Past Events

Event Caller Band Details More Info
Sep 22, 2018
demo-team
Lisa Brown Molly Jaynes Wilson Performance with audience participation at Irondequoit Library, 1290 Titus Ave, Rochester, NY 14617 More info
Sep 20, 2018
contra
Covenant
Chet Gray Crooked Sixpence Chet Gray from Louisville, Kentucky is a caller of square, contra, and other traditional country dances. He strives to lead all folks to joyful fellowship in dancing. Crooked Sixpence is an Ithaca based band. More info
Sep 16, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity More of Barb & Laurie's exciting dance music, and always an interesting selection of dances from Dan. Come see friends and enjoy moving to music! More info
Sep 13, 2018
contra
Covenant
Chuck Abell New Brew New Brew is a band known for its excellent musicianship and varied repertoire. Terrific music and our own Chuck Abell calling. More info
Sep 9, 2018
english
First Rochester
Colleen Liggett Amity Our caller tonight is a musician and a dancer  as well, so is well positioned  to communicate effectively with all.  Music by Laurel Sharp, Austin Wahl & Meg Grindrod, a trio withith singularly beautiful instrumentation. More info
Sep 8, 2018
contra
Rotary Sunshine Campus
Margaret Mathews Jamcrackers Contra dancing as part of the Turtle Hill Folk Festival. More info
Sep 6, 2018
contra
Covenant
Brian Hamshar Atlantic Crossing Special Treat this week: Touring band and caller! The music and calling will be amazing! Brian Hamshar and Atlantic Crossing More info
Sep 2, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity Start the Fall season with Barb & Laurie's passionate dance music! Newcomers especially welcomed in this traditional month of new beginnings. More info
Aug 30, 2018
contra
Covenant
Bob Nicholson Open Band OPEN BAND NIGHT! Want to be part of it? Click on EVENT DETAILS for more information. Special summer student rate: $5 More info
Aug 25, 2018
english
First Rochester
Lisa Brown, Richard Sauvain Austin, Alyssa, Ben & Chris Our annual Netherfield Ball introduces novices to English country dancing. Lisa Brown, assisted by her demo team, will teach you to enjoy dances from Jane Austen’s time. 2 - 6 PM, elegant refreshments. $10 More info
Aug 23, 2018
contra
Covenant
Margaret Mathews Continental Drift Continental Drift with Eileen Kalfass on fiddle and Eric Anderson on piano will be playing tonight. Long-time caller Margaret Mathews will call tons of fun dances. More info
Aug 19, 2018
english
First Rochester
Molly, Mark & Chris Ice Cream Sundae night, with one of our favorite callers and thrilling music from a classic combination: violin, flute and piano, all played with energy and skill.  Come see old friends and make some new ones! More info
Aug 16, 2018
contra
Covenant
Maxine McDonald Kanack School Faculty The Kanack School Faculty will be on stage tonight. We may also get a sneak peak at new talent they are mentoring. Special summer student rate: $5 More info
Aug 12, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity Dan, Barb & Laurie are a popular combination - giving us dancers the benefit of their skill and passion for English Country Dance. More info
Aug 9, 2018
contra
Covenant
Chuck Abell Center Street A trio of great musicians on stage tonight: Rebecca Bosworth-Clemens on clarinet, Tim Ball on fiddle, and Casey Murray on cello and guitar for an evening of exuberant dance music. Our own Chuck Abell will be calling. More info
Aug 5, 2018
english
First Rochester
Carmen Giunta Molly, Ben & Meg Music featuring a newly discovered multi-instrumentalist and two of our exciting regulars, with a carefully chosen program and Carmen's patient and intelligent calling. More info
Aug 4, 2018
contra
Alan Fish's Barn
Bob Fabinski, Mary Collins Alan Fish has generously donated the use of his barn for us to have a Contra Celebration. We will have a potluck picnic lunch at noon, followed by dancing until 4pm. More info
Aug 2, 2018
contra
Covenant
Margaret Mathews Wild Root String Band Hot old-time music matched with a caller who loves this music tonight: Wild Root String Band with Margaret Mathews calling. Special summer student rate: $5 More info
Jul 26, 2018
contra
Covenant
Nancy Spero Tim Ball and Liza Sommers Top-notch fiddlers Tim Ball and Liza Sommers provide astounding music for our dance tonight. Ithaca-based Nancy Spero will be calling. Special summer student rate: $5 More info
Jul 22, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Blim Sister Haggis Our caller is known for his clear, confident calling, his youthful energy, and his ability to teach dances that are challenging but rewarding.  Our musicians tonight are two of the best, so we'll have thrilling music! More info
Jul 19, 2018
contra
Covenant
Katy Heine New Brew A hot band plays cool tunes: New Brew with Katy Heine is calling. Special summer student rate: $5 More info
Jul 15, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity Dancing to sweet music from flute and piano makes for a happy summer evening, and our collection of fans keep us comfortable even if it's warm.  Dessert theme is Fruit! Come see old friends and make some new ones. More info
Jul 14, 2018
meeting
Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house
Margaret Mathews Contra Planning Committee Find out what's coming up! Help plan more great dances! Enjoy homemade treats and tea! At Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house. More info
Jul 12, 2018
contra
Covenant
Bob Nicholson Eileen Kalfass and Harvey Nusbaum Bob Nicholson calling with Eileen Kalfass and Harvey Nusbaum playing. Special summer student rate: $5 More info
Jul 8, 2018
english
First Rochester
Colleen Liggett Molly, Laurel & Pat It's always fun to dance to live music, and especially to what we will have tonight: thrilling violin playing, a truly impressive array of wind instruments (including oboe), and lovely piano. More info
Jul 8, 2018
meeting
First Rochester
Leslie Phillips English Planning Committee Meet to plan upcoming English Country dances in Rochester. See more info for location & agenda. More info
Jul 5, 2018
contra
Covenant
Bob Fabinski Arugula Our own Bob Fabinski calling with talented local band, Arugula. Special summer student rate: $5 More info
Jul 1, 2018
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Arugula Long time CDR caller and musician Eric Rounds joins Arugula tonight on violin. Curiously enough, Eric was the one who encouraged Richard to call his first contra dance! More info
Jul 1, 2018
meeting
Bob Fabinski's house
Lisa Brown CDR Executive Committee This quarterly meeting allows the Contra and English Country dance committees to coordinate. This is where you can find out what's going on! More info
Jun 28, 2018
contra
Covenant
Pamela Goddard Eileen Kalfass and John Wobus Traditional instrumentation tonight: fiddle and piano. Great music from Eileen Kalfass and John Wobus. More info
Jun 24, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity Dan has a nice way of mixing familiar, accessible dances with challenging ones that keep us on our toes, and Serendipity's music is to die for! More info
Jun 23, 2018
meeting
Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house
Contra Planning Committee Find out what's coming up! Help plan more great dances! Enjoy homemade treats and tea! At Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house. More info
Jun 21, 2018
contra
Covenant
Chuck Abell Ginger Majority It's the Summer Solstice! Let's dance! Chuck Abell will be calling. Ginger Majority will be playing...with Molly Tucker standing in for Liza Sommers. And we'll especially remember Dr. Tom Bannister tonight. More info
Jun 17, 2018
english
First Rochester
Amity Our very popular Strawberry Shortcake Night: the break refreshments will feature berries picked that morning, home-made shortcakes, and real whipped cream. Plus a very skilled caller and fine dance music. More info
Jun 14, 2018
contra
Covenant
Bob Nicholson Lake Effect It's not going to be snowing this week, but Lake Effect will provide a blizzard of great music. Lake Effect is Chuck Abell, Matt Sloboda, Eric Metzger, and Ryan Wolf. Caller will be Bob Nicholson! More info
Jun 10, 2018
english
First Rochester
Pamela Goddard Sister Haggis Eileen & Jane's heart-stirring music and Pamela's strong and witty calling presence are a combination not to be missed! More info
Jun 7, 2018
contra
Covenant
Nancy Spero Polaris Nancy Spero from Ithaca is back on stage calling to the excellent, young band from Western Mass & Vermont. Polaris has twin fiddles, piano, accordion, guitar, dulcimer and feet! More info
Jun 3, 2018
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Amarillis A very special Sunday afternoon Tea Dance, 2 - 5 PM, featuring Pittsburgh-based band Amarillis and calling by Richard Sauvain. More info
Jun 2, 2018
contra
Covenant
Chuck Abell DJ Chuckabell Come dance at our regular venue on a Saturday Night! DJ Chuckabell will be calling. More info
May 31, 2018
contra
Covenant
Casey Carr Open Band OPEN BAND Night. Bring your instrument, play on stage, and get in free! Casey Carr will be calling excellent dances--perhaps even a grid square! More info
May 27, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity You heard their music at the Jane Austen Ball in April; now we get to enjoy them again, with Dan drawing from his enormous repertoire of dances to give us another great evening of dancing! More info
May 24, 2018
contra
Covenant
Nancy Spero New Brew Brewing up some great music: Jane Knoeck on keyboard and accordion, Eileen Kalfass on fiddle, and Tom Santarsiero on mandolin and more! With a favorite caller from Ithaca, Nancy Spero, bringing her joyful dances. More info
May 20, 2018
english
First Rochester
Judy Greenhill Relative Harmony Cheese night, with a multi-generational family band from Guelph. Rick plays guitar, banjo & keyboards, his wife Judy is our excellent & fun caller, and son Jon sparks things up on violin & percussion. More info
May 17, 2018
contra
Covenant
Maxine McDonald, Evan De Smitt Over and Under Our two youngest callers (Maxine McDonald and Evan De Smitt) on stage with a long-standing, experienced band (Over and Under). More info
May 13, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Blim Austin, Alyssa & Chris If you haven't yet danced to the energetic and extremely skilled calling of Dan Blim, you should try to make this dance. He will not be in our area much longer. Beautiful music on violin, guitar & piano. More info
May 10, 2018
contra
Covenant
Judy Greenhill Relative Harmony Hot fiddling tonight by Jonathan Avery accompanied by his dad, Rick. Judy Greenhill loves a good dance - the new and the old - all the best to get you stomping and hollering tonight. More info
May 6, 2018
english
First Rochester
Carmen Giunta Sister Haggis Carmen's excellent taste in dances compliments Jane and Eileen's exquisite musical skills. This should be a luscious evening of dancing to welcome in the May (at last)! More info
May 6, 2018
meeting
Brighton
Lisa Brown CDR Executive Committee This quarterly meeting allows the Contra and English Country dance committees to coordinate. This is where you can find out what's going on! More info
May 5, 2018
meeting
Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house
Contra Planning Committee Join us at Peggy & Rich Dempsey's house to help put on the dance! More info
May 3, 2018
contra
Covenant
Gaye Fifer Andrew Anna and Julie Theme for tonight: "Star Wars" so Wookies and Side-Hair-Buns get in free! A special treat tonight: nationally know caller Gaye Fifer. Three outstanding musicians: Andrew VanNorstrand, Anna Patton and Julie Vallimont More info
Apr 28 - Apr 29, 2018
english
MAG Ballroom, First Rochester
Judi Rivkin Serendipity with Guest Violinist Our annual Jane Austen Ball weekend in Rochester, NY includes a Regency period Ball, an experienced English dance, practice sessions, top notch performers, and great refreshments! More info
Apr 26, 2018
contra
Covenant
Bob Nicholson Geneseo String Band A stage full of musicians...our annual Geneseo String Band night. Bob Nicholson will be calling. Come support a local College program that encourages young musicians to learn traditional repertoire. More info
Apr 22, 2018
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Crooked Sixpence A spirited and very professional Ithaca-based band (violin, flute, and piano), with calling by the founder of our English Dance group. The evening dance is preceded by a Ball prep session 3:30 - 5:30, with potluck after. More info
Apr 19, 2018
contra
First Rochester
Sarah VanNorstrand Arugula Note: Alternate Location: First Baptist Church FREE DANCE: Sponsored by Marcia Locke Sarah VanNorstrand will be calling tonight, and Arugula will be the band. More info
Apr 15, 2018
english
First Rochester
Colleen Liggett Amity Laurel's skill on winds, Austin's virtuoso guitar, and Meg's mellow piano are a fine combination. Come support Colleen as she proceeds with her rapid development of calling skills. Ball prep before the dance at 3:30! More info
Apr 13, 2018
meeting
Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house
Contra Planning Committee Join us at Peggy & Rich Dempsey's house to help put on the dance! Tap More Info to see the agenda. Contact Bob or Rich to propose items. More info
Apr 12, 2018
contra
Covenant
Chuck Abell Buddy System Chuck Abell calling to Buddy System! Buddy System is the fabulous combination of Noah VanNorstrand and Julie Vallimont. This is "Bring a Buddy" night. Members who bring a buddy get in free tonight! More info
Apr 8, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Blim Molly, Mark & Chris Only when a caller is super popular do we book them two weeks in a row, and Dan is such a one. Music by one of our excellent local trios. More info
Apr 5, 2018
contra
Covenant
Margaret Mathews Wild Root String Band Fans of Old time music love Wild Root String Band. They have played for our flash mob dances a number of times. Margaret Mathews expertly pairs dances to this truly American style of music. More info
Apr 1, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Blim Colleen Liggett, John Kerr, and Meg Grindrod making the music, with a lively and very talented caller! More info
Mar 29, 2018
contra
Harmony House
Open Band Special location: Harmony House in Webster. Eric Rounds, Mark Henry and Fred Filbrich will anchor this Open Band event. A cavalcade of callers, led by Bob Fabinski, will be on the mic tonight! More info
Mar 25, 2018
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Sister Haggis Rochester favorites Eileen Kalfass and Jane Knoeck are back! They play just beautifully together, and David's efficient teaching is a joy. Ball prep session 3:30 - 5:30 pm with Jane playing, and a potluck to follow. More info
Mar 22, 2018
contra
Covenant
Mary Collins Mary Collins is coming from Buffalo to call for us tonight, with Knives and Forks! More info
Mar 18, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity Frequent Rochester performers all, this combination of band and caller is known for quality music and interesting new dances. It's Pie Night too! Both sweet and savory pies will be admired and consumed, with tea as usual More info
Mar 15, 2018
contra
Covenant
Chuck Abell, Evan De Smitt Continental Drift It's Hawaiian Shirt Night! Chuck Abell and Evan DeSmitt will be sharing the mic tonight. Music by Eileen Kalfass, Eric Anderson and Terry Wergeland. More info
Mar 11, 2018
meeting
First Rochester
Special Events Committee meeting, to finish up planning the upcoming Jane Austen Ball. At First Baptist, 4 - 5:30 PM. All CDR members welcome. More info
Mar 11, 2018
english
First Rochester
Pamela Goddard Arugula Pamela's confident & clear instruction and witty stage presence make her very popular with the Rochester dancers. Music by an experienced and fun band. More info
Mar 8, 2018
contra
Covenant
Margaret Mathews Blue Dance Tonight we have Blue Dance, with Margaret Mathews calling. Bring an extra $2 for this extra-big band! And wear blue, just because that would be fun! More info
Mar 4, 2018
english
First Rochester
Carmen Giunta Amity A smart and creative caller (and dance composer) from Syracuse working with music on recorders, whistles, recorders and oboe (yes, that's all one person), guitar, piano and concertina. What a wealth of talent! More info
Mar 3, 2018
meeting
Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house
Come contribute your ideas for fun regular Contra dances and enjoy a fabulous treat at Rich & Peggy's house. More info
Mar 1, 2018
contra
Covenant
Katy Heine Lake Effect Katy Heine and Lake Effect on stage tonight More info
Feb 25, 2018
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Serendipity with Guest Violinist Even if it's cold and dreary out, dancing cheers you up! Fantastic music by Barb & Laurie with guest violinist Molly Wilson. Richard is filling in as caller for Dan Seppeler, who is unable to make it. More info
Feb 22, 2018
contra
Covenant
Maxine McDonald, Sharon Perry Tim Ball and Liza Sommers Maxine McDonald and Sharon Perry will be sharing the mic tonight. Music by Tim Ball and Liza Sommers. More info
Feb 18, 2018
english
First Rochester
Colleen Liggett Arugula Arguably the longest-lived country dance band in Rochester, this group recently added a second violinist who has contributed a burst of energy. Colleen brings her fresh perspective to the ECD repertoire. More info
Feb 15, 2018
contra
Covenant
Casey Carr Andrew and Noah The band will be Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand. Casey Carr from Ithaca will be calling. She's working up some new grid squares for us! A great way to warm up for Flurry. More info
Feb 11, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Blim Molly & Jane Chocolate Night, with music by a prize winning violinist and a nationally known pianist,  and a dynamic caller. More info
Feb 10, 2018
special-event
Chuck Abell Lake Effect Valentine’s Bliss: A Contra/Couples Dance Revelry: This is a special night of music, dance, and fellowship to help celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend - great fun and family-friendly! More info
Feb 8, 2018
contra
Covenant
Eric Rounds Over and Under Eric Rounds calling with Over and Under playing...a great time to bring your friends who have never danced. They will get the quintessential dance experience! More info
Feb 4, 2018
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Eileen, Jane & Roberta We've been wanting to get these superb, nationally known musicians together for ages! Exquisite music and Richard's favorite dances are a winning combination. More info
Feb 3, 2018
meeting
Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house
Contra Planning Committee meeting. We're planning fun dances this month at the Dempsey's, 140 Fernboro Rd, Rochester, NY at noon. Touch for more info. More info
Feb 1, 2018
contra
Covenant
Margaret Mathews Arugula Contra with Arugula More info
Jan 29, 2018
meeting
We meet at 6:30 PM for potluck dinner and to plan English Country dances. Email or call Rich for location. More info
Jan 28, 2018
english
First Rochester
Dan Blim Sister Haggis Quality music on violin and piano by Eileen Kalfass and Jane Knoeck, and if you haven't yet danced to the calling of the young and marvelously energetic Dan Blim, you're in for a treat! More info
Jan 25, 2018
contra
Covenant
Bob Fabinski Open Band Eric Rounds and Mark Henry will anchor the open band tonight. Check out the tunesets on our "Resources for Open Band" page. We will have a few books of tunes on the stage. Musicians get in free. More info
Jan 21, 2018
meeting
First Rochester
CDR Board Meeting. All are welcome to attend CDR meetings. The Board meets quarterly to hear reports from the individual dance series and set policy. We will meet in the library at First Baptist at 3:30 pm. More info
Jan 21, 2018
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain, Dan Seppeler Serendipity Our annual Favorites Night, an entire program of dances popular with our local group. Two callers, beautifully phrased flute music, and passionate piano playing. Don't miss it! More info
Jan 18, 2018
contra
Covenant
Maxine McDonald, Colleen Liggett New Brew Maxine McDonald will be calling with New Brew playing More info
Jan 14, 2018
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Molly, Mark & Chris Our musical trio tonight uses classic dance music instrumentation (violin, flute & piano) that fits so well with those classical English tunes. A few winter-themed dances may creep in. Cupcake night! More info
Jan 13, 2018
contra
Covenant
Chuck Abell, Margaret Mathews Lake Effect The special dance scheduled for Saturday, January 13, has been CANCELLED due to inclement weather. More info
Jan 11, 2018
contra
Covenant
Bob Nicholson Eileen Kalfass and John Wobus Bob Nicholson will be calling with Eileen Kalfass playing fiddle and John Wobus playing keyboard. More info
Jan 7, 2018
english
First Rochester
Bob Nicholson Whimsy (older) Music on whistles, recorders, oboe, mandolin and piano for our dancing pleasure, with a caller known for his genial & helpful stage presence. More info
Jan 6, 2018
meeting
Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house
Contra Planning Committee meeting. We're planning fun dances this month at the Dempsey's, 140 Fernboro Rd, Rochester, NY at 1 PM. Touch for more info. More info
Jan 4, 2018
contra
Covenant
Nancy Spero Andrew, Casey, and Cecilia Make it a resolution to dance any style at least once a week for 2018. Here's a fantastic dance to start in on that! Hot music with WNY's best young musicians on a cold, cold night will make you happy. More info
Dec 28, 2017
contra
Covenant
Katy Heine Tempest This is the last Thursday Night dance of 2017, so come celebrate with Katy Heine and Tempest With Horns. This dance will feature Extreme English and Contras throughout the evening. Bring your favorite treat to share! More info
Dec 21, 2017
contra
Covenant
Chuck Abell, Sharon Perry Chuck Abell and Sharon Perry will be sharing the mic tonight. Knives and Forks will be playing traditional Contra tunes. More info
Dec 17, 2017
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity Beautiful music from Laurie Williams on flute and Barb Seppeler on piano, one of our most popular music-making duos.  Dan’s energy, enthusiasm, and ever growing repertoire make for a lively evening. Cookie Night! More info
Dec 14, 2017
contra
Covenant
Casey Carr Tim Ball & Jane Knoeck Casey Carr will be calling, so expect at least one great grid square. Tim Ball and Jane Knoeck are a fantastic duo of dynamic musicians. More info
Dec 10, 2017
english
Covenant
Dan Blim Arugula We are thrilled to have Dan leading the dances again, after experiencing his calling talent, and friendly stage presence at our recent Masquerade Ball!  Arugula is ready with two violins, flute, piano & bass. At CUMC. More info
Dec 7, 2017
contra
Covenant
Bob Nicholson Arugula Bob Nicholson will be calling and Arugula will be playing. More info
Dec 3, 2017
english
First Rochester
Colleen Liggett Alyssa, Laurel & Austin New and talented Rochester caller Colleen Liggett calls her first full evening of dancing, and we'll have spectacular music on violin, winds and guitar. More info