Gary Elford is a poet, dance caller and entertainer based in Christchurch. Available for private functions such as house concerts, birthdays, weddings, engagements as well as community events such as music and folk festivals, fundraising dances etc.
Video
For an evening with a difference, a night of fun and folk and barn-dancing, with a bit of country and country rock music thrown in a great night for young and old.
Here are some reviews from the last few months....
Whitestone Winter Folk Festival 2014:
For more than two decades one of the highlights of the Whitestone Winter Folk Festival has been the barn dance on the second night of festivities. Over the last two years Gary has called the dances, and has been a friendly and talented presence. The festival brings a variety of people together, and Gary made the dance sequences easy to follow and enjoyable for the experienced and new dancers alike.
Gary is an excellent dance caller, and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Miguel Nitis, Festival Director.
Canterbury Folk Music Festival 2014
Hi Gary
Thank you, for your great contribution to the Canterbury Folk Festival barn dance. Your well-organised and engaging dance-calling meant everyone enjoyed themselves. The kids and adults alike enjoyed your laid back manner and clear instructions - and well done catering for both the experienced and first-time dancers.
Sophia Bidwell
President, Canterbury Folk Festival Committee 2014
Tui Farm Folk Festival 2003 - 2014
Tui Farm Folk Festival, now in its 11th year had the good fortune to have Gary Elford as the dance caller for the Ceilidh last year. Tui Festival runs for four days over the New Year period and the Ceilidh has become an integral part of the festival with at least 60% of attendees taking part. Within minutes of starting a dance, Gary had everyone ordered, in time and enjoying themselves like never before. Gary has agreed to call for us again this year and it is such a relief to know that our Ceilidh is in such good hands.
Carol Rose
Director Tui Farm Folk Festival
Setlist
- Popular Celtic, American and European dances are taught and walked through....no experience needed as all the steps are taught on the night.
- Some of the songs in the set list, just to give you some idea...
- Folsom Prison, Hey Good Looking, Bad Moon Rising and several other C.C.R songs, Boot Scooting Boogie,Sweet Carolyn, Brown Eyed Girl,Honky Tonk Woman, Time Warp, Stuck in The Middle, Wagon Wheel, Galway Girl, Copperhead Road etc.
- A full set list can be sent out and you can pick from over 50 songs on the list and around 20 different dances....