Details

Eileen and Jane are back! They are extremely popular, and play so well together. David has vast calling experience and a knack for efficient teaching. The evening dance will be preceded by our first ball prep session from 3:30 – 5:30 PM, with Jane Knoeck providing fine piano music and a potluck dinner to follow. Fee for our Ball prep sessions is $5 each.  Lisa Brown and Colleen Liggett will be teaching.

Caller

David Smukler

I lead evenings of contras and squares, English country dances, family dances, school programs, and special events such as weddings, festivals, etc. I have also presented workshops on numerous dance related topics. My taste in dances is eclectic, and I tend to present a wide variety of dances when I call. My repertoire includes plenty of New England contras, as well as an assortment of squares, singing calls, mixers, old chestnuts and freshly minted dances. I have a special fondness for English country dances, and my English programs also blend old favorites with new gems.

Band

Sister Haggis

Eileen Nicholson Kalfass - fiddle, Jane Knoeck - piano, accordion

Western NY duo Eileen and Jane, are familiar to Rochesterians but also well known traveling musicians who play all over the country. Here they get together as good friends to play the tunes they love and give us a great time. We’ve known Eileen, daughter of long-time Syracuse caller Bob Nicholson, since she was a lass. Now playing nationally as a member of the bands Seaglass and Continental Drift, we always enjoy her lilting fiddle style. Jane is a founding member of The Groovemongers, and Montage, as well as a number of great combinations including Riverbend and New Brew.