Roosters’ Country Jamboree

Was A Rocking Success

By Shannon Hicks

Rocking Roosters hosted its 2nd Annual Country Jamboree on September 21 at Edmond Town Hall and while the crowd seemed a little smaller than last year’s, organizers say the important thing was that everyone seemed to have an even better time at this year’s event.

“We had a lot of square dancers’ support, even though this was not a primarily square dancing event,” event co-organizer Marty Maciag commented. “We had a dozen musicians, and they were all very good. Everyone seemed to have a good time, and the club didn’t lose any money.” The club doled out the money to pay for refreshments and to rent the gymnasium, but the $5 collected from each attendee balanced the scale back into the club’s favor.

The jamboree opened with a moment of prayer and then the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Then the band commenced with the uplifting music that would define the remainder of the evening.

“Years ago there was only live music, and we had an excellent turnout for this,” Mr Maciag continued. “We had older people who remember the old times and its music, and younger people who find they really enjoy this music as well. Some people didn’t dance, they just came to listen.”

Still others decided at the last minute to attend the event, which was held in the building’s gymnasium. One couple decided, after hearing the music wafting from the gym out to the parking lot, to skip the screening of Cats and Dogs they had planned to attend in the town hall’s auditorium, and join the jamboree instead, Mr Maciag reported. Another couple heard the music as they were heading in to the movie, and then joined the party after they watched the film, he added.

In addition to the 12 or so musicians performing inside the gymnasium, another half-dozen performers gathered outside to perform more music suitable for the two-steps, polkas, waltzes, contras, eastern and western square dances that were going on inside. The evening also presented attendees with the opportunity to hear some bluegrass, western country and folk music.

All of the music was performed acoustically, which was better suited for the cavernous room. And all of the music did what it was supposed to do: It got people tapping their feet and dancing.

“If you have never waltzed to twin fiddles, you’re missing a good dance,” Mr Maciag said. “We threw in some polkas, some two-steps and even some line dancing, and it got a lot of dancers out on the floor.”

Among those participating were Allan Brozek and Dave Haas, who served as square dance callers; Dave Akin and Bob Livingston, who called barn dances; and Roger Sprung led the bluegrass music.

For anyone who missed the jamboree or anyone who was at the September event and wants to continue the fun, anyone interested in learning the official dance of Connecticut, and anyone who enjoys the social atmosphere dancing can bring about, Rocking Roosters Square Dance Club hosts dances in the indoors mall area at Sand Hill Plaza in Newtown every Wednesday night beginning at 8. No experience is required, and all ages are welcome.

For additional information contact Marty Maciag at 426-4817, or Ellie Sturges, 426-4854.