About Erin Ceilidh Band

A Ceilidh (pronounced "Kay-lay", emphasis on 1st syllable) is many things. It derives from the Gaelic word meaning "a visit" and originally meant just that (and still does, in Gaelic). It can also mean a house party, a concert or more usually an evening of informal Scottish traditional dancing to informal music. Ceilidhs in the lowlands tend to be dances, in the highlands they tend to be concerts. Dances in the Highlands and traditional ceilidhs in the Lowlands are often called "ceilidh dances".

Ceilidh dancing is fundamentally different from Scottish Country Dancing in that it is much less formal and the primary purpose is the enjoyment of doing the dance. Scottish Country Dancing is much more oriented towards being a demonstration or exhibition. Ceilidhs are extremely popular indeed with young people and often attract from a few dozen people to several hundred. For more about this, click here.

Members of Erin Ceilidh Band

Claudia Rowen -- Had this to say about herself: I learned to play violin as a kid in Minnesota (thanks mom!), but I didn't start to fiddle until after I got married when I took fiddle lessons from Bill Hinckley and, later, Pam Meisel. Once I've made my kids practice their violins, I like to juggle (I learned something in college), and sing and read books, and speak French. Oh, and I don't NEED to play soccer; it just helps me relax. Sometimes, I earn a little money as a Suzuki violin teacher.

Casey Dabbs -- Has a voice that is super for Celtic music. Learned to play fiddle about ten years ago. Got into Celtic music in high school. Recently learned to play bodhran. She is a returning founding member of the band. Plays fiddle, whistle and guitar. She cooks all the time.

Future...The band is planning on adding tin whistle, digeridoo, spoons, bones, and an occasional guest artist.