Well what a month it has been; since our last blog entry, we have entertained guests at six different wedding celebrations or receptions. Our last gig in July was at the wonderful Glen Tanar Ballroom, out in the heart of Deeside. We entertained Mr and Mrs Williams, who we first played for at one of the Gordonian Sports Club events that we have done in the past. The enthusiasm from them and their guests was amazing, and they all danced the night away despite the muggy temperature and midges! A special thanks must always go to the wonderful Shona and her staff, who always looks after us when we play at this wonderful venue:
The following weekend saw us head to two new venues for the band: first up, Cluny Castle not far from Kemnay. The 17th century castle has been used for weddings in recent years, and we were hosted at the rear of the castle in a sizeable marquee adjacent to the Tenant's Hall. We weren't the only entertainers that evening as we were joined by the Bard of Muchalls, Hugh Roche. He recited a comical self written poem dedicated to the newly wed Mr and Mrs Johnstone. Half time saw Mr and Mrs Johnstone's guests enjoying a selection of cheese and pies, whilst being wowed by a wonderful firework display:
The next evening, we played at Elsick House, near Portlethen. This all inclusive wedding venue really is a hidden gem, with a huge dance floor in the very well decorated marquee. Mr and Mrs Stocks told us that one of the attractions of the venue was the huge dance floor, so we knew that we had our work cut out to keep it full all night. We didn't need to try... their guests were very enthusiastic and a real privilege to play for:
The following Thursday, we made the journey down to Boturich Castle which is situated on the south-east side of Loch Lomond. Our friends from the University of Aberdeen, Cairi and Ashley, asked us to be part of their special day and to provide them with a ceilidh that everybody would remember (or not, after a few shandies). The backdrop was beautiful, with a clear view over the loch and over to Ben Lomond. A sneak peak at our Instagram story from the day will show you just how scenic it is down there:
Mr and Mrs Edwards and their guests partied all night - an absolute dream of a gig, and as guests, we partied with them too. A giant Auld Lang Syne at the end of the night topped off a wonderful day:
Mid August, we were booked to play at Richard Donald Suite at Pittodrie Stadium for a wedding party, after the bride and groom got married in Malta in July. The initially cautious adults were coaxed into filling the dance floor, whilst the children seized the opportunity to play drum kit with our stand in drummer, Tommy.
And finally, last weekend we were booked for another wedding party on a farm near Laurencekirk; one of the shortest commutes for Matt! Ros and Dave's hospitality was wonderful, and with them coming from a farming background, the BBQ food on offer was just exquisite. We played in a tee-pee in the garden, and Ros and Dave and their guests partied all night with us:
And that concludes our August filled with weddings and wedding parties!
Looking ahead to September, we have another month filled with gigs. Charity functions to student balls, from Tayport (Fife) to Westhill (Aberdeenshire); be sure to keep in touch with our Instagram story and highlight reels to see us in action.