Hello, we are CORKSCREW, a fun, entertaining and versatile combo from Poole in Dorset, England, UK.

Members of the band are: Roger Downton on guitar, fiddle and vocals. Sandra Downton on keyboard, rhythm, percussion, vocals and feet! Dick Irish on bass guitar.

We provide vibrant music for Barn Dances, Ceilidhs, Cowboy Themed Nights, Rock-n-Roll/Sixties Nights, Weddings, Parties, Clubs, Restaurants, Corporate and Themed events, etc.

For peace of mind, and legal obligation, we have full public liability insurance cover, up to £10,000,000. Plus all our electrical equipment is PAT tested with a current certificate.

As seasoned entertainers, we engage our audiences with a light-hearted rapport, creating a warm, exciting and jolly atmosphere.

No previous knowledge of barn dancing is required for your function. Our encouraging 'caller' puts you through your paces, patiently explaining the various figures, and gauging the general ability of the group, to 'call' dances to suit the standard. Above all, FUN is the name of the game, and everyone is included.

For our nostalgic 'Chuck Berry Tribute' Rock-n-Roll gigs, our driving music means you can just let yourself go and rock the joint!

Talk

The Development of Appalachian Mountain Music and Dance Talk

Roger and Sandra explain that when the British migrated to America in the 18^th Century to settle in the Appalachian Mountains, they took with them their anglo-celtic dance tunes, played on fiddles and accompanied by English clog and Irish step dancing.  Re-shaped by percussive African (slave) rhythms and Cherokee Indian influences, a new kind of foot-tapping music evolved, based on Scottish Highland reels, and often referred to as ‘Hillbilly’ ….. Appalachian Mountain music.  The pioneers created verandas as an effective form of air-conditioning; as the old-timers jammed on these back-porch verandas, folks tapped the wooden planks with their heavy boots, and eventually a more sophisticated style of dance evolved from the ‘melting pot’ of step dances ….. Appalachian Clog.  This fascinating and enlightening talk is peppered with examples of lively fiddle tunes and exciting dance demonstrations performed by this talented couple.   

Roger and Sandra’s life long interest and practical, hands on involvement with their subjects, gives them an exclusive, unique and extreme wealth of information, knowledge, and insight into their topics and characters.
They are both seasoned performers and present an entertaining, confident and engaging talk guaranteed to inspire the imagination.

Post Talk Comments

To book this talk email risotto_roger@hotmail.com or telephone 01202 740279.