This CEILI (“KAY-lee”) was held on March 2nd, at Auld Pavilion, Antelope Park, Lincoln, Nebraska.

This was the first Ceili I’ve ever attended. And, I had a TERRIFIC time (even though my right knee had recently been “twisted”)! Probably, the most fun was enjoying the amazing diversity of people who attended. ALL ages and “ethnic” groups were represented. Everyone smiling, and laughing, and dancing their …er … BOOTS off!

OH! Edie Skelton o’ the LID LIGHTENED this pic for me! (THANX, EDIE!)

From the LID Web Site: Our group was organized in March of 1997. While some of our members study and perform step dancing routines, we are primarily a ceili (KAY-lee) dance group. Ceili dancing is traditional Irish folk dancing.

The young gentleman in the striped shirt (above pic) is AARON,
whom I partnered once (myself sans tie)!

Originally, a ceili was an informal gathering where dancing, singing, storytelling and socializing took place. In this way, the traditions, history, and values of the community were passed on from generation to generation.

’Nuther DARK pic … Sorry! But! Check out the TONGUE action!

Although the notice for the Ceili encouraged folkz to come early for “lessons,” EACH DANCE was taught, immediately before performing it. (And, taught WELL! Thanx, Lu!) Thus, it was not – At ALL – necessary for people to know what they were doing BEFORE participating in any of the dances.

After each dance-instruction-period, the band began to play … and away we went! Thankfully, Lu continued to “call” the instructions out through several of each dance’s initial “progressions.” And, other LID members were posted around the room, “coaching” folkz who forgot things (or misunderstood step instructions) as the dance continued. Soooo … by the time the dance was half-way through, all of us neophytes could begin to perform with “abandon!”

Terribly BLURRY pic … But, Hey! At least it’s not DARK!

The band performing is “Hot Rosin” a “Contra Dance” Band. They are as FUN … and as HOT as their name!

(If I misspell any of the band members’ names, Plz forgive me!)
John Baylor on guitar, Jon Brt on drums,
Father James Danke on fiddle and mandolin,
Charlie Horner on guitar, Mark Vanek on penny whistle (flute),
Tom Fuenning on guitar, and Kevin Fagerberg on fiddle.

If you have suggestions for MISTRESS CHAS’ RENAISSANCE WEB SITE,
Plz Email the “WebMistress” – Ms. Chas!
c-d-miller@neb.rr.com

This COUNTER was started on March3rd, 2002.