As thunderstorms sweep through Belfast, here are some Rays of Sunshine that are brightening our day:
BFS Radio Hour with Raelin (and Ralph!)
If you missed the May 7 Radio Hour on WBFY, tune your radio to 100.9 FM Tues 5/11 at 9pm or listen on demand – here. Radio Hour host, Raelin Callahan, played a range of tunes that were referenced in the Northern Junket, a mimeographed magazine produced for 35 years by influential dance leader, Ralph Page. Raelin also shared excerpts from the magazine, such as advice for callers, suggested dance/tune pairings, and more. The Ralph Page collection is part of the NH Library of Traditional Music & Dance at the University of New Hampshire. The complete set of Northern Junket is also available in easy-to-access form on the Internet Archive.
The May Social Break was a hoot!
We loved our last Social Break! As Elsie Gawler (of Elsie & Ethan) said, “That social break was food for the soul! I haven’t laughed that much in a while.” Dancer and caller, Shari Shakti, echoed the sentiment. “Laughter is so important for us all and I’m grateful for your offering!” What was so delightful? Was it waltzing with houseplants to a schmaltzy tune learned at Maine Fiddle Camp? Was it “Dottie’s Elbows“, the dance composed in honor of BFS volunteer and All Comers Band member, Dottie Odell? Was it singing about jolly rumble-oh and May-o? Or was it simply the joy of connecting with each other? Probably all of it. While we’re pausing the online social breaks to focus on in-person events, we cheer for all of the 1st Fri participants Feb-May. Hurrah!
BFS got a Maine Community Foundation Grant!
Belfast Flying Shoes just received a $5000 “Community Building Grant” from the Waldo County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. We’re thrilled! These funds will help support our 2021 concert series for older adults, in collaboration with Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County, Belfast Community Media-BCTV2, Belfast Community Radio-WBFY, and others. This expanded program builds on our past partnership with Hospice. (More about 2020, here.) We’re especially excited that these concerts will be available to a wider audience via BCTV2 and WBFY. Stay tuned!