Hire Porter Black | Celtic folk band in Blandford Forum

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From£750

1 hour

Like Porter Black?

Watch & Listen

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Porter Black - Tell Me Ma

Porter Black - The Bear Dance (Tune)

Porter Black - Dublin's Fair City

About Porter Black

A lively and experienced Irish/Ceilidh band from Dorset.

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Celtic folk band

Blandford Forum

Public liability insurance of £10 million

At the heart of the band is a father (fiddle/vocals) and son (accordion/vocals) duo with over 20 years (together) of experience performing Irish music, for Irish dancers, festivals, pubs and ceilidhs across the south west. Whether it’s classic sing-a-longs, haunting ballads, or lively tunes, you’re guaranteed to be joining in and tapping your feet. Their versatility enables lineups from 2-5 musicians and can often include specific song requests. Book early for Paddy’s Day!

Porter Black's Reviews

From their November relaunch: "Thanks Andy for last night, you really made the night."

"First and foremost, this message is to say thank you to all who performed on the Harbour Stage at Wessex Folk Festival 2023. We "got there" with very few blips and squeaks. We did not once stray from our agreed timing schedule. This was because everyone turned up on time and showed respect for others and for what we were attempting to achieve. There were no prima donnas. Thank you also for playing your part in helping us to stay within our agreed budget."

Encore badges

1st Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over a year

Member of the Encore community forum

Porter Black's Song list

Wild Rover

Tell Me Ma

Black Velvet Band

Whiskey In The Jar

Danny Boy

Dublin’s Fair City

Star Of The County Down

7 Drunken Nights

Dirty Old Town

Grace

Hills Of Connemara

Rattling Bog

Leaving Of Liverpool

New York Girls

Whip Jamboree

Bucket Full Of Mountain Dew

Johnny Jump Up

Fields Of Athenry

Galway Girl

Wild Mountain Thyne

Red Is The Rose

Galway Shawl

Irish Rover

Come Back Paddy Reilly

I'm A Rover And Seldom Sober

Paddy And The Bricks

Irish Pub Song

Muirsheen Durkin

Nora

Raglan Road

Spancil Hill

and more...

Porter Black's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Performance duration	Price
Up to 1 hour	£750
Up to 2 hours	£750
Up to 3 hours	£1000

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

You know exactly what you're getting with Porter Black - a range of Irish sing-a-longs, ballads, lively tunes and audience participation.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Primarily, we've performed at pubs and private events (including weddings). We've appeared at local folk clubs (Brunny, in Wimborne, and Bere Regis), festivals (Wessex and Swanage) regularly play for local Irish dancing teams.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Many of our songs are influenced by the music of the Dubliners, High Kings and Gaelic Storm.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Being asked to perform at the re-launch of the Dorset Irish Society was a great privilege.

Do you have different line-up options?

Our most popular lineup includes vocals, fiddle, accordion and percussion. If space is limited, we can swap the drum kit for a cajon (box drum). We also regularly perform as a duo or 4 piece (usually with added keyboard). We have worked with a number of dep musicians in the past, so please ask if there is something specific you'd like included?

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

We will always be as flexible as we can regarding timings. We will only take a single booking on any given day, so as to prioritise your event.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

We always carry a small tablet computer with us, containing a folk music playlist. This is available before and between our sets. We offer a DIY disco option for later in the evening, prices start from £100 and include additional lighting.

How much time do you need to set up?

We ask for a minimum of 1 hour to set up and sound check.

Can you roam around while you perform?

Our caller/accordionist uses radio mics and can roam. It's often better if the caller can be on the dance floor at times. The other musicians are static.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Absolutely, and if you've got a favourite Irish folk song that isn't there, we're happy to try and learn that as well...

Is all of the equipment (e.g. PA & lighting) included in your quote?

Full PA and basic up-lights are included in the price. Additional disco lights are available for hire, from £40.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

We're always happy to learn new songs, just so long as they fit our style and vocal range - and we have sufficient time to learn them!

Musicianship

Genres:

Traditional Irish folk, Folk, Ceilidh

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Types:

Celtic folk band, Ceilidh band, Folk band

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Event types:

Private event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Wedding, Funeral / Memorial service, Wedding proposal, Hotel / Restaurant event, Church service, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Theatre / Show, Burns night, Birthday party, New Year's Eve, Christmas party

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