ShoeString are a 6 piece ceilidh and covers band comprised of Ian on keyboards, Gillian on fiddle vocals and percussion, Craig on drums/percussion, Laurie rhythm guitar and vocals, and Clark and Ron, alternating between lead guitar /bass guitar and vocals. Formed in 2005, some members of the band have been together, in other guises for more than ten years, leading Ceilidhs, performing at parties, weddings, Hogmanay events, and travelling extensively in Europe and as far away as Taiwan, playing for the Ballochleam Highland Dancers.

Ron and Clark, call the Ceilidh dances when required and can teach excellent new set dances and reels to your guests, within minutes, at your wedding or party, or for a really special event, ex Scottish Highland dancing champion, teacher and professional caller Gillian Whitelaw, will come along, and call for your Ceilidh. Gillian can even provide dancers to demonstrate the dances, for a small extra fee.

All members of the band have many years experience in the music world, and the band can switch between Folk music, Ceilidh and Pop with ease. Pop covers range from Beatles to Greenday, and Elvis to Snow Patrol.

If you have a particular request for your wedding or party, let us know, and we will learn it, if it is not already in our song list.

Shoestring can perform as a ceilidh only band, covers only band , providing tasteful background music, or as live music to support the Ballochleam Highland Dancers. Here is a list of combinations from the 6 piece down to 3 piece if you need a smaller band.

6 Piece drums, fiddle, keyboards, rhythm guitar, bass guitar and lead guitar, incorporating caller. Pop and ceilidh.
5 Piece incorporating caller, drums, fiddle, keyboards, rhytmn guitar and bass. Pop and ceilidh.
4 Piece, drums, guitar, fiddle, bass. incorporating caller. Pop and ceilidh.
3 piece, fiddle, guitar. bass, incorporating caller. This option would have light pop on guitar, bass and vocals along with ceilidh.
3 piece, two guitars and bass with midi file or 4 piece adding drums. Pop and ceilidh.

ShoeStrings’ great strength is in the musical diversity. When switching from ceilidh to pop music, you will scarcely believe the same band is still on stage.

How many times, have a bride and groom, decided upon a Ceilidh band for their wedding only to find, that many of their guests do not actually enjoy Ceilidh? ShoeString can save the day, mixing Ceilidh and pop when this is required. Forget having a Ceilidh, then a disco -------ShoeString the band that does it all.

Ceilidh Caller, Powerful PA. and lighting all provided.

Testimonial

"Hi Ronnie,

Just wanted to say a HUGE thankyou to you all for an absolutely fantastic evening. We've heard nothing but compliments of your band and I think everyone had a great time. Good luck with your hand hope you get back to full form soon.

Many thanks

Julie and Phil (24th May 08)"