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 Belfast’s own Chrissy Fowler. A founder and leading light of the Belfast Flying Shoes dance series, Chrissy called her first dance in 1999. Since then, she has cheerfully guided people through the steps of contra dances at festivals, schools, dance series, and special events throughout New England. She is especially gifted at introducing the joys of traditional dance to the uninitiated in educational, community and professional settings. Chrissy is committed to building community and sees traditional dancing as a vital means to connect people of all ages and levels of experience.
Sharing the Flying Shoes stage with Chrissy will be:
Electric EEL
Electric EEL combines the talents of three of the most highly sought-after musicians on the New England contra dance circuit. Fiddler Eric Boodman has lent his subtle and energetic melodies and driving foot percussion to numerous ensembles around New England. Check out his amazing work here, with the band Calico. Emily Troll’s accordion is a mainstay of another of our favorite bands, Anadama, and reason enough to get up off the couch and lace up your dancing shoes. And Larry Unger? How much time do you have? A working musician since 1984, Larry has composed over 5,000 tunes–including many that have become standards of the contra dance repertoire–played countless dances and concerts, and spread enough musical pleasure to qualify as a genuiune national treasure.
- Eric Boodman—fiddle & foot percussion
- Emily Troll—accordion
- Larry Unger—guitar, banjo & jaw harp
Sound provided by Eric Weest Johnson
Admission to the Community Dance is $2 for adults and $1 for children. Admission to the Contradance 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: call 338-0979, email us at [email protected] or find us on Facebook.