the initial set of notes to count in a tune and set the rhythm for the dancers - are called potatoes (at least in the northwest).

the origins of the phrase are interesting.

At last years fiddle tunes seattle based fiddler Hank Bradley mentioned in one class how the term got started. it dates back to the 60's and a fiddle player (whose name I cant recall) came up with the name.

..hey you know that little shuffle that people play just before a tune - lets call them potatoes, and the name caught on. (Hank Bradley knew him anyway). maybe if you contact him on his website and ask him he might confirm it. petr