Biographical Info
Debbie and I learned to square dance in 1987 with the Bloomington Swirlers in Bloomington, MN. Wayne Tauer was the caller. I first tried calling in 1991 and it took me until 2007 to call again. In 2009 I got serious about calling so with the help of Mike Driscoll I began the process. I made my professional debut as a caller in September 2009 when I called at the TTT square dance club. In October of 2009 I began teaching my first class of beginners for the Ar-Dales square dance club. Also in October of 2009 I attended and completed the Pride Callers Collage which is held in North Carolina and was taught by Jerry Story, Tony Oxendine, Jon Jones and Deborah Carroll-Jones. In 2010, I called at my first conventions by calling at the Iowa State Convention, the Minnesota State Convention and the NSDC in Louisville, KY. I also attended and completed the GSI Caller’s School in Louisville, KY and in 2013 I attended the North Star Callers school that was held in Mankato, MN and my instructors were Ken Ritucci, Scot Byers and Bear Miller. In 2015 I attended the North Star Callers school with Ken Ritucci and Randy Dougherty. I am a member of CallerLab, where I serve on the Marketing Committee, the Social Square Dancing Committee and the Social Connections Committee, the GCA, the Minnesota State Square Dance Callers Association (MSDCA), the Iowa State Callers, Cuers and Instructors Association (ISSCIA) and I am a member of Swingmasters which is the Central District Callers Association.
I am on the staff of Gold Wing Records and I have recorded such square dance hits such as Rhinestone Cowboy, Mississippi, Bus Stop, If You Leave (from Pretty in Pink) and Knowing Me Knowing You (from Mama Mia). In addition I have recorded music for Cheyenne Records, Grand Records, Omar Records and Solid Gold Records.
I am able to travel to call square dances. Please contact me about calling for your club or event. I call beginners through the Plus level.
I am the 2021-2023 Past President of the Square Dance Federation of Minnesota as well as their Webmaster.
Debbie and I look forward to seeing you in a square.