The episode explores a long-standing tradition of square dancing at the Chase (now Sparer) family home and barn, in Ashokan.
Host Brett Barry and production intern Olivia Sippel put on their dancing shoes and joined the fun, recording tales of traditional Catskills square dancing, and the musicians who are passing it down to a new generation of enthusiasts.
Fiddler and caller Earl Pardini leads the festivities at this particular event, which goes back to the 1970s. The barn where it's held has all the warmth and joviality of a Charles Dickens scene, and we felt very much welcomed into a mostly friends-and-family affair.
Featuring conversations with the Chase and Sparer families, the episode highlights deep-rooted Catskills traditions and includes insights from folklorist Ginny Shear and square dance caller Dane Scudder, who learned to "call" from a legend.
The episode is sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank, the Mountain Eagle, and Briars & Brambles Books. And if you're interested in joining our new member-listener program, we'd love to welcome you!
00:00 The Thanksgiving Square Dance Tradition
00:31 A Warm Welcome to the Chase Family Barn
01:37 The Origins of the Square Dance Tradition
02:55 The Sparer Family Continues the Legacy
03:48 Generational Memories of Square Dancing
05:24 Earl Pardini: The Fiddler and Caller
08:19 The Cultural Significance of Square Dancing
09:43 Fostering Traditional Catskills Square Dancing
11:55 The Future of Square Dancing
15:06 Concluding Thoughts and Future Adventures
15:37 Support and Sponsors
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