Brushy Mountain Squares

Tag: Travel

  • 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.

  • Seventy Years & Still Promenadin’ — Outlaws Approved

    A few of Brushy Mountain Outlaws (The Transporter, Queen Pookie, Cool Man Luke, and Snowflake) made the trip to celebrate the Western Promenaders’ 70th Anniversary, and it was one for the books. The floor stayed lively all night with Jet and Sylvia Roberts keeping everything moving and the dancers right on cue.

    Good friends, great dancing, and a whole lot of fun packed into one night. Everyone left with smiles, tired feet, and memories worth the miles.

  • From Tennessee Hills to Ohio Halls: Dancing for a Friend

    Sometimes, square dancing takes you a little farther than the next county over.

    This past weekend, two of our own (Big Man & Babyface) from the Brushy Mountain Squares packed their bags, laced up their dancing shoes, slid their dancing socks over their toes and pointed themselves north toward Dayton, Ohio. The occasion wasn’t just another dance—it was something deeper, something that reminds us why this community means so much.

    They were headed to Jack Pladdys’ Appreciation Dance.

    Now, if you’ve been around square dancing long enough, you know names come and go across the microphone—but some voices stick with you. Not just for the calls, but for the kindness behind them. This dance was held to support Jack as he continues a hard fight—battling cancer that has metastasized to his jaw, and the ongoing medical care that comes with it.

    And that’s where the square dance world does what it does best.

    It shows up.

    No matter the miles, no matter the distance, dancers gather. Not just to swing and promenade, but to lift each other up in ways that go far beyond the floor. That’s exactly what our Brushy Mountain travelers did—carrying a little piece of Tennessee with them into that hall in Dayton.

    We like to think there’s a certain style to Brushy Mountain Squares. It’s not just in how we dance—it’s in how we care. It’s in the willingness to drive hours just to stand in a square with someone who needs support. It’s in the laughter shared between tips, the quiet understanding during a slow song, and the unspoken promise that none of us dance alone.

    Of course, not everyone could make the trip up to Dayton—but if you know Brushy Mountain Squares, you know that doesn’t mean they weren’t there in spirit. Back home in the hills, there were folks thinking about Jack and wishing they could be in that square. Around here, you don’t have to cross state lines to stand with someone—you just have to care. Whether they were dancing in Ohio or holding down the fort wherever we hail from, every one of us square dancers were a part of that circle, proving once again that square dancers show up… one way or another.

    From the hills of Tennessee to the heart of Ohio and around the world, that spirit traveled well.

    We’re proud of our dancers who made the trip. Proud to be part of a community that rallies when it matters. And proud to call folks like Jack Pladdys part of our extended square dance family.

    If you would like to support Jack Pladdys – visit http://www.jacksday.com to “Tip The Caller” or send a check to the address listed.

    Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfect timing or fancy footwork.

    It’s about showing up… and keeping the circle (or square) unbroken.

  • 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

  • Love in the slammer

    Love in the slammer

    Love can strike anywhere…. Even in the slammer. Two inmates escaped to an undisclosed beach and got hitched. Now, they are facing life with no chance of parole.

  • Brushy Mountain Squares goes international

    Brushy Mountain Squares goes international

    Angie and George had the joy of taking the Brushy Mountain Squares internationally to dance with the Castle Ghosts Square Dance Club in Germany—the very place where Angie first learned to square dance 14 years ago, before moving to the United States. What an incredible homecoming, sharing friendships, memories, and the love of square dancing across continents. Square dancing truly knows no borders! 

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