EVERY WEEK ~ Flying Shoes Radio Hour on Belfast Community Radio-WBFY. An hour-long program that highlights the roots and branches of the contra dance music we love, here in Belfast and beyond; the musicians who play it with and for others; and the dancers of all ages that it inspires.
EVERY MONTH ~ “Flying Shoes First Fridays” ~ Varied programs, and gradually returning to community dances and contra dances over the course of 2022. Supported in part by these fabulous First Friday Sponsors:
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Feb 5 ~ Sat: snow date Flying Shoes on First Fridays ~ Mac’s Music and a Movie! At the Bazz (Basil Burwell Community Theater), 17 Court St in Belfast. 5:30 doors open, 6:00 pm workshop followed by a movie and a jam session. Masks required for all; see BFS Public Health Policy. Sliding scale admission $5-20. Join us as we celebrate Bob McQuillen, a beloved dance musician, teacher, and tunesmith from the Monadnock Region of NH. Learn new tunes in a music workshop and join the All Comers Band session hosted by former ACB leader, Molly Gawler, BFS Board Member, Ethan Tischler, and Elsie Gawler. Delight in watching “Paid to Eat Ice Cream: Bob McQuillen and New England Contra Dancing“, a 70 minute video by David Millstone, about the NEA National Heritage Fellow and Maine Fiddle Camp staffer who carried a piano in his truck!
February 15 ~ Tues: BFS joins Waterfall Arts for a Fireside Chat, with Jennifer Armstrong and Chrissy Fowler. At 256 High St in Belfast, 5:00-6:30 pm. Free! Dress warm and share your stories about community music & dance, and maybe even shoes that fly. BFS is the nonprofit partner for this “enthusiastic experiment meant to ignite conversations, boost empathy, and offer a platform for shared stories to help all of us set new intentions for our collective future.” Learn what inspired this new event series, here, and get the details from Waterfall Arts.
March 4 ~ Fri: Flying Shoes on First Fridays ~ March Forth! Featuring Greg Boardman, Steve Muise and Elsie Gawler. This talented trio of Maine Fiddle Camp staffers will teach tunes in 2/2 and 4/4 time, present a concert, and facilitate an All Comers Band Jam Session. At the Fellowship Hall of the First Church in Belfast UCC, 8 Court St, Belfast (entrance is on Spring St.) 5:30 doors open, 6pm workshop followed by the concert and jam session. Masks required for all and the venue has a limit on attendance; see BFS Public Health Policy (here). Sliding scale admission $5-20.
April 1 ~ Fri: Flying Shoes on First Fridays – Musical Mischief with Larry Unger – at the Bazz (Basil Burwell Community Theater), 17 Court St in Belfast. 5:30 doors open, 6:00 pm musicians’ workshop, followed by a concert and jam session. Featuring Larry Unger, the consummate dance musician and prolific composer.(Lots more in this blog post!) Plus! Back in 2005, Larry kicked off our Flying Shoes! Masks required for all and the venue has a limit on attendance; see BFS Public Health Policy (here). Sliding scale admission $5-20.
April 9 ~ Sat: We’re tickled to share this local event from community performers: A New Vaudeville Revue ~ Belfast’s own fun-filled, down-home music and comedy variety show. Featuring contra dance musicians (Drive Train – Bennett Konesni & Ed Howe), a BFS teaching artist (Ando Anderson), and plenty of humor, music, and even some ragtime! At THMS in Belfast. Complete details here.
May 6 ~ Fri: “Dancing 2 by 2” was POSTPONED ~ Flying Shoes on First Fridays ~ Dancing 2 by 2 ~ Let your shoes fly through an evening of couple dances — waltz, schottische, hambo, polka, classic foxtrot & more — played by the All Comers Band led by Larry Unger & Rebecca Weiss. Tune info for participating musicians is on the All Comers Band page.
Mini-lessons on the different dance steps interspersed throughout the evening. As we glide across the wooden floor, all of us can practice courtesy and cooperation with our various dance partners, whether family, friends or neighbors. BFS will offer fun tips for dancing with consent and comfort for all!
At the Troy Howard Middle School gymnasium, 173 Lincolnville Ave (Rte. 52) in Belfast. Doors open 6:00 pm, All Comers Band warmup is at 6:30pm. The music and dancing is 7:00 – 9:00 pm, with couple dance mini-lessons interspersed. Masking indoors, in accordance with the BFS Public Health Policy (here). Sliding scale admission $5-20.
May 19 ~ Thurs: BFS and the Makers Guild of Maine present an evening of Celtic music featuring Seán Heely & Beth Patterson, with special guest Owen Kennedy, at Mermaid Plaza, 1 East Main St (Rte1/Rte3) in Searsport on Thursday, May 19. A 6:30 pm workshop for musicians kicks off the event, followed by a 7:45 pm concert. Sliding scale admission for the workshop is $5-20, concert admission is $10-25. BFS Public Health Policy, here. Details about the performers on the BFS blog.
June 3 ~ Fri: Flying Shoes on First Fridays – Dancing 2 by 2: Take Two — at our rain location THMS Gymnasium, 173 Lincolnville Ave (Rte 52) ~ Let your DRY! shoes fly through an evening of couple dances — waltz, schottische, polka, classic foxtrot — played by the All Comers Band, with special guest leaders, Doug Protsik & Willy Clemetson. Possible tunes are on the All Comers Band page.
Doug is the fearless leader of the beloved Maine Fiddle Camp (with in-person camps in June & August!) and is also a mainstay in Maine’s dance & music community (Old Grey Goose, Maine Country Dance Orchestra, Skeeter & The Maestro, plus he accompanies silent movies!) Willy grew up dancing on first Fridays and playing fiddle near and far, including with the dance band, Spintuition, and the sibling duo, The Clemetsons. Willy also volunteered on the BFS Board of Directors!
Mini-lessons offered for each of the different dance steps. As we dance side by side, all of us can practice courtesy and cooperation with our various dance partners, whether family, friends or neighbors. BFS will offer fun tips for dancing with consent and comfort for all!
At the rain location THMS gym (173 Lincolnville Ave). The “doors open” 6:00 pm, All Comers Band warmup is at 6:30pm. Dancing is 7:00 – 9:00 pm, with mini-lessons interspersed. See the updated BFS Public Health Policy (here). Suggested sliding scale donation $5-20.
June 5 ~ Sun: King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin ~ Local author, illustrator, and musician, Stephen Costanza hosts a multimedia book celebration featuring projections of book art, narration, and live music with Rita Brown, Maria Keeler, Edith Gawler & Zeb Campbell. Before the show, pianist Alden Mills will play popular hits from the 1890s – 1920s. Presented by BFS with support and funding from the Belfast Free Library, The Colonial Theater, Left Bank Books, First National Bank & First National Wealth Management, No Axe to Grind, and BFS contributors. Family-friendly show at 3:00 pm in Dreamland at the Colonial, 163 High St. $5 kids, $15 adults. Advance ticket sales at https://tinyurl.com/KingOfRagtime Book signing in the lobby after the show!
More info in our recent blog post, including cool videos!
June 6 ~ Mon: With BFS support, the Searsmont Town Library launched the Tri-Town Music Program in April 2022, for students in Belmont, Searsmont & Morrill. To celebrate the conclusion of the TTMP’s first semester, a short public Concert features Jennifer Armstrong’s ukulele class and Jeff Densmore’s percussion class. At the Searsmont Town Library, 37 Main Street South in Searsmont, at 4:00 pm.
June 30 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ BFS is a sponsor ~ Smoke & Mojo; Muskeg
July 1 ~ Fri: Flying Shoes on First Fridays ~ ABCD: A BFS Community Dance! Come dance in the park at Steamboat Landing (rain location in the Boathouse), with longways sets, squares, couple dances and other formations. Calling by Chrissy Fowler with music by the All Comers Band and special guest leaders Ti’ Acadie (Pam Weeks, Jim Joseph & Bill Olson). “Doors open” at 6:00 pm, All Comers Band warmup at 6:30pm, Dancing 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Masks heartily requested when dancing – see full BFS Public Health Policy (here). Suggested sliding scale admission $5-20. This dance is made possible thanks to Belfast Parks & Recreation Department and our First Friday Sponsors!
July 5 ~ Tues: Flying Shoes partners, WBFY and Searsport Shores, present indie/folk/pop/singer-songwriter, Cassie Nobel – kicking off her summer US concert tour at Searsport Shores Campground (216 West Main Street in Searsport) at 7 PM on the main stage. Donations requested $5-$12. Bring a chair/blanket or sit on one of the campground benches for the show. Info: 207-930-5920
July 7 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ Oshima Brothers
July 14 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ Elsie & Ethan; The Gawler Sisters
July 21 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ Searsmont Street Band
July 23 ~ Sat: With BFS support, the Makers Guild of Maine presents an Armenian Picnic at Searsport Shores Campground in Searsport. Food, music, dancing, and culture of one of Maine’s immigrant communities. 11am – 4pm, tickets go on sale June 1st. More details here.
July 28 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ Thunderheart Lion; Shirt Tail Kin
July 29 ~ Fri: In partnership with Atlantic Challenge USA, BFS presents The Gawler Family Band in a Fundraising Concert, 7:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, 95 High St in Belfast. Sliding Scale admission is $10 – $38*. Come one come all for sea shanties, work songs, fiddle tunes, and the lush harmonies and beaming faces of these beloved Maine musicians. Read more about the Gawlers in this 2017 article in the BDN: “Gawler Family Helps Maine Music Traditions to Thrive“. Atlantic Challenge USA provides a connection to maritime heritage for all ages through rowing and sailing Bantry Bay gigs. The Gawlers have a long association with both Flying Shoes and Atlantic Challenge USA, and this concert will be a corker! *Fun fact: Bantry Bay gigs have 10 oars and are 38′ long!
August 4 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ Noah Fishman & friends; Louisa Stancioff & the Kelly Boys
August 5 ~ Fri: ~ Flying Shoes on First Fridays ~ ABCD: Another BFS Community Dance! Come dance in the park on the Armistice Footbridge (alternate rain location at First Church in Belfast UCC Fellowship Hall, corner of Court & Spring. ), with longways sets, squares, couple dances and other formations. Calling by Chrissy Fowler with music by Julia McDonald-Plumb, Benjamin Foss, and the All Comers Band. Tunes on the All Comers Band page. Musicians‘ warmup at 5:30pm, Dancing 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Consider wearing a mask when dancing, per BFS Public Health Policy (here). Suggested sliding scale admission $5-20 keeps our shoes flying (and solvent). This dance is made possible thanks to Belfast Parks & Recreation Department and our First Friday Sponsors!
August 11 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ Monday Nite Jazz Orchestra
AUGUST 13 ~ Sat: BFS and Belfast Summer Nights, with support from Viking Lumber and Worth Real Estate, jointly present a Scandinavian Dance Party with renowned Finnish band, Frigg, at the Belfast Boathouse on Steamboat Landing.
- 7:00 pm ~ Learn some easy Scandi dances like slangpolska at the workshop led by Andrea Larson (workshop accompaniment by a local spelmanslag with Bennett Konesni)
- Following the workshop, the virtuoso musicians in Frigg play Scandi dance tunes (let your shoes fly any way you want!)
- BFS Public Health Policy (here)
- $5 – 20 suggested sliding scale admission
- 5:30 pm ~ Come early for Frigg’s concert at Steamboat Landing, presented by Bagaduce Music. (Bagaduce is presenting other Frigg shows on the Blue Hill Peninsula; check their promo!) The Aug 13 BFS/Summer Nights program starts immediately after the concert, with the workshop by Andrea & our local spelmanslag, and Frigg will play for the Scandi Dance Party that follows.
August 18 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ The Right Track
August 25 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ Tuba Skinny
August 30 ~ **TUESDAY** at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ Searsmont Street Band (rescheduled from their rained-out show)
Sept 1 ~ Thurs at 5:30 pm: BFS sponsors Belfast Summer Nights at Steamboat Landing ~ Drive Train; The Hot Suppers
SEPT. 2 ~ Fri: Flying Shoes on First Fridays ~ ABCD: Another BFS Community Dance! (rain or shine) in the outdoor pavilion at the Waldo County YMCA. Calling by Chrissy Fowler with music by Benjamin Foss, Toki Oshima, and the All Comers Band.
- 5:30 pm ~ Musicians Warmup ~ Tunes on the All Comers Band page
- 6 – 8 pm ~ Community Dance ~ Longways sets, squares, contras, odd formations & couple dances like foxtrot, schottische, polka & waltz
- $5 – $20 ~ Suggested Sliding Scale Admission, to keep our shoes flying & solvent
- This dance is made possible thanks to Waldo County YMCA and our First Friday Sponsors!
SEPT. 16-18 ~ Fri-Sun: With BFS support, the Makers Guild of Maine presents the Strung Together Old Time Music Campout + a residency w/ the Gee’s Bend Quilters. Music, dancing, and quilting! Oh my!
OCT. 7 (Fri): Flying Shoes on First Fridays ~ Community Dance & Contra Dance! (rain or shine) in the outdoor pavilion at the Waldo County YMCA (157 Lincolnville Ave, Belfast, ME 04915).
- 5:30 ~ Musicians Warmup ~ Tunes on the All Comers Band page
- 6:00 ~ Community Dance ~ Chrissy Fowler calling, music by the All Comers Band with Willy Clemetson & Bennett Konesni
- 7-9 pm ~ Contra Dance ~ Hannah Chamberlain calling, music by Willy Clemetson & Bennett Konesni
- $5 – $20 ~ Sliding Scale Admission
- This dance is made possible thanks to Waldo County YMCA and our First Friday Sponsors!
NOV. 4 (Fri): Flying Shoes on First Fridays ~ Community Dance & Contra Dance! A celebratory return to the pre-pandemic schedule, at the Fellowship Hall of the First Church in Belfast UCC (8 Court St in Belfast). Check out our Community Care Policy and First Friday FAQ, and scroll down to see our First Friday Sponsors!
- 6:00 ~ Musicians Warmup ~ Tunes on the All Comers Band page
- 6:30 ~ Community Dance ~ Chrissy Fowler and the All Comers Band ~ $1 kids, $2 adults
- 8:00 ~ Contra Dance ~ Mary Wesley calling, music by Emily Troll, Owen Marshall, and Noah Fishman ~ $15 suggested (everyone is welcome; pay what you can)
NOV. 19 (Sat): OH! Flying Shoes in Rockport! ~ Community Dance & Contra Dance at the Rockport Opera House (OH!) ~ Giving thanks with a special dance program, jointly presented with the Rockport Opera House and the Town of Rockport. Check out our Community Care Policy. See you at the Opera House, 6 Central St, Rockport ME.
- 6:00 ~ Musicians Warmup ~ Tunes on the All Comers Band page
- 6:30 ~ Community Dance ~ Chrissy Fowler and the All Comers Band ~ $1 kids, $2 adults
- 8:00 ~ Contra Dance ~ George Marshall & Wild Asparagus, the influential and inspiring contra dance band from Greenfield MA.~ $15 suggested (everyone is welcome; pay what you can)
DEC. 2 (Fri): Flying Shoes on First Fridays ~ Our Annual BFS Birthday Party! An extra-festive evening to celebrate the 17th anniversary of Flying Shoes, at the Fellowship Hall of the First Church in Belfast UCC (8 Court St in Belfast). Check out our Community Care Policy and First Friday FAQ, and scroll down to see our First Friday Sponsors!
- 6:00 ~ Musicians Warmup ~ Tunes on the All Comers Band page
- 6:30 ~ Community Dance ~ Lisa Newcomb, Chrissy Fowler & the All Comers Band ~ $1 kids, $2 adults
- 8:00 ~ Contra Dance ~ Will Mentor calling, music by Julie Metcalf, Sam Bartlett, Max Newman, and Stuart Kenney ~ $15 suggested (everyone is welcome; pay what you can)
