Details
The playful, nationally beloved caller, Gaye Fifer, joins us this week at the air-conditioned Rose Room. Our band will be veteran dance musicians, Tom Santarsiero, Matt Sloboda, and Jane Knoeck.
The Rose Room Blooms at 6:00 pm this week with a Bal Folk session. Join us for the delightful experience of French folk dance taught and played by Tom, Matt & Jane.
Starting at 7:30, experience the magic of contra dancing, where all are welcome, and no partner or experience is necessary. Bring your friends, family, and fellow dance enthusiasts for a night of lively music, connection, and community.
All dances are taught. An introduction to contra dancing is provided around 7:00. Please let us know when you arrive.
We have a sliding scale admission policy, with a target of $10. Pay more if you can, less if you can’t – come dance!
Caller
Gaye Fifer
Gaye Fifer (Pittsburgh, PA) hasn’t stopped dancing since she found contras in 1979. Introduced to the community in St. Louis, she has found dancing wherever she goes. Gaye learned to call contras in Charlottesville, VA and has been traveling to call and dance for the past 25 years. After 15 years of dancing, she finally realized that someone had to be doing work to make the dances happen. She began serving on her local dance committee, organizing her local dance weekend, serving on the CDSS Board and leading workshops for other organizers. Gaye is also a passionate teacher and dancer of waltz, having led workshops with her partner, Wayne, at numerous dance weekends around the country. She participated in a course at Pinewoods several years ago to learn how to call English Country dances and now includes that in her repertoire of offerings. She now lives in Pittsburgh, PA. where she retired from a 30 year elementary school teaching career.
Bands
Tom Santarsiero
Tom Santarsiero (Guitar, Mandolin, etc.)
One of our favorite pickers, Tom is equally at home with the guitar, mandolin, banjo and other fine instruments. We’ve enjoyed his music in many ways, including with The Groovemongers and Riverbend.
Jane Knoeck
Jane Knoeck (piano, accordion)
Jane Knoeck is the doyenne of Rochester dance piano for both English country and contra. She is a member of the nationally touring band, The Groovemongers, as well as River Bend, Sister Haggis, and others reaching back over many years. It’s always a great night for dancing when Jane is on stage.
Matt Sloboda
Matt Sloboda (Fiddle, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Accordion)
Raised in the tradition, Matt has played with many bands, including Lake Effect and Glenrose. Matt brings a great lift to his style that swings.