The Good Life Gallop - Nebraska’s Own Contra Dance Weekend!
Welcome to Nebraska! We are thrilled to invite you to join us for a joyous celebration of music, movement, and community.
It’s going to be a weekend filled with lively contra dances, toe-tapping music, and the camaraderie of fellow dancers. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or brand new to contra, there's something for everyone at The Good Life Gallop. From our talented musicians who will keep you moving on the dance floor to our welcoming community who will make you feel right at home, you're in for a weekend of pure joy. It’ll be three days of laughter, friendship, and plenty of twirls and promenades.
Come celebrate with us at The Good Life Gallop. Let’s dance the night away in the heart of the Midwest and make memories that will last a lifetime. So mark your calendar and spread the word - we can't wait to share this special weekend with you! See you on the dance floor!
August 15-17th, 2025
Featuring:
Jim Thaxter
Caller
Jim started contra and square dancing in about 1976. About 8 years later he added Appalachian clogging, and shortly after started calling dances. Mostly self-taught at first, he soon found workshops at dance weekends and week-long music and dance festivals to help hone the skill. Today he can’t imagine not dancing and calling. Teaching beginners is a treat for him and keeps him thinking of new ways to approach both calling and teaching.
And
River Town String Band
Who are they? Well, four old fogies flailing away at tunes that fit into the wonderful, gritty, traditional American roots music world. Knockdown tunes, ballads, old-fashioned parlor songs, and contra dance tunes give their listeners a glimpse into the past while at the same time providing wildly fun entertainment for modern ears and feet. The Rivertown String Band has been the house band for Contra Dance Omaha for 25 years and are proud to have instigated and played for a benefit barn dance for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha for 33 years. Jenni Wallace contributes hammered dulcimer, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and penny whistle; Mindy Hunke is the stellar fiddler; Jim Wood anchors the rhythm on bass; and Kathy Wood supplies driving guitar back-up and occasionally autoharp.
…all livin’ large playing old time music.