{"events":[{"name":"Mystic Contra Dance: The Pie Dance","details":"Time: Dance 7:30-10:30 pm [Intro session 7:15 pm]\nAll are welcome! We dance to the fiddle tunes of Ireland, Scotland, England, France, and Appalachia and we often switch partners after every dance so there is no need to bring a partner, and no experience is needed to have a fantastic time!\nCaller: Will Mentor from Vermont. Will is perhaps the foremost contra dance caller in the United States. For the last 20 years his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence have been delighting new and old dancers alike.\nMusic: Starling, who are: Mo Brachfeld on fiddle, Jared Kirkpatrick on piano, mandolin, and feet (but not at the same time)!\nAdmission: $10 adults, $7 students. & Donations gratefully accepted!\nHomemade Pie Slices! This month we offer Pumpkin Pie and other kinds of fall pies! These delicious pie slices are offered at the break for $3/slice to help support the band and caller.\nRole terms are: “Ladies & Gents” (or Women & Men) but dancers are welcome to choose whatever role their heart desires.\nClothing & Footwear: Clothing is casual, layers are best for this invigorating exercise. Please wear non-street shoes that move easily on the floor (rubber soled sneaker are discouraged but some do wear them even though it makes dancing harder).\nParking: Plenty of parking in the large parking area next to the building!","links":["https://cdss.org/event/mystic-contra-dance-the-pie-dance/"],"start":"2023-10-28T19:30:00-04:00","end":"2023-10-28T22:30:00-04:00","country":"USA","state":"CT","city":"Groton","styles":["contra"],"workshop":false,"social":true,"bands":["Starling"],"callers":["Will Mentor"],"price":"$7-$10","organisation":"Mystic Contra Dance","source":"events/usa/cdss_2023.yaml"},{"name":"After Thanksgiving Mystic Contra Dance \"The Pie Dance\"","details":"Time: Dance 7:30-10:30 pm [Intro session 7:15 pm]\nThis is so wicked fun!! We dance to the fiddle tunes of Ireland, Scotland, England, France, and Appalachia and we often switch partners after every dance so there is no need to bring a partner, and no need to know how in order to have a fantastic time!\nLive music by Chimney Swift. They are a groovy, eclectic folk band known for their unusual instrumentation and innovative musical choices. With inspiration ranging from traditional fiddle tunes to pop and various international styles, they transport their audience with their exciting, unique sound! They are: A.Z. Madonna – accordion, vocals; Cecile Leroy – cello, jaw harp, vocals; Daniel Raine – cittern, guitar, ukulele, banjo, vocals; Yaron Shragai – whistles, recorders, hand percussion, vocals.\nCaller: Don Veino from Massachusetts. Don says he loves to create opportunities for dancers to have fun, no matter the group size.\nHomemade pie slices! This month we offer a medley of all kinds of fall pies! These delicious pie slices are offered at the break for $3/slice to help support the band and caller.\nRole terms: “Ladies & Gents” (or Women & Men) but dancers are welcome to choose whatever works best for each dancer.\nClothing & footwear: Clothing is casual; layers are best for this invigorating exercise. Please wear non-street shoes that move easily on the floor (rubber-soled sneakers are discouraged, but some do wear them even though it makes dancing harder).","links":["https://cdss.org/event/after-thanksgiving-mystic-contra-dance-the-pie-dance/"],"start":"2023-11-25T19:15:00-05:00","end":"2023-11-25T22:30:00-05:00","country":"USA","state":"CT","city":"Groton","styles":["contra"],"workshop":true,"social":true,"bands":["Chimney Swift"],"callers":["Don Veino"],"price":"$10","organisation":"Mystic Contra Dance","source":"events/usa/cdss_2023.yaml"},{"name":"New Year's Eve Contra Dance Extravaganza","details":"Time: 8:00 pm – 12:15 am (Waltz lesson, then contra basics session: 7:30 – 8:00 pm)\nWe’ll be doing contras, squares, mixers dances and other dances!\nJust come alone or with friends, enjoy the camaraderie and dance and see everyone’s smiling faces and greet the New Year 2024!\nCallers: Don Heinold, Jen Jasenski, and others.\nLive Music: Liz Raymond and Mickey Koth, fiddles, and Aaron Bittel, keyboard.\nAdmission: Suggested donation – $20 p.p., $15 students, $50 families.\nParking: Parking is in behind the church accessible via Court Street and Broad Street. On-street parking is also available.\nDress: Dress is casual and/or festive. Please bring clean non-street shoes in order to prevent damaging the floor and that move easily. Wear comfortable clothing!\nFood: Please bring finger food to share!\nThis is an alcohol-free event.","links":["http://www.hcdance.org/contra-dance/","https://cdss.org/event/new-years-eve-contra-dance-extravaganza/"],"start":"2023-12-31T19:30:00-05:00","end":"2024-01-01T00:15:00-05:00","country":"USA","state":"CT","city":"Middletown","styles":["contra"],"workshop":true,"social":true,"bands":["Wee Merry Banshees"],"callers":["Don Heinold","Jen Jasenski"],"price":"$15-$20","organisation":"Hartford Community Dance","source":"events/usa/cdss_2023.yaml"},{"name":"Quiet Corner Contra Dance","details":"New Time: Dance 7:30-10:30pm [basics session 7:15 pm]\nThis is so wicked fun! We dance to the fiddle tunes of Ireland, Scotland, England, France, and Appalachia and we often switch partners after every dance so there is no need to bring a partner, and no experience is needed to have a fantastic time! So come enjoy the friendly camaraderie, dance to live music and see everyone’s smiling faces!!\nClothing & Footwear: Clothing is casual, layers are best for this invigorating exercise. Please wear non-street shoes that move easily on the floor (rubber soled sneaker are discouraged).\nFood: Some snacks offered at the break and contributions are welcome and needed!\nCaller: Jim Gregory. Jim of West Hartford, CT, works with bands from CT, MA, and NY. So most of the Northeast is within their accustomed range of travel. The private lessons are available more locally, from Central CT to Springfield, MA. When you contact us we can talk over rates and dates. \nLive Music: Kingfischer! An energetic Boston-based contra dance duo, consisting of Cecilia Vacanti (fiddle) and Jeff Kaufman (piano, mandolin, drums, synths). They fuse New England roots with a modern groove. They promise a versatile mix of supremely danceable tunes!\nAdmission: $12.00 per person OR students (with ID, please) are asked to pay $6. *Donations are greatly appreciated and encouraged!\nFree Parking: There is plenty of free parking right in front of the hall.\nRole Terms: “Ladies & Gents,” but all dancers are welcome to dance whichever role their heart desires.","links":["http://www.hcdance.org/quiet-corner-contra/","https://cdss.org/event/quiet-corner-contra-dance/"],"start":"2024-01-05T19:15:00-05:00","end":"2024-01-05T22:30:00-05:00","country":"USA","state":"CT","city":"Coventry","styles":["contra"],"workshop":true,"social":true,"bands":["Kingfisher"],"price":"$6-$12","organisation":"Hartford Community Dance","source":"events/usa/cdss.yaml"},{"name":"Mystic Contra Dance \"The Pie Dance\"","details":"Time: Dance 7:30-10:30 pm [short basics session @ 7:15 pm]\nThis is the most fun you can have with your clothes on! We dance to the fiddle tunes of Ireland, Scotland, England, France, and Appalachia and we often switch partners after every dance so there is no need to bring a partner, and no experience is needed to have a fantastic time!\nCaller: Tod Whittemore from Connecticut, Tod has been calling dances for forty years, having been lucky enough to begin his career at the time when famous callers Ralph Page and Duke Miller were still active in the Monadnock Region. Tod has called dances all over the world, and is known for his humor, energy, and infectious love of dancing!\nLive Music by Dogtown, featuring Becky Miller (fiddle), Norb Spencer (accordion), and Avi Randall (keyboards). They play a mix of New England, French Canadian, Scottish, and Quebecois dance tunes, as well as old time southern dance tunes and sung calls. They are a highly desired band to play at contra dances!\nAdmission: $10 adults, $7 students. Donations gratefully accepted!\nHomemade pie slices! This month we offer pumpkin pie and other kinds of fall pies! These delicious pie slices are offered at the break for $3/slice to help support the band and caller.\nRole Terms are “Ladies & Gents” (or Women & Men), but dancers are welcome to choose whatever role their heart desires.\nClothing & Footwear: Clothing is casual; layers are best for this invigorating exercise. Please wear non-street shoes that move easily on the floor (rubber-soled sneakers are discouraged, but some do wear them even though it makes dancing harder).\nParking: Plenty of parking in the large parking area next to the building!","links":["https://patch.com/connecticut/groton/calendar/event/20240127/66f769ed-4c6e-4339-abb1-53f062387147/mystic-contra-dance-the-pie-dance-sat-01-27-2024","https://cdss.org/event/mystic-contra-dance-the-pie-dance/"],"start":"2024-01-27T19:15:00-05:00","end":"2024-01-27T22:30:00-05:00","country":"USA","state":"CT","city":"Groton","styles":["contra"],"workshop":true,"social":true,"bands":["Dogtown"],"callers":["Tod Whittemore"],"price":"$7-$10","organisation":"Mystic Contra Dance","source":"events/usa/cdss.yaml"},{"name":"Quiet Corner Contra Dance","details":"New Time: Dance 7:30-10:30pm [basics session 7:15 pm]\nThis is so wicked fun! We dance to the fiddle tunes of Ireland, Scotland, England, France, and Appalachia and we often switch partners after every dance so there is no need to bring a partner, and no experience is needed to have a fantastic time! So come enjoy the friendly camaraderie, dance to live music and see everyone’s smiling faces!\nClothing & Footwear: Clothing is casual, layers are best for this invigorating exercise. Please wear non-street shoes that move easily on the floor (rubber-soled sneakers are discouraged).\nFood: Some snacks offered at the break and contributions are welcome and needed!\nCaller: Billy Fischer. Bill, a well-respected square and contra dance caller, has been calling dances for over thirty years, starting out in New Haven, Connecticut with the contra dance series that has been a fixture of the folk music and dance scene since 1976. In addition to contra dances in and around the northeast, he has called at various dance camps regionally and nationally.\nMuch of his calling activity centers on special occasion “barn” dances including the monthly musical event BMAD at his home in Bethany, CT. Other such events include school dances, private parties, special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, and dances in extended care facilities where he has done dances for people using wheel-chairs and walkers.\nLive Music: Headwaters is made up of Jim and Willow Sirch and Gary Wikfors playing their Swedish nykelharpas, five-string fiddle, Irish blackwood flute, octave mandola, bodhran and banjo. You no doubt know them as members of the venerable New Haven-based band The Fiddleheads that has been playing for New England contra dances for thirty years.\nAdmission: $13.00 per person OR, Students (with ID, please) pay $6. Donations are greatly appreciated and encouraged!\nFree Parking: There is plenty of free parking right in front of the hall.\nRole Terms: “Ladies & Gents” but all dancers are welcome to dance whichever role their heart desires.","links":["http://www.hcdance.org/quiet-corner-contra/","https://cdss.org/event/quiet-corner-contra-dance-2/"],"start":"2024-02-02T19:15:00-05:00","end":"2024-02-02T22:30:00-05:00","country":"USA","state":"CT","city":"Coventry","styles":["contra"],"workshop":true,"social":true,"bands":["Headwaters"],"callers":["Billy Fischer"],"price":"$6-$13","organisation":"Hartford Community Dance","source":"events/usa/cdss.yaml"},{"name":"Mystic Pie Dance","details":"Yes, we have a new name! The Mystic Pie Dance!\nTime: Dance 7:30-10:30 pm [short basics session @ 7:15 pm]\nThis is so wicked fun! It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on! We dance to live music—the fiddle tunes of Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Appalachia, and America. We often switch partners after every dance, so there is no need to bring a partner, and no experience is needed to have a fantastic time!\nLive Music by The Dead Sea Squirrels. Don’t be fooled by the unlikely name—you’re gonna love dancing to Cathy Mason on fiddle; Craig Edwards on fiddle, banjo, and mandolin (but not all at the same time!); and Henry Yoshimura on guitar. They play widely for contra dances and are known for their danceable tunes arranged in medleys designed to closely match and enhance the movements of the particular contra dance being taught/called. They tend to push the boundaries of the southern style with fiddle and fiddle/guitar harmonies!\nCaller: Paul Wilde from RI. Paul was a schoolteacher for 16 years and said that his classroom experience helped him to develop his calling skills on the dance floor.\nAdmission: $10 adults, $7 students. Donations gratefully accepted!\nHomemade Pie Slices! This month we offer pumpkin pie and other kinds of fall pies! These delicious pie slices are offered at the break for $3/slice to help support the band and caller.\nRole Terms are: “Ladies & Gents” (or Women & Men) but dancers are welcome to choose whatever role their heart desires.\nClothing & Footwear: Clothing is casual, layers are best for this invigorating exercise. Please wear non-street shoes that move easily on the floor (rubber-soled sneaker are discouraged but some do wear them even though it makes dancing harder).\nParking: Plenty of parking in the large parking area next to the building!","links":["https://www.mysticpiedance.org/","https://cdss.org/event/mystic-pie-dance/"],"start":"2024-02-24T19:15:00-05:00","end":"2024-02-24T22:30:00-05:00","country":"USA","state":"CT","city":"Groton","styles":["contra"],"workshop":false,"social":true,"bands":["Dead Sea Squirrels"],"callers":["Paul Wilde"],"price":"$7-$10","organisation":"Mystic Pie Dance","source":"events/usa/cdss.yaml"},{"name":"Quiet Corner Contra Dance","details":"Time: Dance 7:30-10:30pm [short basics session 7:15 pm]\nThis is so wicked fun! We dance to the fiddle tunes of Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Appalachia & America! We often switch partners after every dance so there is no need to bring a partner, and no experience is needed to have a fantastic time! So come enjoy the friendly camaraderie, dance to live music and see everyone’s smiling faces!\nClothing & Footwear: Clothing is casual; layers are best for this invigorating exercise. Please wear non-street shoes that move easily on the floor (rubber-soled sneakers are discouraged).\nFood: Some snacks offered at the break and contributions are welcome and needed!\nCaller: George Thomson. George is a traditional New England dance leader, calling fun, easy, and family-friendly circles dances, squares, and longways sets for barn and contra dances. He enjoys calling singing squares in the style of the late Ralph Sweet. He also plays the great highland bagpipes!.\nLive Music: The Dead Sea Squirrels. Don’t be fooled by the unlikely name: You’re gonna love dancing to Cathy Mason on fiddle; Craig Edwards on fiddle, banjo, and mandolin (but not all at the same time!); and Henry Yoshimura on guitar. They play widely for contra dances and are known for their danceable tunes arranged in medleys designed to closely match and enhance the movements of the particular contra dance being taught/called. They tend to push the boundaries of the southern style with fiddle and fiddle/guitar harmonies!\nAdmission: $13.00 per person OR students (with ID, please) pay $6. Donations are greatly appreciated and encouraged!\nFree Parking: There is plenty of free parking right in front of the hall.\nRole Terms: “Ladies & Gents” but all dancers are welcome to dance whichever role their heart desires.","links":["http://www.hcdance.org/quiet-corner-contra/","https://cdss.org/event/quiet-corner-contra-dance/"],"start":"2024-03-01T19:15:00-05:00","end":"2024-03-01T22:30:00-05:00","country":"USA","state":"CT","city":"Coventry","styles":["contra"],"workshop":true,"social":true,"bands":["Dead Sea Squirrels"],"callers":["George Thompson"],"price":"$6-$13","organisation":"Hartford Community Dance","source":"events/usa/cdss.yaml"},{"name":"Hartford Community Dance Contra","details":"Time: Dance 7:30-10:30 pm (short basics session 7:15 pm)\nContra Dance is a form of folk dancing made up of long lines of couples. It has mixed origins from historic English country dance, Scottish country dance, and French dance styles. It originated in New England! Not needed to bring a partner or know how to do it in order to have a great time!\nThis is so wicked fun! It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on! Come and give it a try!\nLive Music: The Boom Chicks are Julie Sorcek on flute and saxophone, Mickey Koth on fiddle, and Kasha Breau on keyboard. They bring years of experience playing for contra dances, with each other (Julie and Mickey in Wry Bred and Kasha and Mickey in Wild Notes) as well as in other concert and contra dance bands.! They will amaze you and set your feet moving!\nCaller: Don Heinold. Hailing from Rhode Island, Don has been calling at dances, weddings, and parties all over New England for over 14 years. Don is also known for teaching the Rotary (country) Waltz.\nAdmission: $13 ($5 for students, $30 max for families).\nParking: Please park on the street or in the public lot behind Keeney Hall (1/10 mi north on Main St). There’s no parking on the Temple grounds. Please do not even turn into the Temple driveway or the neighbor’s driveway.\nClothing & Footwear: Clothing is casual. Please wear shoes that move easily on the floor (rubber soled sneaker are discouraged but some do wear them even though it makes dancing harder).\nRole Terms: “Women & Men,” but dancers are welcome to choose whatever role that works for them. with no worries.","links":["http://www.hcdance.org/contra-dance/","https://cdss.org/event/hartford-community-dances-2nd-saturday-contra-dance/"],"start":"2024-04-13T19:15:00-04:00","end":"2024-04-13T22:30:00-04:00","country":"USA","state":"CT","city":"Wethersfield","styles":["contra"],"workshop":true,"social":true,"bands":["The Boom Chicks"],"callers":["Don Heinold"],"price":"$5-$13","organisation":"Hartford Community Dance","source":"events/usa/cdss.yaml"}]}