Our main line-up for barn dance or ceilidh is André on accordion, Ian on guitar, Luke on percussion, plus
caller. We can add a fourth musician - usually a violinist if your budget allows. We often take 2 bookings per
night - the format of our second band will often be violin, guitar and drums plus caller - again with the
option of a bigger band if required. We have a number of musicians (some shown below) who guest for us if any
of our regular band members are unavailable, or when running a second band. We work with a number of
experienced callers from the south of England, all used to providing a fun evening of barn dancing for all
ages and abilities. We play a mixture of English, Irish, Scottish and American styles of music and can tailor
our tunes and dances to suit your event. For Burns Nights Ted is available to address the haggis (see video clip
on this link ).
André joined the band in 2019. Classically trained to grade 8 piano, and enjoys drama and
musical theatre. He is in the chorus of the Winchester Theatre panto in 2021, and plays in worship bands.
He also plays trombone with the Albion band. He has a wide musical ‘taste’, and enjoys the camaraderie of
playing in a band. His interests include board games, basketball, skiing, and gym workouts. Great to have
him helping lift the gear!
André Dance
Luke on percussion has been with the band since it started in 1997. Learnt drums while at
school/college and played drums for local bands before becoming full time drummer with Woodsiders.
Luke's hobbies include snowboarding & kite surfing.
Luke Bunce
I like to go to gigs and have a varied taste in music. From classics to rock, Deep Purple / Iron Maiden
to steam punk, Professor Elemental / Colonel Mustard and the Dijon Five.
I enjoy playing guitar in the Woodsiders and seeing people enjoying the dancing.
Ian Matthews
Barbara came from California as a student with 2 suitcases and has stayed ever since.
She has had a rewarding career teaching Performing Arts and has enjoyed calling for many events over the
years from London to the south coast.
Barbara Garfath
Amanda started calling & singing with Woodsiders in 2016.
For a C&W themed event she can
include C&W singing and a line dance or two.
For Irish nights she can lead Irish standards to complement the dancing and instrumentals from the band.
She enjoys singing in a local choir, and dancing. She is part of a local dance
school doing tap and jazz.
Other interests are skiing and keep fit.
Amanda Dance
Sue came to calling through Morris dancing and was a founding member and foreman for
Hobos Morris . She has taught
at Morris workshops and chose Morris dancing for her Certificate in Education and Training.
Sue wants everyone to have fun and a Ceilidh is the perfect space for that!
She wishes she could play an instrument other than tambourine though does have a ukelele
gathering dust….
Sue Perigo
Ted's first guitar was an electric one and, despite a reputation for being a bit of a folk singer,
he remains a rhythm and blues man at heart. His heroes are Jack Bruce, John Mayall and Robert Wyatt. Ted
also plays guitar, tin whistle, banjo, trombone and baritone horn, with Americana/folk trio "Schiehallion
Creek " and the pub band "Billy Dooz". Ted loves gadgets and is "never knowingly
out-geeked". Ted is available to address the haggis at Burns nights - see video clip
Ted Fitzgerald
Started piano lessons aged 8, and playing the church organ from 15. Mike took up the accordion while
working in Bahrain (1985) and continued on his return to UK. Mike runs the folk session at the Ship Inn,
on a Tuesday night.
Mike’s other passions are cycling, skiing and his local church .
Anna has been with the band since meeting Mike when he accompanied her, playing for a wedding
when she was a teenager.
Classically trained, she studied at the Royal College of Music, London and then went on to
freelance regularly with several orchestras, including the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
Anna now spends much of her time looking after her 3 young daughters. She enjoys folk music,
and plays a fantastic version of Spootiskerry Reel - be sure to listen out for it!
Anna Greensmith
Martin is a Caller who focuses on one word. Fun! He took up 'Calling' in 1987 and hasn't
looked back since. He calls dances from England, Ireland, Scotland, Europe and the US of A (OK, he knows
one Welsh dance). He has run and been in bands since a school boy and his musical background covers a
number of instruments (drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals) across a broad church of styles: Folk;
Traditional; Indy; Rock; Ska; Pop; Church; Pantomime (It's behind him); and Jazz.
Martin Lindridge
.