All-Star Talent 2014:
Bands:
★ Celador (NC)
★ Eel House (AK)
★ Free Association (GA)
★ Frost and Fire (VT\NY)
★ Party of Three (ME\NY)
★ Velocipede (ME)
Callers:
★ Jerome Grisanti (MO)
★ Brian Hamshar (VA)
★ Ridge Kennedy (NJ)
★ Frannie Marr (CA)
★ Dana Parkinson (FL)
★ Anna Rain (MD)
Bands:
★ Celador (NC)
★ Eel House (AK)
★ Free Association (GA)
★ Frost and Fire (VT\NY)
★ Party of Three (ME\NY)
★ Velocipede (ME)
Callers:
★ Jerome Grisanti (MO)
★ Brian Hamshar (VA)
★ Ridge Kennedy (NJ)
★ Frannie Marr (CA)
★ Dana Parkinson (FL)
★ Anna Rain (MD)
Profile:
Brian caught the dance bug around age 10 going to outdoor square dances each summer at Long Island’s Bald Hill Park, then after college he happily joined the square dance scene in central Virginia, his new home. But discovering the Greenwood contra dance in 2002 was what really lit his fire, and his joy for calling was first kindled at a summer party in 2006 when there were musicians and eager contra dancers present but no one to call. Armed with a few dances freshly printed from a website, he stepped up and it appeared that he was a natural. In 2009 he began touring in earnest.
Brian remains an enthusiastic contra dance gypsy, and the high energy level he brings is unmistakable. His warm friendly voice compels you to join the fun, then his clear and concise teaching gets you moving with minimal fuss. He chooses dances that combine interesting figures with excellent dance flow, and he loves to toss a no-walk-through into the mix. His calling has had dancers grooving in at least 15 states plus Ontario Canada. You never know where you might see him next.
Also a musician, he delights in collaborating with bands and sometimes joins in with his saxophone or clarinet. As founder of Club Contras he spins for crossover contras as "DJ B-Ham"(and calls and provides club lighting too).
Brian’s energetic yet easygoing style at the mic translates to guaranteed dance bliss. Come join the excitement in Atlanta this May!
Links:
Brian caught the dance bug around age 10 going to outdoor square dances each summer at Long Island’s Bald Hill Park, then after college he happily joined the square dance scene in central Virginia, his new home. But discovering the Greenwood contra dance in 2002 was what really lit his fire, and his joy for calling was first kindled at a summer party in 2006 when there were musicians and eager contra dancers present but no one to call. Armed with a few dances freshly printed from a website, he stepped up and it appeared that he was a natural. In 2009 he began touring in earnest.
Brian remains an enthusiastic contra dance gypsy, and the high energy level he brings is unmistakable. His warm friendly voice compels you to join the fun, then his clear and concise teaching gets you moving with minimal fuss. He chooses dances that combine interesting figures with excellent dance flow, and he loves to toss a no-walk-through into the mix. His calling has had dancers grooving in at least 15 states plus Ontario Canada. You never know where you might see him next.
Also a musician, he delights in collaborating with bands and sometimes joins in with his saxophone or clarinet. As founder of Club Contras he spins for crossover contras as "DJ B-Ham"(and calls and provides club lighting too).
Brian’s energetic yet easygoing style at the mic translates to guaranteed dance bliss. Come join the excitement in Atlanta this May!
Links:
