Buddy Weaver Podcast

In 1970 the direction and tone of Modern Western Square Dancing was set by the "Square Dancing - Sets In Order" magazine operation.  Under the direction of Bob Osgood, this organization brought together leadership from across North American and developed educational resources, institutes for dancers and callers, and a monthly publication that reached thousands of readers. The tiers or levels of sq...

In 1970 the direction and tone of Modern Western Square Dancing was set by the "Square Dancing - Sets In Order" magazine operation.  Under the direction of Bob Osgood, this organization brought together leadership from across North American and developed educational resources, institutes for dancers and callers, and a monthly publication that reached thousands of readers. The tiers or levels of sq...

This episode we feature a vintage MacGregor Records long-play album recorded by Jerry Helt. Released in February 1961.  Jerry has been featured in this podcast series on a number of Blue Star albums (he joined the Blue Star label subsequent to his MacGregor days). This album is a compilation of his singles released on MacGregor.  A nice feature of a very young Jerry Helt, his calling talent and hu...

One of the most recognized names in Modern Western Square Dancing today is that of Wade Driver.  Wade has been calling since the early sixties and by the seventies was a full-time traveling caller featured at festivals around the world. Wade started Rhythm Records in the seventies, a major square dance record label which changed the musical style of square dancing in a big way.  His musical influe...

This episode we feature a vintage Blue Star Records long-play album recorded by Dave Taylor.  Released in May 1976 as Blue Star 1033.  Dave had recorded a total of three albums for the Blue Star label; this was his last. Dave was an incredible caller who brought square dancing to the international stage, through his many calling tours and the creation of the World Square Dance Convention.  He was...

This podcast advocates for the - SSD or Social Square Dancing program.  A great way to join in square dancing where classes take about 24 hours or 12-14 weeks. Today's episode features Buddy Weaver calling an SSD dance in Los Angeles, California in January 2024.  This is excellent for home use, when you don't have a caller, or for callers to use as a learning resource. Please take a moment to make...

The Sets In Order organization, started in 1948 as a monthly square dance magazine along with a record label producing music with and without calls for square dancing.   Under the direction of Bob Osgood, Sets In Order would branch out into educational resources, printed and recorded along with institutes for dancers and callers.  Many point to Sets In Order and Bob Osgood as the major force behin...

ENCORE Part four in the series covering the Santa Monica Diamond Jubilee square dance.  The largest square dance ever, held on July 13, 1950 with 15,000 dancers, 35,000 spectators. A true audio snapshot of history. In this episode you will hear the following callers and dances: Bill Moony - "You Call Everybody Darling" Roy Close - "Arkansas Star" Ralph Maxhimer - "Texas Star" (rare recording) Joel...

Produced by Merl Olds, owner of Hi Hat Records for use by CBS  to promote square dancing, here is an album of easy dances.  Although one or two calls are no longer used in beginner dances, the overall recording is ideal for beginners and an excellent resource for SSD dancers/callers. Music is by Hi Hat Records.  Calling is by Lee Schmidt, who has been featured in the BWM podcast before.  He was an...

Ken Bower has been featured in other BWM podcast episodes.  As popular today as ever, this dance was recorded live in Michigan in 1972.  It is an incomplete dance but captures the energy of one of the most iconic callers in Modern Western Square Dancing. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

This episode we feature a vintage Blue Star Records long-play album recorded by Jerry Helt. Released in April 1976 as Blue Star 1032.  It was the American Bi-Centennial and there was lots of interest in everything 1776.  This album of Quadrilles, was an homage to the cotillion dances from that time. Buddy Weaver provides instructions prior to each of the five Quadrilles. Please take a moment to ma...

A FIRST FOR ANY DANCE RECORDING. Here is a "halfway dance" for SSD dancers/students.  Recorded in December 2023.  Caller Buddy Weaver at the Wranglers Square Dance Club in Poway, California. For dancers who don't have a caller for their SSD dances and for callers learning more about SSD.  This episode features the current sound of modern western square dancing. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

WELCOME TO SEASON SIX The Sets In Order organization, started in 1948 as a monthly square dance magazine along with a record label producing music with and without calls for square dancing.   Under the direction of Bob Osgood, Sets In Order would branch out into educational resources, printed and recorded along with institutes for dancers and callers.  Many point to Sets In Order and Bob Osgood as...

ENCORE PRESENTATION "When dancing first started, a large white cloud rose up over Santa Monica."   The episode talks about where that cloud came from and so much more as we present part three in the series covering the Santa Monica Diamond Jubilee. You will also hear one of the only known recordings of Dr. Lloyd "Pappy" Shaw calling a dance live.  "Pappy" is credited with the resurgence of square...

Here is part two of the live dance recording of Al Brundage.  Part one was featured in last week's episode. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Few callers have been as popular and active for as many years as Al Brundage.  He started calling in 1933 and continued to end of the century.  A remarkable figure who recognized the growing popularity of Modern Western Square Dancing and introduced it to New England.  His exciting calling style grew a huge following in the Eastern States.  A full-time traveling caller, a pioneer in caller educati...

Here is part two of the live dance recording of Jerry Schatzer from 1982.  Part one is the feature of last week's episode. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

A star that burned bright but brief was that of Jerry Schatzer.  In the seventies, Jerry began a national travel calling career that saw him quickly become one of the most popular callers in the country.  Featured at festivals, weeks and weekends, recordings, Jerry Schatzer was well-known up to his passing in in 1986. Here is a live dance recording from the George Knox collection.  From 1982 in No...

The Sets In Order organization, started in 1948 as a monthly square dance magazine along with a record label producing music with and without calls for square dancing.   Under the direction of Bob Osgood, Sets In Order would branch out into educational resources, printed and recorded along with institutes for dancers and callers.  Many point to Sets In Order and Bob Osgood as the major force behin...

Ken Bower is one of the most iconic callers in modern western square dancing.  As popular and sought after today as he was fifty-five years ago.  This was a studio recorded collection of singing calls, some originally done by him and some by his friends. Keep this podcast going by making a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Here is part two of the dance covered in the previous episode of this podcast. Lots of hours went into re-mastering this tape from 1957.  If you are enjoying it, please make a contribution using the button below. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

Texas caller, Joe Lewis was one of the true pioneers of MWSD.  Among the first to record, his recordings introduced thousands of people to square dancing and brought him to the attention of promoters in Australia.  Those promoters brought Joe Lewis to Australia for a series of lessons.  From this came the start of square dancing in an entire country. Joe Lewis preferred the simpler dances througho...

This episode we feature a vintage Blue Star Records long-play album recorded by Jerry Helt. Released in December 1974 as Blue Star 1029.  Here is an album recorded for dancers wanting to try Contra Dancing. Buddy Weaver provides instructions prior to each of the five Contra dances. Please take a moment to make a gift to offset our production costs.  Every contribution helps and is appreciated. SUP...

ENCORE PRESENTATION This episode takes another look back on vintage square dancing. Seventy years ago, the Santa Monica Diamond Jubilee was the largest square dance ever, a record held to this day.  Present for this huge event were 15,000 dancers and 35,000 spectators.  Also in attendance was California Governor Earl Warren and Hollywood Star, Leo Carrillo.  Hear them welcome the folks.  A true pi...

For dancers who don't have a caller for their SSD dances and for callers learning more about SSD, here is a live Social Square Dance called in San Diego, California in 2023. This episode features the current sound of modern western square dancing with most of the musical accompaniment used, available from buddyweavermusic.com SUPPORT THIS PODCAST