| Event | Caller | Band | Details | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 26, 2023 meeting |
Cindy Culbert | All are welcome to discuss how racism has affected the history of contra and English country dance and to consider how we might acknowledge the effects and broaden our audience. | More info | |
| Sep 23, 2023 english First Rochester |
Lisa Brown | Molly & Jane | A light-hearted, novice friendly afternoon dance with plenty of flirtatious figures. | More info |
| Sep 21, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Audrey Potter, Jane Knoeck | Get ready to groove to the rhythm and immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of New England Contras. | More info |
| Sep 17, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Kaia, Silvia & Barb | An experienced and patient caller tonight, with violin, flute and piano magically trading melody, counter melody, and harmony. Come on out and dance! | More info |
| Sep 16, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Margaret Mathews | Contra Planning Committee | Meeting online this month using Google Meet. Join us to plan great contra for everyone and get ready for the move to our new dance hall. | More info |
| Sep 14, 2023 contra Harmony House |
David Smukler | Sister Haggis | Get ready to groove to the rhythm and immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music and dance with David Smukler and the electrifying band, Sister Haggis! | More info |
| Sep 10, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Molly, Laurel & Chris | One of our most accomplished callers leading the dances. Tonight we will enjoy Molly's zesty fiddling and Laurel's astounding versatility on winds, with Chris' solid piano providing a foundation. Dont miss this one! | More info |
| Sep 8 - Sep 10, 2023 contra Rose Room |
Nils Fredland, Katy Heine | Elixir, Ostara | 4 contra dance communities have united for a weekend of stellar music and dancing. Experience “transcendance” with Elixir and Nils Fredland along with regional talent Ostara and Katy Heine. Registration required. | More info |
| Sep 7, 2023 cancelled |
There is no contra dance on September 7. We're getting ready for the (sold-out) Contravana Weekend. | More info | ||
| Sep 3, 2023 english First Rochester |
Dan Seppeler | Serendipity | We're happy to welcome back Dan and Serendipity after a summer hiatus. Expect beautiful music and interesting dances. | More info |
| Aug 31, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | Esteemed Clams | Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy the rich tradition of country dancing in the company of fellow enthusiasts. Grab your dancing shoes, bring your friends and family, and let's have fun. | More info |
| Aug 29, 2023 meeting |
Cindy Culbert | All are welcome to discuss how racism has affected the history of contra and English country dance and to consider how we might acknowledge the effects and broaden our audience. | More info | |
| Aug 27, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Whimsy | This should be a great dance, what with David's skillful teaching & exciting music. It's also Ice Cream Sundae Night! | More info |
| Aug 24, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Evan De Smitt | Matt Sloboda, Catherine Sloboda, Jane Knoeck | Solid New England tunes with The Sloboda Sibs and Jane Knoeck. | More info |
| Aug 20, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Pat Donaldson | English Planning Committee | Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. | More info |
| Aug 17, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Mary Collins | Matt Sloboda, Catherine Sloboda, Meg Grindrod | Meg Grindrod on piano joins Catherine Sloboda on fiddle and Matt Sloboda on accordion and fiddle in a new combination on our stage. | More info |
| Aug 13, 2023 english First Rochester |
Bob Nicholson | Alyssa, Silvia and Meg | Veteran caller Bob Nicholson from Syracuse is teaching the dances. We're having only two English dances a month in July and August due to limited availability of bands and callers. No dance on August 20! | More info |
| Aug 10, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Birch Trio | Casey & Molly are visiting from Boston to reunite with Daphne in Birch Trio for a delightful evening with Bob Nicholson calling. | More info |
| Aug 3, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Chuck Abell | Ostara | Honoring the light from the sun and the awakening of the earth, Ostara brings us music from New England and Quebec. Chuck Abell will be calling. | More info |
| Jul 27, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Nancy Spero | Clinton’s Folly | Mountain music with Clinton's Folly, a new Rochester string band. Calling by Ithaca's Nancy Spero. | More info |
| Jul 23, 2023 english First Rochester |
Carmen Giunta | Jane, Kaia & Meg | An experienced caller with fine taste in dances and thrilling music that features a new violinist, piano, concertina, and accordion! Come enjoy this dance, as we will not have dances on July 30 or August 6. | More info |
| Jul 20, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Evan De Smitt | Lake Effect | Lake Effect (Chuck Abell and Matt Sloboda) bring lively New England contra dance music and jazzy stylings. Calling by Evan De Smit. | More info |
| Jul 16, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Cindy Culbert | CDR Board | CDR board meetings are open to the public. | More info |
| Jul 13, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | Esteemed Clams | Fast moving old-time music with the Esteemed Clams | More info |
| Jul 9, 2023 english First Rochester |
Pamela Goddard | Molly, Mark & Chris | We are lucky to have Ithaca's Pamela Goddard calling for us, with an exciting band. Our English dances are twice a month in July and August due to limited availability of band and callers, so no dance on July 16! | More info |
| Jul 6, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Mary Collins | Mad Robin | Mad Robin duo (Alaina Reed & Dennis Reed, Jr.) with Mary Collins calling the dances. | More info |
| Jun 29, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Sister Haggis | The nationally touring duo, Sister Haggis, will be on stage with a lively mix of New England contra, Breton, and quebecois tunes. Calling by Bob Nicholson. | More info |
| Jun 25, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Sister Haggis | Wow -- the incredible fiddling of Eileen paired with Rochester's doyenne of country dance piano. Don't miss this one. | More info |
| Jun 22, 2023 contra Harmony House |
David Smukler | Lake Effect | Lake Effect (Chuck Abell and Matt Sloboda) bring lively New England contra dance music and jazzy stylings. Calling by David Smukler. | More info |
| Jun 18, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Molly, Jenna and Jane | Strawberry Shortcake night! Fine dance music on violin, clarinet and piano, along with Richard's talent for picking dances should make for a thrilling evening! Volunteers needed at 6 PM for slicing berries. | More info |
| Jun 15, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Tailwind | Masks required this week. Curt Osgood and friends visit us from Binghamton. His hammered dulcimer evokes the sprightly lilt of earlier contras. Bob Nicholson will be calling. | More info |
| Jun 13, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Pat Donaldson | English Planning Committee | Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. | More info |
| Jun 11, 2023 english First Rochester |
Katy Heine | Jane & Katie | A rare visit from one of the Ithaca area's most popular callers, with music on violin / viola and piano | More info |
| Jun 8, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Mary Collins | The McKenzies | Masks are optional! Woody & Marcia McKenzie are coming by from Virginia packing Expect a fine mix of traditional music of southern Appalachia and the British Isles. Mary Collins comes to call from Buffalo. | More info |
| Jun 4, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Whimsy | This should be a great dance, what with David's skillful teaching and exciting music. | More info |
| Jun 1, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | PossumTone String Band | Masks required this week. Chugging quickstep old-time music with the PossumTone String Band and dances called by Margaret Mathews. | More info |
| May 25, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Fabinski | Mad Robin | The Mad Robin duo plays for us with Bob Fabinski teaching the dances. Masks are optional on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays at Contra. | More info |
| May 22, 2023 meeting |
Cindy Culbert | All are welcome to discuss how racism has affected the history of contra and English country dance and to consider how we might acknowledge the effects and broaden our audience. | More info | |
| May 21, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Laurel and Barbara | Syracuse wind virtuoso Laurel pairs up with pianist Barbara from the Southern Tier to make the music tonight, with calling by Rochester's own Richard. A true geographic confluence! | More info |
| May 20, 2023 meeting Margaret Mathews, Zoom |
Margaret Mathews | Contra Planning Committee | Meeting at Margaret's house, with coffee, tea and a home cooked treat provided. Google Meet is available on request. Join us to plan great contra for everyone. | More info |
| May 19, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Pat Donaldson | English Planning Committee | Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. | More info |
| May 18, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Sister Haggis | Masks required this week. Jane Knoeck and Eileen Kalfass are nationally known as Sister Haggis. It's always a joyful evening when they take the stage. Bob Nicholson will be calling. | More info |
| May 14, 2023 english First Rochester |
Carmen Giunta | Molly, Mark & Chris | What could be better than dancing with friends on a fine May evening? Carmen is coming over from Syracuse to teach us the dances, and we'll have fine music on violin, flute, mandolin, and piano. | More info |
| May 11, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | Catherine Sloboda, Matt Sloboda, Tom Santarsiero | Exciting music by the Catherine, Matt and Tom with Casey Carr teaching the dances. Masks are optional on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays at Contra. | More info |
| May 7, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Cindy Culbert | CDR Board | CDR board meetings are open to the public. | More info |
| May 7, 2023 english First Rochester |
Dan Seppeler | Serendipity | CDR is lucky to be able to rotate through many different bands and callers. This pairing shows up nearly every month, reliably giving us beautiful music and energetic calling. | More info |
| May 4, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Chuck Abell | Audrey Potter, Jane Knoeck | Masks required this week. Sweet New England contra dance music with Audrey Potter and Jane Knoeck. | More info |
| Apr 29 - Apr 30, 2023 english MAG Ballroom, First Rochester |
Tom Amessé | Shandy | Our annual Jane Austen Ball weekend in Rochester on April 29 & 30, 2023 includes top notch performers, a Regency period Ball, an experienced English dance, and two Ball practice sessions. | More info |
| Apr 29, 2023 experienced-english-dance First Rochester |
Tom Amessé , Richard Sauvain | Shandy | For experienced English dancers (see details): challenging but rewarding dances with two callers and extremely good nationally known musicians. | More info |
| Apr 27, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Mary Collins | Jane & Katie | MASKS OPTIONAL this week. Classic New England contra dance music with Katie Marshall and Jane Knoeck. | More info |
| Apr 24, 2023 meeting |
Cindy Culbert | All are welcome to discuss how racism has affected the history of contra and English country dance and to consider how we might acknowledge the effects and broaden our audience. | More info | |
| Apr 23, 2023 ball-prep First Rochester |
David Smukler, Richard Sauvain | Pat & Mark | The last of our afternoon practice sessions for our Jane Austen Ball on April 30. Come get familiar with the dances we will be doing there! | More info |
| Apr 23, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler, Richard Sauvain | Eileen, Laurel & Meg | David and Richard are once again sharing the calling, with sweet music on violin, winds, piano & concertina. Last regular dance before Ball weekend. Don't miss this one! | More info |
| Apr 22, 2023 meeting Margaret Mathews, Zoom |
Margaret Mathews | Contra Planning Committee | We are meeting at Margaret's house this month. Coffee, tea and a home cooked treat provided. Google Meet is available on request. Join us to plan great contra for everyone. | More info |
| Apr 20, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Nancy Spero | Lake Effect | Masks required this week. Contra dance music with Lake Effect and Dan Elias and calling by Nancy Spero. | More info |
| Apr 16, 2023 ball-prep First Rochester |
David Smukler, Richard Sauvain | Mark, Chris & Jenna | The second of our practice sessions for our Jane Austen Ball on April 30. Come get familiar with the dances! | More info |
| Apr 16, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler, Richard Sauvain | Whimsy | A collaboration of two experienced callers and fine music on violin, winds of all sorts, and piano. Short how-to-dance-English session available at 6 PM | More info |
| Apr 13, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Geneseo String Band | 2nd Thursday dance is MASK OPTIONAL for dances. New York upstate old-time music with the Geneseo String Band, led by Jim Kimball, and calling by Bob Nicholson. | More info |
| Apr 9, 2023 english First Rochester |
Colleen Liggett | John Kerr | Our resident husband & wife team handling the calling and the music. Short how-to-dance-English session available at 6 PM for anyone who wants. | More info |
| Apr 6, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | Esteemed Clams | Fast moving old-time music with the Esteemed Clams and calling by Margaret Mathews. | More info |
| Apr 2, 2023 english First Rochester |
Carmen Giunta | Molly, Mark & Chris | Our dances are back to evenings! Carmen's carefully chosen programs are delightful, and we will have luscious music from one of our favorite trios with special guest Annie Simpson on guitar. | More info |
| Apr 2, 2023 ball-prep First Rochester |
Carmen Giunta | Pat & Mark | The first of three sessions to acquaint us with the dances to be done at our Jane Austen Ball on April 30. All welcome! | More info |
| Mar 30, 2023 contra Harmony House |
David Smukler | Confluence | Confluence and David Smukler, what a treat! | More info |
| Mar 26, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Laurel, Margaret & Jane | David really knows how to help people understand a dance, and the music will be fabulous. An excellent dance to invite a friend or two along! Get there half an hour early and we will give you a helpful how-to session. | More info |
| Mar 25, 2023 meeting Margaret Mathews, Zoom |
Margaret Mathews | Contra Planning Committee | We are meeting at Margaret's house this month. Coffee, tea and a home cooked treat provided. Google Meet is available on request. Join us to plan great contra for everyone. | More info |
| Mar 23, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Dan Seppeler | Arugula | Dan Seppeler will be calling to the music of Arugula. | More info |
| Mar 19, 2023 english First Rochester |
Colleen Liggett | John Kerr | John makes dancing music for us on solo mandolin (augmented by some interesting electronics), while Colleen provides her always supportive calling and teaching, and often a few new-to-us dances. | More info |
| Mar 16, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Evan De Smitt | Lake Effect | Chuck and Matt Sloboda are Lake Effect | More info |
| Mar 12, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Molly, Mark & Chris | Join us for a fun afternoon of dancing with seasoned performers and a helpful caller. Come half an hour early if you are new and would like a short how-to session before the dance. | More info |
| Mar 9, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Chuck Abell | Catherine Sloboda, Matt Sloboda, Tom Santarsiero | Chuck Abell will be calling to the trio of Matt Sloboda, Catherine Sloboda and Tom Santarsiero. | More info |
| Mar 5, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Alyssa, Laurel & Meg | This should be an exciting dance, what with David's efficient and supportive teaching. Alyssa's dynamic violin combines with winds and piano /concertina for music that will just make you want to dance. | More info |
| Mar 2, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | Corner House | Boston based Corner House will play for us with calling by Margaret Mathews. | More info |
| Feb 27, 2023 meeting |
Cindy Culbert | All are welcome to discuss how racism has affected the history of contra and English country dance and to consider how we might acknowledge the effects and broaden our audience. | More info | |
| Feb 26, 2023 english First Rochester |
Dan Seppeler | Serendipity | Our performers, including a delightful flute & piano duo, have many years of experience of working together to produce a satisfying dance experience. If you're new, come 20 minutes early for a little how-to session. | More info |
| Feb 25, 2023 meeting Margaret Mathews, Zoom |
Margaret Mathews | Contra Planning Committee | We are meeting at Margaret's house this month. Coffee, tea and a home cooked treat provided. Google Meet is available on request. Join us to plan great contra for everyone. | More info |
| Feb 23, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Lake Effect | It’s an exciting forecast for contra dancing at Harmony House with Lake Effect bringing us the tunes on stage and Bob Nicholson calling the dances. | More info |
| Feb 19, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Whimsy | A patient caller and some fine dance music on violin, winds & piano. If you're new, come at 2 PM for a short how-to session! | More info |
| Feb 16, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Mary Collins | Mad Robin | It's a Buffalo dance with the duo, Mad Robin, playing for us with calling by Mary Collins. | More info |
| Feb 13, 2023 meeting |
Cindy Culbert | CDR Board | The CDR board meets online to review results from the recent survey on Covid protocols at our dances and to consider possible changes. | More info |
| Feb 12, 2023 english First Rochester |
Pamela Goddard | Laurel, Margaret & Jane | Pamela's calling is engaging and confident. We are glad to have her back with us, along with three very experienced musicians. Note: dance starts at 2:30 PM. | More info |
| Feb 9, 2023 contra Harmony House |
David Smukler | Jane Knoeck, Audrey Potter | Jane Knoeck returns to our stage this week with fiddler Audrey Potter. David Smukler brings his deep knowledge of the dance to calling for a fine evening. | More info |
| Feb 5, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Whimsy | David's calling skills are a joy, and the music will be too! Take note: we are starting our dances at 2:30 in Feb. & Mar. If you're new, come at 2 PM for a short how-to session! | More info |
| Feb 2, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Chuck Abell | Jane Knoeck, Katie Marshall | This week our local Caller/Choreographer/Musician Chuck Abell will call dances to music by the dynamic duo of Jane Knoeck on Piano and Katie Marshall on Fiddle | More info |
| Jan 29, 2023 english First Rochester |
Colleen Liggett | Molly, Mark & Chris | Exciting music tonight from Molly, Mark & Chris. This was the only dance in the Jan. - Feb. period when all 3 members of this popular band could make it. Bring a friend and come early for a short how-to session. | More info |
| Jan 26, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | Esteemed Clams | Welcoming back The Esteemed Clams from the before-times, "Old-times" as it were. Come dance to the music of Stephen Bland and Cathy VanDemortel. | More info |
| Jan 23, 2023 meeting |
Cindy Culbert | All are welcome to discuss how racism has affected the history of contra and English country dance and to consider how we might acknowledge the effects and broaden our audience. | More info | |
| Jan 22, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Cindy Culbert | CDR Board | quarterly CDR board meeting | More info |
| Jan 22, 2023 english First Rochester |
Carmen Giunta | Molly, Katie & Jane | Syracuse based caller Carmen visits to call one of his carefully chosen programs, with music by three fabulous musicians, Molly on violin, Katie on violin & viola and Jane on piano. | More info |
| Jan 19, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Evan De Smitt | Jane & Katie, Audrey Potter, Jane Knoeck | Fabulous music will be by Katie Marshall, Audrey Potter, and Jane Knoeck with calling by Evan DeSmitt. | More info |
| Jan 15, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Pat Donaldson | English Planning Committee | 2023 Planning: Budget, Jane Austen Ball | More info |
| Jan 15, 2023 english First Rochester |
Colleen Liggett | John Kerr | Remember that 2 PM start! Colleen and John perform often for our Sunday dances. | More info |
| Jan 14, 2023 meeting Margaret Mathews, Zoom |
Margaret Mathews | Contra Planning Committee | We are meeting at Margaret's house this month. Coffee, tea and a home cooked treat provided. Google Meet is available on request. Join us to plan great contra for everyone. | More info |
| Jan 12, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Nancy Spero | O’Shanigans | O'Shanigans quartet | More info |
| Jan 8, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Whimsy | 2 PM start! Richard's long experience with designing dance programs melds with invigorating music to create a happy afternoon of dances. Come try out our new winter dance time and let us know what you think. | More info |
| Jan 5, 2023 contra Harmony House |
David Smukler | Matt Sloboda, Tom Santarsiero | Rebooked from December 18 when the roads were unsafe, we're pleased to Matt & Catherine Sloboda and Tom Santarsiero return to the Harmony House stage. | More info |
| Dec 31, 2022 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Serendipity | Turning of the Year Ball, an elegant English dance to celebrate the old year and welcome in the new, in a beautifully decorated hall. Dressy attire suggested. Pay at the door ($25 / $15). | More info |
| Dec 29, 2022 contra Harmony House |
Cavalcade of regional callers | Lake Effect | Get warmed up for New Year's Eve with Lake Effect! | More info |
| Dec 22, 2022 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | Henrie Family | The Henrie family of Bristol are well known for their hot dance music in many styles. This week we have Billy, Adrienne, and John playing for us with calling by Margaret Mathews. | More info |
| Dec 18, 2022 english First Rochester |
Dan Seppeler | Serendipity | Dan, Barb & Laurie always give us a good time! | More info |
| Dec 15, 2022 cancelled Harmony House |
David Smukler | Matt Sloboda, Tom Santarsiero | Tonight's dance is cancelled because travel is unsafe. | More info |