4th AnnualMidwinter Meltdown
A weekend of dances, workshops and parties cooperatively sponsored by area dance groups featuring local and regional musicians and callers was a huge success .. !
February 17, 18, and 19, 2012 in Lawrence, KS
hoedown news and views
february 2011 hoedown at the camelot
dance band roster
the Gray Eagles
Guitar, mandolin and fiddle brought to you by Greg Allen, Mike Horan, and Mark Franzke
Hell in the Holler
Selflessly scouring the dangerous deep-woods of the old South, Hell in the Holler is a band on a quest
to bring back caseloads of "the good stuff" and restore a little insanity to the way we entertain ourselves.
This spirited 5-piece summons up a pulsating old-time party groove with twin fiddles, clawhammer banjo, rhythm guitar, doghouse bass and more.
Warning: May cause sudden onset of restless leg syndrome accompanied by light-headedness and excitability.
Features Doug DuBois, Tricia Spencer, Nick Gardner, Caleb Gardner, and Chris DeVictor.
Euphoria String Band
Dick Powers, Pete Gilbreath, Reva Nimz, Pat Dickey, and Richelle Basgall
Fox on the Run
Fiddle, piano, and mandolin by Greg Allen, Jill Allen, and Mark Franzke
the Atchisons
Bob and Melissa Atchison are a fiddle (Bob) and guitar (Melissa) duo from Manhattan who have been playing together for about 30 years.
Bob's musical style has been influenced by Missouri old-time fiddlers he had the privilege of knowing back in his college days
and Appalachian style tunes gathered over the years. Bob and Melissa enjoy playing for dances,
"because it's a night out for us and seeing folks dance to the tunes puts old time music back into its best context."
Prairie Acre
High energy old-time music from Lawrence, Kansas
Virginia Musser - bass, Noah Musser - banjo, Tricia Spencer - fiddle, Greg Yother - guitar
dance caller roster
Jill Allen
Jill's calling has been described as clear, easy to follow, and musical,
with no time wasted getting a room full of all ages and abilities up and dancing in a matter of minutes!
With 25 years of experience, she is full-service caller, well versed in contras, squares, English Country, family dances, and one-night-stands.
She plays piano in the band, Fox on the Run, a trio which offers music for barn dance, swing, and English country, or just for listening.
They play for dances, weddings, and other social engagements.
Lisa Harris
Lisa has been calling contra and square dances for over 15 years and calls regularly in the Lawrence and Kansas City area ..
She has called in many other states as well, from New York to Hawaii. Lisa is known for easy-to-learn, zesty dances and her melodious calling.
She likes to call dances that are fun for both experienced dancers and those who've never danced before.
Lisa says "if you can walk and count to eight, you can contra dance!"
She is also a dance musician and organizer and loves to introduce people to the fun of community dance.
Jerome Grisanti
A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Jerome has called through much of the Midwestern US.
Jerome has been calling contra and square dances since 2001.
He was introduced to contra dancing in 1999, but as early as 1977 he participated in Italian folk dancing.
His enthusiasm, distinctive voice and clear teaching supported him as he learned the nuances
of calling for populations ranging from back-yard parties to dance weekends.
In the past few years he has added many patter squares and singing squares to his repertoire.
He has also been calling English Country Dance regularly since 2009.