LTDA Statement
We are grieving the loss of David Atcher, who died from a fatal heart attack on Oct. 29, 2020.
David was a key figure in building and nurturing contra dance and traditional music in Lexington, Kentucky, as a founding member of the Lexington Traditional Dance Association and as the pied piper of our open band, Atcher Beck & Kahl. He had a remarkable gift for recruiting and encouraging both new and established musicians. For callers, he was a joy to work with—relentlessly supportive and affirming.
David played a tremendous role in sustaining our dance community through difficult times and helping it rebuild and thrive. He led our grant-writing team in securing a Kentucky Arts Council grant that helped elevate Dance Trance into a nationally recognized dance weekend. As LTDA's band booker for many years, he introduced new musicians and bands while always championing our local and regional talent.
A gifted multi-instrumentalist, David played mandolin, guitar, banjo, and fiddle. He performed with numerous bands, including Foot in the Door Stringband, International Harvesters, Cornpone, Schroedinger's Cats, Footbridge, and Intellectual Property.
David also composed many contra dance tunes, including Hommage à Led Zeppelin, Juan Fernando the Fourth, and Rotten to the Chord. In 2018, he published a collection of his music titled Dance Trance Reel, in which he shared the story behind each tune. Many were inspired by marriages, births, departures, and other milestones in the lives of family and friends—a reflection of his generous and loving spirit.
After moving from Lexington to Salt Point, New York, David founded a monthly contra dance in his new community, continuing his lifelong commitment to bringing people together through music and dance.
A leader and mentor, David radiated warmth and enthusiasm as he shared his love of traditional music and dance. A psychiatrist by profession, he was also an avid, award-winning gardener who loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and boating. Above all, he adored his family and was a devoted, loyal friend who was always generous with his time and resources.
David will be deeply missed. We celebrate the profound impact he had on our community and hold his memory with gratitude and appreciation.
— The LTDA Board