January 17: Katie Zanders + Jenny and The Stray Dogs
2026-01-17 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Katie Zanders with Jenny and The Stray Dogs
Katie Zanders calls contra dances at The Dancing Fish
Jenny and the Stray Dogs
Jenny & the Stray Dogs is:

Ron Gilbert –guitar
Clay Black –banjo
Jenny James –fiddle

Admission:

Adults

3rd Saturdays: $10-20

Youth (under 26)

3rd Saturdays: $5-10

Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult

Admission: Donate Here using PayPal, Debit or Credit Card

Hannah Chamberlain with Larry Unger, Emily Troll & Eric Boodman
2026-02-06 19:00 - 2026-02-07 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Hannah Chamberlain with Larry Unger, Emily Troll & Eric Boodman

Hannah Chamberlain from Maine is a rising contra dance caller celebrated for her vibrant energy, clear instruction, and ability to build instant rapport with dancers. Her calling style blends confidence and charm, making each dance set feel both accessible and exhilarating for all participants.
Music by:

Larry Unger (Notorious);
Eric Boodman (Calico); and
Emily Troll (Pine Tree Flyers and Anadama)

Schedule:

Friday 7-10 pm
Saturday 12-3 pm

Potluck Dinner at 4:30 pm

Saturday 6-9 pm

Suggested Donation

Adults

1st weekends: $15-30 per dance session or $30-60 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $10-20

Youth (under 26)

1st weekends: $7.50-15 per dance session or $15-30 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $5-10

Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult
Payment should be made online whenever possible (in advance, or the day of, or the day after, or …)
If this doesn’t work for you, come to the dance regardless, and talk to Joe.

Admission: Donate Here using PayPal, Debit or Credit Card

Drew Thomas and Loco-Motion
2026-02-21 19:00 - 22:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Drew Thomas and Loco-Motion

Drew Thomas of Tallahassee, Florida, is a dynamic contra dance caller known for her smooth delivery, well-crafted walk-throughs, and infectious enthusiasm on the mic. With a keen ear for music and a dancer’s sensibility, Drew brings clarity and joy to every hall she calls, making newcomers feel welcome and seasoned dancers fully engaged.

Loco-Motion is:
• Sarah Mitchell on flute, hammered dulcimer & various noisy objects (feet, whistle, drum);
• Sherry Mattos on keyboard;
• Kathy Aagaard on fiddle; and
• Joe DePaolo on drums.
Admission:

Adults

3rd Saturdays: $10-20

Youth (under 26)

3rd Saturdays: $5-10

Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult

Admission: Donate Here using PayPal, Debit or Credit Card

Will Mentor & Jet Bridge
2026-03-06 19:00 - 2026-03-07 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Will Mentor & Jet Bridge

Known for their inventive arrangements and infectious grooves, Jet Bridge blends old-time roots with contemporary flair, creating a high-energy sound that keeps dancers on their toes and smiling all night.
Jet Bridge is:

Paula Bradley
Sam Bartlett
Abby Ladon
Sami Braman

Will Mentor is a nationally acclaimed contra dance caller known for his expert timing, engaging style, and deep musical sensitivity. With a repertoire that spans traditional and contemporary contras, he brings a calm authority and infectious enthusiasm that consistently elevate the dance experience for both beginners and veterans alike.
Schedule:

Friday 7-10 pm
Saturday 12-3 pm
Saturday 6-9 pm

Suggested Donation

Adults

1st weekends: $15-30 per dance session or $30-60 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $10-20

Youth (under 26)

1st weekends: $7.50-15 per dance session or $15-30 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $5-10

Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult
Payment should be made online whenever possible (in advance, or the day of, or the day after, or …)
If this doesn’t work for you, come to the dance regardless, and talk to Joe.

Admission: Donate Here using PayPal, Debit or Credit Card

Vicki Morrison and In Cahoots
2026-03-21 18:00 - 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Vicki Morrison and In Cahoots

Vicki Morrison of Tallahassee is a beloved contra dance caller whose warmth, clarity, and deep love for the tradition shine through every dance she leads. Known for her thoughtful programing and inclusive style, Vicki fosters a welcoming atmosphere that encourages both new and experienced dancers to connect with the joy of the music and movement.

In Cahoots is a fixture in the Tallahassee contra dance scene, playing regularly at the Tally Contra Dance.

In Cahoots is:

Andrea Stanley
Steve Hodges
Laura Gayle Green

Admission:

Adults

3rd Saturdays: $10-20

Youth (under 26)

3rd Saturdays: $5-10

Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult

Admission: Donate Here using PayPal, Debit or Credit Card

Diane Silver & Hot Coffee Breakdown
2026-04-03 19:00 - 2026-04-04 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Diane Silver & Hot Coffee Breakdown

Hot Coffee Breakdown is a spirited contra dance band known for its driving rhythms, playful energy, and seamless blend of old-time and modern acoustic styles. Their lively tunes and infectious groove ignite dance floors wherever they play, delivering sets that are both deeply traditional and refreshingly inventive.
Hot Coffee Breakdown is:

Tom Cunningham on fiddle
Kate Sanders on keyboard, and
Luis deLeon on percussion.

Diane Silver is a nationally respected contra dance caller renowned for her graceful delivery, rhythmic intuition, and warm connection with dancers. With a voice that guides with ease and a repertoire full of lively, flowing dances, she brings both professionalism and joy to every event she leads.
Schedule:

Friday 7-10 pm
Saturday 12-3 pm
Saturday 6-9 pm

Suggested Donation

Adults

1st weekends: $15-30 per dance session or $30-60 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $10-20

Youth (under 26)

1st weekends: $7.50-15 per dance session or $15-30 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $5-10

Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult
Payment should be made online whenever possible (in advance, or the day of, or the day after, or …)
If this doesn’t work for you, come to the dance regardless, and talk to Joe.

Admission: Donate Here using PayPal, Debit or Credit Card

Wild Asparagus Weekend 2026
2026-04-17 19:00 - 2026-04-19 15:00 | FL
Wild Asparagus Weekend
April 17-19, 2026

George Marshall calling to music by Wild Asparagus

Wild Asparagus Weekend at the Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, April 17-19th 2026 Contra dance to one of New England’s finest bands, Wild Asparagus, at the refurbished Dancing Fish, on Lake Santa Fe in Melrose, Florida (18 miles east of Gainesville). The wonders of Wild Asparagus never cease. Together for thirty years, their music has matured like a fine wine. This powerful ensemble brings a unique sound and dynamic energy to contra dancing weaving a spell that you wish would never end. Their creative, driving tunes keep dancers energized and inspired while George’s smooth, efficient calling makes challenging contras seem easy as pie.

Wild Asparagus in 2025

George Marshall, renowned for his graceful calling style, also plays concertina, bodhran and bones.
Ann Percival delights dancers with irresistible piano and guitar rhythms and mellifluous vocals.
David Cantieni, woodwind wizard, adds rich layers to each arrangement with flute, tin-whistle, oboe, saxophone and bombard.
Becky Tracy graces each tune with her elegant, energetic fiddling.
Add bodacious bass player Mark Murphy and you’ve got one Big, Bold sound.

Four Contra Dance sessions in three days!
Dance Schedule:

FRIDAY EVENING (4/17): 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
SATURDAY AFTERNOON (4/18): 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
SATURDAY EVENING (4/18): 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
SUNDAY AFTERNOON (4/19): 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

LOCATION: Dance at the newly constructed dance barn at The Dancing Fish, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL 32666 (the western edge of Melrose, FL). Bring a lawn chair & enjoy outdoor activities on the shore of Lake Santa Fe when you’re not busy dancing. Snacks to share will be appreciated at all four dances this weekend.

OTHER ACTIVITIES Overnight camping, swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, are available. Bring your own boat. Dancers should make their own arrangements. Grilling is allowed within the compound (bring your own grill).

Admission

Adult (age 26+) $20 per dance. Weekend Pass: $60 for entire weekend
Youth (age 16-25) $10 per dance Package Price: $30 for entire weekend
Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult
Payment should be made online whenever possible (in advance, or the day of, or the day after, or …)
If this doesn’t work for you, come to the dance regardless, and talk to Joe.

Make Your Donation Here:

Donation to Wild Asparagus Weekend

Wild Asparagus WeekendAdult per danceAdult weekend passYouth per danceYouth weekend passYou decide

And see you on the dance floor at Wild Asparagus Weekend!

Lift Ticket
2026-05-01 19:00 - 2026-05-02 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Lift Ticket: Rex Blazer, Jeff Spero, TJ Crow

Caller: To be Announced
Schedule:

Friday 7-10 pm
Saturday 12-3 pm
Saturday 6-9 pm

Suggested Donation

Adults

1st weekends: $15-30 per dance session or $30-60 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $10-20

Youth (under 26)

1st weekends: $7.50-15 per dance session or $15-30 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $5-10

Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult
Payment should be made online whenever possible (in advance, or the day of, or the day after, or …)
If this doesn’t work for you, come to the dance regardless, and talk to Joe.

Admission: Donate Here using PayPal, Debit or Credit Card

Joey Norton & The Mystic Gorillas
2026-05-16 18:00 - 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Caller:

Band: Mystic Gorillas

Roger Eudy on guitar
Buz Sibley on fiddle
Lloyd Baldwin on banjo and fiddle

Seth Tepfer & Potent Brew
2026-06-06 19:00 - 2026-06-07 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Seth Tepfer & Potent Brew
Seth Tepfer, contra caller
Seth Tepfer is a charismatic contra dance caller celebrated for his boundless energy, crystal-clear teaching, and magnetic stage presence. Whether calling for newcomers or seasoned dancers, Seth brings a contagious enthusiasm and a masterful sense of flow that transforms every dance into an unforgettable celebration.
Steve Kemble and George Paul of Potent Brew
Potent Brew is a dynamic contra dance band known for its rich, rhythmic sound and masterful musicianship that blends Celtic, Appalachian, and swing influences. Their tight ensemble playing and infectious drive create an irresistible energy that keeps dancers moving with joy from the first note to the last.
Potent Brew is:

George Paul
Al White
Steve Kemble
Brad Battey

Schedule:

Friday 7-10 pm
Saturday 12-3 pm
Saturday 6-9 pm

Suggested Donation

Adults

1st weekends: $15-30 per dance session or $30-60 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $10-20

Youth (under 26)

1st weekends: $7.50-15 per dance session or $15-30 for weekend pass
3rd Saturdays: $5-10

Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult
Payment should be made online whenever possible (in advance, or the day of, or the day after, or …)
If this doesn’t work for you, come to the dance regardless, and talk to Joe.

Admission: Donate Here using PayPal, Debit or Credit Card

Bronwyn Chelette & The Kumquats
2026-06-20 18:00 - 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Bronwyn Chelette & The Kumquats

The Kumquats are:Bill Dudley on guitarRich Crew on fluteSarah Mitchell on hammered dulcimer
The Kumquats are:

Sarah Mitchell on foot percussion, hammer Dulcimer and woodwinds
Rich Crew on fiddle
Bill Dudley on guitar

John Rogers & Contrafusion
2026-07-18 18:00 - 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
John Rogers & Contrafusion
Contrafusion is:

Darren Burgess – Guitar
Diane Schulbach- Piano
Roger Reep- Saxophone
Andrew Driscoll – Violin

Andy Kane & Bunny Bread
2026-09-19 18:00 - 21:00 | The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, 24800 SR-26, Melrose, FL, 32666, United States
Andy Kane & Bunny Bread

Bunny Bread is:

Carrie Hamby – piano and/or accordion, percussion
Aidan Collins – fiddle
Ben Green – fiddle
Erice Shepard – guitar
Neil Jones – bass
Howard Pardue – banjo, tit-fer, Cajun for triangle. Pronounced Tee-fair
Kirill Litvak – accordion
Liz Sparks – rub board

Contra dance caller Andy Kane
