Dancing Ledge

The Spirit of Celtic Music

If you are looking for a band to give that special occasion a touch of magic and an injection of culture, then look no further. Celtic music, like most forms of traditional roots music, is not easy to play well; but when it is performed by the best exponents it has a compelling intensity that excites and is difficult to resist. Dancing Ledge have been performing this music at Ceilidhs, Barn Dances, Weddings, Folk Festivals, Functions and Special Events for the last ten years, and during that time have earned a growing reputation as the best in their field in the South West. This is not just down to experience and good musicianship ........ everyone in the band loves performing to live audiences, and gets a real buzz from the spontaneity that this infuses into the music.

The four members of the band are:
Clive Cunningham, fiddle and vocals. Clive is from Maghera, County Derry and is steeped in the Irish fiddle tradition having been taught to play at the age of seven.

John Wippell is the dance caller and melodeon player. John has been involved in Folk dance and music for 25 years and has performed for the English Folk Dance and Song Society, who set exacting standards in this field.

Carol Wippell is a classically trained pianist who uses her keyboards to provide the driving accompaniment to the jigs and reels played by the lead instruments. Carol, with husband John, is an established rnember of the Folk Dance fraternity as well as a Salisbury Choral singer.

Peter Minkey, Flute, Banjo and Guitar. Pete is a well rounded musician who has played in numerous established bands performing everything from Soul, Blues, Jazz, Rock and Traditional Folk. He has been playing Irish music since 1982.

"As a caller who appreciates the humanity in folk-dance rather than precise footwork, I'm always aware of bands who can really make a dance event "get cooking". The band's sound must make people want to move, even before the caller's decided on the next dance! One such outfit is Dancing Ledge. Taking their name from part of Dorset's World Heritage Coastline and with Clive Cunningham on Fiddle, John Wippell on Melodeon, Carol Wippell on piano and synthesiser and Pete Minkey on Flute, Tenor Banjo and Mandolin., this band delivers a brilliant "fat" sound; seething with rhythm. Be there at the Megabop: youšll love it!"

Raymond Sargent

Contact Pete Minkey (+44) (0)1202 771353


You might also be interested in Mike Rogers' short story Dancing Ledge.



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Submitted by Trevor Gilson
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