We are delighted to have Richie Stearns and Friends playing this year’s square dance, with calling from one of our favorites, Deborah Hyland.
Legendary banjo player Richie Stearns is one of the most influential old-time players of the last 25 years, stretching the genre in many innovative ways. He is steeped in the traditions of American old-time music, Appalachian folk, blues, African, rock, and country music. His band “The Horseflies” re-defined old-time music in the 1980′s and 90′s and introduced the unique Ithaca, NY sound to a whole generation of traditional musicians and fans. A founding member of “Donna the Buffalo” and “The Renegades”, Richie has collaborated, opened for, or played in bands with Natalie Merchant, Beausoleil, Farm Report (with Tony Trischka), 10,000 Maniacs, Kevin Burke, Johnny Clegg and Savuka, Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale and many others.
Deborah Hyland has called and taught dance to a wide range of audiences in the St. Louis area and beyond since 1991. Missouri’s classic old-time music provides the perfect drive behind the cadence of her squares, contras, and mixers. Besides appearing regularly at dances in St. Louis, Deborah has headlined at dance weekends and folk festivals in Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana. Deborah has also called at local dances throughout the Midwest, including Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.
With an emphasis on clear teaching, she has coaxed hundreds of beginners toward a successful dance experience at the Missouri Historical Society’s programs for children, various St. Louis festivals, a homeless shelter, community radio fundraisers, weddings, and a variety of other events for both children and adults.
Deborah has also taught Civil War dancing at a number of reenactments, balls, and battles in Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Mississippi, and more.
Deborah’s calling appears on an album by fiddler Lida Bringe, “What Will I Do” (1996), her choreography has been published in “Midwest Folklore and Other Dances” (1995), and she appeared as a square dance caller on the reality show “Farmer Wants a Wife” (2007).
Saturday, November 2nd, 7:45pm-9:15pm
Landmark Hotel Ballroom
Wristband or cover