Food for the Sole(s): Sassafras Stomp Returns to Belfast Flying Shoes Contra Dance, Friday, March 2, 2018, with Caller Sarah VanNorstrand

Sarah VanNorstrand

Join us for an evening of contra dancing at American Legion Post #43, 143 Church Street in Belfast. The fun begins at 6:30 pm with a Community Dance called by Chrissy Fowler and with music by the All-Comers Band. All musicians are welcome to sit in. Fun and simple dances will be taught, giving beginners the opportunity to learn new skills and offering experienced dancers a chance to brush up on their steps. The Contra Dance begins at 8:00 pm.

This month’s caller is Sarah VanNorstrand. An avid contra dancer since her teens, Sarah co-founded a contra prom at her high school in upstate New York. Since her debut as a caller in 2006, she has built a nationwide following with a style that combines clarity, enthusiasm, and an infectious sense of joy. Sharing the Flying Shoes stage with Sarah will be:

Sassafras Stomp

Adam Nordell & Johanna Davis

With roots in Maine and Montana, Sassafras Stomp’s Johanna Davis and Adam Nordell tend roots of a more literal sort at their organic Songbird Farm in Unity. As the string duo Sassafras Stomp, they play a coast-to-coast slate of concerts, workshops, weddings, and dances. The band’s website describes their fiddle-and-guitar sound as “sweet, high-energy folk music.” Threading freely through the Celtic, New England, Acadian, and old time traditions, it’s a style that feels contemporary yet, appropriately enough, deep-rooted.

John Pranio Photo by John Clarke Russ

Joining Johanna and Adam will be multi-instrumentalist and local legend John Pranio. Co-founder of the North Whitefield Contra Dance, a member of the Henry Road Band, and a favorite instructor at Maine Fiddle Camp, Pranio is known for his elegant musicianship, unerring good taste, and tireless efforts to make Beatles music part of the standard contra dance repertoire.

Johanna Davis—fiddle
Adam Nordell—guitar and foot percussion
John Pranio—fiddle, banjo, harmonica, and mandolin

Sound provided by Glen Loper

Admission to the Community Dance is $2 for adults and $1 for children. Admission to the Contra Dance is $10 for adults, $8 for ages 13 to 20 and adult All-Comers, and $5 for children. Bring along a window fan and get $1 off. For more information: call 338-0979, or email us at [email protected]. Find us on Facebook too!