Canongate Cadjers

The canongate cadjers are a unique band who can offer combinations ranging from the traditional ' box & fiddle' duo to a 'celtic' big band sound adding in guitar/mandolin and vocals. This can provide covers from acts including The Waterboys, Eagles & Steve Earle etc to give an even more varied programme. The bands fiddle player Suzanne even provides a mini highland dance demonstration (something to entertain your English or overseas guests). If all of this isn’t enough they can also provide a disco. This flexibility means that they are in a position to provide exactly the best line-up required to make your event a huge success .... everytime! Offering a mixture of traditional dances (Jigs / Reels etc) and great cover songs is a truely unbeatable combination. The clip above is taken from T in the Park.

The band as a 5 piece would consist of -

Robert - vocals / mandolin
Suzanne - fiddle / guitar / vocals
Alex - accordion
Kenneth - drums
Marina - caller

Here is a Typical program for Ceilidh Weddings in the bands own words:-

We are frequently asked to provide information on what a typical programme would be for a "Ceilidh" Wedding.

While the choice and final decision is obviously yours, we find the following works really well.

First the band starts the proceedings with the Bride & Grooms musical choice. This can be a traditional 'Waltz' or increasingly popular 'Gay Gordons' or if you have a special piece of music on CD we can play this through the band's P.A. system.

Once the formalities are complete, it's over to the serious business of Ceilidh Dancing with Marina (our Caller) providing instructions and lots of encouragement from the floor (she uses a radio mic so everybody knows what is happening at all times. . .well almost!)

The programme which includes 'set' and 'couple' dances has been tried and tested and includes all the old favourites such as 'Strip the Willow', 'The Dashing White Sergeant', 'Virginia Reel' , 'Canadian Barn Dance', 'Eightsome Reel' and some newer dances including 'The Flying Scotsman.'

To provide your guests with a well-earned rest after some of the more energetic dances, Marina will provide a short demonstration of Highland Dancing which might include The Fling, Flora, Lilt and even a manic Irish Jig (Scottish Version... not to be missed) as well as the band's own unique version of the "Glasgow Reel" which will have your guests shouting for more!

In addition, Suzanne (our fiddle player) will provide some variety to the nights programme by singing a few Scottish songs so in effect the band provide a complete package of Music, Song and Dance... a 'mini' Scottish show!

We finish in traditional style with an extended Orcadian "Strip the Willow" followed by "Auld Lang Syne" involving all the guests and traditional Scots fond farewells thereafter.

The Canongate Cadjer's Ceilidh Band are based in Edinburgh but distance is no object as they frequently travel around the country and well beyond with their unique blend of Music, Dance and Song.

If you want something a bit different from the usual Ceilidh band format for your Wedding or special occasion then you should consider the "Cadjers", as their exciting blend of "full on" Ceilidh music and great dance routines will provide your English or Overseas guests with some very special memories of Scotland.

While specialising in Ceilidh Weddings we are equally at home playing for any Ceilidh/Scottish Country Dance and have regular bookings for student dances/fundraisers etc, as well as appearing at many concerts throughout the world.

The band is basically a 4 piece outfit but we are also available as a 2 or 3 piece (with "caller" to explain the dance steps and ensure everybody joins in the fun) for smaller venues and events.”