Author: charlieabel

  • Ceilidh raised over 2K for Archie

    Ceilidh raised over 2K for Archie

    Ace Fun Had by all.

    Our fundraising ceilidh for the Archie Foundation on 18th of January 2014 went very well. We over-sold out the Star Ballroom and had to refuse to sell any more tickets in the end. Which was a shame as we had contemplated booking the bigger ballroom but we didn’t want to take the chance with the bigger expenses involved.  Had folk booked their tickets further in advance we could have done it.  Hopefully next year we will be a bit better organized and get a bigger venue.  We had 150 plus people in the Star, we were a 6 piece band which felt fantastic to play in. Our special guests Paul Anderson ( international Fiddle superstar form Tarland ) and Bob Knight ( Aberdeen award winning folk-songwriter ) did a fantastic job and added a great flavor to the evening.

    The final total we raised after costs for the hall hire etc. was  over £2000.00. A great night was had by all and it was for a great cause helping create a better hospital in Aberdeen for sick children and their families. 
    Did you know that the receptionists at the Aberdeen Children’s hospital are all volunteers? The NHS doesn’t pay for receptionists.
    I didn’t know that. Archie have been doing a great job in making the Children’s Hospital more child friendly, changing the environment with decorations that distract and grab a child’s imagination. Replacing the cold clinical linoleum wipe clean image that hospitals conjure up, there are now paintings, colorful walls and ceilings.  They have created a play area with games, toys and video games to appeal to all ages of children. There is a small wing where parents can sleep overnight , like a hotel so they can be near their children at a difficult time without having to pay the ridiculous prices charged by Hotels in Aberdeen as a result of the lucrative Oil Industry. (Few hotels in Aberdeen will charge anything less than a Hundred pounds a night) Some children may be in hospital for many months or even years which can result in massive financial problems for families.  There is a non denominational chapel or prayer room where all faiths or no faiths can spend some quiet time or say their goodbyes. They have a Kitchen where relatives can cook simple meals. They would like to put in more cooking facilities like an oven and a hob but health and safety restrictions won’t allow it. Let’s hope that common sense will prevail in the end.
    Archie Have a big revamp planned for the future. I know our £2000 is just a drop in the Ocean to what is required. Maybe our drop in the ocean will ripple, get a little larger and grow into something else. Maybe next year we can do something bigger….

    Lots of people have asked already if we will do it again. Making it an annual event.
    I think we will.  Watch this space….



    ceilidh band iron broo

    6 piece ceilidh band – Iron Broo

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    Fred in action Playing the jaws harp
  • Ceilidh For Kids – SOLD OUT

    Ceilidh For Kids – SOLD OUT

    I’m very please to say that we have sold out all the tickets for the Archie Foundation fund raiser ‘Ceilidh for KIds’ we have organised for 18th January 2014 at the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom. We are now having to turn people down.   I’m looking forward to the gig and hope everything runs smoothly. It’s going to be a great night. I hope everyone remembers to bring something for the raffle so we can raise as much as we can. 
  • Archie Ceilidh for Kids is growing legs & sprinting.

    Archie Ceilidh for Kids is growing legs & sprinting.

    Latest on the ceilidh for Archie foundation on the 18th January 2014. North east fiddle virtuoso Paul Anderson and Aberdonian songsmith Bob Knight will be performing during the evening. 
    Iron Broo will be on a strict regime of training everyday next week to ensure maximum ceilidh satisfaction.  The Archie foundation have kindly offered to provide a special guest speaker and have asked to combine one of their own events ‘Beards for Bairns’ which may see the need to upgrade to the Bigger main ballroom. The potential for a fantastic evening of fun and fundraising is fast becoming a reality.

    All the musicians taking part in this event are doing so for free. All the proceeds raised will go directly to the Archie Foundation and will be used for our local sick kids….This is where YOU CAN make a difference. Please help spread the word. Buy your tickets NOW.

    There will be some great prizes in the raffle. If you can donate anything at all for the raffle it will be much appreciated. Please bring it along.

    For tickets you can call Charlie Abel on 07802 861390.
  • Ceilidh 4 Kids -Raising the roof for Archie with Iron Broo & friends

    Ceilidh 4 Kids -Raising the roof for Archie with Iron Broo & friends

    18th January 2014 – Beach Ballroom. Star Ballroom.
    Tickets will be available from Monday 9th of December.
    All money raised will be going to help the archie foundation at Aberdeen Sick Childrens Hospital.
  • One Man Ceilidh Band in Sicily – A Scottish Wedding in Trapani

    One Man Ceilidh Band in Sicily – A Scottish Wedding in Trapani

    In July 2013 I travelled to Trapani, Sicily, to perform as the Iron Broo One Man Ceilidh Band at a Scottish-Sicilian wedding.

    It was a great example of why the solo ceilidh setup works so well for destination weddings: only one musician needs to travel, while guests still get live accordion, full dance calling and a proper Scottish ceilidh.

    Planning something similar? Find out more about the One Man Ceilidh Band →

    I had a fantastic time in Sicily back in July as the One Man Ceilidh Band for a Scottish/Sicilian wedding. Sicily really impressed me. The people are really nice and the food is fantastic. I never once had a bad wine! The white in particular is fantastic.
    Landing in Palermo for a few nights then to Trapani for the wedding. The traffic in Palermo is amazing. If you can drive there (and survive), you can drive anywhere!
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    How to load your lorry – Palermo style
    Palermo picture

    Palermo
    Trapani is much quieter than Palermo and has a busy fishing port. Beautiful yellow sandstone buildings surrounded by stunning landscapes and blue sea. If you’ve ever seen ‘Inspector Monatalbano’ on the TV, you’ll know what I mean.
    I can’t wait to go back.

    A Scottish-Sicilian Wedding Ceilidh in Trapani

    The wedding in Trapani was a sight to be seen. The hotel had a swimming pool that was also used as a harbour for small boats. The wedding reception and meal was held in the evening at the hotel, round this ‘harbour’. The meal ran late which was expected. I lost count on how many courses there were. I think we ate for 5 hours. Pastas, fish, seafood, caponata, all delicious. I wasn’t able to indulge in the wine because I had to play after. I was expected to start around 10.30pm but it was 2.45am before we got started. The calling was interesting with a few overly lubricated Scottish people assuring me they were experts in ceilidh dancing only happy to offer their assistance over the microphone while I was already speaking. It was very funny! I’m sure there were more than a few sore heids the next day.
    Made good friends with the piper and the DJ. The piper was from Palermo and loved the sound of the Scottish bagpipes so much he decided to take them up after hearing them on Italian radio. He was very good. Gianluigi Fanzone is his name in case you need a piper in Sicily. gianluigifanzone@tiscali.it
    piper

    Piper – Gianluigi Fanzone
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    Discussing Ceilidh tactics
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    Setting up with Dj Enzo
    DJ Enzo Monreale kept everyone entertained till about 8am after the ceilidh. He is a natural DJ with a feel and passion for what he does. I’d highly recommend his services in Sicily. A true professional and a real gentleman.

    Taking a Scottish Ceilidh Abroad

    Destination weddings often involve guests from different countries and very different levels of ceilidh experience. Because every dance is called and explained, everyone can join in.

    The One Man Ceilidh Band is particularly practical for overseas weddings because flights, accommodation and local transport are much simpler than travelling with a full band. Where necessary, Charlie can also work with suitable PA equipment provided by the venue or a local production company.

    After the wedding we traveled around a little in the area, Erice, Marsala Salt flats and went sea angling and had a trip to the Egadi Islands and Favignana. Stunning. We caught lots of small fish and went to head out for some Tuna or some big game fish. I did see a sword fish jump in the water not far from the boat but we had little luck. I did get something big at one point but it broke the line and got away. I’ll have to get him next time.
    It was difficult to find a charter for fishing in Sicily. I wanted to catch a big Swordfish or a Tuna or perhaps a Grouper. None of the tourist offices seemed to know that anyone did it, everything was geared up for dolphin spotting or island tours. This will save you the trouble of looking in case you pick this up on Google. This is Andrea’s website….
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    I swam here
    This beach is down the end of a road to the North of Trapani. You need to walk a few K’s to get there. It’s well worth it though. It’s part of a nature reserve next to an old Tonnara (Tuna) factory.
    I am looking forward to going back.

    Planning a Destination Wedding Ceilidh?

    Iron Broo can provide Scottish ceilidh entertainment for weddings and events in Scotland and abroad. For destination weddings, the One Man Ceilidh Band can be a particularly flexible and economical option.

    See our Destination Wedding Ceilidh Band service for weddings across Europe and beyond

    Tell us your date, destination and type of event and we’ll be happy to discuss what would work best.

  • Lovely weather for Ceilidh

    What fantastic weather in Aberdeen today.  Isn’t it ace min!
    I’m packing for a gig and a trip round Sicily tomorrow.  It’ll be even warmer there. Hoping for a spot of fishing as well.
        The Iron Broo Duo will playing a ceilidh at the Colliestion Gala on the 27th of July 2013. Tickets are at the door and will be £5.
    The ceilidh will be held in a marquee in Collieston.  You can’t miss it if you drive into Collieston. It’s in the Glebe field opposite the community centre. I’ll add more details later if I can.
  • Scottish Wedding Ceilidh in Germany – Iron Broo in Dresden

    Scottish Wedding Ceilidh in Germany – Iron Broo in Dresden

    In summer 2013, Iron Broo travelled from Aberdeen to Germany to perform at Janet and Lucas’s wedding in Dresden.

    For this destination wedding we travelled as a three-piece ceilidh band, with Charlie Abel on accordion, Tom on banjo and Fred Wilkinson on bouzouki. After flying to Berlin and travelling on to Dresden, we were treated to a fantastic welcome in one of Germany’s most beautiful cities.

    Old drawing of Dresden

    A Scottish Ceilidh for German Wedding Guests

    The wedding reception took place in Dresden, with many guests who had never experienced a Scottish ceilidh before.

    There was naturally a language barrier, but that soon disappeared once the dancing started. Charlie called and demonstrated the dances, and before long the guests were joining in enthusiastically.

    That is one of the reasons a ceilidh works particularly well at an international wedding. Guests do not need to know the dances beforehand, everything is explained as the evening goes along.

    Taking Iron Broo Abroad

    Travelling with a ceilidh band requires a little more planning than a local wedding, particularly when instruments, flights, accommodation and sound equipment are involved, but Iron Broo has many years of experience performing outside Scotland.

    The Dresden wedding remains a great memory for the band and another example of Scottish ceilidh music bringing people together regardless of nationality or previous dance experience.

    Planning a Destination Wedding?

    Iron Broo provides live Scottish ceilidh music and full dance calling for weddings in Scotland and abroad, with flexible line-ups ranging from our One Man Ceilidh Band and Duo through to larger ceilidh bands.

    Find out more about our Destination Wedding Ceilidh Band →

  • Germany, Berlin and Dresden.

    Germany, Berlin and Dresden.

    Today I’m running around like a madman. Suffering from hay fever in this hot but grey sticky day and trying to pack. We’re all excited to be going to Germany tomorrow morning to play for Janet’s wedding. We’ll fly to Berlin and have a night there, then on Saturday we travel to Dresden to play at the wedding which we are very much looking forward to. We are to give the Germans a taste of Scottish Culture. I hope the recent flooding hasn’t caused too much damage. Fred’s Splashing White Sergeant might be our first dance. Maybe we can find a session in Berlin tomorrow night, anyone know of any? If not I’m sure we are in for a good time anyhow. Can’t wait for some good German food and a massive glass of German beer.  (I’ll be bringing my bib and a spare pair of trousers Tom) Think I’ll take a Kilt as well.
  • Glamis Lumo Stage

    We enjoyed our performances at Glamis Castle.  The weather was atrocious especially on the Saturday. Thanks to those who persisted to listen to Iron Broo at the end of the evening to ceilidh in the torrential rain and darkness… We will never forget you!
    I found it strange being on the stage with the light in my face which meant that when looking out to the audience we couldn’t see a thing in the darkness. Only the odd High-Viz jacket dancing around which gave me a wee chuckle.  
    The Sunday weather was slightly better. It drizzled on and off most of the day. Although when we went on to perform at the end of the day the sun came out and even gave us a bit of colour.
    Myself and all the other families enjoyed the Singing Kettle who were great. Children love them and I saw quite a lot of adults enjoying the fun, myself included. My son Marco was over the moon to get a chance to be on stage with them and play the maracas.  We have seen them several times at their shows and he had always wished to be picked to go on stage with them and so he was very very happy. Thanks Gary!
        The Kilted Chef – Craig Wilson’s cookery demonstration was excellent. He was joined by the lovely Andrea Brymer of STV.  I was standing watching when Marco went to the front just as Craig was making a Chocolate sauce. ‘Would you like to try some?” he asked Marco in front of everyone. “No” replied Marco.
    He must have been the only person, everyone laughed.  He’s a fussy eater but then he is only 6. Craig demonstrated his recipes using Local ingredients which he gathered from the stalls of Local producers who were selling their fare at Glamis. So anyone could go and buy the ingredients there and then. I think it’s great to see local fresh produce being used in our cooking. For a long time Scotland has had a poor reputation for it’s culinary excellence. Things are changing now. Scotland produces some of the finest ingredients for the table you will find anywhere in the world. Our meat is second to none. Fantastic fresh fish. Any vegetables that like rain are far better in Scotland, tatties, carrots etc. I have always been annoyed to see supermarkets sell tatties and carrots that come from the other side of the continent when we have the best tasting right here on our doorstep. Apples and Strawberries are another example. 
    I really enjoy cooking and hope to try some of Craig’s apricot chicken soon.  It’s important that people cook their own food. I despair when I look at what some folk buy in the Supermarket.
  • Glamis Gathering 2013

    After the huge success last year, Glamis Gathering 2013 is set to be a great weekend out for all. Set in the grounds of Glamis Castle, in front of the castle, a weekend of fun is promised for everyone on Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of May 2013. Tickets and information can be found here: (No longer available.)

    Saturday the 18th May from 3pm in front of the castle.
    Live on the Lawn
    Featuring:
    MICHAEL BUBLE Tribute – Drew Wilson
    IRON BROO – Ceilidh Band (yippeee)
    GLITZ – All Girl Rock Band
    Pipe Band Blairgowrie
    Paul Anderson – International Fiddler (Quality!)
    Local Choir
    Master of Ceremonies – Mr Doug Duthie

    Sunday 19th
    Family Fun Day
    Family Day of Music/Dance including Food/Crafts
    from 10.30am

    Featuring:
    THE SINGING KETTLE – With their new show (ace)
    GLAMMERJACK – a take on the famous CRACKERJACK television programme
    Hosted by HILARY WHITLEY of BBC SCOTLAND
    TEDDY BEAR PICNIC
    Competition for best dressed Teddy
    IRON BROO – Ceilidh Band (hurraaay!)

    GLITZ – All Girl Rock Band
    GARRY SEAGREAVES – Magician for Children
    LOCAL MUSICIANS – on Stage during the afternoon
    COOKERY DEMONSTRATION – CRAIG WILSON
    The Kilted Chef from Eat on the Green Restaurant
    with a special guest appearance from
    ANDREA BRYMER of STV
    FOOD AND CRAFT VILLAGE
    including stalls from local producers and crafts
    POLICE AWARENESS UNIT ON SITE
    ANGUS COMMUNITY COUNCIL DISPLAYS
    Funfair and Food Outlets all day