Erik Hoffmann (Contra Band & Swing Jam)
Erik Hoffman became interested in traditional music and dance when he returned to his home town of Santa Barbara in 1980. Friends dragged him to the contra dances, and he became addicted. In 1985 he called his first dance. Then when San Luis Obispo wanted to start a monthly dance series in 1986, Erik started commuting to that lovely town from his then home, Santa Barbara, as their regular caller. That dance series continues strong and fun. In 1987, Erik took up the fiddle. Three weeks later, on a dare, he competed in the Santa Barbara Old Time Fiddle Contest and won third place, and the following year he place first in intermediate fiddle. In 1990, Erik came in third in advanced traditional singing. In 1994 he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and spends his time these days calling Old-Time Country Dancing, playing music (fiddle, guitar, voice, mandolin, bodhran, and other odds and ends), and tutoring math. He also participates in organizing and calling calling the Berkeley Contra Series, and enjoys leading dances for families and children. Erik loves the spirit and joy that is passed along with traditional music and dance, and loves to share his enthusiasm.
Versed in dances for kids of all ages as well as singing games and music play, Erik travels all over the state and has become well known from Arcata to San Diego, and from Carson City, Nevada, to the Bay Area. He has also toured the United States extensively, on both coasts, and in between. He has been staff at a number of festivals, including the Bay Area Country Dance Society's American Week, Family Week, and Spring Weekend (Monte Toyon); CD*NY's Hudson Guild; Sacramento's Echo Summit; California Traditional Music Society's Solstice and New Year's festivals; San Luis Obispo radio KCBX's Live Oak Music Festival; New Mexico Folk Music & Dance's Memorial Day Weekend; and Seattle's Slugs at Sunrise Music and Dance Camp.
Erik is a talented, fun-loving teacher and long-time valued member of our Folklore family. He has been on our teaching staff many times over the years and always wearing a wide variety of hats during camp; Contra Teacher, Hambone classes, Contra caller, guest musician with the Camp Band, then late night sets & sing-alongs in the Kafana. Erik is well liked and his fun, inclusive attitude make his sessions a highlight for many of our campers. We are very happy to welcome him back on staff again this summer!
For Erik's webiste click HERE
Versed in dances for kids of all ages as well as singing games and music play, Erik travels all over the state and has become well known from Arcata to San Diego, and from Carson City, Nevada, to the Bay Area. He has also toured the United States extensively, on both coasts, and in between. He has been staff at a number of festivals, including the Bay Area Country Dance Society's American Week, Family Week, and Spring Weekend (Monte Toyon); CD*NY's Hudson Guild; Sacramento's Echo Summit; California Traditional Music Society's Solstice and New Year's festivals; San Luis Obispo radio KCBX's Live Oak Music Festival; New Mexico Folk Music & Dance's Memorial Day Weekend; and Seattle's Slugs at Sunrise Music and Dance Camp.
Erik is a talented, fun-loving teacher and long-time valued member of our Folklore family. He has been on our teaching staff many times over the years and always wearing a wide variety of hats during camp; Contra Teacher, Hambone classes, Contra caller, guest musician with the Camp Band, then late night sets & sing-alongs in the Kafana. Erik is well liked and his fun, inclusive attitude make his sessions a highlight for many of our campers. We are very happy to welcome him back on staff again this summer!
For Erik's webiste click HERE
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