Jim McKinney
Overview
Michigan square dance caller, Jim McKinney, specializes in teaching easy square dances, circle dances and longways set dances to people who have little or no dance experience. His friendly, easy-going style and clear explanations get everybody moving quickly and ensure everyone has a lot of fun. Jim's fee includes a professional quality sound system and recorded music. He can also provide a live band for an additional fee. House parties, graduations, barn dances, hoedowns, hay rides, school groups, church groups, scout groups, wedding receptions and historic events are all great places to include old-time dancing.
Reviews
72 reviews
Celeste G.
October 4, 2026Great Square Dance Caller
Thank you for everything Jim! We had a great time & would highly recommend him to anyone! No one had experience square dancing so Jim taught us each dance before starting the song. He was very patient especially with some of our guests that were 25 year olds acting like 15 year olds after a few drinks! 😊
Hired as: Square Dance Caller
Jim McKinney
Thank you, Celeste. I had a great time square dancing with your friends, family and future in-laws. Even the "enthusiasm" of the 25-year olds was entertaining. The important part is everyone was having the best fun they could have. Best wishes to Matt & Lizzie.
Jim McKinney
Deanna M.
July 3, 2025Fantastic addition to a wedding reception
Jim and his band did a great job at my daughter's wedding reception. Jim's instructions were easy to follow. I have never been to a wedding where so many guests were on the dance floor and enjoying themselves. I estimate that at least 3/4 of our guests danced at some point during the evening, from babies (held by parents) to grandparents in their 80s. People who had previously insisted that they would never dance were out there enjoying themselves (and dancing successfully!). It was a great way for our guests to interact and celebrate. I highly recommend Jim!
Hired as: Square Dance Caller, Wedding Band
Jim McKinney
Thank you so much, Deanna. We had a great time sharing our dances and playing for your guests. I was delighted to meet the young lady from St. Joseph Island and discuss our common interest in fiddling and Canadian fiddlers. What a treat! Best wishes to the newlyweds.
Jim McKinney
Autumn D.
April 14, 2024Fantastic Fun!!!
Jim & Loretta were amazing. We had quite a mixed group of very young to very old and everyone was able to enjoy the dances. Jim & Loretta give very clear instructions that make it easy to learn the dances. Before the dance, many were nervous about trying square dancing. But the clear and kind instructions and attention given by the McKinney's made it easy and enjoyable. We all had so, so much fun!!!
Hired as: Square Dance Caller
Jim McKinney
Hi Autumn,
Thank you so much! We had a great time sharing square dancing at your event. The Milestone Barn was a great venue for a barn dance. We’re looking forward to your next square dance party.
Best wishes,
Jim McKinney
Austin M.
October 15, 2026Great time!
Jim was prompt and ready upon arrival, had everything for the event as described. During the event he made it easy and fun for all ages to jump in and learn new dances.
After the event, many gave their thanks and appreciation for a wonderful time.
Definitely recommend and will have Jim back again!
Hired as: Square Dance Caller
Jim McKinney
Thanks, Austin. It was nice seeing all ages participate in one activity and have a good time together. We had a lot of fun and look forward to doing it with your group again.
Best wishes,
Jim McKinney
Casey P.
September 22, 2026Always a blast!
We've hired Jim for several events, and they are always a blast. He gets everyone, of all ages, up and dancing...he makes it easy and fun! Highly recommend!
Hired as: Square Dance Caller
Jim McKinney
Thanks, Casey. We always enjoy dancing with your group. We have as much fun as they do.
Jim
Booking information
Price range: Contact for pricing
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
What to expect
Clients can expect a variety of dances beginning with the easiest and increasing to slightly less easy. All dances are selected with the intention that guests will succeed at them and have fun. Most dances can be danced by any combination of persons; gent/lady couples are not a requirement. The ability to tell left hands from right hands IS a requirement. All figures of every dance are explained with directions in plain English and a minimum of "dance lingo." Jim McKinney is professional in appearance and demeanor. He arrives in time to set up his equipment without interfering with other events that may be on the program.
About
Jim McKinney started playing guitar in 1978, fiddle in 1987 and started dancing in 1988. He started playing for dances in 1992 and started teaching squares, circles, longways sets, contras and old-time dances in 2007. Jim enjoys and excels at teaching non-dancers how to dance. He teaches beginners what to do using plain English with a minimum of "dance lingo." Jim can provide a sound system and recorded music or a live band, whichever best suits the client's needs. Jim can dress in a suit and tie, "business casual" attire, Western wear or Civil War era historic clothing. Clients enjoy working with Jim because he recognizes that he is there to insure their event is a success and works to accommodate their needs.
Additional booking notes
Insured through CALLERLAB. ASCAP and BMI rights to recorded music secured through CALLERLAB.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
November 2026
20
Friday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Centreville, MI
December 2026
19
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
6:00pm - 10:00pm
24
Thursday
Private Party Square Dance
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Past booked events
October 2026
14
Wednesday
Nonprofit Event
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Dearborn, MI
04
Sunday
House Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
South Lyon, MI
03
Saturday
Personal Occasion
8:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Northville, MI
September 2026
20
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Birmingham, MI
June 2026
13
Saturday
Camp Event
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Kalamazoo, MI
May 2026
09
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Oxford, MI
02
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Troy, MI
March 2026
07
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
3:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Berkley, MI
January 2026
30
Friday
School Assembly
9:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Quincy, MI
December 2025
20
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
6:00pm - 10:00pm
November 2025
16
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Saline, MI
October 2025
25
Saturday
Fundraiser
8:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Metamora, MI
17
Friday
Campus Event
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Grand Rapids, MI
11
Saturday
House Party
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Almont, MI
09
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Plymouth, MI
September 2025
27
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Perry, MI
21
Sunday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Brunswick, OH
20
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
6:00pm - 9:00pm
14
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Birmingham, MI
13
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Metamora, MI
06
Saturday
Honolulu House Ball
6:00pm - 9:00pm
05
Friday
Camp Event
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
St Marys, OH
August 2025
20
Wednesday
House Party
7:00pm - 7:45pm
•
Kalamazoo, MI
09
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
6:00pm - 9:00pm
July 2025
30
Wednesday
Camp Event
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Lapeer, MI
June 2025
29
Sunday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Flushing, MI
May 2025
17
Saturday
Pittsfield Grange Contra Dance
7:00pm - 10:30pm
April 2025
26
Saturday
Civil War Ball
6:00pm - 10:00pm
06
Sunday
Fundraiser
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Imlay City, MI
05
Saturday
Pittsfield Grange Contra Dance
7:00pm - 10:30pm
March 2025
08
Saturday
Bayside Travelers Contra Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
07
Friday
Church Group Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
January 2025
19
Sunday
Private Party Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
18
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
17
Friday
Private Party Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
11
Saturday
Concourse Hall Contra Dance
7:00pm - 10:30pm
December 2024
28
Saturday
Personal Occasion
2:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Flint, MI
24
Tuesday
Private Party Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
14
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
3:00pm - 6:00pm
November 2024
16
Saturday
Pittsfield Grange Contra Dance
7:00pm - 10:30pm
09
Saturday
Church Group Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
08
Friday
Church Group Square Dance
7:00pm - 9:30pm
October 2024
20
Sunday
Ann Arbor Library Concert
4:00pm - 5:30pm
19
Saturday
Wedding Reception Square Dance
6:30pm - 8:30pm
13
Sunday
Private Party Square Dance
2:00pm - 4:00pm
12
Saturday
Church Group Square Dance
6:30pm - 8:00pm
10
Thursday
Raber Square Dance
3:00pm - 7:00pm
09
Wednesday
Church Group Square Dance
7:00pm - 8:00pm
06
Sunday
Church Group Square Dance
6:00pm - 8:00pm
September 2024
29
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
4:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Milan, MI
27
Friday
Peiffer Square Dance
4:00pm - 7:00pm
15
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 6:45pm
•
Birmingham, MI
07
Saturday
Honolulu House Harvest Ball
6:00pm - 9:00pm
August 2024
07
Wednesday
Personal Occasion
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Kalamazoo, MI
05
Monday
Reunion
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Oregon, OH
04
Sunday
Wedding Reception
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Manchester, MI
July 2024
19
Friday
ODPC Funfest Friday Night Square Dance
7:00pm - 9:00pm
08
Monday
House Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Hastings, MI
07
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
06
Saturday
Family Reunion Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
05
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
4:30pm - 6:30pm
June 2024
22
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
21
Friday
Private Party Square Dance
6:00pm - 9:00pm
15
Saturday
Graduation Party Square Dance
6:00pm - 8:00pm
09
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
07
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
4:30pm - 6:30pm
04
Tuesday
Campground Square Dance
7:00pm - 9:00pm
01
Saturday
AACTMAD Contra Dance
7:30pm - 10:30pm
May 2024
17
Friday
Troy Historic Village School Program SD
8:00am - 3:00pm
16
Thursday
Troy Historic Village School Program SD
8:00am - 3:00pm
15
Wednesday
Troy Historic Village School Program SD
8:00am - 3:00pm
14
Tuesday
Troy Historic Village School Program SD
8:00am - 3:00pm
13
Monday
Troy Historic Village School Program SD
8:00am - 3:00pm
10
Friday
Troy Historic Village School Program SD
8:00am - 3:00pm
09
Thursday
Troy Historic Village School Program SD
8:00am - 3:00pm
08
Wednesday
Troy Historic Village School Program SD
8:00am - 3:30pm
05
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
1:00pm - 5:00pm
03
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
4:30pm - 6:30pm
April 2024
20
Saturday
Church School Square Dance
7:00pm - 9:30pm
19
Friday
Church School Square Dance
7:00pm - 9:30pm
13
Saturday
Personal Occasion
3:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Bannister, MI
07
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
06
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Franklin, MI
05
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
7:00pm - 9:00pm
March 2024
03
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
02
Saturday
Church Group Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
01
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
7:00pm - 9:00pm
February 2024
17
Saturday
AACTMAD Contra Dance
7:30pm - 10:30pm
13
Tuesday
Church Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
04
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
02
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
7:00pm - 9:00pm
January 2024
19
Friday
Music Festival
3:00pm - 12:00pm
07
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
05
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
7:00pm - 9:00pm
December 2023
31
Sunday
House Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Pinckney, MI
24
Sunday
Private Party Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
16
Saturday
Private Party Concert & Square Dance
3:00pm - 10:00pm
03
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
02
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
6:00pm - 8:00pm
01
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
7:00pm - 9:00pm
November 2023
18
Saturday
AACTMAD Contra Dance
7:30pm - 10:30pm
17
Friday
Church Group Square Dance
6:30pm - 8:00pm
11
Saturday
Bayside Travelers Contra Dance
7:30pm - 10:00pm
10
Friday
Church Group Square Dance
7:00pm - 9:30pm
05
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
04
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
6:00pm - 10:00pm
03
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
7:00pm - 9:00pm
01
Wednesday
Personal Occasion
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Ann Arbor, MI
October 2023
28
Saturday
Wedding Reception Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
27
Friday
Private Party Square Dance
7:00pm - 9:00pm
21
Saturday
Fundraiser
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Ada, MI
20
Friday
Church Square Dance
6:00pm - 9:00pm
14
Saturday
AACTMAD Contra Dance
7:30pm - 10:30pm
08
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
07
Saturday
Civil War Ball
6:30pm - 10:00pm
06
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
7:00pm - 9:00pm
05
Thursday
Corporate Party Square Dance
5:00pm - 9:00pm
01
Sunday
Church Square Dance
6:00pm - 8:00pm
01
Sunday
Personal Occasion
5:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Northville, MI
September 2023
30
Saturday
Church School Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
24
Sunday
Church Square Dance
12:00pm - 3:00pm
23
Saturday
Wedding Reception
3:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Kalkaska, MI
16
Saturday
Personal Occasion
7:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Clio, MI
09
Saturday
Honolulu House Harvest Ball
6:00pm - 9:00pm
08
Friday
Wedding Reception Square Dance
7:00pm - 10:00pm
03
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
01
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
7:00pm - 9:00pm
August 2023
18
Friday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Whitmore Lake, MI
11
Friday
MFA Fiddler's Convention
5:00pm - 12:00pm
05
Saturday
Alanson Contra Dance
7:30pm - 10:30pm
05
Saturday
Northland Brewing Concert
4:00pm - 6:00pm
04
Friday
Petosky Farmer's Market Concert
10:00am - 12:00pm
03
Thursday
Harbor Springs Street Musique Concert
6:00pm - 8:00pm
July 2023
30
Sunday
Erratic Ale Co. Concert
3:00pm - 5:00pm
29
Saturday
Birthday Party
1:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Novi, MI
28
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
7:00pm - 9:00pm
22
Saturday
Nathan K Square Dance
2:00pm - 5:00pm
21
Friday
Wedding Reception & Square Dance
5:00pm - 10:00pm
14
Friday
ODPC Funfest Friday Night Square Dance
7:00pm - 9:00pm
June 2023
28
Wednesday
House Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Onsted, MI
May 2023
26
Friday
Birthday Party
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Dexter, MI
13
Saturday
Birthday Party
3:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Dearborn, MI
April 2023
23
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Imlay City, MI
March 2023
31
Friday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Lansing, MI
04
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Hinsdale, IL
November 2022
11
Friday
Fundraiser
6:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Clarkston, MI
October 2022
21
Friday
Nonprofit Event
7:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Troy, MI
01
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Rochester, MI
September 2022
23
Friday
Corporate Event
7:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Holt, MI
17
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Howell, MI
16
Friday
Nonprofit Event
8:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Grass Lake, MI
August 2022
27
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Brooklyn, MI
June 2022
09
Thursday
Nonprofit Event
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Sylvania, OH
April 2022
30
Saturday
Festival
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Sylvania, OH
08
Friday
Fundraiser
6:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Wayne, MI
February 2022
05
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Grand Rapids, MI
December 2021
04
Saturday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Zeeland, MI
October 2021
23
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Ceresco, MI
September 2021
25
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Schoolcraft, MI
August 2021
18
Wednesday
Camp Event
7:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Central Lake, MI
July 2021
30
Friday
Reunion
6:30pm - 7:30pm
•
St Charles, MI
June 2021
13
Sunday
Personal Occasion
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Millersburg, MI
12
Saturday
Graduation
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Ortonville, MI
05
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Bath, MI
October 2020
10
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Metamora, MI
November 2019
16
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Almont, MI
October 2019
25
Friday
Fundraiser
8:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Oak Park, IL
September 2019
21
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Medina, OH
July 2019
27
Saturday
Reunion
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Holly, MI
19
Friday
Evart Funfest Square Dance
7:00pm - 9:00pm
May 2019
31
Friday
Rehearsal Dinner
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Lyndhurst, OH
13
Monday
Middle School Civil War Dance Program
9:00am - 3:00pm
April 2019
13
Saturday
Fundraiser
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Almont, MI
12
Friday
Private Party Square Dance
9:00pm - 11:00pm
March 2019
16
Saturday
Birthday Party
1:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Howell, MI
February 2019
23
Saturday
Lansing Civil War Ball
6:00pm - 10:00pm
09
Saturday
Ann Arbor Contra Dance
7:30pm - 10:30pm
01
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
5:00pm - 7:00pm
January 2019
26
Saturday
Frankenmuth Snowfest Concert
12:00pm - 5:00pm
19
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
4:00pm - 8:00pm
11
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
5:00pm - 7:00pm
December 2018
28
Friday
Wedding Reception Square Dance
6:00pm - 9:00pm
22
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
5:00pm - 8:00pm
15
Saturday
Christmas Party
8:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Roseville, MI
07
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
5:00pm - 7:00pm
05
Wednesday
Holiday Concert
7:00pm - 8:00pm
November 2018
24
Saturday
Troy Contra Dance
8:00pm - 11:00pm
10
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Southfield, MI
02
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
5:00pm - 7:00pm
October 2018
27
Saturday
Birthday Party
3:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Orrville, OH
27
Saturday
Family Reunion Square Dance
3:30pm - 7:00pm
13
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
4:00pm - 9:00pm
06
Saturday
Richmond Fall Frenzy Square Dance
6:00pm - 8:00pm
05
Friday
Ypsi Alehouse Concert
5:00pm - 7:00pm
September 2018
29
Saturday
Private Party Square Dance
4:00pm - 8:00pm
22
Saturday
Troy Contra Dance
8:00pm - 11:00pm
08
Saturday
Marshall Civil War Ball
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Set list
Circle dances such as La Bastringue, Pat A Cake Polka
Longways sets such as Virginia Reel, Galopede
Triplets such as Arkansas Traveler, Sackett's Harbor
Contras such as Haste To The Wedding, Johnny Appleseed
Squares such as Solomon Levi, Red River Valley, Hot Time In The Old Town
Influences and inspiration
Glen Morningstar, Tony Parkes, Ed Vincent, Dudley Laufman
Setup requirements
I bring all the equipment I need to set up the sound system, play the music and teach and call the dances.
Clients need to provide a standard, 110v, household electrical outlet to plug in the sound system.
A large, open space free of posts and other obstructions is best for the dance area.
Report Jim McKinney
Square Dance Caller