Formed in the autumn of 2001, dIRE tRAITS has established itself as one of the leading Dire Straits Tribute acts in the world.  Based in South West England, the band performs regularly throughout the UK and faithfully reproduces all the classic Dire Straits hits, including Romeo and Juliet, Brothers in Arms, Walk of Life, Sultans of Swing and many more!

The Traits in action...what a fine looking bunch!

Band Members:

Rosemary was co-founder of the internationally touring band OVA. Since then she has performed her original material as a solo artist, as well as playing in duos, trios and bands with styles ranging from Country to Jazz. As well as Dire Traits, she currently fronts the cutting-edge blues band Stormy Monday. You can visit her web-site at: http://www.rosemary-schonfeld.co.uk

Gavin is both a double bass and electric bass guitar player.  He has performed in various line-ups, from bass duets to a seven piece soul band, and has experience in playing rock, blues, jazz, soul and has touched on country.  Gavin has worked with musicians who have performed or recorded with the likes of Suzi Quattro, U2 and Courtney Pine, and he also teaches the electric bass.

Andrew Downton  -  Piano and Keyboards

Andrew combines playing with his work as a primary school teacher.  He has performed on the piano and organ from a young age, reaching the finals of a number of national youth music competitions, recording for television and touring with groups in Europe and the USA, and he later completed a music degree at Oxford.  His work now includes private instrumental teaching and accompanying and he regularly enjoys playing most styles of music from jazz, blues, and rock through to folk and classical (...and that's just in dIRE tRAITS!!)  Along with Ray and Gavin, Andrew also plays with the Devon-based function band, Nitez Out.

Steve Wiltshire  -  Saxophones and Flute

Born and raised in Weston-Super-Mare, Steve was classically trained from an early age, playing clarinet in an orchestra and other ensembles for six years.  He moved on to saxophone and studied jazz at Bristol, playing in many 15 piece big bands and touring the country.  Having recently added flute and other wind instruments, Steve has spent many hours in recording studios as a session musician, and since '94 has played with a number of worship bands at various conferences.  He currently teaches woodwind in schools and enjoys music in all its forms.

Phil Roberts  -  Drums

A teenager in Sixties Liverpool, Phil couldn't help but pick up sticks.  His grammar school music teacher set him on his path with a lifelong love of jazz after playing in the school Bebop trio. Gigging for ten years, first around Merseyside and subsequently around the East Midlands, he thrived as a semi-pro musician, augmenting his student grant in trad jazz, rock and function bands and depping in a professional soul band around the North East. He now plays in Teignmouth Jazz Machine and local blues bands as well as for dIRE tRAITS.

Apart from its growing number of concerts, dIRE tRAITS is also available for functions and corporate events.  We are happy to negotiate rates for any type of event.  Please contact us for further information.  If you would like to be kept informed of dIRE tRAITS news and upcoming events, do send us an email and join our mailing list.