FootLoose is a fun, creative and high energy band. Performing for         New England-style contra dances and in concert, FootLoose has become a highly respected and sought after band, playing at numerous festivals and week-long dance camps throughout the United States. As a dance band, the FootLoose sound draws upon Celtic, Quebecois, southern old time, jazz and classical music influences. Although the primary purpose of FootLoose is to rock the socks off of contra dancers, the band also performs English country dance, tango, waltz, hambo, schottische, zwiefacher, and Scottish dance music, In concert, FootLoose combines a technical mastery of their instruments with a passion for their playing. Infusing new life into past traditions, their repertoire of both songs and instrumental pieces draws from many sources, including tunes of the Celtic cultures, the old time sounds of the American South, swing musettes of Paris, and sophisticated Brazilian choros. FootLoose members bring to the stage a fire in their fingers and a love for their art.

FootLoose Recordings --click on image--

 

Recordings by FootLoose (click here)         Upcoming Performances (click here)         Contact FootLoose (click here)

FootLoose performs as either a quintet or quartet. Band members include David Coe on fiddle, David DiGiuseppe on accordion, Dean Herington on clarinet and soprano sax, Pete Campbell on piano and bass, and Jim Roberts on percussion. David Coe of Nashville, TN picked up the fiddle in southern Oklahoma where he was born and raised. His early interest in old time Appalachian fiddling has led to his playing bluegrass, country and even Irish styles. During the 1970's Coe began touring with nationally known country artist Michael Martin Murphey, a partnership which continues to this day. Together they have played venues from Carnegie Hall to the Grand Ole Opry, with many TV shows, studio recordings and live concerts along the way. Coe also plays with his Nashville band The Rogues as well as performing regularly at the Country Music Hall of Fame. He has released three CDs of fiddle music ranging from bluegrass to Appalachian to Irish. David DiGiuseppe is well-known for his fiery accordion playing, extending into Irish, contra dance and southern old-time styles. David has three solo recordings. His newest release Movin on, features his masterful accordion playing on Celtic tunes, Parisian musettes and music from the American South. He has also recently published two collections of traditional tunes arranged for accordion with Mel Bay Publications Dean Herington plays for Scottish, English, and international folk dancing in addition to contra dancing. Dean is an accomplished arranger and composer, and is responsible for many of the FootLoose trademark arrangements. Pete Campbell plays piano and bass with a number of bands for contra dances, English and Scottish country dancing and international folk dancing. He also teaches Scottish ceilidh and country dancing as well as colonial American and English dance and is a caller for contra and squares dances. And he loves to join in on any song-fests to share his wealth of silly songs. His prodigious memory for songs and inexhaustible energy have enlivened many a late night parties. Jim Robert's experience as a percussionist covers a wide spectrum. He has studied West African music in Senegal and The Gambia with various djembe and balaphon masters. His background covers Zairian Soukous, Rhythm and Blues, Afro-Cuban, Alternative, and many other types of contemporary music. Jim was hired as percussionist for recording artist Billy Dean on the 1995 Reba McEntire Tour. He has also toured nationally with the Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble.