Eileen - Accordion
Eileen has been a dancer and musician in the South West for longer than she cares to remember! She was a founder member of the band called English Mustard and this morphed into Fresh Aire. Eileen has experience playing with other bands and has been involved with dance teaching, teacher training and schools projects with Folk South West. She currently plays for Sweet Coppin, a local woman's folk dance side and she keeps all of our tunes well documented. Eileen works closely with the caller to ensure music fits the chosen dance and she keeps the band organised.
Mike - Irish Flute / Whistles / Bagpipes / Melodeon
In 1982 Mike became, and still is, a morris dancer with Taunton Deane Morris Men. From this he discovered the world of Celtic music and dance and gradually has taught himself to play bodhran, mandola, guitar, whistle, flute, pipe & tabor, melodeon and Border bagpipes - but not at the same time! He has taught dance to adults and children and can often be found at folk festivals or pubs playing music. In addition to Fresh Aire, he also plays in a Pogue’s tribute band, leads local Wassails and is in North Curry Mummers.
Graham - Bodhran / Occasional Caller
Graham has been dancing morris, calling dances and playing the bodhran since time immemorial. Founder, teacher and now one of the musicians for Taunton Deane Morris Men, you might find him playing his melodeon or even calling a dance or two. Graham is the band secretary and he'll respond to your enquiries.
Ali - Our Usual Caller
Ali has worked with the band for many years and has developed a calm clarity of calling that is helpful to guiding beginners or experienced dancers through a dance. Complicated dances do not feature in her repertoire as her focus is always on achieving an evening of enjoyment. As such Ali will be your MC during the evening, tailoring dances to suit the occasion, the number of dancers available and their dance experience. She will be your point of contact during the event so as to make things run smoothly with any intervals, speeches and breaks you may plan.
Rebecca - Fiddle
Rebecca is a talented fiddle player able to bring a printed tune to life and add depth and intricacy to our music. The band have known her most of her life and have seen her develop as a dancer and a musician. Now living in Devon, she will on occasions join us if an organiser would like our 'Big Band'.