About the Band

Otter’s Pocket was formed in 2016 by a group of musicians with a wide range of experience, from traditional barn dance music to pop covers and even progressive rock! The music we play is traditional in origin and certainly well-practiced, going right back to a first gig in 1976.

A Google search for Barn Dance bands will show you multiple choices, but here’s why we think you might want to choose us (also read our Any Questions? page for more detailed reasons): If your planned event is near Swindon, Wiltshire, that’s where we’re based.

We’re a live band, i.e. we don’t use pre-recorded material and we’re not “session musicians” who come together now and then, for one-off events.

For any Barn Dance band, the skill of the “Caller” is critical. Many Callers are independent of the band and don’t develop a “bond” with the musicians, but we’ve got our own and she’s up there with the best!

We’ve been playing Barn Dances since the mid-1970s, so we know how to make your evening a success.

We’re cost-conscious and, usually, within an organiser’s budget (see Any Questions? but if we’re not, please do tell us about it.

Meet the Band

The Caller

Chris is our Caller and she is also our main contact for bookings and any questions that haven’t been answered on our website. In addition to her long career in the teaching profession, which undoubtedly helps her to explain the dances to an audience with a wide range of age and ability, she has also played keyboards and piano in previous bands.

The Accordionist

Max is our Accordionist and he's the guy with the most difficult musical role of fitting the most notes into the shortest space of time. He started playing the piano as a child, and got into the accordion around 10 years ago, when he started playing with the band.

The Guitarist

Mark is our Guitarist and he has played guitar and sung in numerous bands and locations in the past, as well as being a member of the Wessex Male Voice Choir.

The Bassist

Dave is our Bassist and he has been playing guitar and bass since the 1970s, and has been in various local bands including 'Well Seasoned', the 'Urgent Frogs' and 'Cover Story'. He is now enjoying carrying a small bass rig around and being able to get from the car to the stage in one trip!

The Drummer

Gary is our Drummer and usually plays a small drum kit in Otter’s Pocket, but sometimes just uses a single snare drum, depending on the event and available space. As well as playing in Barn Dance bands since the mid-1970s, he also plays the keyboards and has been a drummer for many different styles of bands over the years.

The Other Accordionist

Jim is our Other Accordionist and has filled in for us occasionally, helping us out when Max can't be there, and impressing everyone with his skills on the keyboard!