Govannen Ceilidh Band

Ceilidhs
Govannen are the perfect choice for Ceilidhs, and barn dances for weddings, functions and parties.

The focus on our ceilidhs is fun and informality
with our expert dance callers John McDonald, Neil Rabjohn or Cathy Lesurf, dance experience is not necessary and our caller on the night will clearly guide you through the steps.

...and when you've had enough Ceilidh dancing...
As a break from the Ceilidh dancing or as a great way to round the evening off, Govannen can play a range of Irish songs and pop for everyone to have a bop.

Band for Parties, Functions, and Special Occasions

Parties and Special Occasions
Want a band for your party or function without the ceilidh dancing? Govannen can help make any occasion special. Songs to rouse the room, or delicate slow airs so suit the mood. Govannen can kick up a storm or provide just the right mellow ambience for quieter events.

The band have amazing versatility - as well as the great Irish songs they can play songs from the likes of Van Morrison, The Beatles, Ray Charles, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Elvis, The Beach Boys - rock'n'roll, jazz, blues - you name it.

Hear some soundclips...

"Govannen play with passion, artistry and an easy going good humour, each in good measure for a night to remember" - Time Out

Govannen are...
Dan Britton - vocals, guitar, bodhran, harmonica
Adele McMahon - violin
Neil Rabjohn - cajon drum, bodhran
Chris Conway - keyboards, tin and low whistles, guitar, kalimba, vocals

also in the Govannen extended family are...
John McDonald - ceilidh dance caller
Cathy Lesurf - ceilidh dance caller
Bridget McMahon - vocals
Neil Segrott - bass

CDs
Govannen have made 4 CDs - 2 live sets of songs, jigs & reels, an album of atmospheric instrumental music and an album of rhythmic traditional and new instrumental Celtic music.

"Thank you so much – I had such a great time. Everyone loved you – the mix of music was perfect. Thank you all so much for a really memorable evening" - Donna, Bedfordshire

"Just wanted to say a really huge thank you to Govannen for the live music at our party.
It was a fantastic night - everyone throroughly enjoyed themsleves and the band contributed immensley to the atmosphere and fun we all had. They were brilliant in every way. Discreet setting up, flexible in their timing and responsive to the moods and tastes of our guests. I received so many positive comments about the night and most mentioned how impressed they were with the quality of the musicians. There was a splattering of Irish among the guests too, who enjoyed every minute! The band played some great choices of music and certainly got everyone up on the dance floor, which is what I had hoped for." - Sally and Andy, Rutland

"We just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the rest of Govannen for helping to make our wedding day so special. Everybody loved the band and the music/dancing was everything we wanted and more" - Jo & Dan, Rutland.

"We are back from honeymoon now and I just wanted to thank you for making our wedding so special. We have had so many people tell us how great they thought you were" - Emma, Leicestershire

"I wanted to get in touch and say thank you again for the fantastic music & service you provided during our wedding .... was really pleased at how much everyone enjoyed the music, and the dancing - we have had lots of positive feedback. John deserves a medal I think for managing to whip everyone into (some sort! of) shape. We had a lovely day, but you definitely made our evening." Heather & Tim, Bedfordshire

the govannen band

Adele McMahon is a soloist of world class. She’s also a library of Irish tunes for the band – she has hundreds in her head. Her dazzling fluid violin is the real backbone of the band sound.

Adele was influenced by her family (her father is a singer of traditional Irish songs from County Clare), and the great fiddle players like Martin Hayes and Kevin Burke.

Chris Conway’s interests are in sounds, harmonies and arrangements, adding touches of magic with his battery of flutes, exotic instruments and keyboard wizardry.

Chris’s influences are the great arrangers of Celtic fusion like Alan Stivell, Gwerz, and Donal Lunny & The Moving Hearts. Chris also brings jazz & blues influences to the band.

Neil Rabjohn is an amazing percussionist who plays the cajon drum - a wooden box which in his hands can sound like a drum kit. Whern Neil plays the music really get cooking.

Neil joins the group mostly at the bigger concerts and events that need some kick and Neil is much in demand in acoustic bands.

John McDonald or "Maca" has made a name for himself as one of the best ceilidh and dance and callers in the country. He runs courses and workshops on it. With his native geordie wit and his natural sense of fun everyone has a great time.

Govannen guests at Chris Conways 20th Anniversary Concert - The Musician, Leicester - Dec 09 - photos by G

Govannen @ Exton Park, Rutland - Sept 09

Govannen - Gloosten Festival - Sept 09

Govannen - at Kibworth Bowls Club, Rockingham Castle & with caller Cathy Lesurf - photo Planet Christo TV

Govannen's Dan Britton and Adele McMahon @ Stamford Arts Centre & Bridget McMahon in the Oblong Studio - July 09 - photo Planet Christo TV

Govannen - Joules Yard - Market Harborough - June 09

Govannen - Don Paddys, Uppingham, Rutland - May 09 - thanks to Adrian & Gerry for the Sketch

Govannen - original line-up reunion - Hoby Village Hall - June 09 - photos Bridget McMahon

Govannen & dancers - Door of Hope Charity Ceilidh - Burton Lazars - May 09 - photos Dan & Maria McMahon

Govannen - St Patricks Night - The Blue Bell, Easton on the Hill, Rutland - March 09

Govannen - on stage at private function - Sutton Coldfield - June 2008 - photos CC & Cathy Lesurf

Govannen - ceilidh with caller Cathy Lesurf at the Grantham Folk Festival - June 2008 - photos Tonya Tempest

Govannen out and about -
i with caller John McDonald at ceilidh near Bicester
ii Celtic Fire CD launch at Borders Books, Leicester
iii - with guest Neil Segrott on bass at the The Musician, Leicester

Govannen - Joules Yard, Market Harborough- Sept 07 - photos by G

Govannen reunion of original line-up - Don Paddys, Uppingham - Sept 07

Govannen - Belvoir Castle - May 2007

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Govannen - on stage at private function - Sutton Coldfield - June 2008 - photos CC & Cathy Lesurf
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Govannen - ceilidh with caller Cathy Lesurf at the Grantham Folk Festival - June 2008 - photos Tonya Tempest
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Govannen out and about - i with caller John McDonald at ceilidh near Bicester ii Celtic Fire CD launch at Borders Books, Leicester iii - with guest Neil Segrott on bass at the The Musician, Leicester
i .ii iii
Govannen - Joules Yard, Market Harborough- Sept 07 - photos by G
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Govannen reunion of original line-up - Don Paddys, Uppingham - Sept 07
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Govannen - Belvoir Castle - May 2007
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Govannen at a wedding , Alpine Restaunt, Asfordby Hill, Leicestershire - photos by Richard Arkless - July 06
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The White Hart, Melton Mowbray - April 06
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St Patricks Night - after the gig - The Noel@Whitwell, Rutland - March 06

Govannen - Wellow May Fair, May '04 - thanks to Rachel for photos
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Govannen - St Patrick's Night '04 - Brooksby
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dance callers
John McDonald or "Maca" has made a name for himself as one of the best ceilidh and dance and callers in the country. He runs courses and workshops on it. With his native geordie wit and his natural sense of fun everyone has a great time.	Cathy Lesurf has sung such famous bands as Fairport Convention, the Albion Band, the Oyster Band and even had a number one single with Fiddlers Dram (The Day Tript To Bangor). Cathy has a great knowledge of traditional English and Celtic dance and in her hands dances always run smoothly.