David Botten: (euphonium, guitar and vocals) When not blowing his own horn with Beggar’s Drum, David sings and drums for Gabriola’s premiere blues band; Doghouse Blues Revue, and performs on guitar while hosting a weekly musical jam at Skol Pub. He recently returned to theatre playing the title role in the musical “The Cult of Brother XII” which ran to much success in Nanaimo and Gabriola. David also plays percussion and sings with the funk group "Purple Kush'n" and is a member of the house band for the Electric Jam at the Gabriola Golf Club. He is also a musician with the Drumbeggar Border Morris Side on Gabriola. Professionally, David is an illustrator, cartoonist and graphic designer. His work can be seen at: agoodeye.ca |
Tony Bridge: (drum, harmonicas and vocals) Since retirement, Tony has been busier than ever - playing, that is. He has dabbled in music since attending his first big Folk Festival in Cambridge, England. It was there he participated in a workshop with Ralph McTell, who wrote Streets of London - now a personal favourite of his. Tony has strummed a guitar and blown a mean train whistle on the harmonica. After hand surgery, he switched from Bluegrass banjo to a Plectrum banjo. He is now concentrating on the drum and his harmonicas. His favourite tunes are sing-along songs. Whenever he's playing -- he wants you to join in. He is also a musician with the Drumbeggar Border Morris Side on Gabriola. |
Rich Williams and Joood Heather: (guitar, squeezeboxes, whistles and vocals) have been performing in and around the Pacific Northwest for the past twenty years in various different groups such as "Skweez" and "Mardi Soir". They play traditional English and French tunes and sing in sweet harmony. They have performed at Vancouver City Fest, Seattle Folk Life Festival and the Princeton Traditional Music Festival. They have both appeared on a number of CDs, and also sang in the acapella group "Fancy That". As well, they are musicians with the Drumbeggar Border Morris Side on Gabriola and members of Gabriola's Dreamyth quartet. |
Ted Leather: (mandolin) Ted came to playing music later in his life, but when he picked up a mandolin 10 years ago, he immediately fell in love with playing it and has not looked back. Appreciating many styles of music, Ted has lately come to the Traditional English Rumpty-tump world, with his rhythm and ability to decorate the tunes and add to the Beggar’s Drum sound. He is also a musician with the Drumbeggar Border Morris Side on Gabriola. |
Amy Davies: (fiddle) Having a life-long love of traditional folk music Amy is thrilled to be a part of Beggars Drum...with its rich music, laughter and stories. Amy grew up in Surrey, BC and has enjoyed playing the fiddle, mandolin, drums and any other instruments she can get her hands on. New to Gabriola and new to being a part of this band and Morris dance group, Amy couldn't be happier. She is also a musician and dancer with the Drumbeggar Border Morris Side on Gabriola. |