Music, Folk & Contra Dancing In and Around Rhode Island

Prepared from information provided for the last 15+ years by Judith Schrier, Editor.   Phone:  401.751.4554  JudithPrimate at gmail dot com

~~~~~~~~~~  Rhode Island State Seal Rhode Island  ~~~~~~~~~~

3rd Wednesday of every month:  Contra Dance, Sandywoods Center for the Arts, 43 Muse Way, Tiverton, RI 02878.  7 - 10 pm.  $6 admission, $3 (kids), $14 for families with children under 16.  Air conditioning.  For more information, call:  401.241.7349 Directions at:  SandyWoodsFarm.org/directions.html
* Jun 19; Jul 17; Aug 21; Sep 18; Oct 16; Nov 20; Dec 18.

Thurs, 8-10 pm, Greek dancing,  class at Brown's Graduate Lounge, 95 Thayer St., between Charlesfield and Power Streets, Providence, RI. 7-9 pm.  For details, , updates, & possible cancellations, contact Stavroula_Chrysanthopoulou at brown dot edu  See also https://sites.google.com/site/brownuniversityhsa/greekdances

1st & 3rd Fridays:  College Hill Contra Dance at the Community Church, corner of Lloyd Ave and 372 Wayland Ave,  Providence, RI. [directions]   Admission $8, $6 for students, 8-11 pm.  Bring a treat for the break, please.  Contact Andrew_Grover at hotmail dot com or  Facebook,  Dance Schedule.  The dance is a community group affiliated with CDSS.
*  Jun 7, 21:

2nd & 4th Fridays, Rehoboth Contra Dance, Rehoboth Blanding Library, Goff Memorial Hall, 124 Bay State Rd, Rehoboth, MA. Schedule  8 - 11 pm.  Admission is $8, $5 for children under 16, and $18 for families with children under 16. This dance is smoke- and fragrance-free; all dances taught.   Desserts for the break are always appreciated!
White)
* May 24: Linda Leslie w/ Amy Larkin, Jonathan Larkin & Max Newman
* May 31: Chris Weiler w/ Julie Metcalf & Larry Unger
* Jun 14:  George Marshall w/ Rodney Miller & Ann Percival
* Jun 28:  Lisa Greenleaf w/ Dave Langford & Peter Barnes
* Jul  12:  Lucia Watson w/ Glen Loper & The Bold Angels. Hot dance for a cool night
* Jul  26:  Lisa Greenleaf w/recorded music. The "No Snow Dance" benefit for snowplowing expenses. Special admission $10
* Aug  9:  Chirs Weiler w/ Glen Loper & The Bold Angels. Our only August dance w/ but it's a good one!

2nd & 4th Saturdays the Kingston English Country Dance, South Kingstown Land Trust, 17 Matunuck Beach Road, right off of US Route 1, South Kingstown, RI [directions].  Potluck dinner (sometimes starting at 5:30).  Dancing runs from 7:30 to 10:30 PM (unless otherwise noted), with a break for refreshments.  Admission is $8 for members of the South Kingstown Land Trust or CDS-Boston Centre, $10 for non-members.    For more information:   Contact jbuscaglia at cox dot net to get on their mailing list, or 401.539.3009.
* May
* Jun   8:  Our biannual “Community Callers’ Dance” and ice cream social! Music: Jean Munro and Bill Ouimette.
* Jul  13:  Special Benefit Dance!  Val Medve & Dan Seppeler, dance leaders, with Guest Musician Barb Seppeler.  Our July 13 dance will be a benefit to support our dance series, which has been running in the red. Admission will be $15. There will be a marvelous silent auction of handcrafted works, services and items offered by fellow dancers. If you are interested in donating an item or service, talk to one of the Dance Committee Members (John, Susan, Carol, Walter, Dragan, Vasya, Joanne, Lucia).

Out and About Town

Mondays, Irish Set Dancing taught by Barry and Pat Callahan with guest teacher Annie Hennessey. Knights of Columbus Hall, 1047 Park Ave, 2nd floor, Cranston, RI. 7:15PM - 9:15PM, Admission $6.00. No experience or partner necessary - all are welcome! For more information, see Rhode Irish Connection (Facebook)  or contact Garry Callahan at SetDance dot Man at verizon dot net or 508-339-6231.

Tuesdays, Salsa classes at the Community Church, 372 Wayland Ave (corner of Wayland & Lloyd), Providence, RI.  Beginning class 7-8 pm, Intermediate class 8 - 9 pm. Instruction $10/hr. Dance starts at 9pm.  To register, email sarah_sloane at cox dot net or call 401.921.1898.

Thurs:  Swinging Oldies’ Dance, with the Dick Willner Band at Le Foyer Club, 151 Fountain St, Pawtucket, RI.  8-11 pm, $5 cover. Directions.

1st & 3rd Thursdays, Big Band Swing, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Venice Restaurant, 165 Shore Road, Westerly, RI. No cover.  Eighteen piece Coastline Swing Band.   401.348.0055

1st Fridays, 8-11 pm, The Ceilidhe Club of Rhode Island, 50 America St, Cranston, RI hosts a dance.  Music by Devine's Diner & Friends; sets & Ceili dances called by Barry & Pat Callahan.  Admission: $10; cash bar.   www.irishclubri.orgg

Fridays, Swing classes [This web site has not been updated since 24 Nov 2009.] at the Community Church, 372 Wayland Ave (corner of Wayland & Lloyd), Providence, RI.  Beginning class 7-8 pm, Intermediate class 8 - 9 pm. Instruction $10/hr. Dance starts at 9pm.  To register, email sarah_sloane at cox dot net or call 401.921.1898.

1st Saturday:   Magnolia Cajun Band with Beginners’ Zydeco dance lessons at 7:30, at The German Club, 78 Carter Ave,  Pawtucket, RI.  Directions: 95N or 95 S Newport Ave / Pawtucket Exit 2A (RI / MA line), fourth red light take a right onto Carter Ave, German Club 3 blocks on the right.  Dance starts 8-11 pm. $22.  Cash bar.  Contact 401.383.1333.  Sal's Productions

The Last Saturday of each month the Swingin' 88s has a dance at the Brightridge Club, 59 Brightridge Ave, East Providence, RI. Lesson:  Learn to swing 7:15 pm to 7:45 pm with Andy or a guest teacher. Admission: $8.00 / $6.00 for students with student id / + Special Discounts* at the door Some dances are $12. Admission Price - $12 general/$10 with valid student id.

 Dancing in Rhode Island  [havetodance.com]. A local calendar of dance venues and commercial dance instruction studios.  There are links to the other New England states.

Matt McConeghy established Old Time Music in Rhode Island, more than 10 years ago.  It covered Roots Music in RI, E Connecticut, and SE Mass, including Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Celtic and Old Time Music, and Links to tunes, tabs, jams, venues, and artists. The material there is still available on the FACEBOOK group "Old Time Music in New England", where anyone can post, add notices or photos, start discussions, etc. The link is https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/OldTimeMusicInNewEngland/  You are welcome to join.

~~~~~   Rhode Island Jam Sessions  Guitar Man~~~~~ 

Sat, June 1: MusicTown JAMATHON at the JamStage, 25 Esten Ave, Pawtucket, RI. The overall goals of MusicTown and the JAMATHON are to provide a platform for local musicians to unite and collaborate in new bands, friendships, events, & musical alliances. Write to Nathan at contact at mymusictown dot com for the details.

Most 1st Saturdays, Rhode Island Recorder Society meets 1:30-4:00 PM, Sept - June, Greenville Public Library,  573 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI.  To get on their mailing list, and for directions to the new location,  write to DMBojar at verizon dot net  Phone # for possible weather closings: 401-949-3630  

2nd Saturdays, 2-5 pm,  Jam at Wilson's of Wickford, 35 Brown St (Corner of Main St), Wickford, RI.

2nd Saturdays, 3-5 pm; Hope Tunnel Jam, folk, traditional,  and rock music, at the Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope St, Providence. Contact: Tom O'Donnell, todonnell at provcomlib dot org

Every Sunday Night, the Jammers dance-music jam sessions continue every Sunday from 7-9 p.m. at Goff Hall, 124 Bay State Rd, Rehoboth, MA.  The Sunday Night Jammers play dance music from sheet music.  If you play an instrument, or just want to listen, you are welcome to attend!  All ages and levels of ability are welcome, but please no perfumes, colognes, hair sprays, etc.  For information or to check about cancellations, call Bob Elliott at 508.669.5656. 

One Sunday a month, the Jammers  at Goff Hall, 124 Bay State Rd, Rehoboth, MA commonly sponsor a Community Dance preceded by a potluck meal at 6 p.m. [Contribute food if you wish to eat. :-) ]   Free dancing, with teaching as needed,  7-9 pm.  All dances taught, no partners necessary – All ages and levels of ability welcome.  Please no perfumes, colognes, hair sprays, etc.  This event will be an opportunity for men to dance every dance since women very often outnumber the fellas! If you would like to call or teach a dance, contact zenyente at gmail dot com by Saturday.  For information, call Bob Elliott at 508.669.5656. PDF Flyer  508-669-5656  www.contradancelinks.com/jammers.html 
*  Jun 9, Jul 4

 Sun, 7-11 pm, Blues Jam at Roots, 276 Westminster St, Providence, RI. Free for participating musicians. $5 for listeners. 401-272-7422

Mondays, East Bay Old Time Jam session at the Portsmouth Free Library, 2568 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.  6 - 8 pm.  The organizers are hoping to develop a regularly scheduled event for the future.

2nd & 4th Monday evenings there are Old Time Music Jam Sessions at South County Museum,  Strathmore St, Narragansett, RI.  A very nice venue for the jam!!  7 - 9 pm.  Practice Old Time and New England tunes.  All jam sessions are free and open to the public.  For directions go to  www.southcountymuseum.org, visitor info, area map and directions.  Everyone is welcome to bring an acoustic instrument to the band practices. Bring your instrument and practice Old Time and New England tunes.  Please, spread the word and keep coming to the jam!  Lots of fun for all, new songs to learn, and new people to meet.  Contact  LlupoAdams at cox dot net for details.

Tues, 8-10 pm, Irish Session, led by Bob Drouin, at Patrick's Pub, 381 Smith St, Providence, RI. Info: 401-232-5426.

Tues, 8-11 pm, Acoustic Open Mic at On the Dock Grill, 50 Waterfront Dr, Warwick, RI, hosted by singer/songwriter Joanne Lurgio, with weekly feature artists - no cover: pass the hat for the featured artist.

Tues, 8-11 pm, Strictly Jazz Jam with the Mango Trio, at Roots, 276 Westminster St, Providence, RI.  Free for participating musicians. $4 for listeners. 401-272-7422

2nd & 4th Tues, the Folk Musicians of Brown have music jam sessions,   9 pm, 205 or 005  Sayles Hall (check w/ Loren_Fulton at brown dot edu), Brown University. Providence, RI.  You can see their Facebook page for more information, and/or www.BrownFolkFest.org

Tues, 8-11pm, Acoustic Open Mic at On the Dock Grill, 50 Waterfront Dr, Warwick, RI, hosted by singer/songwriter Joanne Lurgio, with weekly feature artists - no cover:  pass the hat for the feature artist.

Tues, 9 pm-midnight, Jazz Jams at Rosinha Restaurant in Hope Artiste Village (the Blackstone), 1005 Main St, Pawtucket, RI.  No cover charge.

Weds, 7-8:30 pm:  Old-time music jam at the Foster Public Library, 184 Howard Hill Rd, Foster Center, RI. Contact Paula Wheeler, plakeberg at yahoo dot com to let them know you’re coming, please.

3rd Thursdays, The Mill, 711 Putnam Pike, (Route 44 west from Providence), Greenville, RI.  The KC Moaners Jug Band is the opening act (7:30-8:30) for The Mill Monthly Jug Band Open Mike/Jam Sessions (8:30-10:30).  They welcome all acoustic instruments (elec. bass OK) and styles of music.  Come and play, or come to listen, or just stop by to say hello.  $5 donation expected.  Info:  james_chapin at brown dot edu

~~~~~     RI Feasts, Food, Instruction, Music,  & Singing  musical note     ~~~~~

Sun, June 2, 3 pm: Red Bandana Concert in Memory of Richard Walton at Shea High School, 485 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI. www.soup.org/page1/RedBandana.html Tickets $25 to build the Red Bandana Fund.  Performers:  Charles and Consuelo Sherba, Sally Rogers, Howie Bursen, Aubrey Atwater, Elwood Donnelly, Cathy Clasper-Torch, Kim Trusty, Kate Katzberg, Chris and Meredith Thompson, Marty Ballou, and Bill Harley

Through May 28:  "Prescription in a Paint Tube: Art- making for Mental Wellness", at the JCC Gallery, 401 Elmgrove Ave, Providence, RI. Free. For more info, contact emoseley@shalomri.org or 401.421-4111, x108  

The Alliance Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave, Providence, RI, has a Program of Classes, Performances, etc.  Click www.shalomri.org or phone 401-421-4111.

International House of RI, 8 Stimson Ave,  Providence, RI.  401-421-7181 or mvk at necoxmail dot com
IH programs include:
* Social Coffee Hours, Wed, 10:00- 11:00 am
* Potluck lunches, Thurs, 12:30-1:30 pm
* Knitting group, Fri, 9:30-11 am
* Tai Chi class, Fri, 11 am - noon.
* Pranayama Yoga class, Fri, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.
* There are also foreign language classes (French, Italian, Spanish) and clubs (French & German), as well as English-as-a-second language classes and tutoring.
* Join IH:  students: $10;  individuals: $30;  family: $45 (all tax-deductible).  For additional information:   members.cox.net/internationalhouse/

Classes and Workshops at the Irish Céilí (Ceilidhe) Club of RI, 50 America St, Cranston, RI.   For complete information on all activities at the Club see http://www.IrishClubRI.org/Events.html  For instructional classes about Irish:  language (beginner & advanced), knitting, fiddle, tin whistle and dancing, see http://www.IrishClubRI.org/classes.html

Tuesdays, 7-8 pm East Coast Swing Lesson with Sara Barker; 8-9 pm social dancing (ballroom and swing); Aquidneck Restaurant & Pizzeria, 27 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown RI.  $15.00 for lesson and dance or $5.00 for the dance only.  Contact Sara 401.849.5678 or the restaurant 401.849.3356  www.EastBayBallroom.com, www.aqpizza.com

Wednesdays, join the French choir at L'Alliance Francaise, 928 Smith St. in Providence, RI, 7:15 pm.  Call Celia (before 9 pm) 401.454.4079 for info or just show up.

Weds:  7:30-9:30 pm; Lessons in French Canadian & French Country Dancing: "Countre danse, Danse roustique, Danse folkloriques". Le Foyer Club, 151 Fountain St, Pawtucket, RI. $5. Instructions by Priscilla Borden.  No experience needed, No special attire required, but wear soft sole (leather preferred), or low-heel shoes.   NOTICE: This group is taking a break while they try to get more dancers to participate in this low pressure, high fun activity.  Please contact  lefoyer at verizon dot net if you would like to help get this dance evening going again.

3rd Thurs, Gallery Night Providence, RI. 17th season,  5:00 - 9:00 pm, free parking downtown, free busses will shuttle you to different venues.  See www.gallerynight.info/whatsnew.html for information about the artists, musicians, tours, food, and for any changes, or call 401-490-2042. Gallery Night Providence is a free, fun-filled introduction to Providence's exciting art scene! On the third Thursday of the month, from March through November, dozens of the city's hot "art spots" open their doors inviting you to a visual arts party.
* June 20 * July 18 * Aug 15 * Sept 19 * Oct 17 * Nov 21

* Summer sings, Weds, 8 - 10 pm, Sacred Harp singings at the Watermyn coop,  166 Waterman Street, Providence, RI.  Bring your own book because we won't have a loaner collection until people bring books and forget them. There will be a family style dinner at 7 pm that you're more than welcome to attend. A vegetarian option will be provided. For more information, contact Eric at 585.329.5012 (feel free to call me for directions, or if you want to join in the singing remotely) [Thursdays,  Brown University's Sacred Harp/shape-note singing group welcomes new singers to this low-pressure, high-energy participatory musical tradition with deep roots in colonial New England and the American South.  Every Thursday, starting 8 Sep, 5 - 7 pm, in the Steinert choral room (at Hope & Power Sts), Providence, RI. Register in MUSC 0660 for credit, or drop in and sing any week.  No audition, formal music background, or concert performances required.  Contact Kiri_Miller at brown dot edu with questions.  To post to this group, send email to

Thurs:  Free bluegrass concerts at Lola's Tequila Bar & Cantina, 525 South Water St, Providence, RI.  [On the water between Whiskey Republic and the Hot Club]

Some Fridays of each month the Brown Bookstore, corner of Angell & Thayer Streets, Providence, RI, supports a series of folk music evenings, 7-9 pm, Folk Music at College Hill Cafe.  Inquire at the bookstore for the schedule.

Fridays,  Peeptoad Coffee House, at the North Scituate Baptist Church, 619 W. Greenville Rd., North Scituate, RI;peeptoadcoffeehouse at notaol dot com or 401.392.1322.  Tickets, $20, maybe cheaper purchased through their web site. Click Peeptoad above.  Children always half-price.

Every Sat, 4-7 pm, at the bar at AS220, 115 Empire Street, Providence: : free Irish traditional music, hosted by Jimmy and Hannah Devine with Mark Roberts, Andrea Cooper, Teddi Scobi, and Friends! A full menu of food and beverage is available. Consult full schedule and check Saturday entertainers, or contact Sorrel Devine SorrelD at pha-providence dot com

Mostly Sats, and a few Thurs, Common Fence Music.  See the Schedule for dates, time & cost at two different venues.

Some Saturdays:  Magnolia Dance Series at the German Club, 78 Carter Ave, Pawtucket, RI.  Directions: 95-N or 95-S Newport Ave/Pawtucket, Exit 2A (RI / MA line). At fourth red light take a right onto Carter Ave, German Club 3 blocks on the right.  7:30 dance lessons, open dancing 8-11 PM, cash bar, $15, www.magnoliacajunband.com.  All these dates will be held at the German Club, $15, 8 pm: 

Sun, , at AS220, 115 Empire St, Providence, RI. 6pm; RI Songwriters in the Round; Kayla Ringelheim, Dean Patrella, Phil Henry, & Ryan Fitzsimmons. $5.

Saturdays, the Brooklyn Coffee Tea House, 209 Douglas Avenue, Providence, RI has an assortment of events, ranging from religious services, to concerts, to movies, to open mike sessions.  See their calendar.  Sats, Fishel Bresler & Shelley Katsh, $9, 8-10 pm.

Saturdays:   Stone Soup Coffee House at St. Paul's Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket, RI, 8 pm, sometimes 7 pm.  Featuring the KC Moaners & the Prov. Wholebellies . Google Calendar.
*

4th Sundays, 3- 6 pm, Rhode Island Sacred Harp Singing, at The Quaker Meeting House, 99 Morris Ave. (corner of Olney Street), Providence, RI.  All are welcome.  For information contact Liz Cantrell, 401.919.6226 or sliceofpie77 at yahoo dot com.  To be added to their e-mail list, contact Charles Cofone, 401.524.1390 or info at ri-sacredharp dot net  For more information, including driving directions, see RI-SacredHarp.net.  * May 26, Jun 23, Jul 28, Aug 25, Sep 22, Oct 27, Nov 24, Dec 22
 
*  For other sacred harp singing locations in the US: Singings & Boston area

The Fiddle and Dance Project has a new name: the RI Fiddle Project.   Michelle Kaminsky has joined Rachel Panitch as the second Fiddler-in-Residence, offering free music programming to students and families living in Pawtucket & Central Falls, including:
* access to an instrument
* weekly fiddle lessons & group classes, and
* monthly community dance & performance events. Contact rifiddleproject at gmail dot com

Blackstone River Theatre ( BRT) , 549 Broad St., Cumberland, RI. For details see http://www.riverfolk.org/ or email  rgusetti at cox dot net.

Sat, June 22: 11 am - 7 pm, Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival at Diamond Hill Park, Rte. 114, Cumberland, RI.  5 entertainment stages + food and craft vendors.  401-725-9272 for info, or see www.riverfolk.org/brtssf Rain date: June 23.  After the Festival Music Session, 8:30 - 11:30 pm, limited  90 tickets, $20.

Monthly Céilí at the Mediator, 55  Rounds St, Providence, RI.  Live music by The Humans of Tulla; $10 admission, BYOB for snacks and drinks. SetDance dot Man at verizon dot net

Dancin' Spirit (Performing Arts), 461 Main St, D-1, Pawtucket, RI.  Classes in various kinds of dancing, ages 2 to adult. Web site

~~~~~ picture of a tent  RI Camps / Weekends / Conferences   picture of a tent ~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~  Connecticut State Seal Connecticut  ~~~~~~~~~~

1st Saturday (Oct thru June), Quiet Corner Contra Dance, Storrs Congregational Church, 2 North Eagleville RD, Storrs, CT.  We dance every 1st Saturday, from 8-11 pm w/a lesson starting at 7:30 pm. Adults $10 (members $8), Students $5, Children under 12 $3.  MAScrivener at gmail dot com   Yahoo Group
* Jun  1:  Bill Fischer w/ Wry Bred  Last dance until October!

1st & 3rd Sats (thru May), 8-11 pm; New Haven Country Dances'  Contra dance at Branford Community House, 46 Church St, Branford, CT 06405.   Beginner’s session at 7:30.  Admission $10.  More information call 203.776.1812 or see schedule.  (All dances in the summer are Air-Conditioned.)

2nd Sat, Contra Dances (7:30 beginners class) 8-11 pm; Hartford Community Dance (HCD), American Legion Post (wooden floor, air-conditioned), 275 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT.  Admission:  $12, Seniors (65) $10, teens & college $5, kids 12 & under Free.  See the web page for other discounts.  Bad weather / emergency cancellations:  check web page or call 1-888-423-0423 after 3 pm.
* Jun    8:  Jim Gregory w/ Fiddleheads
* Jul   13:  Bill Fischer w/ Wry Bread
* Aug 10:  TBA w/ Bows & Hammers

4th Saturday, Mystic Contra Dance, aka the Pie Dance, at I-95, exit 90; go 1 mile south on Rt. 27 (18 Greenmanville Ave). Frohsinn Hall, aka The German Club, is across from Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT.  Dance 8-11 pm; beginner workshop  at  7:45.  Admission donation: $9 general, $5 students, $2 children.  Pie ~$3/slice.  For info 860.961.9321  and/or get on their mailing list:  katrinabercaw at yahoo dot com or web page
* May 25:  Ralph Sweet w/ Dogtown - Lemon Meringue pie
* Jun 6-9:  For festival information, follow link:  Mystic Seaport's Sea Music Festival
* Jun    8:  Special Treat as part of the Festival: Afternoon Dance 4 - 6 PM. Bill Fischer with Wry Bread.  Admission $8.
* Jun  22:  Bill Fischer w/ Sundial - Strawberry Rhubarb pie

3rd or 4th Sundays, October thru May, "SHINDIGS AT THE BARN".  The Powder Mill Barn, 32 South Maple St, Hazardville (Enfield), CT, 7-10 pm.  Beginners Workshop @ 6:30.  $8, students $5.  Live music with each dance taught by Ralph Sweet or guest caller.  Contact 860.749.4494.
*

The Vanilla Bean, Rtes. 44, 169 & 97, Pomfret, CT,   www.TheVanillaBeanCafe.com 860.928.1562.  Music / entertainment 25 Upcoming Concerts

Walker Hall Series, free Friday-night concerts in Walker Hall, 50 DeForest Street, Watertown, CT

CONNtra CONNection":  "The place for everything related to contra dancing in Connecticut."  Granby, Hartford, Newtown, Stamford.

The H(artford)C(ommunity)D(ance)fest is held annually on the third Saturday in August. Held at the West Hartford Town Hall, it's free to members of HCD. All dance styles sponsored by HCD are represented: Cajun/Zydeco, contra, and swing. Two live bands, a contra caller, and swing DJ provide the entertainment. So treat your feet to something new!

Dancing in Connecticut  [HaveToDance.com]

~~~~~ picture of a tent  CT Camps / Weekends / Conferences   picture of a tent ~~~~~

 

~~~~~~~~~~  Maine State Seal  Maine  ~~~~~~~~~~

Down East Friends of the Folk Arts (DEFFA) publishes a monthly newsletter with news, calendar listings for many Maine & New Hampshire towns, information, etc. for the Maine folk art, music, and dance community.

Sat,  June 8 :  A dance in memory of Nat Hewitt will be held at the Falmouth Congregational Church Hall, 267 Falmouth Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105. Dance instruction begins at 7:15 and the dance starts at 8 p.m. There will be a number of well-known callers and musicians. Adults: $10, under 21: $7, children 5-12: $5, children under 5: free. All proceeds will benefit the Country Dance & Song Society. For information, bajmagda at juno dot com; Day of dance: 207-358-9354. 

1st Friday, The Belfast Flying Shoes at the Frank D. Hazeltine American Legion Post 43, 143 Church Street in downtown Belfast, ME.  Community Dance, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, admission $2 adults, $1 kids.  Pot Luck finger foods, 7:30-8:00.  Contra dancing, 8:00 - ??, $8 adults, $6 teens.  Calendar.
* Jun 7: Nils Fredland w/ Elixir

3rd & 5th Fridays, Bangor Contra dance at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 120 Park Street, Bangor, ME.   Beginners' walk-through, 7:30, dance 8:00 pm.  Admission $8 per person, $20 family. Schedule  For more information: BangorContra at gmail dot com; 207-941-9727.
* May 17:   Dugan Murphy w/ Velocipede

3rd Saturdays, Trenton Grange Hall Contradance (Facebook), 1140 Bar Harbor Rd., Trenton, ME (near Junction of Rt. 230 & Rt. 3, near  airport).  8 PM; $7, Contact Gary [207-460-1463] or Malcolm [207-667-0040]

Dancing in Maine [havetodance.com]

~~~~~ picture of a tent  ME Camps / Weekends / Conferences   picture of a tent ~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~  Massachusetts State Seal  Massachusetts  ~~~~~~~~~~

The Folk Arts Center of New England (FACoNE) sponsors many styles of folk dancing around Boston.  See their main web page for a 2 month FDRB calendar for all events, or choose a particular style, say contras & squares or English to see the related 2 month calendar for that style.  This information was excerpted from the FACoNE web page, 27 Apr 2012.

Cape Cod Contras:  All dances 8-11 pm.  Visit web site for other details, driving directions or map.

The Concord Scout House, 74 Walden St., Concord, MA [Directions] has many dance activities and you may want to view their  Scout House Calendar or visit specific sites.  If the town of Concord bans parking on the streets, a dance will be automatically cancelled.  "We hope to have a final decision by 4 PM."  Call 978.779.6077 and/or check the website(s).

2nd & 4th Tuesdays, Boston Gender-Role-Free English Country Dance, , some with pot-luck dinners, usually 7:30-11 pm, 1st Church of Jamaica Plain (Unitarian-Universalist), 6 Eliot St, corner of Centre and Eliot Streets (at the monument), Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA.  Dance $7, Students $6, Children under 12, free. Call 617-522-2216 or 617-512-5554.  Fifth Tuesday for experience dancers. Please bring clean soft-soled shoes to save our aging floor. Please don't wear perfume, cologne, or scented products, as some of our dancers are chemically sensitive, and can become ill when exposed to these things.
* May  
* May 28:

CDS Boston Centre English Dance Programs. For complete information on English Country Dancing in New England, contact ecddeb at yahoo dot com and ask to be put on the list for monthly ECD mailings.

The Folk Arts Center of New England has so many offerings, you may wish to view their "Programs overview" page as a starting place if you have questions about any of their activities listed below.  Membership: $45 individual, $80 family.

Guiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MA.  Contra dance parties. Admission varies.  See Events Calendar for all dates.  Usually Thur, Fri, Sat & Sun.

Speledans presents Scandinavian dancing with live music at Park Ave Congregational Church, Park Ave at Paul Revere Rd.,  Arlington Heights, MA.  Come early for instruction and reviews.  Bring clean shoes. $7. Speledans, 781-891-3207, eph at ieee dot org Map.  Directions

The MIT Folk Dance Club sponsors 3 nights of dancing every week.  See the main page, or the individual pages for email lists, schedules, times, locations & directions.

Mondays, Israeli Folk Dancing with Raphael & Ronnie, Congregation Kehillath Israel (KI), 384 Harvard St., Brookline MA.  7:30 pm - 12 am.  See Web page or contact dance at rrdance dot net

Friday, Saturday or Monday there is Scottish Country Dancing.  Check the calendar for date and venue: May 10 - Oct 19  For more information about this event link to the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
* Jun 21:   Advanced Class Flier PDF
* May 25:  Memorial Day Weekend Party, Belfast, ME Flier (PDF)

Weds: 7 - 9 PM; Sats: 12:00 - 2:00 PM, Boston Lykeion Ellinidon (Greek Folk Dancing), 288 Green St, 2nd floor, Cambridge (Central Sq), MA.  Dancing Instruction, performing arts education, community org. Donation $2.  508-393-3563. Facebook

Every Wednesday, International Folk Dancing through 12 June 2013, 7:30-10:00 pm, Framingham Folk Dancers, Parish Hall of Edwards UCC Church, 39 Edwards St, Framingham MA.  Several dances are taught each week.  Your first night is free!  Admission Non-Members: regular $6, student/senior $5; Admission FFD Members:  regular $5, student/senior $4;  Annual membership dues:  individual $10, family $15, student/senior $8.  Contact 978.897.7549 or Web page.   Driving directions.

Most Wednesdays (except 2nd), Downtown Amherst Contradance, Masonic Lodge, 99 Main street, Amherst, MA  (near the Black Sheep Deli and the Police Station).  Beginners introduction lesson at 7:00 pm.  Admission:   $10; Students: $8; High School: $6.  Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes and water.  Most recent PDF flyer.  The last scheduled event was Apr 24.

1st & 3rd Weds: An evening of International & Israeli Folk Dancing at the Olde White Chuch, 1113 GAR Highway, Swansea, MA 02777.  7:30-9:20 pm.  This is a Free Event, all dances will be taught; no partners are necessary. Contact Thusinelda at aol dot com for information.
*

2nd Friday (usually), Oct thru June.  Squares, contras, & couple dances at the Unitarian Church, 27 School St., Carlisle, MA.   Potluck dinner at 6:30 pm; dance 8-10:30 pm. All dances taught; squares, contras & couples; admission $6.  Sue Rosen calling.  For more info, call 617.661.1865 or 617.965.0542.
* Jun 14:    Last dance until the 2nd Fri in October.

2nd & 4th Fri, through June: Boston English Country Dance.  Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, at 1555 Mass. Ave, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.  $7 general, $6 members, $4 students, 7:30 - 9:30 pm.  To get on their mailing list, contact aferguson at world dot Oberlin dot edu  Access Schedule.
* May 24:  Barbara Finney

3rd Friday, Contra Dances at the First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Road, Lexington, MA.  Music by Roaring Jelly, 8 pm (beginners' instruction at 7:30) unless otherwise noted.  Please bring clean soft-soled shoes for dancing.  Admission: adults, $7.00; teens $5.00; children 12 and under free with a parent; $20 family maximum. For info,  contact 781.944.3544 or RoaringJelly at comcast dot net  Weather cancellations: 781.944.3544 after 3PM on the day of the dance.
* Jun 21

Saturdays, Gender-Role-Free Experienced Contra Dance, Western Massachusetts at the Montague Grange, 34 Main St., Montague, MA. Directions from Providence.  7- 10 pm, sliding scale admission $7-$10, students w/ID, $5.  All dances taught; no partner needed.  Please bring soft-soled, non-street shoes to protect the wooden dance floor.  Also please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes and other highly scented products.  All dances smoke, drug and alcohol free.  Affiliated with Lavender Country & Folk Dancers & Country Song & Dance Society.  Info:  lukebwoodward at gmail dot com or www.lcfd.org/westma

1st Saturday Contra Dance,  Christ Episcopal Church, 14 School St in Medway, MA, 7:30-10:30 pm. You don't need a partner--just soft-soled shoes.  Admission $8, teens $4, 12 & under free.  For more information call Maria at 508.740.8508, or Shelly at 508.429.1773. Contact Maria, MedwayContras at gmail dot com  This is the last dance in a 22+ year span, and is a benefit to repay loans & aid provided by CDSS & NEFFA.  Please come & be generous. :-)
* 1 Jun:  Paul Wilde & members of the PJammers invite ALL dancers, including musicians and callers who have performed at Medway over the years (who are welcome to call/play).  Contact Paul at zenyente at gmail dot com for further info.  Please come and make the final spin around this beautiful floor a success!

1st Sat, Oct to May, Berlin Country Orchestra, Berlin 1870 Town Hall, 2nd Floor, 12 Woodward Ave,  Berlin, MA.  Contra and square dances from 8-11:00 pm.  Music by the Berlin Country Orchestra.  All dances taught.  Come with or without a partner, but with clean, soft-soled shoes.  Admission is $5 per person with a maximum of $12 per family.  For first-time dancers who attend the pre-dance instruction, admission is FREE!   For detailed information check web page or call 978.273.8238
*

Free Family Dances, 3rd Sunday, same location, Berlin, MA.  3-5 pm. 

1st Saturdays, Square Dance for Everyone.  The Belmont Square Dance Series Has Ended.  A notice was posted at http://www.contradancelinks.com/schedule.html under the Massachusetts listings. There will be no May nor June dances.  Noticed viewed on 3 May 2013.  Editor, jim schaefer. Payson Park Church, 365 Belmont St, Belmont, MA.   Info: 978-667-7459.  Rip-Snortin’ Squares, called by Tony Parkes, music by Amy Cann & friends.  8-11pm.  Admission $10, $5 students. Contact tony at hands4 dot com; 978-667-7459; or web

2nd Saturday, (September thru June), The Contra dancing.  Wesley Methodist Church, 114 Main St,  Worcester, MA.  Beginners lesson at 7:30 pm., dance 8-11 pm.  Clean, soft-soled shoes, please.  Admission $8, students w/ID $6, family $18, children 12 & under under free.  For details and directions, see Schedule

* Jun    8:  Dan Pearl w/ Concepdance

2nd or 3rd Saturdays, ZDRAVETS, Dancing and music from Bulgaria &  & some neighboring states.  Church of Our Saviour, 21 Marathon St, Arlington, MA.  Contact: zdravets dot music at gmail dot com
*  Jun 8

2nd & 4th Saturdays, Boston Gender-Role-Free Contra Dance, , some with pot-luck dinners, usually 7:30-11 pm, 1st Church of Jamaica Plain (Unitarian-Universalist), 6 Eliot St, corner of Centre and Eliot Streets (at the monument), Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA. Dance $7, Students $6, Children under 12, free. Call 617-522-2216 or 617-512-5554.
* May 25;  * Jun 8, 22;  * Jul 27

3rd Saturday, NE Contras, Squares & Waltzes at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 70 W. Emerson St,  Melrose, MA.  E-mail:  cammydance at gmail dot com   Musicians are welcome to sit-in.

3rd Saturday, Oct - May,  Contra dance at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 40 Church Street, Northboro, MA. NorthboroContra.com for details and directions.  $8, $6 w/student ID, $18 family.  New and  experienced dancers welcome. No need to bring partner. Live music.
*

4th Saturdays,  Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln St, Westford, MA. Contra dance, music by Oh! CONTRAire.

4th Sats (Sep - Jun),  Contras, Couple Dances & occasional Squares at the Cambridge Friends School, 5 Cadbury Rd, Cambridge, MA.  8-11 pm;  Admission $8, $6 for students under 21.  More information:  617-547-7781 or use Link.
* May 25;  Jun  22

Sundays, 6:30-8:30 pm, an ongoing series of Hungarian dance classes taught at the Church of Our Saviour, 21 Marathon St, Arlington, MA.  $10 per class.  Please bring clean shoes to dance in.  There is an e-mail mailing list with information about classes and other events of related interest.  Send an email message to sympa at lists dot brandeis dot edu with the body "subscribe forgas".   For more information, contact gessel at brandeis dot edu or 781-648-6887, or see http://people.brandeis.edu/~gessel/forgas

2nd Sundays,  Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln St, Westford, MA.  Family dances, 3 - 5 pm.  Music by Oh! CONTRAire.

1st or 3rd Sundays, BIDA dances, Boston Intergenerational Dance Advocates.  See schedule at Contra dance [BIDA] Cambridge Masonic Hall, Porter Square (1950 Mass Ave), Cambridge, MA.  Musicians 6:30; Introductory Workshop 7-7:30; dance 7:30-10:30 pm. Sliding scale: $5-$10.
*

Mondays, Bulgarian/Balkan Dancing at Green Street Dance Studios, 185 Green ST, Cambridge (Central Square), MA. 7:30 - 9 PM, beginners @ 6:30 PM.  $15, or $50 / 4 classes.  Call 617.840.2362

Divi Zheni is Boston's own Balkan Women's Chorus & Orchestra, directed by Tatiana Sarbinska presenting Balkan music and sometimes performance dance.  Check the calendar for various venues in Massachusetts.

Venue:  Live music 7 nights a week. Club Passim in Harvard Square, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MA,  617-492-7679 (for tickets).

Dancing In Massachusetts [havetodance.com]

~~~~~   Massachusetts Jams  Guitar Man~~~~~ 

2nd Sundays (mostly), 2 - 5 PM, at Newton Highlands Congregational Church, 54 Lincoln ST., Newton, MA.  Bruce Randall (978.373.5852, melismata at hotmail dot com) invites all types of singers and instrumentalists to West Gallery Music sessions. Contact Bruce for more information, and visit the West Gallery Music Assoc

Sundays,  International Music Club.  Workshops in International Dance Music, for Instrumentalists & Singers, led by Julia Poirier, Elaine Winic, and Patrick Yacono.   Goddard House, 165 Chestnut St, Brookline, MA.   1:00-3:00 pm singing, $12 and   3:30-5:30 pm instrumental, $12. Both workshops, same day, $20. Full series discounts are available. 
* May

4th Wednesdays.  Folk Arts Center runs free Jam Sessions for all instruments at all levels, 7:30-9:30 pm, at Peacuddy's Cafe and Bakery, 506 Franklin Street, Melrose, MA.

1st & 3rd Thursdays, Triboro Bluegrass Gospel Jam, Plainville Baptist Church – downstairs, 62 South St (Rt 1A), Plainville, MA.   6-9 pm. Bring your acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, harp dulcimer, accordion, etc., and especially your voice. Spectators and public welcome. 408.222.5110 and/or see www.TriboroGospelJam.com

~~~~~ picture of a tent  MA Camps / Weekends / Conferences   picture of a tent ~~~~~

June 9 -23:  Boston Early Music Festival. Concerts, master classes, panel discussions, and an exhibition featuring instrument makers and sellers, sale of sheet music and CDs, and all sorts of related activity. Schedule of Events -venues & times.

June 20-24: Mon-Thurs, June 24-27, Folk Arts Center's Pinewoods International Weekend and Folk Days at Pinewoods Camp, Plymouth MA. Tineke van Geel (Armenian & Balkan), Maurits van Geel (Caucasus) & the Pinewoods Band. See www.facone.org/programs/pinewoods/pinewoods.html for prices and other details, or call FAC, 781-438-4387

July 4-8, 2013: The Country Dance Society, Boston Centre, presents July 4th Weekend at Pinewoods Camp, MA. Includes 3 full days of workshops, 4 evening dances, & social activities. Applications must be received by April 6! For more info, contact july4 at cds-boston dot org & see www.cds-boston.org/july4/july4.html

Jul 8 - 12:  English-Scottish Session at Pinewoods Camp, MA Use the link at the left for costs. Full payment by 1 June 2013.

July 18 - 21, 2013: Yidstock, the Festival of New Yiddish Music, 1021 West St, Amherst, MA 01002. Contact: 413.256.4900;  A week of performances, music-related films, lectures, a klezmer brunch, concerts, and other events.

Oct 18-20, 2013:  LCFD 2013 Fall Dance Camp - at Becket, MA. Details later.

~~~~~~~~~~  New Hampshire State Seal  New Hampshire  ~~~~~~~~~~

Monadnock Folklore Society sponsors three contra dances in the Monadnock region.  They also list all regional dances that they are aware of in their events calendar.  Contact info:  ContraInfo at monadnockfolk dot org or call  603-762-0235  [Editor's note: Always check the Society web page for locations and times of the dance, or dances, you wish to attend.  Dates and locations may change before this page gets edited again.]

3rd Friday Mill City Contra Waumbec Mill Building, 250 Commercial St, Manchester, NH.   See site page for directions and flyer.  Beginners' 7:30 pm;  dance 8:00 pm; Admission: $8, $5 students.  Music by Jump Start. Contact Paul Lizotte, plizotte at rivier dot edu or 603.595.4484  Band:  JumpStart
* Jun 21, Jul 19

1st Saturdays:  Deerfield Contra Dance, Deerfield Town Hall, 6 Church St. (formerly Old Centre Rd,)Deerfield, NH.  8:00 11:00 pm, $8.00 (13+ years), $3.00 8-12 years.  Contact:  603-463-4182 or slmason at metrocast dot net
Generic Schedule:  Saturdays Nov-May

4th Saturdays:   Contra Dance, Town Hall, 163 Main  Street, Kingston, NH.  8-11 pm. Admission: $8, students $5.  Please bring clean, non-street  shoes for dancing and snacks for the break. Schedule  Contact Glenn Copp: GlenCopp at rcn dot com, 603.772.5355 and also see Dance Gypsy
* May 25:  Bruce Cobb (fiddle), Justine Paul (accordion, piano) and Sylvia Miskoe (accordion)
* Jun 22:   Lloyd Carr (piano) and Roger Treat (fiddle)
* no dance in Jul, * Aug 24, Sep 28, Oct 26, Nov 23, Dec 28

New Hampshire Contra, Square & Waltz Dance Schedule  [Dance Gypsy]

~~~~~ picture of a tent  NH Camps / Weekends / Conferences   picture of a tent ~~~~~

May 31-June 2:  Floating Bridge Music Camp, with instructors David Boulanger (fiddle), Éric Beaudry (guitar), Rachel Aucoin (piano), & Jeremiah McLane (accordion), at Pasquaney Lodge, between Bristol and Plymouth, NH. For detailed information contact: Jeremiah McLane, 802-765-9904, jeremiah at sover dot net before April 22.

Dance Festivals and Events in NH [Dance Gypsy] 

~~~~~~~~~~ Vermont State Seal   Vermont  ~~~~~~~~~~

Vermont Contra Dance /Contradance Schedule  "This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Vermont including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Vermont which include contra dancing. Because most of the information is gathered from web sites and the listings are not updated as frequently as the web sites, dancers should visit the (individual) web sites for up-to-date information."

The Brattleboro Dawn Dances:  The Brattleboro Dawn Dances take place twice a year on Labor Day and Memorial Day at the Gibson-Aiken Center in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont.  Each dance starts with English Country Dancing from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, Sunday afternoon, followed by contra dancing with three bands and three callers from 8 pm to 7 am Monday Morning.  The Brattleboro Dawn Dances are an opportunity to join hundreds of enthusiastic dancers from far and wide in dancing from dusk to dawn to some of the finest musicians and callers around.  We hope to see you on the dance floor!

1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays:  Montpelier Contra Dance at 8 PM at the Capital City Grange, Northfield Road (Hwy. 12), Montpelier, VT (1/2 mile south of Montpelier). Admission: $8, $5 for dancers 15 and under Newcomers always welcome!  All dances taught. Dances are done in lines of couples.  All ages from 5 to 105. Each couple follows the calls, dancing with another couple.  After you and your partner have done the dance figures with one couple, you do them with the next couple in line.  By the end of the dance you have danced with everyone in your set.  There are about 9 or 10 dances in an evening.  The convention is to ask a different partner for each dance and to ask people you don't know to dance.  You get to hear lively music, enjoy some exercise, meet your neighbors, and build our community.  What more could you want!  For more information, as well as band and caller bookings: 802.744.6163 (Cindy).
* Jun 1, Jun 15; Jul 6, 20; Aug 3, 17;

Sundays:  The Contra Dance in Brattleboro, Vermont.  The dance takes place in the Stone Church at the corner of Main and Grove Streets, just north of the post office in downtown Brattleboro, VT.   The dance starts at 7:15 p.m. with a workshop for beginners, and continues with dancing for all from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is $10 ($7 students/seniors/low income).  Beginners are welcome; all the dances will be taught. You don’t need to come with a partner; other friendly dancers will dance with you.  If you have questions about the dance or want more information you can email Ethan Hazzard ethan at ethanhw dot com or call 802-257-9234.  You can also join the Brattleboro dance group on Facebook.  We also welcome musicians to hang out and play tunes together at a slow, informal jam session before every dance. All instruments and skill levels are welcome starting at 5:30 PM and going until around 6:30.
* May 26: Go to the Dawn Dance (also see above)
* Jun    9: Nils Fredland w/ Elixir
* Jun  23: Mary Wesley

~~~~~     VT Camps &  Extended Events    ~~~~~

The Brattleboro Dawn Dances Labor Day and Memorial Day at the Gibson-Aiken Center in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont

~~~~~ picture of a tent  More Camps / Weekends / Conferences   picture of a tent ~~~~~

June 28 - 30, 2013:  33rd annual Old Songs Festival at Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont, NY.  Features folk, traditional, Celtic, and world music and dance, as well as 3 concerts, 120 daytime workshops, a juried craft show, food and instrument vendors, and a children's activity area. See www.oldsongs.org/festival/

~~~~~~~~~~  Fiddler   Et cetera    ~~~~~~~~~~

* Tues, 8-10 pm, Oct to mid-June:   International folk dancing, including Israeli dances - No partner needed. St. John's Episcopal Church, corner of Montclair Ave & Chestnut St, Montclair, NJ. $4 donation. Info: call Barbara Grieco: 973-746-9765. 

* Weds, 8-9:30 pm, Hillside School; Hillside Ave, (near Bloomfield Ave), Montclair, NJ.

For those who want to know more, check the following:

To get this information  via e-mail plus many more entertainment venues arranged by date , send your request to JudithPrimate at gmail dot com  Subject:  Dance Schedule

Comments and corrections to jschaefer at ric dot edu  Subject:  Contra Dance  Created: 13 Mar 2010. Updated: 24 May 2013 at 01:10
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