BFS outreach programming presents 2 special English Country Dance (ECD) events with Peregrine Road (Rachel Bell & Karen Axelrod), on Sunday, October 6 at the First Baptist Church, 95 High St.

ECD Musicians’ Workshop – 3:00 pm ~ Learn some of the skills and strategies for playing for English country dances, including a few specific tunes… and play those same tunes with Peregrine Road at the evening dance. This workshop is offered free for regular All Comers Band musicians, as part of BFS outreach programming; other participants welcome too! ($5- 15 sliding scale donation) Although reading music is generally an important aspect of playing ECD music, Rachel & Karen will teach repertoire that is accessible to musicians who play by ear. (And is also fun for fluent sight-readers.) Come one, come all!

English Country Dance, with caller Dereck Kalish – 7:00 pm ~ $8 – $20 sliding scale admission. Experience the gorgeous variety of English dance repertoire: Energetic and regal, frisky and deliberate, simple figures and slightly challenging sequences. Vive la différence! Dereck Kalish, who calls both contras and English country dances, will facilitate our joy in the ECD tradition. And let’s not forget the sublime music, played expertly by Rachel & Karen, with workshop participants rounding out the ensemble for a couple of dances. Sweets and tea/coffee at the break!
More about food… We’ll provide the sweets for the break, but if you want to bake a batch of cookies or bars, we’ll welcome your contributions.
Also, we encourage workshop participants and dancers to dine in Belfast. Within walking distance are Chase’s Daily, Bay Wrap, Delvino’s, Rollie’s Bar & Grill, Laan-Xang Café, Dockside, and Nautilus (all on Main St.); and Belfast Co-op Café & Deli, Darby’s, Alexia’s Pizza, and Neighborhood (all on High St) and Front Street Pub.