Bob and Melissa Atchison, Manhattan, KS

How long have you been playing for contra dancing?

We played our first contra dance in the 80's, but we had played for square dances since 1982 when we moved to Mountain View, Arkansas. Sometime before our oldest was born in 1988, there was a dance weekend that included contras at the Ozark Folk Center. We were the band.

Are there other members of your group?

We enjoy putting together various band configurations with friends, but mostly we're a husband and wife duo.

What is the history of your duo?

Bob learned to fiddle from the old-timers in Columbia, Missouri when he attended the University of Missouri. He won the Arkansas State Championship in about 1983, I think. We've also won some string band contests along the way with friends. Bob also plays clawhammer banjo, mandolin, guitar and whistle. We met in college, and it was there that I learned how to play backup guitar, as well as when I attended the numerous mid-Missouri fiddle contests during the time from 1978-1982. Oh, and also hanging out at the Chez Coffeehouse. Bob and I also do vocals together, performed full-time for about three years at the Ozark Folk Center, the Grandpa Jones Family Dinner Theatre, and small festivals or events around the region.

Can you describe your style of music?

We play a variety of old-time dance tunes, hard-driving Missouri tunes, Appalachian style, New England style, some tunes specifically requested for English Country dances, waltzes, polkas, jigs...

Do you have a favorite tune to play?

Current favorites change all the time, as Bob loves to add to his repertoirte continuously. Right now we especially like Ragged Bill, Half Past Four, Hog Trough Reel, Blake's March, because they fit the dance steps and accents real well.

From a musician's point of view, what one thing can contra dancers do to help you play for their dance?

Mostly just show up, and don't clap offbeat. It's the caller that makes the real difference in a good dance, so listening to the caller, obviously.

From a musician's point of view, what movements do you most like to view during a dance?

The whole thing is so beautiful, we can't choose just one movement.

If you had one wish relating to contradancing, what would it be?

That the callers and the bands could work together at times other than scheduled dances to match up tunes with dances that fit perfectly.

How would you prefer to be contacted?

By email to: Melissa Atchison, or phone: 785-539-5352