2009
'The music sounded wonderful
and all I've spoken to had a brilliant evening.
Things couldn't have
been better.'
Established as The Bash Street Kids in 1983 and as The Bash Street Band in 1993
The Bash Street Band is based in Sheffield, England. We play traditional music, mostly celtic style, for ceilidhs at weddings, parties, Universities, schools, fund-raisers and gatherings of all sorts.
The band members are Sally Gay on flutes and recorder, Pat Henderson on guitar, Jon Scaife on fiddle, cittern and banjo and Joyce Scaife, the dance caller and MC. We're joined on occasions by our friends Tim Fearon on flute, Brian Gilmer on guitar or Clive Opie on fiddle.
At our dances there are usually some people who've done some ceilidh dancing before and a majority who don't know quite what to expect. That's where Joyce, our caller, comes in. She sorts out the galloping from the promenading and the stripping-the-willow from the dipping-and-diving. No previous dancing experience is required!
The second Bash Street Band album, Another Hard Day at the Office, is now available.
Between us we've appeared on over a dozen albums and played music throughout England, and in the USA, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Singapore. Jon has also recorded with the New England band Gypsy Reel and with singers Judy Dunlop and Bob Bray.
To listen to our music, you're welcome to download a track from our first album, Beats Work!
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Listen to The Bash Street Band for free: |
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... and also excerpts from the second album: The Anemone reel and a slow air.
And here we are on You Tube, sound checking before a dance!
We use a high quality sound system with Bose speakers and we're happy to play as quietly or loudly as you wish.
We are PAT certified and PL insured.
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For bookings and further information about The Bash Street Band, Gypsy Reel, Jon Scaife and Judy Dunlop and Jon Scaife and Bob Bray: phone 0114 2366 966 e-mail j.a.scaife@sheffield.ac.uk |
The quotes below are all unsolicited and are from feedback in emails, letters, cards or reviews about our dances and albums. They're in date order.
2009
A big thank you to you and the band for your input to the wedding. It was great and we've had e-mails and cards from people saying the same. They loved the music *and* the dancing. Verity (Sheffield)
Thank you for making my birthday Ceilidh so enjoyable. You managed, as always, to get it just right for the mix of people at the party. The young children loved it, the teenagers thought it was cool and the non dancers enjoyed the music! Pat C. (Leicestershire)
Just wanted to say another thank you to you and the other band members for helping to make my mum's 90th a night to remember - she was still buzzing on Monday! Great comments on the band - one chap said it was the best night he'd had, and he'd never danced like that in his life! We'll have to think of another occasion to celebrate. Pauline (Mexborough)
Rob and I are so grateful to you all for helping to make our party on Saturday such a happy occasion. We were thrilled with the way so many people really enjoyed the dancing - due both to Joyce's capable and friendly instructions and to the high quality of the music. Jenny and Rob (Stannington)
Thank you and the band for a brilliant night on Saturday. A number of people made a point of finding me on Sunday to say how much they'd enjoyed the evening. Eric (Sheffield)
Huge thanks for your input to my birthday 'do' ... The Bash Street Band (music and Joyce's calling) was fantastic. Jon A (Sheffield)
The ceilidh playing and dancing on Saturday was such fun. Thank you for adding the essential dimension to Bride, Groom and guests' fun. We all loved it and Joyce was exceptional, and so patient. If we'd have known how our people had taken to it you would have been here all night. MC (Whirlowbrook Hall wedding)
Huge thank you for an excellent evening. Lots of great feedback and a very enjoyable evening all round. Best wishes, Andrew, on behalf of the PTA (Sheffield)
2008
We have received very positive feed back about the band, from everyone who came to the ceilidh on Friday night. I now fear that next year's will be a sell out even earlier! Anne M (Ossett)
We have had lots of really enthusiastic comments about the ceilidh - thank you. Gayle A (Holymoorside)
I went to a Ceilidh on Saturday night, and saw an excellent band, playing decent music at an acceptable volume, with a caller who knew what she was doing, and coped well with a mixed group of mainly inexperienced dancers. John (Holymoorside) www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=116067&messages=4
Thank you all for a wonderful evening ... people have commented (glowingly) on the quality of the music ... a brilliant event. I'm already being asked when the next one is. Eric H (Banner Cross)
I just wanted to say a quick thank you to your band on Saturday. We all had a wonderful time and you exceeded our expectations wonderfully! I'll be sure to recommend you to others in the future. Charlotte R (21st birthday, Sheffield)
The band put on a great night for us last September at Hallam Community Hall and I would like to book you all again please for this September. Carole M.
Thank you so much for Friday night - you were all utterly superb! We were very impressed, bowled over by your skills as musicians, callers and people organisers - just excellent... we have ended up raising a fair amount of money that will help pay for new children's benches for the playground. The music was just beautiful. Charlotte P. (Dronfield)
From 2007 and before
The evening went just as we'd hoped, with lots of fine music and fun dancing. Jan C.
Thank you so much for Friday, it was a really good night and everyone had a great time. Naomi S.
Thanks very much for playing at our wedding. You have helped to make the day really special. Gavin and Jo
Our thanks to the extremely talented Bash Street Band who provided the evening's entertainment. Reports are that all had a fantastic time. The event also raised a very healthy £500 for the school. Westways School.
Your band was recommended as doing an excellent ceilidh and we were wondering whether you would be available to play at our wedding reception. Jenny P.
Mary and I thoroughtly enjoyed your band at Molly and John's wedding ... thank Joyce for her wonderful calling - a good caller makes all the difference. Thanks again for making the wedding such a pleasure for us. Rod H.
Myself and everyone from Eastwood Ward would like to say thanks for a lovely night. Tania S, party.
Everyone said how much they enjoyed the evening and there were many compliments regarding the band. Judith W, wedding.
A big thank you for making my Dad's party such a success. Laura K
Just to say thank you again for the wonderful music ... many people had never been to a ceilidh before but they were truly converted!! We had a lovely day which was rounded off by your band. Richard and Pam, wedding.
We are really looking forward to the 22nd as will all the rest of the people who came last time. Our friends and relations still mention the Band and the great night everyone had 18 months ago so it will be great to tell them all to get into training for another night of entertainment and exercise!. Alan W, party.
Thank you so much for a great evening. Everyone said how much they enjoyed the music, dancing and the caller. Steve and Helen J, birthday party.
The Barn Dance was great and lots of students were amazed at the brilliance of the band. Margaret R, student dance.
We all thought you were terrific ... perfect in every way! Sue K, family gathering.
The music was excellent and thank you for your expert calling ... everyone was singing your praises. Diane W, school staff party.
Thank you for the great music you provided. We had a great time and have received lots of comments about how good the band were. Steve G, wedding.
The night was great ... it was a fundraiser and we managed to raise £620. Kathryn P.
You were FANTASTIC!!! Everyone said that you hit the right spot as regards volume, tempo etc ... brilliant to dance to. Lorraine H, staff party.
Everyone I've spoken to remarked on how good the music was, so thanks again. Pauline Y, party.
A big thank you for your contribution to our daughter's naming ceremony. Martin, Paula, Louis and Isabel.
I have had lots of phone calls saying what a good night it was ... thank you very much for being such a good caller with an excellent band. Margaret F, party.
We raised £269 for Brain Tumour Research. It was a wonderful night. Stephanie A.
The music sounded wonderful and all I've spoken to had a brilliant evening. Things couldn't have been better. Mr and Mrs R H, wedding.
The band and your calling were as expected superb and flawless. David and Marjorie M.
Outstanding - a memorable success - many thanks for all the joys you bring us with the band Bob P, Sorby Hall, Sheffield
Thanks for a truly entertaining night - we all had a ball. Paul D, Royal Society of Chemistry conference
A really good night was had by all. Wonderful music and calling. Sir Harold Jackson School PTA dance
Thank you so much - I appreciated the flexibility of the band - I'd like a copy of 'Beats Work!' Fenella N.
Thanks for playing such great music and putting up with a bunch of two-left-footed drunkards! We had an ace time. Ann and John B, wedding
Wanted to thank you for the wonderful performance you gave at our wedding. Julie and Mike.
A huge thank you. Everyone had a fabulous time. Carfield School PTA dance
Your CD is excellent and we're very impressed with the tunes you've written or arranged yourself. Rod and Mary H.
The Bash Street Band are capable of producing a listening set that will stand comparison with any… Thoroughly recommended. Review of The Bash Street Band's second album, 'Another Hard Day at the Office', Malcolm Douglas, Stirrings magazine.
Thanks BIG TIME for the CD ... Brilliant. Haunting. Mike P.
Great CD! Steve G.
Tunes played with style, showing the band as you would hear them live ... the memory of a good night out which this band is guaranteed to have given. Review of The Bash Street Band's first album, 'Beats Work!', Trevor Sommers, Stirrings magazine.
I think it's excellent! Sarah D, having bought 'Beats Work!'
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All quotes above are unsolicited and are from feedback in emails, letters or reviews
about our dances or albums
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