The Groovemongers

For the past 14 years, the Groovemongers have been thrilling contra dancers with a world beat approach to dance music. Countless tours, festival weekends and dance camps in 32 US states, Canada, the UK and the Caribbean have forged an ensemble that is equally at home with crafted musical arrangements as with jam band improv.

Pioneers of groove contra, the band works with callers to create a great dance experience, expertly matching tunes to dances and drawing from a breathtaking variety of styles and rhythms. From Celtic to Calypso, Southern to Salsa, Old England to New England, Motown to Cape Town, plus a liberal dose of American rock 'n' roll, the Groovemongers' memorable tunes and driving rhythms fuse into a spicy mix that is irresistibly danceable .

Contra Sutra

Contra Sutra: Russell S. (percussion), Marni Rachmiel (windy things), Dave Bartley (fretted things), Ryan McKasson (bowed strings)

Contra Sutra is a groovy folk dance band from the Pacific Northwest. Kind of an all-star team, featuring members of the well-known bands KGB, The Syncopaths and Lift Ticket among many others. Rave reviews have followed their Contra and English Country dances up and down the West Coast.

The tunes are a mix of familiar favorites with a funky twist and new tunes, many by band members and friends, with some pop moments, African rhythms, swing, and a wicked sense of humor all swirling around in there. Exquisite tune-to-dance matching is a Contra Sutra hallmark and a part of the dance ecstasy experience.

Steve Zakon-Anderson

Steve Zakon-Anderson

Steve Zakon-Anderson has been calling contras,  teaching couples dance, and leading workshops for callers for over 25 years. He has performed at dance camps and festivals from Alaska to Florida and practically everywhere in between, including Pinewoods, Buffalo Gap, Lady of the Lake, Augusta and Brasstown. His own dance compositions are well known to dancers and other callers, and he weaves them into his program along with other contemporary and traditional favorites.  Steve's clear teaching, precise calling and sense of humor have made him a favorite of dancers of all ages and abilities.

Deb Comly

Deb Comly

Deb Comly was bitten by the contra bug in 1994 - she took off dancing across the country and never looked back. Now, 17 years later, she remains passionate about the dance and brings her upbeat manner and community spirit to all she does. As an avid dancer, organizer and occasional musician Deb knows what she values; as a caller, she strives to bring these things to her dances.  She believes in efficient and clear walk-throughs, dances that flow, interesting and varied programs that are tailored to each situation,  and knowing when to stand back and allow the music take dancers to the next level. A longtime favorite in her Southwestern community, Deb has also called on both coasts.  Known for her bright, clear teaching and her smooth contralto calls, Deb brings a fresh scrubbed sultry playfulness to her dances. From her beaming smile to her happy feet, Deb's energy is contagious. She lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Programming

This year's program was arranged by Lynn Ackerson.

Sound

Sound engineering by Marty Brenneis and Erik Ievins