Details

First time on our stage, The Gnu Riders of the Rose Room Stage, have been playing bluegrass and old time country around Western New York for years. We’re looking forward to a chugging good time with them. Rachel Ameen is rising fast and promises to become one of the great callers. Come to this dance so you’ll be able to say, “I knew her when.”

Admission is charged on a sliding scale, with $12 as the suggested donation. Our admission fees don’t cover all our costs, so feel free to pay more if you can. We offer an introduction to contra dancing starting at 7:00.

Caller

Rachel Ameen head shot

Rachel Ameen

Rachel is an up-and-coming caller based out of Syracuse New York. She focusses on varied sets and lively and humorous teaching. She calls contras old and new, chestnuts, family dances, techno contras, and singing squares (her personal favorite). She began calling in 2024 training under David Smukler and Bob Nicholson, and calls frequently in Syracuse and Rochester, occasionally in Buffalo and Ottawa, and other places sporadically.

Band

Dan, Jordan, Billy, and Chris on stage

Gnu Riders of the Rose Room Stage

Chris Machanoff (mandolin, guitar), Billy Henrie (Fiddle), Jordan Kleinman (bass), Dan Palmer (guitar)

Chris Machanoff is a longtime contributor to the Rochester and Finger Lakes folk music community and is joined by Billy Henrie (Sutton String Band), Jordan Kleiman (Crooked North, Kubrick’s Rubes), and Dan Palmer (PossumTone String Band). Together, this special ensemble brings musicians from several well-known Upstate New York string bands for a lively mix of mandolin, banjo, fiddle, and guitar, drawing on deep roots in the regional bluegrass and folk scene.
  • Genre: Bluegrass, folk, acoustic jams, old-school country.
  • Origin: Grew out of backyard jams in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood.
  • Activities: Play local breweries and venues (like Grist Iron Brewing) and collaborate with musicians from other bands (like Sutton String Band).