Meet The Belle Star Band

from left to right...

Alison Cowie trained in computer studies and spent ten years in Canada where she played as a contradance fiddler.  She brings a great North American swing to the Belle Stars and is also a prolific tune writer. Alison has now become a part-time band member, and teaches maths & computing at Portobello High School.

Jenny Gardner is a former member of several popular Scottish bands including The Poozies, Eat The Seats and Salsa Celtica. She has a 2 year-old boy and is about to have a second (due January 2005!). Jenny wrote and produced the fantastic chilled-out fiddle CD Cho Chuk - contact Jenny for this on 07974 449726.

Cathy Wood, mother of two, health visitor by day and gutsy rhythm guitarist/singer extraordinaire by night, Cathy has played with numerous dance bands over the years.  She performs as a duo with her husband Eric and is a skilled step dancer. Cathy's two girls are in their 20s.

Gica Loening, an ex-community health worker, is now Scots Music development worker with Edinburgh's Adult Learning Project.  Originally trained as a classical violinist, she immersed herself in traditional fiddling ten years ago.  A former member of The Ceilidh Collective, she founded The Belle Star Band in 1995.  She teaches fiddle, plays for dancing and now has THREE boys aged 3, 11 and 17. Gica also plays Jewish klezmer fiddle and is founder of Celtica Schmeltica Klezmer ensemble.

Lynn Sampsell, a fluent Chinese speaker and excellent baker, hails from Brooklyn, New York, where she played electric bass with rock bands.  Formerly a member of the hit Scottish band Burach, she features on their CD and was a member of the Ceilidh Collective. Lynn is a founder of rock band Bar Band with Vision.

The Belle Stars celebrated their Tenth Anniversary in May 2005

The Belle Stars family!