The Band
Firecrest usually performs as a four- or five-person band – with two or three tune players and two rhythm players – along with an experienced caller when playing for ceilidh dances. We are based in London, UK, but we are willing to travel for nearby events too.
Below you can find out a little bit about our core lineup: Alice, Nick, Carl and Colm. We mainly perform as a ceilidh band, but we are also available for background music and stage bookings as well.
If you have any questions about the band, you're more than welcome to drop us an e-mail. If you want to hear what we sound like, then click here for some samples.
Tune Players
Alice (Whistles & Uilleann Pipes)
Originally from Sheffield, Alice grew up playing traditional music in sessions across England and Ireland, developing a rhythmic playing style and a repertoire of exciting tunes. When she's not playing for ceilidhs or sessions, you'll probably find her on the dance floor!
Nick (Fiddle)
Growing up in a musical house and with the famous Folk Festival on his doorstep it was perhaps inevitable that Nick would turn to trad music. He had his first fiddle lesson aged 6, but the real turning point was a chance meeting with a folk cellist in a fudge shop, which led to him joining the University Ceilidh Band. Wherever he travels his fiddle goes with him and there is nothing he likes more than an evening playing tunes with friends.
The Rhythm Section
Carl (Guitar)
Hailing from south-west Wales, Carl is (simultaneously!) Firecrest's guitarist and bass player. With hundreds of ceilidhs under his belt, he brings a huge amount of experience of playing for dance, and an infectious enthusiasm for traditional music. As well as being a veteran rhythm player, Carl writes many of the original tunes performed by Firecrest.
Colm (Drums)
Colm is Firecrest's main drum player. With a wealth of experience playing bodhran for dancers, and dancing himself, he brings an unrivalled energy and passion for dance to the lineup.
The Caller
An All-Star Team!
We hire expert callers for all our events (though if you already have someone in mind, we’re usually happy to work with them too!). All our callers have many years of experience guiding dancers of all abilities through the steps. If you have any particular dance requests, let us know.
We often work with the excellent Cambridge-based Peter Giles, and would happily recommend him to you for other events!
