Brushy Mountain Squares

Tag: Steve Kopman

  • When The Warden’s Away The Inmates Will Play

    The caravan rolled south with one thing on our minds—sand, sun, and squares. The 49th Annual South Carolina Square and Round Dance Convention didn’t disappoint, living up to its theme “Sand & Sun in the Palmettos” with a weekend that felt equal parts beach party and dance marathon.

    The Brushy Mountain crew showed up in full character. Big Man brought the presence, Babyface kept things smooth, Queen Pookie ruled the floor (as expected), and Cool Hand made it all look effortless. Joining the fun were our newest inmates—Little Devil (living up to the name), The Twirler (who absolutely did), and Cupcake (sweet until the music starts… then watch out).

    We knew the coast was clear for a good time—after all, The Warden (Steve Kopman) had hauled the Caseworker, Nurse Ratched, Snowflake, Mr. Cool, and Crash off to Grand Rapids for the “Load the Boat on the Grand River” fly-in weekend; the Warden even took to the dance floor with internationally known caller Dave Heffron, who was surprisingly home for the fun event. That left us free to cut loose without supervision… and we took full advantage.

    The high-energy hall stayed packed, with a caller lineup that just wouldn’t quit. Local talent like Tony Oxendine, Nelson Jarvis, Theresa Rutz, Patty Greene, Joe Arnold, Tony Simmons, and Sam Rowan kept the floor moving and the laughs coming. Then came more heavy hitters—Connie Wise, Charlie Petrea, Dan Clairmont, and Ed Pabst—proving that when it comes to square dancing, mileage just means more stories and sharper calls.

    After hearing The Twirler’s (Joshua Ransom) calling, we upgraded his sentence to a life sentence without parole—no appeals, no early release, just more tips and more dancing. Somewhere in the middle of it all, it hit us: who needs a gym membership when you’ve got a hot hash tip rolling? Turns out the best workout plan is just staying on the floor and not missing the next call.

    Our very own Cool Hand (Luke Wilson) stepped into the spotlight during the Open Mic session, making multiple appearances for the first time and showing his talent to the world. He drew a crowd each time, with dancers and listeners alike gathering to see what he’d do next—and he did not disappoint. Not to be outdone, Little Devil teamed up with Joe Arnold for a crowd-pleasing rendition of “Sweet Caroline,” turning the hall into one big singalong and adding another unforgettable moment to the weekend.

    And somewhere along the way, we realized something… we might be turning into groupies. Three weekends in a row dancing to Tony Oxendine? At this point, we’re not even pretending it’s a coincidence. When the music hits and the energy’s right, you go where the calling takes you.

    Between the sunshine vibes, nonstop dancing, and a crew that knows how to have a good time, this convention was one for the books. If this is what “Sand & Sun in the Palmettos” looks like, you can bet Brushy Mountain will be back for more.

    Until next time—keep your squares tight and your stories even tighter.

  • Escaped for the Weekend: BMS Hits the 2026 WASCA Festival… and Beyond!

    Word has reached The Warden’s desk that several of Brushy Mountain Squares’ most dangerous repeat offenders went missing last weekend — and the surveillance footage doesn’t lie.

    The Big Man, Caseworker, Babyface, Boats, Boogie, Fireball, and The Deputy — eight of the Southeast’s Most Wanted Dancers — were spotted at large in Northern Virginia for all three days of the 2026 WASCA Spring Dance Festival. WASCA (Washington Area Square Dancers Cooperative Association) hosts one of the most popular square and round dance festivals in the nation, drawing hundreds of dancers and a first-class lineup of callers from across the country. Naturally, our crew fit right in.

    The gang danced every day, caused the usual amount of trouble on the floor, and — perhaps most suspiciously — was seen in the company of not one but two Tennessee callers on multiple occasions.

    First, there’s Ken Burke — Nashville-based, full-time traveling caller, and a man whose own website greets you with the warning: “This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Square Dance.” Known for his offbeat humor, distinctive music choices, and an uncanny ability to get even the greenest newcomer dancing confidently, Ken was one of eight callers on the 2026 WASCA roster. Witnesses report the BMS crew was smiling far too much during his tips to claim innocence.

    Then there’s The Warden himself — Steve Kopman of Knoxville, TN. If you’re unfamiliar with Steve, consider this: the man called at the New York World’s Fair at the age of seven. Seven. Son of the legendary Lee Kopman — one of the most prolific choreographers in square dance history — Steve has spent decades calling festivals, weekends, and conventions across the US, Europe, and Japan. He also happens to be the club caller for the Little T Squares in Lenoir City, TN, the largest square dance club in the Southeast. Safe to say, when The Warden speaks, squares move.​

    As if either one alone wasn’t enough, Ken and Steve shared the mic for a few dances together over the weekend — a collision of Tennessee talent that left the BMS crew thoroughly sentenced to a great time.

    The Warden confirms that all seven north-bound fugitives have been accounted for and returned safely to Southeast territory — tired, happy, and already asking when they can do it again.

    While these seven tried their best to head north and escape the long arm of the law, Snowflake, Queen Pookie, The Transporter, and Cool Hand Luke attempted another daring escape and were last seen in Rome, Georgia engaging in more shenanigans at the Western Promenaders 70th Anniversary Dance. Rumor has it that Jet Roberts was seen with this group of ne’er-do-wells. Additional details are sketchy at this time, as The Deputy awaits further reporting from local boots on the ground. As always, photographic evidence of these convicts in action is both welcomed and appreciated!

    If you’d like to join the gang on our next great escape, keep an eye on our Calendar page for upcoming events. Fair warning: once you’re in, you’re in.

    — Filed from the road, Brushy Mountain Squares

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