| Event | Caller | Band | Details | 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 |
| Dec 2, 2017 meeting Rich & Peggy Dempsey's house |
Contra Planning Committee | The Contra Planning Committee meets this month at Rich & Peggy's house at 10:00 AM to plan great contra dancing. | More info | |
| Nov 30, 2017 contra Covenant |
Margaret Mathews | Eloise & Co., Andrew VanNorstrand | Music by Eloise & Co. (Becky Tracy on fiddle & Rachel Bell on accordion) with special guest, Andrew VanNorstrand! Our originally scheduled caller is unable to be here but the very capable Margaret Mathews will call. | More info |
| Nov 26, 2017 english First Rochester |
Sarah VanNorstrand | Old World Charm School | A very special afternoon dance (2 – 5 PM) with nationally known performers featured at CDR’s Thanksgiving Dance Weekend: Old World Charm School and Sarah Van Norstrand. | More info |
| Nov 24 - Nov 25, 2017 special-event Salem |
Susan Kevra, Sarah VanNorstrand, Casey Carr, Chuck Abell | Great Bear, Peregrine Road | The Great Bear Band! Susan Kevra! Peregrine Road! Sarah VanNorstrand! Contras! English! Grid Squares! | More info |
| Nov 19, 2017 english First Rochester |
Carmen Giunta | Alyssa, Austin & Jane | Our caller has excellent taste in dances. Music by a young, very talented Eastman School guitarist and a Kanack School violinist with Rochester’s most experienced dance pianist. Ethnic Dessert Night! | More info |
| Nov 16, 2017 contra Covenant |
Chuck Abell | Sister Haggis | Great musicians will bring us rollicking dance music tonight! Vibrant fiddling by Eileen, and dynamic accordion and keyboards by Jane. Calling by a regional favorite, Chuck Abell. A good night to dance! | More info |
| Nov 12, 2017 meeting First Rochester |
We will have a brief EPC meeting on Sunday 11/12 before the SEC meeting and the dance, from 4:00-4:30. An agenda is coming. | More info | ||
| Nov 12, 2017 english First Rochester |
Serendipity | Barb Seppeler and Laurie Williams are one of our most solid and popular music-making duos. Dan’s habit of bringing us new and interesting dances keeps us on our toes! | More info | |
| Nov 9, 2017 contra Covenant |
Margaret Mathews | Blue Dance | Come contra to rhythm & blues music! | More info |
| Nov 5, 2017 english First Rochester |
Sister Haggis | Eileen's heartfelt violin and Jane's sparkling piano are a winning combination, and their joy in making music with each other is contagious. Super calling and dance selection from David will make this a great evening. | More info | |
| Nov 2, 2017 contra Covenant |
Mary Collins | Wild Root String Band | Mary Collins is a new caller from Buffalo with a great collection of dances. Wild Root String Band plays that driving old time dance music. | More info |
| Oct 28, 2017 meeting |
The Contra Planning Committee meets monthly, more or less, to coordinate activities for the Thursday Night Contra and the Thanksgiving Festival. This month at Rich & Peggy's house, 140 Fernboro Rd, Rochester. | More info | ||
| Oct 26, 2017 contra Covenant |
Bob Nicholson, Sharon Perry | Over and Under | Welcome Sharon Perry backto the callers mic after an extended absence, joined by Bob Nicholson. Music provided by long-time contra stalwarts, Over and Under. | More info |
| Oct 22, 2017 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Molly, Mark & Chris | A program of dances old and new, set to beautiful music on violin, flute and piano by Molly Jaynes Wilson, Mark Dumont & Chris DeGolyer. | More info |
| Oct 22, 2017 meeting First Rochester |
All are welcome to attend CDR meetings. The Board meets quarterly to hear reports from the individual dance series and set policy. | More info | ||
| Oct 19, 2017 contra Covenant |
Evan De Smitt, Maxine McDonald | Crooked Sixpence | Crooked Sixpence joins us tonight from Ithaca. This high-octane trio will get you out of your seat and up on your feet! Rochester's own Maxine MacDonald and Evan De Smitt share the calling responsibilities. | More info |
| Oct 15, 2017 english First Rochester |
Colleen Liggett, Richard Sauvain | Crooked Sixpence | Crooked Sixpence features Kathy Selby (fidde), Gordon Bonnet (flute) & John Wobus (piano) — a high-octane trio! Two callers, and it’s also Apple Dessert Night. | More info |
| Sep 15, 2017 demo-team First Rochester |
Meryton Assembly Dancers Event Summary. | More info | ||
| Aug 20, 2017 english Brighton |
Richard Sauvain | Arugula | The lush sound of this band (2 violins, flute, piano & string bass) adds a mellow feel to an evening of dancing. Our experienced caller will present an engaging mix of dances from easy and familiar to new and different. | More info |
| Aug 13, 2017 english Brighton |
Bob Nicholson | Sister Haggis | Eileen and Jane are two of our busiest regional musicians, for good reason: they are great at playing for dancing! Bob, an old hand at calling both contras and English, is famous for his helpful and relaxed presence as | More info |
| Aug 6, 2017 english Brighton |
Eileen and Pat really hit it off when they played for us last month; tonight Laurel’s whistles, recorders, and oboe are added to the mix. Expert calling, as always, from David. His teaching ability lets us get into the | More info | ||
| Jul 27, 2017 contra Covenant |
Nancy Spero | Tempest | Dance up a storm with Tempest, WNY's own Americana contra band. With Chuck Abell on guitar, and fiddler Tim Ball highlights the tunes, and drummer Eric Metzgar keeps the feet moving in happy time. Nancy Spero calls. | More info |
| Jul 23, 2017 english Brighton |
Bob Nicholson | Lovely dance tunes from multi-instrumentist Colleen Liggett, John Kerr on mandolin and pianist Meg Grindrod, with Bob’s friendly and genial presence at the microphone. Should be a good night of dancing! | More info | |
| Jul 23, 2017 meeting First Rochester |
The CDR Board meets quarterly to review the position of the club, activities of the Contra and English dance series, and to set plans for publicity and special events. | More info | ||
| Jul 20, 2017 contra Covenant |
Bob Nicholson | Happy Contra music this week with Knives & Forks. Calling by Bob Nicholson, a frequent visitor from Syracuse. | More info | |
| Jul 16, 2017 english Brighton |
Carmen Giunta | Sister Haggis | Another great musician lineup: violin, winds and piano played by three skilled, experienced musicians. Carmen will lead us in an enjoyable, satisfying program of dances, often including one of two of his own composition | More info |
| Jul 13, 2017 contra Covenant |
Rich Sbardella | New Brew | WNY favorites, New Brew has a great time powering fun dances. Rich Sbardella is visiting this week with the latest dances from Connecticut. | More info |
| Jul 9, 2017 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Peregrine Road | Two seasoned musicians provide an exhilarating dance experience infused with energy and variety. Soak up sounds beautifully matched to dances chosen by our own beloved Richard Sauvain. | More info |
| Jul 7, 2017 contra Covenant |
Bob Fabinski | Arugula | Ring in July with Arugula! | More info |
| Jul 2, 2017 english First Rochester |
Dan Seppeler | Serendipity | Dan, Barb & Laurie return! | More info |
| Jun 29, 2017 contra Covenant |
Maxine McDonald | Open Band | Bring your instrument and join in the fun playing for the dance from the stage. Music selected and provided by Eric Rounds. Copies available online and at the dance. Dances will be called and taught by Maxine McDonald. | More info |
| Jun 25, 2017 english |
Dan Seppeler | Serendipity | Come enjoy perfectly wonderful music on flute and piano from expert musicians Laurie & Barb and enthusiastic calling from Dan. | More info |
| Jun 22, 2017 contra Covenant |
Margaret Mathews | Blue Dance | Come Contra to the big band sound of Blue Dance with Margaret Mathews! Singing contras with our most musical caller and the best hits of the '80's and '90's adapted to one of our favorite dance forms. | More info |
| Jun 18, 2017 english First Rochester |
In addition to fine music and expert calling, we will feast on just-picked strawberries, homemade shortcakes & real whipped cream. | More info |