Merle, I was not originally a fan of old-time string bands, but I've since changed my mind. What changed? About five years ago I moved to a mid-western area where old-time was the predominant sound. While some of the individual bands sound like the stereotype of things not to like about the style -- whiney tone, too much of the same key, no differentiation between A and B parts, or even between tunes in a medley -- other bands firmly put those stereotypes to rest. Very creative arrangements, a strong sense of fun, strong sense of phrasing. I've met some wonderful musicians who play old time. In addition, I learned that calling with old-time bands called for different skills from me. I also began to appreciate that a tune that might sound too much the same for a contra could really cook up a great square dance. So, I believe it's the combination of music, caller and dancers that make the fun, and given the right circumstances (and a good fit between caller and band), your dance might do well with some old-time music in the mix. My two cents, Jerome Grisanti On Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 8:30 AM, Merle Mceldowney < merle.mceldowney(a)gmail.com&gt; wrote: -- Jerome Grisanti 660-528-0858 http://www.jeromegrisanti.com For the good are always the merry, Save by an evil chance, And the merry love the fiddle And the merry love to dance. ~ William Butler Yeats