Portmanteau
Traditional Balfolk dance tunes with a touch of modernity. Portmanteau's blend of acoustic instruments and subtle synthesizers creates a captivating musical experience that honors tradition while embracing the future.
Portmanteau are a talented and versatile band who are sure to get you dancing. If you're a fan of lively schottisches, exquisite mazurkas, and driving bourrées, then you should definitely check them out.
About
Portmanteau is a breath of fresh air on the balfolk scene. With their unique blend of old and new, they're sure to get you up and dancing.
The genuine connection between the band members shines through in their music, with deep rich harmonies and driving rhythms.
Caro Appleby
Having grown up with classical music, multi-instrumentalist Caro discovered folk music and dance while at university. She's found her musical home playing for various kinds of folk dancing, and particularly enjoys challenging dancers to interact with and respond to her exciting and rhythmic playing.
James Rhodes
Ever since he discovered balfolk as a young melodeon player, James has wanted to learn all the tunes. Since he began to play for dancers, he's been in great demand as a soloist and member of various groups. He loves taking tunes out of their natural habitat, and finding creative ways to make them fun to dance to.
Robin Fairey
From a background in orchestral and folk music, Robin has long enjoyed combining folk-inspired repertoire with synthesised orchestration, adding loopers, grooveboxes and effects pedals to whistles, saxophones and wind synths. He currently plays in a number of local folk and covers bands, and continues to explore new genres.
Upcoming Events
Don't see an event near you? Get in touch to arrange one!
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Sat, 20 Jan 2024
near Cambridge, UK
Cam-French
Half acoustic, half synthesised bal
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Sun, 21 Jan 2024
Hollingbourne, UK
Les Batons
All-acoustic bal
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Wed, 7 Feb 2024
Norwich, UK
Pied à Terre
All-acoustic bal
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Fri, 24 May 2024 - Sun, 26 May 2024
Chippenham, UK
Chippenham Folk Festival
All-acoustic bal and various workshops
We've got some more really exciting events in the works for 2024 that we can't talk about just yet. Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when we announce them.
We hope to see you on the dance floor soon!
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Portmanteau were perfect for my birthday Bal, providing a clear beat and plenty of energy for those not used to French dancing alongside clever harmonies, interesting rhythms and extra drive for those who had time to think about the music.
Get in touch
We'd love to hear from you, whether you'd like to book us for a bal or workshop, ask a question, or just tell us what your favourite dance is.