The Dandy Dans

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The Dandy Dans

"Flanders and Swann, Kit and the Widow … Every generation needs a classy, charming, original, fresh-faced, stylish and witty musical double act. We've found ours: these two young men." Gyles Brandreth.

"The Dandy Dans - Who?… I've played piano for these gifted and handsome young guys. They're well OK. (Just think Lehrer and Coward or Bing and Old Blue Eyes and you won't be far out.)"
Dee Palmer (ex-Jethro Tull keyboardist and orchestral arranger for Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, The Beatles and Queen)

Swing/jazz/pop favourites from two classically trained ex-Cambridge choral scholars who have been a vocal duo for five years, and have performed for two Princes and two Prime Ministers (recently for Mr Cameron at the Downing Street Christmas party).

Performing with just piano for background/cabaret sets, or with piano, double bass and drums for music to dance to (or even with full big band).

Bespoke songs and original lyrics available on request.

Line-up

Two singers and pianist for background/cabaret sets.
Two singers, pianist, double bass and drums for party sets / music to dance to.

Extra Line-up(s)

Full big band (at extra charge).
Bespoke songs and original lyrics.

Also included

PA: Mackie SRM350 Active PA speakers, Mackie VLZ mixer, 2x Beyerdynamic M69s vocal mics.

Lighting: 3x LEDJ PAR64 LED Floor Par Can and Transcension SDC-6 DMX Controller.

Location

South East based and will travel to these areas: South East, South West, Midlands, Wales.

Previous Clients

10 Downing Street
Béla Bollobás, Cambridge university professor
Andrew Goddard, QC

Gyles Brandreth, Friends of Sussex Hospices Charity Gala, Framfield Grange, Sussex, 2014
"Flanders and Swann, Kit and the Widow … Every generation needs a classy, charming, original, fresh-faced, stylish and witty musical double act. We’ve found ours: these two young men."

Dee Palmer (ex-Jethro Tull keyboardist and orchestral arranger for Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, The Beatles and Queen)
"The Dandy Dans - Who?… I’ve played piano for these gifted and handsome young guys. They’re well OK. (Just think Lehrer and Coward or Bing and Old Blue Eyes and you won’t be far out.)"

Rose Wiseman (Events Team, No. 10 Downing Street), Christmas Party at No. 10 Downing Street, London, 2013
"The Dandy Dans performed an hour-long set at the Downing Street staff Christmas party on 18th December 2013, which was attended by around 250 staff from across the house, as well as the Prime Minister and his family. The Dandy Dans completely transformed the usually austere State Dining Room and effortlessly got everyone dancing. Despite only having a few days' notice, The Dandy Dans performed an faultless set with a great band that included bass, piano and drums. Adam was a pleasure to deal with, he quickly understood our vision for the party and arranged a set list which complemented the occasion perfectly. The band displayed a great deal of flexibility and were happy to take several last minute requests. We were very impressed by their attention to detail. Adam's specially written song, a coalition inspired, tongue-in-cheek cover of Sinatra and Davis' 'Me and My Shadow', received a raucous reception. Several guests said it was the highlight of the evening! We would be delighted to have The Dandy Dans back for future events at No. 10."

Jane Altenhoven (committee chair), Friends of Sussex Hospices Charity Gala Concert, Framfield Grange, June 2014
"… the concert has been running for 10 years. It is a high profile and prestigious black tie event for about 600 people… The past compères and actors have included, amongst others, Edward Fox, Robert Bathurst and Hugh Dennis… the need to “get it right” for both the fundraising and audience is of the utmost importance as a very high standard has been set and must be maintained… Getting it right was exactly what did happen with Adam and Guy. Their wit, enthusiasm, diversity of entertainment was absolutely first class. There was not one dissenting voice from my very large and vocal committee. We were all enchanted and I cannot recommend them more highly. Moreover from the planning aspect of an event, they were exceedingly well organised, understood our needs and were reliable throughout the whole planning of the evening. There was an excellent camaraderie and professionalism between Adam and Guy, our compere for the evening, Gyles Brandreth, and opera stars Charles Rice, Mary Bevan and Rachel Lloyd that positively delighted our guests."

David Cavaye, Buck’s Club, London, July 2014
"The Dandy Dans proved the hit at my birthday celebration at Buck’s Club. So many have been the complimentary comments that I have received about their performance…I was very impressed by their care to make the performance as authentic as possible…in specially adapted lyrics from P.G. Wodehouse’s [a Buck’s Club member] and Cole Porter’s ‘Anything Goes’…Those attending the party were absolutely delighted with Adam and Guy Hayward’s accomplished, inspired and very characterful singing…They really did convey the crispness and fun of the era…and their surprise acappella performance afterwards at the bar sent everyone out into the Mayfair night air with an extra spring in their steps and a sense of having recaptured London in its intra-war heyday."

Catherine Burgess, Birthday Party, Cambridgeshire
"The Dandy Dans are superb musicians and entertaining performers. Their voices blend seamlessly together, enabling them to cover any track with ease. Their natural rapport, both with each other and their audience, is hugely endearing. Their real talent lies in their gently satirical re-writing of lyrics to well-known songs. These pieces showcase their style – a harmonious blend of intelligent wit and innate musicality, performed with elegance and irreverence. This combination makes them a fantastic addition to any party. They are talented, charming and reliable – I would highly recommend them."

Nick Chapman, President of Trinity College May Ball 2011, Cambridge
"Guy and Adam are the perfect double act - their innate musicality, eloquent jazz phrasing and raffish humour all add up to a fantastic evening’s entertainment. The Rat Pack are back!."

Béla Bollabás (Cambridge University Professor), House Party, Cambridge
The Dandy Dans are ‘a brilliant double act’ who had the audience ‘enthralled’.

Andrew Goddard, QC, House Party, Bath
Witty, good looking and professional - and they can even sing! A real ice-breaker at any party…