Al Rogers Memorial Dance Sunday May 5
Come and celebrate the life of the late great dance angel Al Rogers with us this Sunday May 5 at the Matheson History Museum in Gainesville. Join us for three hours of both contra and English country dances, called by JoLaine, Randy Thorp, and Annette Merritt, all dances that Al loved to call and dance.
Al Rogers (June 9, 1948 – March 1, 2023) was a prominent member of several dance communities (English Country, Contra, Scottish, and Irish dance) in Gainesville, FL. He regularly traveled throughout north and central Florida to support other dance communities.
A longtime resident of Gainesville, Al was an outstanding trumpet player in the Gainesville High School band. As a young man, Al joined the US Army Officer Candidate School, entered Army Special Forces, a.k.a. Green Berets, and served two tours in Vietnam as a Captain. For many years afterward, Al ran the family furniture business, Rog Ran, with his brother Marvin. After taking early retirement, Al was a tech guru to friends, an active member of the YMCA, an avid hiker, and a volunteer at the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
!!! Wear your Hawaiian Prints for Al !!!
Al was an accomplished and kind dancer, a true gentleman in all respects. It didn’t matter if someone was the newest or most experienced dancer—he danced joyfully with all dancers and he took great pride in helping new dancers learn to dance. Al was the true embodiment of a dance angel.
‘Coral Riff’ will play the tunes for both contra and English country dances, called by JoLaine, Randy Thorp, and Annette Merritt. ‘Coral Riff’ is: Sarah Mitchell, Sherry Mattos and Kathie Aagaard.
This dance will be a fundraiser so that Al’s gift grows and continues for years to come. The suggested donation for this special dance event is $20, though, as always, no one will be turned away. You can go to the gods website to make a donation and not have to bring cash or check. Note that there is a checkbox to Make this a monthly donation. Become one of “Al’s Angels” and support the GODS every month. You’ll never need to bring cash to any of our dances!
