Details

Join us for a toe-tapping evening of traditional country dancing with the Country Dancers of Rochester!

Get ready to kick up your heels and swing your partner to the lively old-time tunes of the Esteemed Clams.

Our talented caller for the night, Margaret Mathews, will guide dancers of all levels through a variety of fun and engaging dances.

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner taking your first steps onto the dance floor, this event promises a joyful and spirited atmosphere that will have everyone dancing with a smile.

 

Caller

Margaret Mathews at the microphone

Margaret Mathews

With more than 35 years experience as dancer, musician and caller, Margaret’s easy-going, engaging style gets everyone out on the dance floor. Her ability to smoothly adjust the dances to the experience level of the dance community make it a fun and accessible evening for everyone. In addition to contra dances, she calls for traditional Old Time square dances, Civil War reenactments, hoedowns, weddings and other joy filled occasions. Her dance calling has taken her up and down the East coast, from the Carolinas to Vermont, as well as the Northwest and Canada. When not calling, Margaret plays bass in Wild Root String Band, a Southern Old Time band.

Band

Esteemed Clams

Kathy Vandemortel – fiddle, Stephen Bland – guitar, Fred Filbrich – bass, banjo-uke

The Esteemed Clams originally came together in 1994 and have been playing for dances ever since.  Their band roots are in Appalachian old-time music with a contra dance drive that will make you want to keep your feet a-movin’ on that dance floor!