Telford)

  • We all had a fantastic night. I have had a lot of really good feedback about both the band and the caller. It was really good to have something different from our usual band or DJ and I think people will remember it for a long time to come! (Miss.A.C, Pearson Education)

  • All the guests we spoke to reiterated how much fun it was as well, many of whom (the younger, 'disco audience') had never seen a Ceilidh band play before and they were congratulating the caller by the end! That is a mark of success. Please pass on our thanks to the band for rounding off a perfect day in an excellent stress free way. (Mr.W.H, Stourbridge)

  • Many thanks to Cats Whiskers for a superb evening of dancing. There was a great atmosphere with lots of fun. (Mrs.M.H, Warwick)

  • The evening was a great success and the feedback from the staff has been fantastic (Solicitors firm,  Stratford-on-Avon )

  • We wanted to thank you all for making it such a wonderful night for me! Absolutely everyone enjoyed it and thought you were terrific! (Mr.& Mrs. D.A, Walsall)

  • One comment that stood out for me from one of our team, was that they said they NEVER dance at any parties they attend and this was the only time they have ever danced at a party and they thoroughly enjoyed it! Overall it was a fantastic evening and I think we would all definitely do it again. Thank you again for a great evening. (Miss N.J, Boots PLC, Bristol)

  • We were absolutely delighted with 'our band'. So indeed were all our guests ... We will have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending you to our friends and colleagues. (Mr.A.S, Milton Keynes)

  • I was very pleased with the evening and the feedback has been very positive - everyone enjoyed themselves. (Deloitte Touche Accountants, St.Albans)

  • Thank you for your brilliant music at my 70th birthday celebration on Saturday March 31st. It was a night to remember and we all had a great time! I will not hesitate to recommend you. (Mrs.S.R, Coventry)

  • What a great night and the biggest thanks must go to the band. We have been inundated with congratulations and everybody has commented on the quality of the music and the caller (Mr.J.F, Leicester)

 

 

 

 

Band CDs and other items ...

The band's CD  'The Inscape Dances'  was released at the Broadstairs Folk Festival to accompany Rob Sibthorpe's latest book of dances, inspired by the poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins. The twelve dances are intended primarily for dance clubs; the book also contains  excerpts from the poems, and the music scores of the specially-written tunes.

The CD Play Along with 'Play In The Band' offers support to beginner folk-musicians. It contains 32 of the best-known melodies (click HERE for a list of titles) from Barry Moule's publication of barn-dance tunes 'Play In The Band', all played that bit slower than normal, and straightforwardly arranged to follow the printed version exactly. On a stereo system, the tune is played through one loudspeaker, the accompaniment through the other, so that melody players can play with bass and guitar style harmony support, while harmony players can choose the melody line to play along to.

The violin transducer model P28 from Pippin Electronics is a low-cost sound pickup unit for connecting the violin to an amplifier without danger of acoustic feedback. It is characterised by a minimal alteration to the instrument's natural sound, and connects directly to the amplifier's usual low-impedance (microphone) inputs without need of pre-amplifiers, batteries, etc.

For further information and prices on any of these items please call 01527 65483

 

 

Tunes scores, dance notation and more ...

Here you can download the descriptions of some popular barn dances, together with the associated computer-generated music files (MIDI format) and the music score in Noteworthy Composer and ABC formats. Most of this music is fully orchestrated for melody, rhythm, bass, counter-tune, etc. Note that a viewer-only version of the score printer 'Noteworthy Composer' can be downloaded free of charge, allowing you to examine and print the scores supplied.

Dance Name Dance notation Music in ABC format

    Music in MIDI format

Noteworthy score

Chinese breakdown

Alabama Jubilee

Stoke Golding

I want to be near you
Cumberland Square Eight
Galopede
Alunelul
Queen's Jig
Sellenger's Round
Soldier's Joy

  .... and until we next meet - happy dancing from 'The Cat's Whiskers'