ClusterFolk from Phoenix

          

        ClusterFolk, Phoenix's own contra dance band began in 1982 as a miscellaneous group of acoustic musicians performing for the local dance at the Encanto Park Clubhouse.  At its height, the band was made up of eleven members, hence the name, "Clusterfolk".  Over time, however, the number of dancers grew to outnumber the band and a thriving contra dance scene developed.

       

        Guitarist, Bill Lytle first brought the love of acoustic music to Ron and Linda, and built Ron all of his hammer dulcimers.  He patiently worked to teach Linda the fundamentals of mandolin playing before she reverted back to the piano, her first instrument.  Bryan, first a drummer,  has also played fiddle most of his life, bringing his talent to Phoenix, taking it away to Colorado, and returning again to play with us. Leslie's affinity for the fiddle grew along with her anthropology degree, and now she helps dig up interesting tunes, translating the notes into meaning, much like she translated Native American rock art. Original members Bill, Ron, and Linda have been playing with Bryan and Leslie for more than ten years.  Our newest member, Laura, a transplant from the Boston area and folk music expert, adds her original tunes to the repertoire.  The musicians also collect tunes from recordings, festivals, workshops and other bands. We all love playing for dances. The greatest reward comes when the style of the tune matches the choreography of the dance and the dancers become part of the band as the floor resonates with more than a hundred feet keeping rhythm.

       

        The band consists of  Leslie Nelson on fiddle, Bryan Flamig on fiddle and drums, Laura Davidson-Crowley on flute, pennywhistle and sax, Bill Lytle on guitar, mandolin, and percussion, Ron Nieman on hammer dulcimer, and Linda Nieman on keyboard.