Greetings. I’m Erik.

I created the web site years ago so that people wouldn’t have to search for information when assembling fliers or other publicity for events I’ve called or played for.  It has also been a place to make contra dances I’ve written accessible to anyone interested.  The dances are still here, over on the right.  Other than that I’m not particularly involved with calling dances any longer. Many other of life’s opportunities have presented themselves without the need to spend entire weekends programming, driving, calling, driving home and recovering from sleeplessness.

Musically I play for contra dances with the band Joyride, and English dance with a band called Fine Companions. I play a C flute, alto flute, harmonicas and bombarde.  Organizationally, I work with Sue Songer in production of the Portland Megaband events and with my bandmates in producing a monthly contra dance in North Portland (see the Joyride link above).

I retired from my day job in 2019 with the intent to travel.  My wife and I took a trip to Northern France and then the pandemic came.  Once things opened up, we spent a few weeks in Southern France, and later a few weeks in Nova Scotia. Hiked across Grand Canyon, rim-to-rim. Then my right knee went bad and I got a replacement. Getting back into travel now, and that’s exciting. Locally, I work keeping this old house of ours in good shape, maintaining a vegetable and several flower gardens as well as a large yard (Images), and working in my shop. In retirement I’ve been developing my skills in woodworking and associated crafts. Some of the results of that are here.

Thank you for visiting.

Erik