On the Fly - About the Florida Contra Dance Band

On the Fly is a four-piece string band that plays music for traditional American folk dances. The band plays for contra and square dances throughout the great state of Florida. On the Fly derives its sound from a variety of musical traditions, including old-time fiddle tunes, swing, jazz, waltz, Irish music, and bluegrass. Weaving these styles into inventive dance medleys, On the Fly continues to keep dancers stepping lively. Chuck, Jim and Ted blend creative melodic improvisation with the solid foundation of the double bass, as On the Fly drives the dances with their energy, enthusiasm and unique style.

Master fiddler Chuck Anton has thrilled dancers and audiences alike in Florida with his unique, eclectic style and powerful, evocative playing. He learned his craft directly from musical legends Burl Hammons, John McCutcheon, and Gerry Milnes. Chuck is the premier fiddle teacher in South Florida for old time, bluegrass, Texas swing, and improvisation. Additionally, he conducts popular fiddle workshops at music camps and conventions. Chuck is constantly expanding his repertoire and values effective programming to enhance the enjoyment of listeners and dancers.

Mandolin virtuoso Jim Shroka is equally adept playing a wide variety of musical genres, including old time, contradance, bluegrass, Celtic, blues, jazz, swing, Latin, and folk. He won first prize for mandolin at the 2009 Florida Old Time Music Championships in Dade City. In addition to playing with On the Fly, he performs and sings in several Florida and North Carolina venues as a member of the Deep Creek Bluegrass Band. He has recorded with acclaimed folk singer Emmett Carlyle, and performs with him at major Florida folk festivals. Jim is known throughout Florida roots music communities for his melodic dexterity, complex ornamentations, expressive and creative breaks, and hard-driving, flamboyant, and energetic rhythms. He is also an enthusiastic contradancer.

Ted Strauss taught himself how to flatpick guitar, play mandolin and sing bluegrass, old time and Irish music while growing up in NYC. Ted claims he never met a musical style he couldn't steal licks from. His guitar style borrows from swing, country, blues and jazz so don't be surprised when contra / old time music starts to swing when On The Fly is on stage. Ted lives and works in central Florida.

Brian Turk played in the rock jam band Tom's Cosmic Radio while at New College of Florida. In New York City, Brian played bass in the funk/soul band, Otis Funkmeyer, and played country music with Captain Jack and the Cleveland Steamers. Brian studies classical music and jazz bass.

"smokin' bo" frazer - on the fly string band mandolin player

“Smokin’ Bo” Frazer came to Florida in 1990 and promptly began playing the fiddle at the Diamond Horseshoe Revue in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. He also played fiddle and pedal steel guitar in the Cheyenne Saloon at Church Street Station until its demise in 2001. Bo continues to play with local bands, most notably The Rodeo Rhythm Kings, in conventions and upon demand, whenever a “twang factor” is required in a musical event.

Originally from Philadelphia, Bo previously played bluegrass music for many years with some of the best musicians in the area, appearing on two albums with the Lewis
Brothers. In 1983, he moved to New Mexico, where he joined up with The Desperados and became fluent in the local style of Western Swing. These days Bo may be seen on fiddle, mandolin, pedal steel, telecaster lead guitar, and singing
harmony and lead vocals. Currently he may be seen performing bluegrass with Melbourne’s own Penny Creek Band, swing and gypsy jazz with Vero’s La Pompe, contra dance music with the Rafter Ringers, or Cajun with the Porch Dogs.