Category: Dances

Join us for an evening of contra dancing at American Legion Post #43, 143 Church Street in Belfast. The evening 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 Mary Wesley. A Vermont native and the granddaughter of two square dance callers, Mary got swept up in the magic of contra dancing at her first dance, in 2005, and was soon following in the family tradition. She travels widely, calling dances on both coasts and up in Canada. Back at home, she keeps busy organizing the fourth-Friday dance series in Burlington and working in a number of dance advocacy groups. Her calling is energetic, fresh, and fun. Sharing the Flying Shoes stage with Mary will be:

Pete’s Posse

Renowned singer, composer, dance musician, and co-founder of  of the legendary Clayfoot Strutters, Pete Sutherland has rounded up his talented multi-instrumentalist protégé, Oliver Scanlon, and the dynamic rhythm guitarist Tristan Henderson to form a contra power trio: Pete’s Posse. The band’s website describes their sound as “twin fiddles in tight, wild harmony over high-powered guitar and pounding footwork with mandolin, clawhammer banjo, jaw harp, and rocking keyboards adding their voices to the mix.” Whoa! Care to dance, pardner?

• Pete Sutherland—fiddle, piano, banjo
• Oliver Scanlon—fiddle, mandolin, dobro, foot percussion
• Tristan Henderson—guitar, mandolin, jaw harp, bodhran, foot percussion

Sound 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. Make sure to check the Lost and Found basket for anything you left behind at recent dances; remaining items will be sold to benefit Waterfall Arts at the November dance. For more information: call 338-0979, email us at [email protected], or visit www.belfastflyingshoes.org. Find us on Facebook too!

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

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:

Anadama

Boston-based contra dance band Anadama is Amelia Mason, Emily Troll, and Bethany Waickman, who root their sound in the traditions of New England, Ireland, and Quebec. As the trio say: “Infusing old and new tunes alike with a distinctly modern kick, it is dynamic, earthy music, played with vigor and honesty, and dance at its heart.”

Amelia Mason—fiddle
Emily Troll—accordion
Bethany Waickman—guitar

Sound by Glen Loper

Our June 3 caller, all the way from Asheville, N.C., is Diane Silver. An environmental educator by day, Diane calls dances with a verve and clarity that make her a favorite with veteran contra dancers and novices alike.

The Stringrays make a compelling case for the ageless vitality of traditional Franco-Celtic-American dance music. Rodney Miller’s 35-plus years of touring, teaching, and sublime musicianship put him in the first rank of New England fiddlers. Representing a younger generation of innovative traditionalists, guitarist Max Newman (also of the band Nor’easter) deals out both fascinating rhythm and superfluid lead lines. Special guest and Maine mando maestro Glen Loper adds his own trademark mix of driving energy and improvisatory genius. Want to dance? Yes!

• Rodney Miller—fiddle
• Max Newman—guitar
• Glen Loper—mandolin & tenor banjo

Sound provided by Edward Howe