UPCOMING Contras
Saturday, March 8, 2014 - Contra Dance
Caller: All dances taught and called by an experienced caller
Band: Andrew VanNorstrand, Eileen Nicholson and Rachel Bell
We dance every Thursday; bring your friends and have a great time at the Contra Dance!
Thursday, March 13, 2014 - Contra Dance
Caller: Michael Hamilton
Band: Sassafras Stomp
Sassafras Stomp is a sweet, high-energy, contradance band duo with one foot in western Montana and one foot in mid-coast, Maine. Drawing from New England, Quebec, Maritime and Old Time traditions, fiddler Johanna Davis and guitarist Adam Nordell weave harmony vocals and rhythmic accompaniment into their tunes.Michael Hamilton of Akron, OH is a charismatic and artful caller who chooses the right dances for the situation. His voice calls you to attention, his instructions compel smiles, and he leads you forward with purpose, direction, and joy. He believes dancers can execute any pattern, and with his guidance they will.
Thursday, March 20, 2014 - Contra Dance
Caller: Katy Heine
Band: Last Exit
Last Exit is Ross Harriss – Alto/Soprano Sax, Guitar; Doug Healy - Guitar, Bass, Djembe; Christopher Jacoby – Guitar, Mandolin, Accordion; Laurie Tupper – flute. They blend the banana of traditional with the strawberry of innovation into delicious smoothies of progressively groovy contra music. Ithaca-based caller Katy Heine has been leading contras and community dances in the Finger Lakes region and beyond for more than 20 years. She’s known for her clear teaching style and for her large repertoire of fun and flowing dances. Whether the hall’s full of experienced dancers or first-timers, they’re sure to have a great time at one of Katy’s dances!
Thursday, March 27, 2014 - Contra Dance
Caller: Maxine McDonald
Band: Food for Thought
Food For Thought is a new band with young power-house musicians Casey Murray on cello and Daphne Kanack-Pickens on fiddle. Maxine is gaining a reputation for well-chosen dances and her succinct and perfectly timed calls.
Thursday, April 3, 2014 - Contra Dance
Caller: Margaret Mathews
Band: Esteemed Clams
The band and caller are perfectly matched tonight. Margaret has a warm, friendly demeanor with a special love and appreciation for old-time music. The Esteemed Clams achieve that wonderful old-time groove with Kathy Vandemortel on fiddle, Stephen Bland on banjo and Fred Filbrich on bass
Thursday, April 10, 2014 - Contra Dance
Caller: Sharon Perry
Band: Mo’ Contra
We’re lucky to have Sharon Perry in our community. A caller with a large variety of dances in her pocket, Sharon has been traveling far and wide to call dances throughout the region and beyond. She’s paired tonight with an energetic band led by guitarist, Chuck Abell with Mike Hoeschle, Eric Metzger and Emiliano Lasansky.
Thursday, April 17, 2014 - Contra Dance
Caller: Eric Rounds
Band: Jim Kimball leads the Geneseo String Band
Jim Kimball is a long-time fiddler whose love for traditional music, especially music that has its roots in New York, has made him the “leader of the band” for many years. The Geneseo String Band is a collection of able, enthusiastic musicians who play upbeat music which connects us to the tradition of a community dance. Eric Rounds is a great caller with a fantastic repertoire of dances.
Thursday, April 24, 2014 - Contra Dance
Caller: Sharon Perry
Band: Doolin O’Dey
Woo hoo! Doolin O’Dey plays an exciting mix of traditional and original Gaelic inspired music on violin, guitar, celtic whistles, octave mandolin, uilleann pipes, and/or keyboard. Jerry Drumheller with Nora Starr and Susan Murphy from Ithaca. Sharon Perry is a local favorite!
UPCOMING English DANCES
Sunday, March 9, 2014 - English Dance
Caller: David Smukler
Band: Happy Endings
Eileen Nicholson, Rachel Bell and Jane Knoeck get such a kick out of playing with each other, and produce glorious music. Your caller’s excellent teaching skills will get you dancing quickly.
Sunday, March 16, 2014 - English Dance
Caller: Dan Seppeler
Band: Barb Seppeler, Laurie Williams & Molly Jaynes
A fun caller with an appetite for new dances, and excellent music from Barb & friends on piano, flute and violin.
Sunday, March 23, 2014 - English Dance
Caller: Pat Petersen
Band: Eileen Nicholson & Jane Knoeck
A special guest tonight: visiting caller (and CDSS board member) Pat Petersen from Durham, NC, with a very talented & experienced pair of musicians on violin and piano.
Sunday, April 6, 2014 - English Dance
Caller: tba
Band: Crooked Sixpence
Sunday, April 13, 2014 - English Dance
Caller: Richard Sauvain
Band: Rochester English Country Dance Ensemble
A new band with Dick Bolt and Lisa Hoffman on violins, Susie Kieren on the oboe, Kathy Lewis (cello), and Chris DeGolyer (keyboards). Can’t wait to hear their sound!
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