Rich Goss, Musician and Caller
Taken in Nevada City, California
I was first exposed to contra dancing in Austin, Texas around 1989. I was instandly hooked. With the encouragement and mentoring of Jim Thomson, I called my first dance in 1992. The local callers let me call occasional dances at the Wednesday night dance at Austin's Hancock Rec Center. I've been involved in organizing dances both in Austin and now in Portland, serving on the PCDC contra committee and the Northwest Passage Dance camp committee. To round out all this fun, I get to play with some wonderful musicians, including my wife Sarah with the contra dance band Cascade Crossing and with Hands4. Two really hot dance bands. I also play with the celtic band Talisman at weddings, farmers markets and concerts.
Since moving to Portland, my contra dance calling opportunities have expanded considerably. In addition to
established contra dances, I enjoy calling for private (or public) parties and weddings. I've called dances
from Vancouver, BC to San Diego, CA to Houston, TX, for events ranging from large to small, novice to experienced. I enjoy
calling fun accessible dances with a clear concise teaching style. Always with a good natured, easy going style.
I particularly appreciate the dance organizers and individuals who have hired me to call their dances,
and to all the dancers who patiently put up with my growing pains. You're all wonderful!
In addition to all this dance and music related fun, my other passion is software quality. Helping development
organizations achieve their quality goals is particularly gratifying. Besides that, I just enjoy finding creative
ways to test and break software.
Other activities include exploring the mountains, coast, and the natural wonders of the
Pacific Northwest, living near Alberta Street, and walking my dog Otto.
- Upcoming Schedule
- Past Dates:
2008 2007 2006 2005/2004 - Send Email
- Dance Compositions
(Dance added March 29th, 2008)
