The Northern Nights

From ceilidh beginnings to floor-filling hits, experience a Northern Night you won't forget. Based in the Highlands of Scotland, The Northern Nights is a dynamic five-piece wedding and functions band. As experienced musicians spanning various genres, we present both an eclectic mix of popular hits and/or an energetic ceilidh set ensuring you and your guests stay entertained throughout the Everyone Loves a Ceilidh! What's a better way to kick off your evening than with a round of classic ceilidh dances? Whether your guests are ceilidh novices or seasoned experts, our skilled callers, Alyssa and Colin, will guide everyone through the dances, ensuring all can participate and enjoy. If covers are not for you we also offer a The Northern Nights Ceilidh Band for all you ceilidh lovers. A lively band in either a 2, 3 or 4 piece configuration. Meet the Band: Alyssa Nicol - Lead Vocals: Alyssa began her journey on the amateur dramatics scene in Inverness at a tender age. After gaining admission to The Dance School of Scotland, she honed her skills in Musical Theatre for two years in Glasgow, later earning a BA Hons degree in Musical Theatre from Arts Educational Schools, London. After a decade of professional stage performances, she transitioned to calling ceilidhs and singing at weddings and functions throughout England. Now, Alyssa has returned to her northern roots. Colin Delmonte - Drums, Accordion & Backing Vocals: A native of Tain, Colin, now settled on the Black Isle with his family, initiated his musical voyage by learning the whistle, piano, and accordion, thanks to the robust musical education in the Highlands. In 2003, he earned a BA Hons degree in Applied Music from Strathclyde University. Though versed in various instruments, Colin feels most at home behind a drum kit. Alongside performing, he also serves as a woodwind instructor for HighLife Highland. Jessica Bates - Piano, Guitar & Backing Vocals: Hailing from Cromarty on the Black Isle, Jessica, a Folk and Traditional Music graduate from Newcastle University, has established her career in the Highlands. She's involved in teaching, leading choirs, running workshops, private lessons, and collaborating with Feisean. Jessica also frequently performs with a renowned ceilidh band. Martin Bell - Bass Guitar, Drums & Backing Vocals: As a youth, Martin chose to tread his path, teaching himself guitar and later gravitating towards the bass guitar. He's also an adept upright bass player, having played with the Indie Folk band, Ernest Rambles. Post school, Martin pursued electronics and sound engineering in Glasgow. He later returned north and now functions as an Electrical Engineer in the construction realm. Jamie Mackenzie - Guitar & Banjo: Jamie's musical odyssey began with exploring instruments like the piano, trumpet, French horn, and trombone. However, by age 11, the guitar became his true calling. Over time, he has attended master classes led by esteemed artists like Martin Taylor, Pierre Bensusan, and Peter Stewart. He boasts an MA Hons in Music from Glasgow University and an M.Ed in Arts and Education from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Currently, he's a full-time musician, collaborating with several music education initiatives, including HighLife Highland. Looking for a ceilidh band without the covers? The Northern Nights also offer a lively ceilidh band. 2, 3 or 4 piece bands available comprising of (or combination of) fiddle, accordion, piano and drums. We cover all the standard ceilidh dances and more. Our musicians are expert dance callers and will happily talk you and your guests through all the necessary moves, allowing everyone to give it a go.