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 Contra Dance begins at 8:00 pm.
This month’s caller is Dugan Murphy. Based in Portland, Maine, Dugan is a nationally known contra dance caller, co-organizer of the Portland Intown Contra Dance, a Maine humorist, a voice artist, and a storyteller. His calling, which manages to be both chill and energizing, has earned him an enthusiastic, far-flung following. This will be Dugan’s first time calling a Flying Shoes dance, and we’re excited to welcome him to Belfast.
Sharing the Flying Shoes stage with Dugan will be:
VELOCIPEDE
An elegant and sprightly two-wheeled conveyance, Velocipede joins the talents of fiddler Julia Plumb and tenor guitarist Baron Collins-Hill. A former Flying Shoes board member and leader of the All Comers Band, Julia has traveled widely, studying the traditional dance music of New England, Quebec, Appalachia, Scandinavia, and the British Isles. Along the way, she developed a fluid yet driving fiddling style and a keen sense for matching the tune to the dance. Baron grew up in Maine and graduated from Hampshire College with a degree in music performance and ethnomusicology. His tenor guitar playing reflects a sophisticated harmonic sense, a playful spirit, and a knack for getting a really big sound. Local favorites as both performers and instructors, the two met at Maine Fiddle Camp, in Montville, where they teach each summer.
- Julia Plumb—fiddle and foot percussion
- Baron Collins-Hill—tenor guitar
Sound provided by Eric Weest Johnson
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, email us at [email protected], visit www.belfastflyingshoes.org, or find us on Facebook.