| Event | Caller | Band | Details | 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 |
| Dec 11, 2022 english First Rochester |
Colleen Liggett | Molly, Mark & Chris | Colleen's dance programs often include nice dances that you've never done before. Music tonight features Scottish-influenced violin, mellow flute or mandolin, and solid piano rhythms. Think about inviting a friend! | More info |
| Dec 10, 2022 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 |
| Dec 8, 2022 contra Harmony House |
Dan Seppeler | Arugula, Barbara Seppeler | Spicy music tonight provided by Arugula! All dances taught by Dan Seppeler. | More info |
| Dec 4, 2022 english First Rochester |
Carmen Giunta | Whimsy | Violin, winds & maybe oboe, and piano / concertina will make tonight's music sparkle! Carmen's programs always include some old favorites and some that are just plain fun. | More info |
| Dec 1, 2022 contra Harmony House |
Casey Carr | Matt Sloboda, Tom Santarsiero | Catherine, Matt & Tom return for a fine evening of contra. Casey Carr will call. | More info |
| Nov 28, 2022 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 | |
| Nov 27, 2022 meeting Zoom |
Pat Donaldson | English Planning Committee | Final Planning for Masquerade Ball | More info |
| Nov 27, 2022 english First Rochester |
Alex Deis-Lauby | Serendipity | We are lucky to have the featured caller of our Thanksgiving Saturday double dance calling English for us 2 - 5 PM this afternoon, with music by one of our most beloved local bands. | More info |
| Nov 26, 2022 contra Covenant |
Alex Deis-Lauby | The Gaslight Tinkers | The Gaslight Tinkers' blend of global rhythms creates a joyously danceable sound around a core of traditional New England old time and Celtic fiddle music, merging boundless positive energy with melody and song. | More info |
| Nov 24, 2022 cancelled |
No dance on Thanksgiving Day. Come to the Saturday "Double Dance"! | More info | ||
| Nov 20, 2022 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Molly, Mark & Chris | The founder (back in the 1980s) of our current English dance community will be calling, with music by an experienced trio playing a classic set of instruments: violin, flute and piano. Come enjoy dancing with friends! | More info |
| Nov 17, 2022 contra Harmony House |
Colleen Liggett | Mad Robin | Uplifting music tonight provided by Mad Robin! All dances taught. | More info |
| Nov 13, 2022 english First Rochester |
Colleen Liggett | John Kerr | Colleen brings her energetic calling (and usually a new-to-us dance), and her husband John magically creates the sound of a small chamber ensemble with solo mandolin and looping pedal. It's really something to hear. | More info |
| Nov 12, 2022 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 |
| Nov 10, 2022 contra Harmony House |
Evan De Smitt | Daphne Pickens, Tom Santarsiero, Matt Sloboda | Fiddle harmony at Harmony House tonight: Daphne and Matt fiddle while Tom lays down the beat. Join us & experience joy! | More info |
| Nov 6, 2022 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Whimsy | Did you remember to set your clock back? Come on out and enjoy the happy combination of an experienced trio of musicians and David's clear and efficient teaching. | More info |
| Nov 3, 2022 contra Harmony House |
Bob Fabinski | Matt Sloboda, Tom Santarsiero | Come dance to great Music and calling | More info |
| Oct 29, 2022 english First Rochester |
Dan Seppeler | Molly & Jane | Our popular Saturday night Halloween-themed Masquerade Ball resumes! Spooky decorations, enchanting refreshments, masks and costumes encouraged. Pay at the door ($15 - 25); no advance registration required. | More info |
| Oct 27, 2022 contra Harmony House |
Evan De Smitt | Margaret Ball and Friends | Get warmed up for Halloween! Fiddler Margaret Ball brings her friends for hot music. Tie-dyed Bob Fabinski will be calling. Join us & experience joy! | More info |
| Oct 23, 2022 meeting Margaret Mathews, Zoom |
Margaret Mathews | Contra Planning Committee | ALERT! Moved to Sunday morning. 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 |
| Oct 23, 2022 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Laurel, Margaret & Chris | David brings his skillful teaching, with music on violin, piano, and Laurel's magnificent collection of wind instruments. | More info |
| Oct 20, 2022 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | Tom Owens, PossumTone String Band | This week is the Old Time dream team: The PossumTone String Band, led by Tom Owens, with Margaret Mathews calling. Join us & experience joy! | More info |