THERE is a rare opportunity for lovers of folk music to dance their socks off this Saturday, March 1, at a ceilidh organised by Okehampton-based Wren Music to round off the 'Piping Hot Bagpipe Weekend 2008'. The ceilidh (or folk dance) will be held in the Charter Hall from 8pm to 11.30pm and will feature one of Devon's most popular folk dance bands, the Eel Grinders. Noted for their strong tunes, interweaving harmonies and lots of rhythm to get everyone up and dancing, the Eel Grinders have been off the circuit recently since their violinist Helena Torpy moved up to Scotland. The line-up includes the award-winning Border piper David Faulkner, Steve Turner on accordion, with Lawrence Morgan-Anstee also playing bagpipes. There will be dance music from English, French, Breton, and other European traditions, with guest appearances by the renowned Welsh piper Ceri Rhys Matthews, and hurdy gurdy artist Stephen Tyler. All of the dances will be explained and no experience is necessary. There will be a bar organised by Okehampton's Plymouth Inn. During the day on Saturday there will be a series of workshops designed to offer an outstanding opportunity for keen musicians to hone their instrumental skills, and to develop a greater understanding of vibrant musical traditions. The workshops will be held in Fairplace Church Hall. From 10am to 1pm, Ceri Rhys Matthews, and David Faulkner will lead workshops for bagpipers. These will include classes for players at intermediate and advanced levels, as well as classes for beginners. From 2pm to 4pm all instruments (not just bagpipes) are welcome at the two afternoon repertoire development workshops. Ceri will teach tunes from the Welsh and Breton traditions, and David will teach tunes from both English and Border repertoires. As a new development this year, Stephen Tyler will be running workshops for hurdy gurdy players at all levels during the morning and afternoon. Advance booking is recommended, as workshop places are limited to ensure all participants receive personal attention. Fees for the workshops are £30 full, £20 concessions for both morning and afternoon, and £15 full, £10 concessions for the morning or afternoon only. For all the Saturday events, tickets are £35 full, £23 concessions. The bagpipe weekend also features a free informal music-making session tomorrow (Friday) in the Plymouth Inn from 8pm, hosted by David Faulkner. The session will be open to all instruments, and bagpipes will be particularly welcome. For information on all the events, go to the website http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk">www.wrenmusic.co.uk
