Govannen

live dates
latest news
cds
ceilidhs
photos
testimonials
links
Govannen

Govannen
"Govannen play with passion, artistry and an easy going good humour, each in good measure for a night to remember" - Time Out
Welcome to the website for Celtic band Govannen
Blending jigs and reels, with traditional and contemporary Irish songs with style.


Concerts and Special Occasions
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.

Ceilidhs
Govannen also can provide Ceilidhs with our wonderful dance callers John McDonald and Cathy Lesurf for weddings, functions and parties.

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.

CDs
Live - Sniff the Pony

New live concert CD of tunes &
songs - a stonking gig!
Celtic Fire

Uptempo rhythmic instrumental album
featuring jigs & reels and new tunes.
The Water is Wide

Live concert of olds and new Irish
songs and jigs & reels.
Healing Waters
Govannen - Healing Waters CD
Atmospheric instrumental Celtic
music with guest Vikki Clayton.
1
Tidings - King of the Fairies
2
Raggle Taggle Gipsy
3
Celtic Suite
4
Moondance
5
The Dark Island - Tom Betty’s Waltz
6
Whiskey In The Jar
7
Queen of the May - Tequila
8
Fields of Gold
9
Introducing Sniff the Pony
10 The Kesh - Morrisons - Saddle The Pony - Jingle Bells
11 The Alien Jellyfish Song
12 Bobby Caseys
13 The Black Velvet Band
14 Introductions
15 Dublin to Dakar

1
Queen of the May -
The Congress
2
Celtic Fire
3
The Kesh - Morrisons Jig
4
Spancil Hill
5
Colliers Reel
6
Debhair the Dancer -
The Kid on the Mountain
7
Weaving a Spell
8
Wheelans Jig - Coolies Reel
9
Thunderhead
10 The Gathering
11 Cunla
12 Bobby Caseys -
The Rising Tide
13 Dakar To Dublin -
Mickey The Moulder -
Stan Chapman's Jig
14 Ritual of the Celtic Fire
1
When Will We Be Married
2
Junior Crehans
3
The Sally Garden
4
Mickey the Moulder
5
As I Roved Out
6
Sparkys
7
Ride On
8
Queen of the May/The Congress
9
The Water is Wide
10 Morrison's Jig
11 Fairytale of New York
12 King of ythe Faries
13 Deja Blues
14 Wheelans
15 The Wild Rover
1.
The Chalice mp3
2.
The Maids of Mourne Shore mp3
3.
The Spirit of the Well mp3
4.
The Wayfarer mp3
5.
A Stór mo Croí mp3
6.
The Yew Tree Knows mp3
7.
The Butterfly mp3
8.
The Heart of the Well mp3
9.
Silver Rainbow/
Gwezenn An Avalou
mp3
10
Lady of the Lake mp3
11 Cad é sin don té sin mp3
12

The Chalice in the Well

mp3
Buy other CDs featuring Chris & Dan online at the cd store

Live Dates
April 2009
.
7th Tue
-
Chris Conway & Adele McMahon - The Swan, Braybrooke, Northamptonshire
concert
24th Fri
-
Govannen, Cathy Lesurf, Liz Scattergood - River of Love Benefit, Embankment Club, Nottinghamshire NG2 2GR
Celtic/songs
.     .
May 2009
.
1sr Fri
-
Govannen - The Noel, Whitwell, Rutland
concert
15th Fri
-
Govannen - Door of Hope Charity Concert, Burton Lazars Village Hall Leicestershire
concert
.     .
June 2009
.
13th Sat
-
Govannen - Joules Yard, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
concert/dinner
14th Sun
2pm
Govannen - private party, Barnsdale, Rutland
private party
20th Sat
-
Govannen - private party, Hoby, Leicestershire
private party
24th Wed
-
Govannen - The Wheatsheaf, Oakham
concert/dinner
.     .
July 2009
.
3rd Fri
-
Govannen - private party, Leicestershire
private party
10th Fri
-
Govannen - Smiths Bourne, Lincolnshire
concert
17th Fri
-
Govannen - The Wheatsheaf, Edith Weston, Rutland
concert
18th Sat
-
Govannen - Ceilidh, Stamford Arts Centre, Lincolnshire
concert
24th Fri
tbc
Govannen - The Jubilee, Bourne, Lincolnshire
concert
25th Sat
tbc
Govannen - private party, Barkby, Leicestershire
private party
.
August 2009
7th Fri
-
Govannen - private party, Kibworth, Leicestershire
private party
8th Sat
tbc
Govannen - Joules Yard, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
concert
9th Sun
-
Govannen - private party, Univeristy of Leicester
private party
22nd Sat
tbc
Govannen - private party, Hoby, Leicestershire
private party
.    
September 2009
5th Sat
-
Govannen - Gloostenbury, Festival, Glooston, Leicestershire
concert
12th Sat
tbc
Govannen - Joules Yard, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
concert/dinner
19th Sat
3pm
Govannen - private party, Exton, Rutland
private party
20th Sun
tbc
Govannen - tbc
private party
26th Sat
tbc
Govannen - private party, West Bridgeford, Nottinghamshire
private party
.    
October 2009
10th Sat
tbc
Govannen - private party, Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire
private party
17th Sat
tbc
Govannen - private party, Rutland
private party
24th Sat
tbc
Govannen - Paradise Theatre, nr Tring, Bedfordshire
concert
.
November 2009
.    
December 2009
19th Sat
tbc
Govannen - Kirby Twins Acoustic Club, Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire
concert

for Chris Conway's gigs go here - for Dan Britton's gigs go here

Govannen News
Door of Hope Charity Ceilidh with Govannen

June 2009
Door of Hope Charity Ceilidh with Govannen
The Door of Hope Charity Ceilidh at Burton Lazars in May went really well - and lot of money was raised for kids in Bulgaria and Albania. Thanks to all who came and made it such a success.


The album Govannen made with Celtic harper France Ellul - Spirits of the Forest is to be released soon.

Govannen at The Noel@Whitwell - May 09 thanks to Justin Ellis-yorke for the video

May 2009
Paradise Music have released a greeting card containing a compilation cd featuring Govannen & Bridget McMahon's music.

Celtic Card/CD
- has tracks taken from Bridget McMahons CD Celtic Woman that Chris produced and Govannen played on, and Govannen's Celtic Fire CD.
The cards are 13,5cm square and include and envelope, the CDs are about 40mins long, and are just 5pounds from the shop

Govannen - St Patricks Night 09

March 2009
1. Crazy St Patricks week for Govannen - 6 gigs in 9 days - and 2 of those were ceilidhs.
2. Govannen's cajon drum player Neil Rabjohn was out for a couple of months after back surgery. He rejoined the band at the end of the St Patricks run.
3. No news yet as to when the Spirits of the Forest album with harper France Ellul is to be released. Cover art held things up.

December 2008
Govannen have recorded an album with Celtic harper France Ellul. The album Spitits of the Forest is an instrumental album along the lines of Healing Waters. Bridget McMahon came over from ireland to join Govannen for the recording adding atmospheric vocals. Chris produced the album and wrote 4 of the pieces and co-wrote 3.
The album will be out on Paradise Music early in 2009.

Thanks to everyone who supported us thru 2008.
Happy Solstice, Christmas and New Year
CU in 2009
Govannen

Govannen - Music in the Meadow 08

October 2008
New photos - see below for new photos of Govannen (minus Dan - he was in Edinburgh) at Music in the Fields Festival in Ashby Follville

July 2008
A new live album by Govannen - "Live - Sniff the Pony" - is pretty is very close to being officially released. It is available now on a - if you want one I'll print you a copy - basis until a proper run is made.

Recorded live at the wonderful Christmas concert
at Kirby Twins Acoustic Club in December last year, it features a 4 piece Govannen including Neil Rabjohn on cajon drum which gives the proceedings a bit of oomph.

The curious title Sniff the Pony"
came from a "misspeak"I made at the concert when introducing the title of a tune Saddle the Pony. The album includes some regular live favourites including a couple of popular songs we play at functions but also some "art" as there is a nice suite of pieces including a magical improv we had at the end of a set of tunes.

Hear soundclips here

- check out new photos below

June 2008
Former Govannen member Bridget McMahon has released a CD - Celtic Woman - produced by Christo and Govannen members all appear on the album. It's an album of mostly traditional Irish songs but with a new twist.

Work is nearring completion on Govannen's Live album. CC is putting finishing touches to the mastering ans artwork is being chosen. It;s to be called Govanenn - Live - Sniff the Pony...... don't ask...

Dan receieved an award for his services to music in Melton Mowbray at a ceremony in Melton Theatre in May.

Govannen at Kirby Twins Acoustic Club

March 2008
Congratulations go to Govannen's percussionist Neil Rabjohn & his partner Ange on the birth of their son Dylan.

Work has started on a Govannen live album taken from December's amazing Kirby Twins Club concert.

Govannen

Jan 2008
Celtic Fire CD launch!
The Celtic Fire CD launch at Border Books in December went really well - CDs were sold, and friends made - the band were especially popular with young children who often dragged their parents to watch the band.

Photos -
see several new Govannen live photos below

Kirby Twins
Probably the gig of the year for Govannen took place on Dec 29th at the Kirby Twins Club at Kirby Bellars Village near Melton. Over 100 people came to the village hall with their own food and drink and heard Govannen in 4 piece mode play a huge set. A real home crowd.

2007
Pretty amazing year for Govannen - 40 gigs, our first ceilidhs, a new studio CD and the live Door of Hope charity CD

Govannen

December 2007
Celtic Fire CD launch! -
Sunday December 2nd - 2-4pm
Borders
, Grove Farm Triangle, Narborough Road South, Enderby, Leicester, LE19 1WT

Govannen are holding a launch concert to celebrate the release of their new album Celtic Fire on December 2nd at Borders Books in Leicester between 2 and 4pm. Come along, grab a coffee in the Starbucks, browse some books and listen to the 4 piece Govannen (Neil Rabjohn joins the band on Cajon drum).


Ceilidhs
Govannen ceilidh

Ceilidhs
Govannen also can provide Ceilidh Dances with our expert dance callers John McDonald and Cathy Lesurf for weddings, functions and parties. The focus on our ceilidhs is fun and informality - 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 Celtic and popular songs for everyone to have a bop.

Testimonials


govceilidh



Govannen ceilidh
"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

Links

Dan Britton
Chris Conway
Chris Conway & Dan Britton page
Oblong Music
Paradise Music

for bookings please contact...
DGMusic Agency
Bandsandmusicians agency
Counties Folk Agency


Photos
Govannen - Joules Yard - Market Harborough - June 09
Govannen - Don Paddys, Uppingham, Rutland - May 09 - thanks to Adrian & Gerry for the Sketch
Govannen Joules Yard June 09
 
Govannen - original line-up reunion - Hoby Village Hall - June 09 - photos Bridget McMahon
Govannen - Hoby June 09 ..Govannen - Hoby June 09 . Govannen - Hoby June 09
Govannen & dancers - Door of Hope Charity Ceilidh - Burton Lazars - May 09 - photos Dan & Maria McMahon
 Door of Hope Charity Ceilidh with Govannen. Door of Hope Charity Ceilidh with Govannen
Govannen - St Patricks Night - The Blue Bell, Easton on the Hill, Rutland - March 09

 Govannen - St Patricks Night 09.Govannen - St Patricks Night 09.Govannen - St Patricks Night 09

Govannen (minus Dan) - Music in the Meadow - Ashby Folville Hall - August 2008

Govannen - Music in the Meadow 08 . Govannen - Music in the Meadow 08
Govannen - Music in the Meadow 08 .Chris Conway of Govannen - Music in the Meadow 08

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

.Govannen .Govannen

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

Govannen ceilidh .Govannen ceilidh

Govannen - Country & Western Themed Party, Souldrop, Bedfordshire - Jan 08 - photos by Cathy Lesurf

Govannen Cowboys .Govannen Cowboys

Govannen - Kirby Twins Club, Kirby Bellars Village Hall , Leicestershire - Dec 07 - photos by Jamie Arkless

Govannen at Kirby Twins Acoustic Club . Govannen at Kirby Twins Acoustic Club

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 govceilidh .ii Govannen iii Govannen

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

Govannen . Govannen .Govannen with Dave Kirk

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

Govannen . Govannen

Govannen - Belvoir Castle - May 2007
..
Govannen -another scary photo taken at night outside the Manners Arms in Knipton - March 2007

Govannen - 2 scary photos taken at night outside the Manners Arms in Knipton - Dec 2006
  .
Govannen at a wedding , Alpine Restaunt, Asfordby Hill, Leicestershire - photos by Richard Arkless - July 06

.
Dan's Wedding, Oakham - May 06 - - Christo/Robbie/Deli at reception bash, Halstead
.
Deli, Robbie(covering for Dan) , Christo - Wellow Maypole Fair - May 06 - - Bridget in the studio - May 06
.
The White Hart, Melton Mowbray - April 06
.

..
St Patricks Night - after the gig - The Noel@Whitwell, Rutland - March 06
Govannen - Wellow May Fair, May '04 - thanks to Rachel for photos
.. .
Govannen - St Patrick's Night '04 - Brooksby
.

 



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