The Band

The Red Parrots, taking their name from a Dublin public house, are a collection of able characters drawn from the darkest corners of West and South Yorkshire. They have been playing for more years than some of them care to remember but somehow manage to remain enthusiastic about music and enjoying themselves.

The members have in the past played with such notable (or notorious) local bands as Tight Squeeze, Blackstone Edge, Jigby, Cauldron, the Odd Job Band and the almost inevitable Good Egg Band, but had grown tired of the standard tunes bashed out relentlessly and interminably at sessions and ceilidhs and wanted to do something a bit different.

Although playing tunes that are mainly English in tradition the band was formed with the basic idea of trying to do something different. They set out to re-orientate, rather than completely destroy, your notions of what a ceilidh band should sound like.

The Red Parrots personnel each have their own preferences of material. As a result, dancers will find themselves up and bopping to adaptations of almost anything, given that the band’s influences range from Billy Bragg to the Spotniks.

Between them the six band members play fiddle, melodeon, trombone, concertina, mouth organ, whistle, bass and electric guitars and vocals, underpinned with a driving drum backing.

Gary Grindall is their usual caller. Versatile and easy-going, he will unswervingly steer experienced and inexperienced dancers, young and old alike, through a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The band and Garry have worked together over the last couple of years to adapt dances and non-traditional music so they fit together. (How many bars do you really need for that bit?)