Best C/W dance tunes- NEED a list!

Rick McDuffie · Post by **Rick McDuffie** » 18 Jan 2003 2:26 pm

Our band, which has played only festivals and fairs before, is booked in a few big-time country dance halls this Spring. HELP! I need a list of essential tunes that these dancers are going to expect us to play. I'd prefer some that are also interesting for the musicians. All input is appreciated.

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Rick McDuffie
Debbie Elam Band
www.tarheelmusic.com

[This message was edited by Rick McDuffie on 18 January 2003 at 02:27 PM.][This message was edited by Rick McDuffie on 18 January 2003 at 02:28 PM.]

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 19 Jan 2003 5:04 pm

In my experience, the area you're in determines what the audience wants and expects to hear. I recommend you visit some of the halls you're booked in to see what is popular and what isn't in those areas.

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 19 Jan 2003 5:15 pm

Jim is a sage....I agree, go and sit unobtrusively in the back of the hall and take notes of "what" is played and how many people dance to it! Then go to another place and do the same thing...well you get the idea! www.genejones.com

Bill Myrick · Post by **Bill Myrick** » 19 Jan 2003 5:56 pm

Hi Rick --Another great idea is have Larry King send you a list of what they play at Cowskin Prairie in Oklahoma on Sat. nights--I'll attest first hand that they are dance crowd pleasers big time !!!! Huh Larry ??

R. L. Jones · Post by **R. L. Jones** » 19 Jan 2003 9:46 pm

Faded Love , is always good for close dancing

R. L.

Larry King · Post by **Larry King** » 20 Jan 2003 3:29 pm

Some guys from Iowa are too kind..'specially them that play old Buds. Thanks BM

Bill Myrick · Post by **Bill Myrick** » 22 Jan 2003 4:08 pm

Wow, Vance !!!!! You see that ????? Wonder what he's wanting ?????-

Vance Monday · Post by **Vance Monday** » 22 Jan 2003 6:51 pm

Hey Bill, I don't know if Larry wants anything or not but it's nice of him to remember us old Bud players..I wonder if he's talking about the players or the guitars being old (or both)..I've got to get over to Grove and hear his group. I've heard a lot of good things about them. And Rick, you can't go wrong with those old shuffle country songs like Crazy Arms, or Key's in the Mail Box, ect. Later..Vance

Bob Hayes · Post by **Bob Hayes** » 23 Jan 2003 5:22 am

From My Experience of playing in different areas of the country & world..you need Two Steps,Line Dance Type,waltz,slow cuddly,old rock,..a "Cotton Eyed Joe type" don't hurt...Rocky Top Types a must,,new country,almost new country, In between country,Mountain Music,western Swing. and a novelty tune ..every now & then...like I'm gona Miss Her.Bubba Can Dance, Old Mt Dew, ..gota have Rocky Top. Any Patsy Cline,,Willy, Ray Price, Alabama, Achy Breaky, Loreta,George Jones..and the list goes on....In other words..a good Country Dance Band has to be VERY Versitile..and be able to play TO THE CROWD not FOR YOURSELF.. Unless you are trying to be STARS. If you are a bar band..then you must stay on top of the current stuff..as well as everything else... All thgat you are is a "Glorified Juke Box"..so aproach it that way. You are not going to play country rock at a Seniors Center (unless they have line dance lessons)..and slow ..old tired stuff waltzes in a singles bar!..so the venue will didtate what you play..MHO
Grouchyvet

Bill Myrick · Post by **Bill Myrick** » 23 Jan 2003 6:08 am

and don't forget-----"If You're Gonna Play In Texas" ----and no, Jené has a great gig going with Tracy Clark !!!! (good thought though) -