The Rodney Miller Band plays music that makes your feet happy. Rodney is the Grand Marshall of contra fiddlers. He has the speed and excitement of people half his age, but also the mellow sweetness that comes of maturity. He has a unique personal sound that you can pick-out blind (kind of like Mark Knopfler’s guitar style.) In 1983, Rodney was designated a “Master Fiddler” by the National Endowment for the Arts. (Think of Itzhak Perlman playing contra and rocking like Bruce Springsteen.)

Playing with Rodney will be Paul Kotapish on mandolin and guitar, Daniel Steinberg on piano and flute (this is half of the Hillbillies from Mars). Additionally, in the band is David Cahn from Seattle on bass (who also plays is such bands as Queen City Bulldogs and the Percolators), and on percussion, Brian Rice, from the Bay Area, who plays in Wake the Dead with Paul, as well. This is almost the same band configuration as on the cd, “Greasy Coat”. (Available on iTunes or in a raffle at the Fulton dance.) Let the music carry you away.

Who is Notorious? They can be a band of two to six people. At the core, Notorious can be just Larry and Eden. They are such incredible musicians that just the two of them makes a band with a full, rich sound. You can go up to six and field an all Notorious volleyball team. But the real sweet spot is four. Nimble and agile, but powerful and full throated. At the north pole we have Eden MacAdam-Somer, the woman of many fiddling styles—from Gypsy to Old Timey to Classical. She’s going to sneak up with something you’re not expecting. At the south pole is Larry Unger, probably the finest guitarist playing in the  national contra circuit. His fast picking and strong rhythm makes this a dance band. Sam Bartlett is most famous for having written the tune, “Evil Diane”, everybody’s favorite contra dance tune. But even better, he’s a terrific mandolin player. A perfect balance to Larry’s guitar and Eden’s fiddle. We’ll probably be able to get Sam to give us a lesson in stunts. He is also an accomplished and published trickster.  www.sambartlett.com/stuntology   Additionally, we get Mark Hellenberg, the diesel engine with the tiger in the tank. His drumming give us the power that drives us up the hill. From there on we’re just coasting. It all comes together in one smooth, exciting and varied sound, for which they are Notorious.

Nils Fredland is just a contra dance caller. Sort of like Lance Armstrong is just a guy who toodles around on a bicycle. He’s just a contra caller like Tiger Woods just knocks a few balls around the lawn. The big difference—no steroids and no sordid affairs. Nils’ good humor and great skill at his craft will catalyze your cutting loose. With Nils driving the bus, it’s a non-stop, double-clutchin’, groovy gas. Get on board.

Will Mentor is a real craftsman at calling. He has all the right tools of his trade and he keeps them organized and well oiled. You’ll notice right away the skill and artistry with which he assembles your dance. Will’s soft wit and friendly manner assures everyone that they’re in the right place at the right time. He will send scouts into the cloak room to make sure there isn’t a single person who isn’t having a great time.

Our usual sound man, Alan Roberts can’t make it this year so the all important job will be in the hands of Victor Garza, the wizard of southern California. Victor has been doing the sound for Harvest Moon, Labor Day Dance Away and Faultline Frolic. Now he is coming up just to do Raindance for us.

The Cost:  Two great bands, two star callers, yet the weekend will cost just $120, or $80 for people 25 and under and for full time students. These rates are for registrations submitted online by midnight, February 29th.  After that the rates increase by $20. 

New this year is a family rate. Please email us for details if you wish to register three or more members of the same family.

Registration is now open.  All registrations must be done online. There will be a lottery for registrations submitted online by midnight, February 29th and the weekend will be gender balanced. Registrations entered after February 29th will go on a waiting list.

If you have questions, contact Kim Appleberry at raindanceinfo@PortlandCountryDance.org or call him at 503-319-1717.

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