Start the Year on a High Note! Gawler Family to Play Belfast Flying Shoes Contra Dance: Friday, January 6, 2017, with Caller Chrissy Fowler

Join us for an evening of contra dancing at American Legion Post #43, 143 Church Street in Belfast. The festivities begin 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 Contradance begins at 8:00 pm.

Chrissy Fowler

This month’s caller is Belfast’s own Chrissy Fowler. A founder and leading light of the Belfast Flying Shoes dance series, Chrissy spreads the joy of contra dancing also at schools, community gatherings, and private events. With wit and good cheer, she keeps things spicy enough for veteran dancers while making novices feel equally welcome. Sharing the Flying Shoes stage with Chrissy will be:

The Gawler Family

Edith Gawler, Ellen Gawler, John Gawler, Elsie Gawler, Bennett Konesni, and Molly Gawler (left to right)

The Gawler Family is Ellen and John Gawler—leading lights of Maine’s traditional music and dance community—their multitalented daughters, Molly, Edith, and Elsie, and Edith’s husband, Bennett Konesni. The Gawlers have charmed audiences across the Northeast with their sparkling musicianship and irresistible good cheer. Drawing on an extensive repertoire of Down East, Scots-Irish, Swedish, and French Canadian tunes, this fun-loving, foot-stomping string band will put wings on your feet and a smile on your face.

  • John Gawler—banjo, guitar, harmonica
  • Ellen Gawler—fiddle
  • Molly Gawler—fiddle
  • Edith Gawler—fiddle, banjo
  • Elsie Gawler—cello
  • Bennett Konesni—guitar, banjo

Sound provided by Eric Weest Johnson

Admission to the Community Dance is $2 for adults and $1 for children. Admission to the Contradance 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, email us at [email protected], or visit www.belfastflyingshoes.org. Find us on Facebook too!