GUEST CALLERS
SCOTT BENNETT
Scott began calling in 1984 at the age of 18. He has called festivals and special dances in his home state of Oklahoma and across the United States. Scott currently calls for beginners thru A-2. Scott takes pride in his enthusiastic presentation, choreographic creativity, musical variety, "high-energy"/"up-beat" dance delivery, sense of humor, and vocal style.
Scott is a CALLERLAB Accredited Caller, a member of the CALLERLAB Quarter Century Club, a member of CALLERLAB, he is involved with many local area caller associations as well. From 2015-2018 Scott served on the CALLERLAB Board of Governors.
Scott has recorded Square Dance Music on Dance Ranch Records, Hi-Hat Records, Blue Star Records, Rawhide Records, Chic Recordings, and Fine Tune Records. In 2013 Scott started his own Square Dance music labels! Check out Crest Recordings, Acme Recordings and Peak Recordings! Scott is also the proud owner of Yak Stack Speakers!
Scott was a nominee and finalist in the first ever international Square Dance Callers Awards "The Ozzie's". He is honored to have been nominated and proud to make the finals in four categories in a worldwide caller competition! Scott placed as follows, Best Male Vocal on a Singing Call - 5th place, Best Overall Male Caller - 5th place, Most Entertaining Caller - 7th place, Caller of the Year - 6th place!!!!
Scott enjoys teaching/working with new callers, Scott has served on many panels at the CALLERLAB convention and you can find him teaching at the GSI Caller Schools prior to the National Conventions.
Whether it is a club dance or the National Square Dance Convention, you can find Scott doing what he loves best, entertaining!
Scott began calling in 1984 at the age of 18. He has called festivals and special dances in his home state of Oklahoma and across the United States. Scott currently calls for beginners thru A-2. Scott takes pride in his enthusiastic presentation, choreographic creativity, musical variety, "high-energy"/"up-beat" dance delivery, sense of humor, and vocal style.
Scott is a CALLERLAB Accredited Caller, a member of the CALLERLAB Quarter Century Club, a member of CALLERLAB, he is involved with many local area caller associations as well. From 2015-2018 Scott served on the CALLERLAB Board of Governors.
Scott has recorded Square Dance Music on Dance Ranch Records, Hi-Hat Records, Blue Star Records, Rawhide Records, Chic Recordings, and Fine Tune Records. In 2013 Scott started his own Square Dance music labels! Check out Crest Recordings, Acme Recordings and Peak Recordings! Scott is also the proud owner of Yak Stack Speakers!
Scott was a nominee and finalist in the first ever international Square Dance Callers Awards "The Ozzie's". He is honored to have been nominated and proud to make the finals in four categories in a worldwide caller competition! Scott placed as follows, Best Male Vocal on a Singing Call - 5th place, Best Overall Male Caller - 5th place, Most Entertaining Caller - 7th place, Caller of the Year - 6th place!!!!
Scott enjoys teaching/working with new callers, Scott has served on many panels at the CALLERLAB convention and you can find him teaching at the GSI Caller Schools prior to the National Conventions.
Whether it is a club dance or the National Square Dance Convention, you can find Scott doing what he loves best, entertaining!
JEREMY BUTLER
Jeremy started calling in 1996. He is a Club caller for the Capitol Squares (A2) in Richmond, VA and The Square Edges (Plus) in Newport News, VA. Jeremy has recorded records for both Crown Records and Royal Records.
Jeremy started calling in 1996. He is a Club caller for the Capitol Squares (A2) in Richmond, VA and The Square Edges (Plus) in Newport News, VA. Jeremy has recorded records for both Crown Records and Royal Records.
TRAVIS COOK
Travis and his wife Dorothy live in Goshen, KY, just outside of Louisville. Travis started dancing around 2002, with the promise of great meals at dances, and met Dorothy there just a few years later. They've been inseparable ever since! They both originally hail from the mountains of Eastern KY — Knott and Perry counties respectively.
Travis started calling at the behest of his square dance instructor and first mentor Joe Lowe, a caller from West Virginia, shortly after graduating from classes. Travis became the caller for their group in Hazard, KY, when Joe retired around 2005 until he left the mountains to attend the University of Louisville. While not traveling much during his college years, Travis graduated in the autumn of 2010 and started calling actively again soon after. Travis is now blessed to travel all over the region calling nearly every weekend. He became the caller for Bluegrass Squares in Louisville after the retirement of his friend and mentor Kenny Jarvis. He now calls through A2 and is studying challenge dancing with Lloyd Sparks. He belongs to CALLERLAB and is BMI and ASCAP licensed.
Travis spends his days enjoying a career as a SQL Server Database Administrator and, when not dancing, he thoroughly enjoys shooting, fishing, and playing
Travis and his wife Dorothy live in Goshen, KY, just outside of Louisville. Travis started dancing around 2002, with the promise of great meals at dances, and met Dorothy there just a few years later. They've been inseparable ever since! They both originally hail from the mountains of Eastern KY — Knott and Perry counties respectively.
Travis started calling at the behest of his square dance instructor and first mentor Joe Lowe, a caller from West Virginia, shortly after graduating from classes. Travis became the caller for their group in Hazard, KY, when Joe retired around 2005 until he left the mountains to attend the University of Louisville. While not traveling much during his college years, Travis graduated in the autumn of 2010 and started calling actively again soon after. Travis is now blessed to travel all over the region calling nearly every weekend. He became the caller for Bluegrass Squares in Louisville after the retirement of his friend and mentor Kenny Jarvis. He now calls through A2 and is studying challenge dancing with Lloyd Sparks. He belongs to CALLERLAB and is BMI and ASCAP licensed.
Travis spends his days enjoying a career as a SQL Server Database Administrator and, when not dancing, he thoroughly enjoys shooting, fishing, and playing
JIM DUNCAN
Jim was an active caller in the Florida callers association in the early 80's. Full retirement from the school superintendency has allowed him to return to calling. Jim's enthusiasm for square dancing and calling, up through plus level, with an up beat tempo - solid singing - and fun patter will give you an evening of fun and excitement. Jim is the club caller for the Lakeshore Squares in Gainesville, GA and is an associate caller for the High Mountain Squares in Franklin, NC. Jim is a member of CALLERLAB and the North Carolina Callers Association. He and his wife, Sandra, live in Otto, NC and they would love to be invited to call a dance at your club!
Jim was an active caller in the Florida callers association in the early 80's. Full retirement from the school superintendency has allowed him to return to calling. Jim's enthusiasm for square dancing and calling, up through plus level, with an up beat tempo - solid singing - and fun patter will give you an evening of fun and excitement. Jim is the club caller for the Lakeshore Squares in Gainesville, GA and is an associate caller for the High Mountain Squares in Franklin, NC. Jim is a member of CALLERLAB and the North Carolina Callers Association. He and his wife, Sandra, live in Otto, NC and they would love to be invited to call a dance at your club!
ERIC HENERLAU
Eric Henerlau has been teaching and calling Modern Square Dancing since 1980. Eric has taught thousands of people how to square dance through classes and individual party dance events. He is an accomplished caller at all levels from beginners through C2. Eric also cues Phase III level Square Dance rounds. He serves on the Board of Governors of Callerlab and is the Vice Chair of the Plus Committee.
Eric travels throughout North America, Europe and Japan calling for open dances, festivals, and private parties. He has also created and led programs in schools teaching thousands of students the basics of Modern Square Dancing.
Eric has a home program calling each week for the Tam Twirlers in San Rafael, CA, and Eric's Eagles in Marin County.
By day Eric is an independent insurance broker/agent with Anixter & Oser in Novato, CA.
Eric Henerlau has been teaching and calling Modern Square Dancing since 1980. Eric has taught thousands of people how to square dance through classes and individual party dance events. He is an accomplished caller at all levels from beginners through C2. Eric also cues Phase III level Square Dance rounds. He serves on the Board of Governors of Callerlab and is the Vice Chair of the Plus Committee.
Eric travels throughout North America, Europe and Japan calling for open dances, festivals, and private parties. He has also created and led programs in schools teaching thousands of students the basics of Modern Square Dancing.
Eric has a home program calling each week for the Tam Twirlers in San Rafael, CA, and Eric's Eagles in Marin County.
By day Eric is an independent insurance broker/agent with Anixter & Oser in Novato, CA.
GREG JONES
Greg is a member of Callerlab, the NC Callers Association, the SC Callers and Cuers Association, and is a Platinum Records and Crest Records recording artist. He is also BMI / ASCAP licensed. Greg has been calling for over 30 years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6FL2-iXBtE
Greg is a member of Callerlab, the NC Callers Association, the SC Callers and Cuers Association, and is a Platinum Records and Crest Records recording artist. He is also BMI / ASCAP licensed. Greg has been calling for over 30 years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6FL2-iXBtE
TED KENNEDY
Ted has been calling for more than 30 years, starting in Huntsville, Alabama. He has called throughout the contiguous 48 states, including Hawaii, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, and Germany. Presently is the club caller for Tammany Twirlers, Slidell, Louisiana , and B-Sharps, Mobile, Alabama. In addition, he provides guest appearances with all of the Louisiana and Mississippi clubs, as well as ,weekend festivals. He regularly calls 5 to 6 nights per week in the southeastern states, as well as, travels on weekends. He is a member of American Callers Association, Florida Callers Association, Northwest Florida Callers Association, and Alabama Square & Round Dance Association. Actively calling Basic Thru A2.
He is married to wife Nancy, and together they have 3 son’s and 6 grandchildren. Ted is retired Information Technology Specialist with the Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center. Ted & Nancy’s free time is spent traveling, camping, and just spending quality time together.
http://tedkennedycaller.com/html/square_dance_audio.html
Ted has been calling for more than 30 years, starting in Huntsville, Alabama. He has called throughout the contiguous 48 states, including Hawaii, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, and Germany. Presently is the club caller for Tammany Twirlers, Slidell, Louisiana , and B-Sharps, Mobile, Alabama. In addition, he provides guest appearances with all of the Louisiana and Mississippi clubs, as well as ,weekend festivals. He regularly calls 5 to 6 nights per week in the southeastern states, as well as, travels on weekends. He is a member of American Callers Association, Florida Callers Association, Northwest Florida Callers Association, and Alabama Square & Round Dance Association. Actively calling Basic Thru A2.
He is married to wife Nancy, and together they have 3 son’s and 6 grandchildren. Ted is retired Information Technology Specialist with the Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center. Ted & Nancy’s free time is spent traveling, camping, and just spending quality time together.
http://tedkennedycaller.com/html/square_dance_audio.html
Ted Lizotte
Ted lives in New Hampshire with his wife, Shelly. He has been calling square dances for over 29 years. He would say that "Square dancing is his favorite hobby." Ted calls beginner dances and fun nights as well as the CALLERLAB approved programs of Basic thru C1. He is the Club Caller for:
Most recently Ted has become the owner/producer of 'Throw Back Tunes', a square dance music label. He is very proud of what has been accomplished in a short time frame . They are getting lots of great feedback and have a loyal customer base that keeps growing. If you're looking for some square dance music, take the time to check them out!
Ted lives in New Hampshire with his wife, Shelly. He has been calling square dances for over 29 years. He would say that "Square dancing is his favorite hobby." Ted calls beginner dances and fun nights as well as the CALLERLAB approved programs of Basic thru C1. He is the Club Caller for:
- TBT Squares (An Advanced/Challenge Group) in Manchester, NH
- Tech Squares of M.I.T. in Cambridge, MA
- Heel and Toe SDC in Manchester, NH
- The Rebels SDC in Nashua, NH
Most recently Ted has become the owner/producer of 'Throw Back Tunes', a square dance music label. He is very proud of what has been accomplished in a short time frame . They are getting lots of great feedback and have a loyal customer base that keeps growing. If you're looking for some square dance music, take the time to check them out!
Vance McDaniel
Vance McDaniel started learning to call square dancing in 1966 at the age of thirteen. With the help of his mother, Rusty McDaniel, he started his first square dance class in Mannheim, Germany at the youth center of Benjamin Franklin Village, a US Army dependant’s housing development. One hundred twenty-five eight- to eleven-year-old youths started that first class. This group later became the first square dance club for which Vance served as club caller, and they were named the Prancing Peanuts. Vance also called for the Happy Pairs, a teenage club in Heidelberg, Germany and the Glow Worms, an adult club in Worms, Germany. He attended several of Cal Golden’s weekend calling seminars and one of Cal’s week-long calling colleges at Chemsee, Germany. Howard Mason and Bob Faulkner also taught Vance many aspects of square dance calling and helped him become a better caller. While in Germany, Vance called for every EAASDC (European Association of American Square Dance Clubs) annual convention and thrice-yearly jamboree. Vance was also a member in good standing of ECTA (European Callers and Teachers Association).
Vance returned to the United States in May of 1972 and turned 19 years of age in July of that same year. He attended Fayetteville Technical College, and whenever his dad, Mac McDaniel, was away TDY (Tour of Duty) for the army, Vance would call for his dad’s clubs, such as the Braggarts at Fort Bragg, NC, the Sandpipers in Sanford, NC and the Sandspurs in Carthage, NC. In 1975 at the age of 22, Vance became club caller for the Carthage Sandspurs. Some folks out of a beginner’s class at the Carthage Sandspurs wanted to start a club in Robbins, NC, so Vance helped them start the Robbins Grand Squares. In 1976 at Seven Lakes, NC, Vance became club caller for the Yellow Rockers, which later moved to West End, NC. He then became club caller for the Harnett Twirlers in Lillington, NC. Some folks out of a beginners’ class at the Harnett Twirlers wanted to start a club in Dunn, NC, so Vance helped them start the Checkerboard Squares. For ten or eleven years from 1975 to 1986, Vance was club caller for these five clubs and others, calling for five and six clubs each week and calling for special dances and weekend festivals on Saturdays and weekends. Vance also traveled during these years calling square dances in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. Vance has attended and called at nine National Square Dance Conventions.
In 1987 Vance helped start the Plus-A-Plenty square dance club in Raleigh, NC and also became club caller for the Ragtime Ramblers in Durham, NC. In 1990 he became club caller for the Merry Mixers advanced square dance club in Raleigh, NC, and in 1995 he became club caller for the Cary Cross Trailers in Cary, NC. Vance is currently club caller for the Merry Mixers Advanced (A1/A2) square dance club, the Triangle Circulaters Challenge (C1) square dance club and the Cary Cross Trailers, as well as calling for special dances and special parties on Friday and Saturday nights. Vance is the founder and driving force behind the Triangle Square Dance Alliance which is chartered to promote square dance and dancer education in the local area. The TSDA is known for introducing square dance to locals via it’s popular monthly fun dances in downtown Raleigh.
Honorable mention goes to the Heritage Pines Square Dance Club of west Cary, NC. Who knew that they would last seven years! Vance helped start the Heritage Pines Squares in Janurary of 2003. Unfortunately they folded in March 2010, but the members who were still dancing joined the Cary Cross Trailers.
Vance is a member in good standing of CALLERLAB, the International Association of Square Dance Callers, and has been for 28 years. At the 43rd annual CALLERLAB Convention in April 2016, Vance was honored with the CALLERLAB Half Century Award for his 50 years of calling! Vance is the President of the North Carolina Callers Association and has attended and called for numerous North Carolina Federation conventions and quarterly dances. He records on Platinum Records and is BMI and ASCAP licensed.
Vance McDaniel started learning to call square dancing in 1966 at the age of thirteen. With the help of his mother, Rusty McDaniel, he started his first square dance class in Mannheim, Germany at the youth center of Benjamin Franklin Village, a US Army dependant’s housing development. One hundred twenty-five eight- to eleven-year-old youths started that first class. This group later became the first square dance club for which Vance served as club caller, and they were named the Prancing Peanuts. Vance also called for the Happy Pairs, a teenage club in Heidelberg, Germany and the Glow Worms, an adult club in Worms, Germany. He attended several of Cal Golden’s weekend calling seminars and one of Cal’s week-long calling colleges at Chemsee, Germany. Howard Mason and Bob Faulkner also taught Vance many aspects of square dance calling and helped him become a better caller. While in Germany, Vance called for every EAASDC (European Association of American Square Dance Clubs) annual convention and thrice-yearly jamboree. Vance was also a member in good standing of ECTA (European Callers and Teachers Association).
Vance returned to the United States in May of 1972 and turned 19 years of age in July of that same year. He attended Fayetteville Technical College, and whenever his dad, Mac McDaniel, was away TDY (Tour of Duty) for the army, Vance would call for his dad’s clubs, such as the Braggarts at Fort Bragg, NC, the Sandpipers in Sanford, NC and the Sandspurs in Carthage, NC. In 1975 at the age of 22, Vance became club caller for the Carthage Sandspurs. Some folks out of a beginner’s class at the Carthage Sandspurs wanted to start a club in Robbins, NC, so Vance helped them start the Robbins Grand Squares. In 1976 at Seven Lakes, NC, Vance became club caller for the Yellow Rockers, which later moved to West End, NC. He then became club caller for the Harnett Twirlers in Lillington, NC. Some folks out of a beginners’ class at the Harnett Twirlers wanted to start a club in Dunn, NC, so Vance helped them start the Checkerboard Squares. For ten or eleven years from 1975 to 1986, Vance was club caller for these five clubs and others, calling for five and six clubs each week and calling for special dances and weekend festivals on Saturdays and weekends. Vance also traveled during these years calling square dances in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. Vance has attended and called at nine National Square Dance Conventions.
In 1987 Vance helped start the Plus-A-Plenty square dance club in Raleigh, NC and also became club caller for the Ragtime Ramblers in Durham, NC. In 1990 he became club caller for the Merry Mixers advanced square dance club in Raleigh, NC, and in 1995 he became club caller for the Cary Cross Trailers in Cary, NC. Vance is currently club caller for the Merry Mixers Advanced (A1/A2) square dance club, the Triangle Circulaters Challenge (C1) square dance club and the Cary Cross Trailers, as well as calling for special dances and special parties on Friday and Saturday nights. Vance is the founder and driving force behind the Triangle Square Dance Alliance which is chartered to promote square dance and dancer education in the local area. The TSDA is known for introducing square dance to locals via it’s popular monthly fun dances in downtown Raleigh.
Honorable mention goes to the Heritage Pines Square Dance Club of west Cary, NC. Who knew that they would last seven years! Vance helped start the Heritage Pines Squares in Janurary of 2003. Unfortunately they folded in March 2010, but the members who were still dancing joined the Cary Cross Trailers.
Vance is a member in good standing of CALLERLAB, the International Association of Square Dance Callers, and has been for 28 years. At the 43rd annual CALLERLAB Convention in April 2016, Vance was honored with the CALLERLAB Half Century Award for his 50 years of calling! Vance is the President of the North Carolina Callers Association and has attended and called for numerous North Carolina Federation conventions and quarterly dances. He records on Platinum Records and is BMI and ASCAP licensed.
MARTY NORTHRUP
Marvin Northrup first started square dancing September 1975 in upstate New York, alongside his parents after years of Eastern style square dancing. Only a boy when he first began to dance, Marv quickly became fluent in the workings of squares and learned the basic techniques of calling. During the summer of 1976, he attended a 4-day crash course Caller's College at Madison College in Harrisonburg, VA. Using his natural vocal talent (he was invited to all-district choir in elementary and middle school) he chose to pursue calling part time. Marvin was soon the talk of the local clubs. He was a sensation in his teenage years, and even started his own club in Arkville, NY in 1976 (with the help of his Dad, Neal and his Mother, Ina). Into the 80s and 90s, Marvin was a dominant force in New York State square dance calling. He was the club caller for multiple groups in the scope of his New York career. In 1999, Marvin and his family relocated to Western North Carolina (it was at this point, he became known as "Marty"). Marty has been calling for clubs throughout North and South Carolina as well as Georgia ever since. Marty has a goal to call in all of the lower 48 states.
Marty has many stories to tell. Once upon a time he sent a post card to a family in New Kingston, NY to have them join his newly-formed square dance club. Little did he know that this post card would not only convince two of his favorite dancers to join, but also would eventually develop these two dancers into in-laws. Marty married the daughter of his favorite dancers, and Marty and Karen were happily together for 28 years until 2011, when Karen lost a battle with cancer. Marty has four children: Megan, Ryan, Kevin, and Katelyn, and two grandchildren, Sarah and Ella..
Marty, when not busy doing other things, enjoys woodworking, jewelry-making, sports, and he often boasts about his great pizza recipe.
Marvin Northrup first started square dancing September 1975 in upstate New York, alongside his parents after years of Eastern style square dancing. Only a boy when he first began to dance, Marv quickly became fluent in the workings of squares and learned the basic techniques of calling. During the summer of 1976, he attended a 4-day crash course Caller's College at Madison College in Harrisonburg, VA. Using his natural vocal talent (he was invited to all-district choir in elementary and middle school) he chose to pursue calling part time. Marvin was soon the talk of the local clubs. He was a sensation in his teenage years, and even started his own club in Arkville, NY in 1976 (with the help of his Dad, Neal and his Mother, Ina). Into the 80s and 90s, Marvin was a dominant force in New York State square dance calling. He was the club caller for multiple groups in the scope of his New York career. In 1999, Marvin and his family relocated to Western North Carolina (it was at this point, he became known as "Marty"). Marty has been calling for clubs throughout North and South Carolina as well as Georgia ever since. Marty has a goal to call in all of the lower 48 states.
Marty has many stories to tell. Once upon a time he sent a post card to a family in New Kingston, NY to have them join his newly-formed square dance club. Little did he know that this post card would not only convince two of his favorite dancers to join, but also would eventually develop these two dancers into in-laws. Marty married the daughter of his favorite dancers, and Marty and Karen were happily together for 28 years until 2011, when Karen lost a battle with cancer. Marty has four children: Megan, Ryan, Kevin, and Katelyn, and two grandchildren, Sarah and Ella..
Marty, when not busy doing other things, enjoys woodworking, jewelry-making, sports, and he often boasts about his great pizza recipe.
TONY OXENDINE
One of the most popular and sought after callers in the world, Tony was introduced to square dancing in 1972 through a teenage square dance program sponsored by the local Parks and Recreation Department...With his musical background (singing professionally with a band for many years), and with his young analytical mind (majoring in both math and computer science at the University of South Carolina), he was quickly drawn into calling.
Trying to balance his time between school, his band, and his fledgling calling career quickly proved to be too much. Since he found calling so much fun, he quit the band in order to be able to devote more time to school and calling. He very quickly became very popular and soon found himself calling and teaching for five South Carolina clubs.
In 1974 Tony attended Promenade Hall Callers College in Indiana. There he first met his idol in the business - Dick Jones. Tony was so impressed with Dick that he "borrowed" much of his style and started using this new style in his own calling. Success quickly followed. Tony found himself calling all over the southeast. In 1980 Tony made the decision to go full-time with his calling. The rest, as they say, is history.
Now Tony travels almost 300 days annually doing festivals and dances all over the world. He routinely calls in over 30 states each year, and has called in almost all fifty states. Tony has also called in Canada, Saudi Arabia, England, Sweden, Germany, Japan, Holland, Denmark, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Australia, and Norway.
Tony, along with his partner Jerry Story, are co-owners of one of the most popular square dance record labels - Royal Records. Tony is an Accredited Caller Coach and an accredited member of CALLERLAB. He has served on CALLERLAB's Board, its Executive Board of Governors, and two terms as Chairman of the Board. In 2000, Tony received CALLERLAB's highest award - The Milestone.
In 2002, Tony branched out into the publications world. He is Editor of square dancing’s largest worldwide magazine – Square Dancing Today. Square Dancing Today is the activity’s first full-color, full size magazine. In the spring of 2002, Tony, along with his lifetime buddies Jerry Story and Larry Letson opened Pride RV Resort and Maggie Valley Square Dance Vacations in Maggie Valley, NC.
If you want to see him bubble with pride, just ask him about his three children - Ricky, Kayla, and T.J.
One of the most popular and sought after callers in the world, Tony was introduced to square dancing in 1972 through a teenage square dance program sponsored by the local Parks and Recreation Department...With his musical background (singing professionally with a band for many years), and with his young analytical mind (majoring in both math and computer science at the University of South Carolina), he was quickly drawn into calling.
Trying to balance his time between school, his band, and his fledgling calling career quickly proved to be too much. Since he found calling so much fun, he quit the band in order to be able to devote more time to school and calling. He very quickly became very popular and soon found himself calling and teaching for five South Carolina clubs.
In 1974 Tony attended Promenade Hall Callers College in Indiana. There he first met his idol in the business - Dick Jones. Tony was so impressed with Dick that he "borrowed" much of his style and started using this new style in his own calling. Success quickly followed. Tony found himself calling all over the southeast. In 1980 Tony made the decision to go full-time with his calling. The rest, as they say, is history.
Now Tony travels almost 300 days annually doing festivals and dances all over the world. He routinely calls in over 30 states each year, and has called in almost all fifty states. Tony has also called in Canada, Saudi Arabia, England, Sweden, Germany, Japan, Holland, Denmark, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Australia, and Norway.
Tony, along with his partner Jerry Story, are co-owners of one of the most popular square dance record labels - Royal Records. Tony is an Accredited Caller Coach and an accredited member of CALLERLAB. He has served on CALLERLAB's Board, its Executive Board of Governors, and two terms as Chairman of the Board. In 2000, Tony received CALLERLAB's highest award - The Milestone.
In 2002, Tony branched out into the publications world. He is Editor of square dancing’s largest worldwide magazine – Square Dancing Today. Square Dancing Today is the activity’s first full-color, full size magazine. In the spring of 2002, Tony, along with his lifetime buddies Jerry Story and Larry Letson opened Pride RV Resort and Maggie Valley Square Dance Vacations in Maggie Valley, NC.
If you want to see him bubble with pride, just ask him about his three children - Ricky, Kayla, and T.J.
JIMMY ROBERSON
With his new bride Janie, Jimmy Roberson started Square Dancing in 1974--just one year later he began his career as a caller. Jimmy became a Square Heels caller in 1987.Jimmy and Janie maintain an active schedule in the square dance community! They teach an average of four beginner classes each year. They call for five clubs that dance in central North Carolina, averaging 24 dances a month! In 1986, Jimmy began calling A1 and A2. Currently he calls Plus and Advance on weekends and at festivals. Jimmy has called in 32 states, and in 2000 he made his calling debut in New Zealand!
In 1987 he founded Lightning Records. In June 1998 he recorded "My Rock" on Red Boot Records. He is currently recording with Jerry Biggerstaff on a new square dance label, Platinum Records.
Jimmy and Janie started the popular Autumn Leaves Square Up in Gatlinburg, TN, in October 1995. This festival will only accommodate forty squares; it’s preregistration only—and it always has a Waiting List!
Jimmy and Janie have put together many bus trips and cruises with destinations like the Panama Canal and Alaska.
Jimmy and Janie have been President of the North Carolina Folk, Round, and Square Dance Federation for two years and President of the North Carolina Callers Association for six years. In 2004 Jimmy & Janie were inducted into the North Carolina Square Dance Hall of Fame.
Jimmy is an accredited member of CALLERLAB. He is a member of Callerlab's exclusive Quarter Century Club in recognition of outstanding service to the square dance activity. He also is a member of the South Carolina Callers Association.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmZsVzLxGBg
With his new bride Janie, Jimmy Roberson started Square Dancing in 1974--just one year later he began his career as a caller. Jimmy became a Square Heels caller in 1987.Jimmy and Janie maintain an active schedule in the square dance community! They teach an average of four beginner classes each year. They call for five clubs that dance in central North Carolina, averaging 24 dances a month! In 1986, Jimmy began calling A1 and A2. Currently he calls Plus and Advance on weekends and at festivals. Jimmy has called in 32 states, and in 2000 he made his calling debut in New Zealand!
In 1987 he founded Lightning Records. In June 1998 he recorded "My Rock" on Red Boot Records. He is currently recording with Jerry Biggerstaff on a new square dance label, Platinum Records.
Jimmy and Janie started the popular Autumn Leaves Square Up in Gatlinburg, TN, in October 1995. This festival will only accommodate forty squares; it’s preregistration only—and it always has a Waiting List!
Jimmy and Janie have put together many bus trips and cruises with destinations like the Panama Canal and Alaska.
Jimmy and Janie have been President of the North Carolina Folk, Round, and Square Dance Federation for two years and President of the North Carolina Callers Association for six years. In 2004 Jimmy & Janie were inducted into the North Carolina Square Dance Hall of Fame.
Jimmy is an accredited member of CALLERLAB. He is a member of Callerlab's exclusive Quarter Century Club in recognition of outstanding service to the square dance activity. He also is a member of the South Carolina Callers Association.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmZsVzLxGBg
Justin Russell
Justin Russell has been in the square dance activity since 2000. He took lessons with his grandmother, mom, dad, and brother and finished learning the mainstream program in 2001. Friends from church got him to come to that first beginner dance, but no one knew it would become his passion. In June 2003, he attended his first Caller School in Tyler, TX with Jon & Deborah Carroll-Jones, Vernon Jones, and Jerry Story.
Justin has attended ten National Square Dance Conventions (NSDC) and six CALLERLAB Conventions. His travels have also allowed him to call in over twenty states.
Justin currently calls for Top Spinners in Eads, Pistols & Petticoats in Bartlett, and Cotton Pickin’ Squares in Memphis. He travels when possible calling both Modern Square Dances as well as Beginner (Party Night) Dances. Justin is passionate about teaching new dancers about the activity!
Currently, Justin is the Chairman of the Youth Committee for CALLERLAB with a focus on training other young dancers to pick up the microphone. Because he offers a different, younger perspective, Justin has served on several panels and roundtables at the NSDC and CALLERLAB Conventions. In 2015, he became the youngest person elected to CALLERLAB’s Board of Governors serving a three year term.
In 2006, Justin spent the summer in Denver, CO calling for the Colorado Rocky Mountain Dancers, an exhibition group representing the Llyod Shaw era of dancing. During this time, Justin learned the valued history and tradition of this activity. He stills performs with the group when possible.
In 2008, Tony Oxendine and Jerry Story asked him to record for Royal Records. In October 2008, Justin went to Oak Valley Studio in Nashville to record “Free Ride” with the award winning engineer Kevin McManus. His first singing call was nominated for the Bob Osgood “Singing Call of the Year” Award in 2011. Justin has also recorded at The Grove at Hope Presbyterian Church in Memphis. In 2012, Bob Elling approached him to record a couple songs on Riverboat Records.
Justin’s goal is to blend the tradition of square dancing with the twenty-first century. He graduated from the University of Memphis in May 2011 with a degree in political science with a minor in Sociology. Justin currently works full-time for First Tennessee bank and travels whenever possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m3b4nlcX4E
Justin Russell has been in the square dance activity since 2000. He took lessons with his grandmother, mom, dad, and brother and finished learning the mainstream program in 2001. Friends from church got him to come to that first beginner dance, but no one knew it would become his passion. In June 2003, he attended his first Caller School in Tyler, TX with Jon & Deborah Carroll-Jones, Vernon Jones, and Jerry Story.
Justin has attended ten National Square Dance Conventions (NSDC) and six CALLERLAB Conventions. His travels have also allowed him to call in over twenty states.
Justin currently calls for Top Spinners in Eads, Pistols & Petticoats in Bartlett, and Cotton Pickin’ Squares in Memphis. He travels when possible calling both Modern Square Dances as well as Beginner (Party Night) Dances. Justin is passionate about teaching new dancers about the activity!
Currently, Justin is the Chairman of the Youth Committee for CALLERLAB with a focus on training other young dancers to pick up the microphone. Because he offers a different, younger perspective, Justin has served on several panels and roundtables at the NSDC and CALLERLAB Conventions. In 2015, he became the youngest person elected to CALLERLAB’s Board of Governors serving a three year term.
In 2006, Justin spent the summer in Denver, CO calling for the Colorado Rocky Mountain Dancers, an exhibition group representing the Llyod Shaw era of dancing. During this time, Justin learned the valued history and tradition of this activity. He stills performs with the group when possible.
In 2008, Tony Oxendine and Jerry Story asked him to record for Royal Records. In October 2008, Justin went to Oak Valley Studio in Nashville to record “Free Ride” with the award winning engineer Kevin McManus. His first singing call was nominated for the Bob Osgood “Singing Call of the Year” Award in 2011. Justin has also recorded at The Grove at Hope Presbyterian Church in Memphis. In 2012, Bob Elling approached him to record a couple songs on Riverboat Records.
Justin’s goal is to blend the tradition of square dancing with the twenty-first century. He graduated from the University of Memphis in May 2011 with a degree in political science with a minor in Sociology. Justin currently works full-time for First Tennessee bank and travels whenever possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m3b4nlcX4E
Gary Shoemake
Gary was born in Oklahoma, spent many years in Texas and now makes his home in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. In 1987 Gary became Director and part owner of English Mountain Retreat, in Sevierville, Tennessee, where he makes his home.
In 2000, Gary and his partners sold the retreat and he is now traveling full time as a Caller and Caller Coach. Gary's Calling dates and seminars take him nationwide.
After recording for Chaparral Records and being associated with his recording partners Ken Bower, Jerry Haag, Marshall Flippo and Scott Smith for the past twenty years, Gary is now recording with Rhythm Records (Along with Ken, Jerry and Marshall). Gary has also recorded for Crown Records, Eagle Records, Kalox, Wagon Wheel Records and ESP Records.
Gary started Dancing and Calling in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1964. He made it his full time vocation in 1968. Gary's travels have taken him to all fifty states as well as Mexico, Canada, England, Scotland, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark and Central America.
Square Dancing has provided so very much to Gary's life, however, he is proud of the friends and associates he's made through the years. His only hope is the ability to give back to this wonderful activity a small portion of the happiness it has provided him and his family.
Gary was born in Oklahoma, spent many years in Texas and now makes his home in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. In 1987 Gary became Director and part owner of English Mountain Retreat, in Sevierville, Tennessee, where he makes his home.
In 2000, Gary and his partners sold the retreat and he is now traveling full time as a Caller and Caller Coach. Gary's Calling dates and seminars take him nationwide.
After recording for Chaparral Records and being associated with his recording partners Ken Bower, Jerry Haag, Marshall Flippo and Scott Smith for the past twenty years, Gary is now recording with Rhythm Records (Along with Ken, Jerry and Marshall). Gary has also recorded for Crown Records, Eagle Records, Kalox, Wagon Wheel Records and ESP Records.
Gary started Dancing and Calling in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1964. He made it his full time vocation in 1968. Gary's travels have taken him to all fifty states as well as Mexico, Canada, England, Scotland, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark and Central America.
Square Dancing has provided so very much to Gary's life, however, he is proud of the friends and associates he's made through the years. His only hope is the ability to give back to this wonderful activity a small portion of the happiness it has provided him and his family.
TONY SIMMONS
Tony started calling in 1979 and called through mid 1995. He then took a break to spend more time with his family. Tony began calling again in 2004 and says he's having as much fun as the dancers! He calls through the plus level with emphasis on FUN.
Tony started calling in 1979 and called through mid 1995. He then took a break to spend more time with his family. Tony began calling again in 2004 and says he's having as much fun as the dancers! He calls through the plus level with emphasis on FUN.
