Details
Derrick Doty on fiddle, Craig McMeekin on guitar, and Michael Ludgate on mandolin, the O’Shanigans play tunes from New England, Southern Appalachia, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and England. Nancy Spero joins them on stage with cool dances to match the cool music.
Caller
Nancy Spero
Ithaca caller Nancy Spero is especially welcome in Rochester. In addition to being a fine contra dance caller, Nancy is particularly interested in the music and moves of traditional, old-time square dancing and she calls for square dances held several times a year in the greater Ithaca area. On our stage, she is always smiling and moving to the music of the band.
Band
O’Shanigans
Margaret Ball (fiddle), Helen Kuhar (guitar), Michael Ludgate (mandolin, feet), Katrina Mackey (flute, fiddle)
The O’Shanigans contra dance band perform Celtic, American and world fiddle tunes suitable for contra dancing, general entertainment and weddings. Fiddle and dance tunes from: New England, Southern Appalachia, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Finland, Sweden and the Middle East! We have our own sound gear and a publicity network to help gain attention for your event. We love to play our music for weddings and especially for contra dances!
The contra dance band O’Shanigans was originally formed by Phil Robinson to fill a fun gig for Saint Patrick’s Day in March of 2009. The members shift and change a bit, but Phil and Mike are usually at the core. Yes, you guessed the name was coined as a spin off on the word shenanigans and that first Irish gig! But we play way more than Irish! We have not lost our sense of humor even when we hit a few bumps in the road!
O’Shanigans are from Ithaca. When playing in Rochester, Helen Kuhar subs for Phil on guitar.