Buddy Weaver Podcast

Jack Jackson of Columbus, Ohio, emerged as one of modern square dancing's nationally traveled callers during the early 1960s. He toured throughout the United States and Canada, appearing at dances, festivals, camps and institutes. He was also an accomplished singer and guitarist whose unusually musical calling style set him apart. Jack recorded for Sets In Order Records and Folkraft Records released The Singing Side of Jack Jackson, showcasing the folk singing and after-party entertainment that made him popular beyond the dance floor. Jack Jackson later moved to Florida and eventually retired from calling.  This dance was recorded live in New England in 1959. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Three callers who have each made their mark on square dancing - Eric Henerlau, Andy Allemao, and Buddy Weaver.   Eric, frequently featured at festivals and weekends through out the country while maintaining a home program in the Bay Area of California. Andy, a popular figure throughout the western region also maintains an active home program in San Diego, California. Buddy (me), often calling festivals and weekends across the country and also maintaining an active home program in Southern California. All callers are featured in an album recorded in 2015 using the former Mainstream program. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Beryl Main was one of the most beloved and respected callers anywhere.  He was a master at getting dancers to be successful.  His material, his timing, his delivery, all came together in fine form.  He is an excellent model for every caller today. This episode is part two of a dance called in San Jose, California around 1970.  From the George Knox collection - it was a reel-to-reel tape that was baked for digital transfer.  Many hours go into baking tapes for this podcast. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Beryl Main was one of the most beloved and respected callers anywhere.  He started calling in 1960 and quickly established himself as a traveling caller covering festivals, camps, and special events throughout the United States and Canada. His popularity extended to the recording field where he was responsible for many square dance classics on the Wagon Wheel and Chaparral Record labels. He was a master at getting dancers to be successful.  His material, his timing, his delivery, all came together in fine form.  He is an excellent model for every caller today. This dance was called in San Jose, California around 1970.  From the George Knox collection - it was a reel-to-reel tape that was baked for digital transfer.  Many hours go into baking tapes for this podcast. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

BONUS EPISODE  The New Mainstream program is called by Buddy Weaver. This dance captures a unique style of smooth choreography, energetic delivery, and modern music that is a hallmark of a Buddy Weaver dance. All of the musical accompaniment is new on Blue Star and Hi Hat - some are future releases. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Joe Lewis was one of the true pioneers of modern square dancing.  He transformed the caller into a showman setting the tone for generations of callers that followed.  His records spread square dancing around the world and in fact, were the foundation of his being brought to Australia in 1950 to show square dancing in department stores.  His trip was sponsored by a group of businessmen who had heard his album.  A second tour in 1951 introduced thousands to square dancing. From the start of his career in the 1940s to his retirement in the 1990s, he was a proponent for the use of a limited number of square dance calls.  He believed that a caller with personality, good timing, and imagination could do a great deal with a limited vocabulary of calls.  This album was released in 1962 and places a spotlight on the way Joe entertained dancers without overwhelming them. PLEASE HELP THIS PODCAST - Give us a 5-star rating on the service you are using to listen to us and make a contribution to keep this podcast coming your way. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

A name that many will not be familiar with - Jim York was one of the most influential callers in modern square dancing.  Jim started calling in 1947 at a time when square dancing was done by routines and it was Jim York who created variety of movement through new routines.  Many of the movements within his routines would evolve into a separate call unto itself.   In the ten years that he was active, he wrote more new material and routines than anyone before or since.  He passed away in 1957 at the age of 43.  This dance is part two of a recording from 1956.  There are very few known recordings of Jim York but here is a good one that spotlights his enthusiasm and creativity.  . From a baked reel-to-reel tape recording for your enjoyment. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

A name that many will not be familiar with - Jim York was one of the most influential callers in modern square dancing.  Jim started calling in 1947 at a time when square dancing was done by routines and it was Jim York who created variety of movement through new routines.  Many of the movements within his routines would evolve into a separate call unto itself.  An example is his first hit routine - Suzy Q - which became a fundamental call in square dancing. In the ten years that he was active, he wrote more new material and routines than anyone before or since.  He passed away in 1957 at the age of 43.  This dance was recorded live in the San Francisco Bay-area in 1956.  There are very few known recordings of Jim York but here is a good one that spotlights his enthusiasm and creativity.  . From a baked reel-to-reel tape recording for your enjoyment. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

BONUS EPISODE  Here is a bonus episode four new singing calls featuring the modern sound of today's square dancing. Called by Buddy Weaver - "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)", "Back To Galveston", "Honky Tonk Down A Country Road" and "Close Enough To Perfect".  On the last cut, Buddy is joined by Curt Braffet and Dan Sahlstrom.  Good for listening, great for use at demos when  a caller is not available. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

One of the most memorable voices from a classic square dance era was Bob Fisk.  A traveling full-time caller since 1961 who settled into a California-based program in 1965.  Here is PART TWO of a live dance recorded in Stockton, California- NOTE: the narration says 1971 but it is 1969. From a baked reel-to-reel tape recording for your enjoyment. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

One of the most memorable voices from a classic square dance era was Bob Fisk.  A traveling full-time caller since 1961 who settled into a California-based program in 1965.  Here is a live dance recorded in Stockton, California - NOTE: the narration says 1971 but it is 1969. From a baked reel-to-reel tape recording for your enjoyment. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Here is part two of the live dance called by one of the most significant names in modern square dance history - Marshall Flippo. Recorded around 1963 in New England. Part one is featured in the previous episode. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

By the early 1960's, Marshall Flippo was the most recognized name in Modern Western Square Dancing.  As a traveling caller who toured from coast-to-coast and as a popular recording artist, Marshall was on his way to being the #1 caller in the world. This is a live dance from reel-to-reel tape.  The dance was held in New England around 1963. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST  

Melton Luttrell began calling in 1950 and over the past seventy-five years created a lasting legacy in the square dance activity.  In his home area of Ft. Worth, Texas, Melton has taught thousands of people to dance, mentored dozens of callers, and was instrumental in the construction of Swingtime Dance Center - the premier square dance hall in the U.S.  He produced Square L Records for many years and was a founding father of CALLERLAB.  He is the recipient of the Milestone Award, Gold Card, and Lifetime Achievement Award.   He passed away in March 2026 at the age of 97   He called for 75 years   This album was released in 1963 on Square L Records. Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION

The year is 1950 and two new albums are out - the first is the only known studio recording of Lloyd "Pappy" Shaw.  Considered by many to the father of Modern Square Dancing, Dr. Shaw gained an impressive reputation through the publication of his book - "Cowboy Dances" and the touring performances of his Cheyenne Mountain School students. This recording features three dances from the "Duel In The Sun" motion picture.   Also in 1950 came the release of a series of albums for both the new and experienced dancer from the newly formed Windsor Records label.  At the helm of Windsor Records was Doc Alumbaugh, a retired medical doctor who was full-time in teaching and calling in Southern California.  Doc was considered not only a pioneer in the early modern square dance movement, but also an avid promoter.    This recording features two dances from his Dances For Experienced Dancers on Windsor. THIS ENTIRE PROJECT TOOK HOURS TO PRODUCE.  The source material was 78 RPM records with seventy-five years of wear on them.  So please remember to help us with the costs of production. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

The Sets In Order American Square Dance Society under the direction of Bob Osgood, established two lists of calls that made up Modern Square Dancing; 50 Basics and 75 Extended Basics.  This album used the CALLERLAB Mainstream list plus Quarterly Experimental calls. By contrast to the 75 Extended Basics for club dancers, the Mainstream list had many more calls and was for the dance enthusiast. MC is Sets In Order owner/publisher - Bob Osgood Featured callers are: Jerry Haag Dick Houlton Frank Lane Mac Letson Dave Lightly Ron Schneider Bob Vineyard Nelson Watkins Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

The Sets In Order American Square Dance Society under the direction of Bob Osgood, established two lists of calls that made up Modern Square Dancing; 50 Basics and 75 Extended Basics.  SIOASD released albums for their subscribers which featured prominent callers from around the world to support use of the SIOASD lists.  This album used the 75 Extended Basics for the regular club square dancer. MC is Sets In Order owner/publisher - Bob Osgood Featured callers are: Hillie Bailey Bailey Campbell Lee Helsel Marlin Hull Billy Lewis Singin' Sam Mitchell Gloria Roth Allen Tipton Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

BONUS EPISODE  In this bonus episode of the Buddy Weaver Podcast, I feature the SSD—also known as the new Mainstream square dance program—called entirely by me using all modern music. Drawing on my experience with SSD, I show how contemporary music and thoughtful choreography come together in an energetic environment  Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

The Sets In Order American Square Dance Society under the direction of Bob Osgood, established two lists of calls that made up Modern Square Dancing; 50 Basics and 75 Extended Basics.  SIOASD released albums for their subscribers which featured prominent callers from around the world to support use of the SIOASD lists.  This album used the 50 Basics which was designed for the occasional square dancer. MC is Sets In Order owner/publisher - Bob Osgood Featured callers are: Al Brundage Joe Lewis Melton Luttrell Garnet May Darryl McMillan Jack Murtha Al Stevens Dave Taylor Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

A live recording done at Sunny Hills Barn in Fullerton, California.  From 1948 to 1962, it was the largest square dance hall in America boasting a dance floor that would hold 150 squares.   Saturday nights at Sunny Hills drew a full house with some of the big names in calling.  Bruce Stotts was one of them.  Hailing from Fresno, California, he was known for his choreography and smooth delivery.   Here is his calling as recorded on an album in 1960. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

BONUS EPISODE Here are brand-new singing calls from the Blue Star Music label featuring the calling of Curt Braffet, Eric Henerlau, Mike Hogan, Andy Allemao, and Dan Sahstrom. THIS IS THE MODERN SOUND OF SQUARE DANCING Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Morris Sevada billed himself as the "Indian Square Dance Caller".  He started his calling career around 1948, turning professional in 1955 and became a traveling caller in 1959. A native Navajo who wrote that he had graduated from the Fort Wingate Indian School.  History teaches us that it was a government-run boarding school for the purpose of "educating" students not to speak or practice their tribal language and customs.  He studied voice under renown tenor, Clarence Toptokah. This album released in 1961 featured MORRIS SEVADA Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

ENCORE - originally broadcast March 6, 2022 Recorded at the Yuma Festival in Arizona, the weekend of February 18-20, 2022, here is all the excitement of modern western square dancing at its finest.  Patter and singing calls are at the Plus level (intermediate level). Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION

ENCORE (originally broadcast October 2, 2022) Recorded at the American Square Dance Publication fundraiser dance held on August 27, 2022 here is all the excitement of modern western square dancing at its finest.  Patter and singing calls are at the Plus level (intermediate level). Callers are Mike Seastrom, Ken Bower, Tim Merino, and Buddy Weaver. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. MAKE A DONATION

ENCORE from Oct. 3, 2021. Here is BS 1011 "Blue Star Jubilee".  Released in November 1964, this was a three-record album set that captured the first ever gathering of live musicians who recorded for Blue Star Records, staff recording artists, and one-thousand one-hundred thirty-six dancers in the Sam Houston Coliseum for a one-night dance. This is part two of two featuring the album.  Step back in time and soak up the excitement. Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION  

ENCORE from Sept. 26, 2021. Here is BS 1011 "Blue Star Jubilee".  Released in November 1964, this was a three-record album set that captured the first ever gathering of live musicians who recorded for Blue Star Records, staff recording artists, and one-thousand one-hundred thirty-six dancers in the Sam Houston Coliseum for a one-night dance. This is part one of two featuring the album.  Step back in time and soak up the excitement. Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION  

The Sets In Order American Square Dance Society under the direction of Bob Osgood, established two lists of calls that made up Modern Square Dancing; 50 Basics and 75 Extended Basics.  This album used the brand new Mainstream list as created by CALLERLAB.  By contrast to the 75 Extended Basics for club dancers, the Mainstream list had many more calls and was for the dance enthusiast. MC is Sets In Order owner/publisher - Bob Osgood Featured callers are: Jack Lasry Shelby Dawson Harold Bausch Martin Mallard Chris Vear Ed Fraidenberg Vaughn Parrish Warren Rowles Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

The Sets In Order American Square Dance Society under the direction of Bob Osgood, established two lists of calls that made up Modern Square Dancing; 50 Basics and 75 Extended Basics.  SIOASD released albums for their subscribers which featured prominent callers from around the world to support use of the SIOASD lists.  This album used the 75 Extended Basics for the regular club square dancer. MC is Sets In Order owner/publisher - Bob Osgood Featured callers are: Bruce Johnson Harry Lackey Jim Mayo Bob Dawson Bill Peters Masaru Wada Ernie Kinney Ken Anderson Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

The Sets In Order American Square Dance Society under the direction of Bob Osgood, established two lists of calls that made up Modern Square Dancing; 50 Basics and 75 Extended Basics.  SIOASD released albums for their subscribers which featured prominent callers from around the world to support use of the SIOASD lists.  This album used the 50 Basics which was designed for the occasional square dancer. MC is Sets In Order owner/publisher - Bob Osgood Featured callers are: Bob Van Antwerp Bob Wickers Orphie Eason Elmer Sheffield Dick Leger Tex Brownlee Curley Custer Tommy Cavanaugh Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Lee Helsel one of the more recognized names on the travel calling circuit in the 1950s and 1960s.  He maintained a strong home program in Sacramento, California, held down a full-time job for the State of California and flew out almost every weekend for festivals and conventions.  He kept this pace until his retirement in 1980. This album released in January 1957, was his first for the Sets In Order label and is presented with permission of the Bob Osgood family. Learn more about Lee Helsel - click here  Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Al started calling in West Texas in 1948 and by 1957 became a full-time caller covering most of the region.  In 1968 he became recreation director for Fontana Dam Resort in North Carolina, spending summer months there as resident caller while returning to Texas in the Fall.  He recorded for Blue Star Records from 1962 to 1982.  This episode features Blue Star 1008, released in December 1963, a long-play album of Al "Tex" Brownlee Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION

Buddy Weaver, host of this podcast is presented in this episode calling six singing calls that are brand new from the Blue Star and Hi Hat labels.  All of the dance movements come from the SSD (Social Square Dance) program - the new Mainstream.  Great for listening or when you don't have a caller for your party or demo. Learn more about Buddy Weaver at: https://buddyweaver.com/ Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION

Here is part two of the live dance called by Frank Lane in Petaluma, California - 1979. Part one was released on August 10, 2025 - go back and listen then we'll pick it up from there. Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION

Frank Lane was one of the most important callers in modern square dancing.  A sought-after traveling caller with many recordings on various record labels.  Frank Lane was considered the first to explore what is today called "dancing by definition". His annual calling tours covered some 60,000 miles every year and included engagements in the San Francisco area, usually following the Asilomar Weekend in California.  Here is a live dance called in Petaluma in 1979.  This would have been Plus in the late seventies. Part of the George Knox collection of tapes. Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION

Melton Luttrell began calling in 1950 and over the past seventy-five years has left a last legacy in the square dance activity.  In his home area of Ft. Worth, Texas, Melton has taught thousands of people to dance, mentored dozens of callers, and was instrumental in the construction of Swingtime Dance Center - the premier square dance hall in the U.S.  He producer Square L Records for many years and was a founding father of CALLERLAB.  He is the recipient of the Milestone Award, Gold Card, and Lifetime Achievement Award.  At 97, Melton still gets up to call at his beloved Swingtime Center. This album was released in 1963 on Square L Records. Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION

Contra dance and Modern Western Square Dance have co-existed for many decades along separate paths.  This episode is another episode featuring the intersection of Contra and MWSD.  Released as part of a package put together by the Southern California Contra Callers Association - here are the audio tracks. The caller, Mike Seastrom, is one of the most popular callers in the activity with a long list of accomplishments.  Learn more about Mike by clicking here. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. MAKE A DONATION

Buddy Weaver, host of this podcast is todays featured caller. From a Mainstream Album released in 2012 using music from the Buddy Weaver Music collection. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. MAKE A DONATION

The Sets In Order American Square Dance Society under the direction of Bob Osgood, established two lists of calls that made up Modern Square Dancing; 50 Basics and 75 Extended Basics.  SIOASD released albums for their subscribers which featured prominent callers from around the world to support use of the SIOASD lists.  This album used the 75 Extended Basics plus Experimental Call for the dance enthusiast. MC is Sets In Order owner/publisher - Bob Osgood Featured callers are: Frank Lane Bob Page Chuck Bryant Lee Helsel Barry Medford Melton Luttrell Frances Zeller Al Brundage Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

The Sets In Order American Square Dance Society under the direction of Bob Osgood, established two lists of calls that made up Modern Square Dancing; 50 Basics and 75 Extended Basics.  SIOASD released albums for their subscribers which featured prominent callers from around the world to support use of the SIOASD lists.  This album used the 75 Extended Basics for the regular club square dancer. MC is Sets In Order owner/publisher - Bob Osgood Featured callers are: Marshall Flippo Beryl Main Earl Johnston Don Williamson Gaylon Shull Dave Taylor Johnny Davis Lee Kopman Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

The Sets In Order American Square Dance Society under the direction of Bob Osgood, established two lists of calls that made up Modern Square Dancing; 50 Basics and 75 Extended Basics.  SIOASD released albums for their subscribers which featured prominent callers from around the world to support use of the SIOASD lists.  This album used the 50 Basics which was designed for the occasional square dancer. MC is Sets In Order owner/publisher - Bob Osgood Featured callers are: Jerry Helt Chip Hendrickson Jeanne Moody (Briscoe) Norm Wilcox Bob Ruff Johnnie Wykoff C.O. Guest Cal Golden Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

This week our featured caller is Ken Bower.  For over fifty-years, Ken was one of the most sought after traveling caller in the world.  A prolific recording artist with dozens of best selling hits to his name.  Ken Bower is the recipient of the prestigious Milestone Award. Today's episode is a recording of a live dance from the mid-eighties in Japan.   Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. MAKE A DONATION

This week our featured callers are Tony Oxendine and Darryl McMillan.  Both have an illustrious calling career spanning nearly fifty years.  Darryl is producer of Ranch  House Records and Tony is producer of Royal Records - both labels have produced many hits in the modern square dance era. Today's episode is a recording of a live dance from the mid-eighties.   Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. MAKE A DONATION

This week our featured caller is Larry Letson.  At the end of last century and the early part of this century, Larry was considered one of the most popular callers.  He traveled the globe as a featured caller, while maintaining winter program in Texas.  His singing call recordings were big hits when released and are classics today.  Larry retired from calling in 2007. Today's episode is a recording of a live dance in the early 2000s.  The dance was held in Tokyo, Japan. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. MAKE A DONATION

Finally, a new episode. This week our featured caller is Mike Seastrom.  One of the most popular callers in the activity with a long list of accomplishments.  Learn more about Mike by clicking here.  Today's episode is a recording of a live dance in the 1980s.  Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. MAKE A DONATION

ENCORE - originally broadcast 9/5/21 This episode we feature a vintage Blue Star Records long-play album recorded by Marshall Flippo.  Released in August 1964 as Blue Star 1010, "The Best Collection Of New Squares Yet By Marshall Flippo On Blue Star ... Of Course" This is Marshall's seventh recorded album.  Here you begin to see MWSD evolving with the introduction of the call "Swing Thru" and other Ocean Wave type actions.  Great calling and great music. Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION

ENCORE - originally broadcast 8/8/21 This episode we feature a vintage Blue Star Records long-play album recorded by Marshall Flippo.  Released in August 1964 as Blue Star 1009, "More Dance For Fun Level Dancing By Marshall Flippo" This is Marshall's sixth recorded album.  It is an excellent example perfect timing and delivery by a master caller. Read more about Marshall Flippo here   Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. MAKE A DONATION

ENCORE The  SSD or Social Square Dancing is featured.  Here are patter and singing calls from Buddy Weaver.  This is great for dancing when you don't have a caller or as a resource for callers. This is also a great resource for what will be the "new Mainstream". Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST  

ENCORE The  SSD or Social Square Dancing is featured.  Here are patter and singing calls from Buddy Weaver.  This is great for dancing when you don't have a caller or as a resource for callers. This is also a great resource for what will be the "new Mainstream". Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST  

ENCORE What modern square dancing sounds like today. Here is square dancing for two-couple squares.  Both couples are "head couples" and the Social Square Dance program of calls is featured. Called by Buddy Weaver.  The following accompaniment is used: "Cripple Cricket" future release on Blue Star Music "Get Ready" on Blue Star 2613 "Grand Slam" on Blue Star 582 "When You Walk In The Room" on Blue Star 2626 "Here Comes That Rainy Day" on Blue Star 577 "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" on Blue Star 2473 "Candy Girl" on Blue Star 579 "Green Green" on Hi Hat 5336 Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST  

ENCORE Square dance now.  Get your friends together and let Buddy Weaver introduce you to modern square dancing in five singing calls. Each of the five singing calls include a teaching narration, they introduce the fundamentals in sequence from the first through the fifth singing call. Buddy Weaver is copyright owner of all music and tracks.  Permission is granted for non-modified, home use to introduce your non-dancing friends to our activity.   If you are enjoying this production, please make a contribution. MAKE A DONATION