[[events]]
name = "Swingin' Tern Double Dance"
details = """
Double Dance: Alex Deis-Lauby & Annie Kidwell with Grand Picnic
Michael Gorin—fiddle; Bill Peek—piano; Marco Brehm—bass; Sam Zygmuntowicz—fiddle; Jody Kruskal—Anglo concertina
Schedule:

3:45 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Advanced Contras with Alex Deis-Lauby $15 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance with Annie Kidwell $15 adults/$5 students


Grand Picnic will play for both sessions.
All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ
Our hall is air-conditioned! Vaccination and Masks Optional

Hams that they are, Grand Picnic shows their rye humor as they sandwich in tunes as long as we can mustard the strength to ketchup. The toast of the town, Alex and Annie assemble a double dance double decker of Wonder-filled no-loaf contras. The best thing since sliced bread, Grand Picnic rises to the occasion with tunes you knead to get your dogs dancin’ and your buns cookin’. Roll in with your bun and only, it’s the yeast you can do. Don’t be sconed, leave your muffin the car and wear a flour in your hair. 
Alex Deis-Lauby
Alex Deis-Lauby began contra dancing in 2011 while at school in Chicago. After catching the contra bug, she began calling in 2014. Alex’s smooth voice, clear teaching style and engaging dance selections delight dancers from coast to coast. When she’s not calling, you can find her on the dance floor twirling away! Alex will be calling the advanced afternoon contras session. Video on YouTube. 
Annie Kidwell
Annie Kidwell is an up-and-coming caller based in Boston, MA, having called at BIDA and Greenfield. We are thrilled to debut Annie’s spirited calling in NJ where they will be calling the all-level evening dance. 
Grand Picnic
Grand Picnic first graced Swingin’ Tern’s stage in 1989 and has been serving up a musical feast of high-energy contras ever since. This dance will feature the original lineup as shown in the boy band picture above with Michael Gorin on fiddle, Bill Peek on piano, Marco Brehm on bass, Sam Zygmuntowicz on fiddle, and Jody Kruskal on Anglo concertina.
Video on YouTube
Full calendar 
Useful Information:

Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles.
Swingin’ Tern Name Buttons may be ordered at the dance or at our website.
We welcome the return of home-baked goods at our dances—contributions welcome! Please bring your own water bottle which can be refilled at the kitchen sink.
$15 adults/$5 students"""
links = ["https://folkproject.org/mec-events/tern-20240601/", "https://cdss.org/event/swingin-tern-dances-double-dance-alex-deis-lauby-annie-kidwell-with-grand-picnic/"]
start = "2024-06-01T15:45:00-04:00"
end = "2024-06-01T22:30:00-04:00"
country = "USA"
state = "NJ"
city = "Chatham"
styles = ["contra"]
workshop = true
social = true
bands = ["Grand Picnic"]
callers = ["Alex Deis-Lauby", "Annie Kidwell"]
price = "$5-$30"
organisation = "Swingin' Tern Dances"
source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml"

[[events]]
name = "Swingin' Tern"
details = """
Box and String Trio play cords to rope you in with a package of mighty twine tunes. Bob uses his bobbin and thread to embroider a tapestry of intricate figures as Kaplan ties us in knots with calls worthy of cat’s cradle. This is no yarn, it would be crewel to miss this jute box.   
Bob Isaacs
Swingin’ Tern is fortunate to have had a close relationship with Bob Isaacs. Bob is known for his clear, concise calling. He is a prolific contra choreographer—his creative dances are called throughout the country. Bob is also known for his unusual dance forms: the Zia is a literal cross between a square and a contra while Bob’s grid squares provide a wild ride. 
Video on YouTube 
Zach Kaplan
Zach Kaplan started contra dancing in 2018 in Boston. He’s known for being a friendly, courteous, and twirly dancer. He got the bug to call at the Swingin Tern’s 40th anniversary dance this year, and has quickly become a confident and clear caller. Zach welcomes all dancers to the hall and cares that every dancer feels happy, safe, comfortable, and welcome. 
Box and String Trio
Box and String Trio is Bill Quern, Sarah Gowan, and Laura Alexander.
We play instrumental traditional roots music from the American Appalachians, England, Canada, Scandinavia, and France as well as our original music composed in traditional styles. With a combined instrument collection that includes guitar, cello, mandolin, concertina, melodeon, 4 & 5 string banjo, fiddle, harmonica, jaw harp and foot percussion we provide a varied and entertaining program. 
Video on YouTube
Full calendar 
Useful Information:

Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles!"""
links = ["https://folkproject.org/swingin-tern/", "https://cdss.org/event/swingin-tern-presents-bob-isaacs-and-zach-kaplan-with-box-and-string-trio/"]
start = "2024-06-15T19:00:00-04:00"
end = "2024-06-15T22:30:00-04:00"
country = "USA"
state = "NJ"
city = "Chatham"
styles = ["contra"]
workshop = true
social = true
bands = ["Box and String Trio"]
callers = ["Bob Isaacs", "Zach Kaplan"]
price = "$5-$15"
organisation = "Swingin' Tern Dances"
source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml"

[[events]]
name = "Swingin' Tern"
details = """
[Beginners’ Workshop 7pm]
Sue Gola & Midnight on the Water
Tom Krumm—fiddle, guitar, mandolin: Nathan Bishop—fiddle, viola; Dani Hawkins—cello 

All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins
Admission $15 [students $5]
Our dance hall is Air-Conditioned.
Vaccination and Masks Optional

Sue Gola
A long-time contra dancer, Sue was drawn into calling contras in 2014. Since then, she has called at dances both large and small throughout the Northeast. Sue gives instructions concisely and clearly and has a friendly way about her that makes dancers feel welcome.
Video on YouTube  
Midnight on the Water
Midnight on the Water is comfortable with many different genres from classical to jazz but they shine as a contradance band. The virtuosity on stage will propel you across the dance floor. MotW combines the talents of three amazing musicians with wide experience: 
Nathan Bishop is a violinist, violist, Irish traditional fiddler, and teacher based in New Jersey. A mentee of the avant-garde fiddler Cleek Schrey, Nathan is a current collaborator with JoAnna Mendl Shaw’s Equus Project and Andy Sowers of Mabou Mines, where he pairs live fiddle with pre-recorded soundscapes to accompany dance and theater. He is a past artist-in-residence at the Mignolo Arts Center. In the traditional scene, he regularly performs solo and in collaboration with Fiona Tyndall, Judy Minot, Patrick Clifford, and with his contra dance band, Squirrel’s Chair. In 2023, his Irish folk trio, Faoileán, released their first album, Far Hills. He founded and hosts the bi-weekly Irish seisiún at Flounder Brewing Co. in Hillsborough, NJ. 
Tom Krumm is a performer who specializes in versatility. He has logged performances with artists of every genre, ranging from Roseanne Cash to Jacob Collier to Aloe Blacc to Al Kooper, and many more. He’s also performed with the contra dance band Live Wire, the swing band Swingology, and as a ringer for concert and pit orchestras throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Most recently, he appeared as soloist alongside Grammy award-winning fiddler Jay Ungar and the Hudson Valley Philharmonic in a performance his own original arrangement of Daybreak in the Mountains. His work as a educator includes teaching engagements at the Ashokan Music and Dance camps since the age of 17. 
Dani Hawkins has made music with the Boston Philharmonic, the Richardson Chamber Players, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and various other ensembles and contradance bands. Dani has taught cello at Maine Fiddle Camp, Fiddle Hell, Summertrios, Princeton in Asia, Open Access to Music Education, and Cornell University, and has studied cello, composition, and ethnomusicology at Princeton University, the New England Conservatory, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Cornell. Dani has taught cello at Maine Fiddle Camp, Fiddle Hell, Summertrios, Princeton in Asia, Open Access to Music Education, and Cornell University, and has studied cello, composition, and ethnomusicology at Princeton University, the New England Conservatory, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Cornell.
Video on YouTube  
Full calendar 
Useful Information: 

Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing.
No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles.

$15 adults/$5 students"""
links = ["https://folkproject.org/swingin-tern/", "https://cdss.org/event/swingin-tern-presents-sue-gola-midnight-on-the-water/"]
start = "2024-07-06T19:00:00-04:00"
end = "2024-07-06T22:30:00-04:00"
country = "USA"
state = "NJ"
city = "Chatham"
styles = ["contra"]
workshop = true
social = true
bands = ["Midnight on the Water"]
callers = ["Sue Gola"]
price = "$5-$15"
organisation = "Swingin' Tern Dances"
source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml"

[[events]]
name = "Swingin' Tern"
details = """
Julie Sorcek—flute, saxophone; Mickey Koth—fiddle; Robert Messore—guitar 

All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins
Admission $15 [students $5]
Our dance hall is air-conditioned.
Vaccination and masks optional.

With the best thing since sliced bread, Wry Bred rises to the occasion playing a Panettone on the Crumpet second to Naan. Challah Peter brings his bread Stix to give you what you knead with a basket full of no-loaf contras. Seagulls and Bagels join the Terns as they Zwieback and forth. We won’t Pumpernickel and dime you or take your Sourdough – it’s not a lot of bread. Don’t tortilla yourself by missing this – it would be a pita. Papadum’s got a brand-new Baguette! 
Peter Stix 
Peter Stix is a caller and dance organizer up in Albany NY. He has graced Swingin’ Tern’s stage since 1992. Stix started calling in 1989 in Minnesota (no doubt that’s where he developed his laid-back style). Clear teaching and varied dance selections are his trademarks, once you get past his PUNishing sense of humor. Undoubtedly he will have a great program for our dancing enjoyment.
Besides dancing and calling, Stix teaches math; creates sculptures; builds “eccentric lazy susans;” writes satires and parodies for cathartic release; and is edging ever closer to an encore career as a stand-up comic. 
Wry Bred 
The contra dance trio Wry Bred has been energizing dance floors for years. With Julie Sorcek on flute and saxophone, Mickey Koth on fiddle, and Robert Messore on guitar, Wry Bred engages in rollicking musical conversations with driving rhythms and exuberant harmonies. Wry Bred: good music no matter how you slice it! 
Full schedule for Swingin’ Tern  
Useful information:  

Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary.
All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins. Dance whatever role you’re comfortable in.
We are air-conditioned. We have windows on three sides when we want to let the breeze come in.
We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
The dance is held two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris & Essex line.
We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles"""
links = ["https://folkproject.org/mec-events/tern-20240817/", "https://cdss.org/event/peter-stix-wry-bred/"]
start = "2024-08-17T19:00:00-04:00"
end = "2024-08-17T22:30:00-04:00"
country = "USA"
state = "NJ"
city = "Chatham"
styles = ["contra"]
workshop = true
social = true
bands = ["Wry Bred"]
callers = ["Peter Stix"]
price = "$5-$15"
organisation = "Swingin' Tern Dances"
source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml"

[[events]]
name = "Swingin' Tern Double Dance"
details = """
Peter Buchak—accordion; Miranda Weinberg—fiddle; Ben Kennedy—piano 
3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $15 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30 pm All-Level Evening Dance $15 adults/$5 students
All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ
Our dance hall is air-conditioned. Vaccination and masks optional. 
If you don’t pay the Fifer, Gaye will lead all The Orphans and the children of Hamelin off to contra dance. In an Oliver Twist of events, Cinderella, Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and Harry Potter find themselves in a ring of four. Don’t Heidi out or be a Pollyanna, wear your Snow White dress and Pippi Longstockings or Tarzan loincloth. Bambi will be waiting. 
Gaye Fifer
Gaye Fifer is an accomplished caller from Pittsburgh, PA. An active dancer herself, Gaye understands the subtleties of making dances particularly satisfying for dancers. Her instructions are clear and concise, as she is a teacher by profession. An easy smile and delightful sense of humor are part of Gaye’s relaxed, pleasant style at the microphone. Gaye calls contra and English dances throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is also an enthusiastic advocate and instructor of contra-style waltz. Gaye is the former President of the Board of CDSS. YouTube Video  
The Orphans
The Orphans are a high-energy trio from the Philadelphia area, featuring Peter Buchak on accordion, Miranda Weinberg on fiddle, and Ben Kennedy on piano. Formed in 2016, they feature a repertoire of French Canadian and Irish tunes to propel you around the dance floor. YouTube Video  
Our full calendar 
Useful Information:

Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing before the evening dance.
No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
**The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only. You should be familiar with heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, etc., with minimal prompting. If not, please join us for the evening dance.
Our dance is two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris/Essex line out of Penn Station, NYC.
For the dinner break, visit one of the 17 walkable restaurants within two blocks of the dance.  
We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins. Dance whatever role you’re comfortable in.
We are in an air-conditioned have along with the option for open windows on three sides.
We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles!

$15 adults/$5 students per session"""
links = ["https://folkproject.org/mec-events/tern-20240907/", "https://cdss.org/event/swingin-tern-double-dance-gaye-fifer-the-orphans/"]
start = "2024-09-07T15:45:00-04:00"
end = "2024-09-07T22:30:00-04:00"
country = "USA"
state = "NJ"
city = "Chatham"
styles = ["contra"]
workshop = true
social = true
bands = ["The Orphans"]
callers = ["Gaye Fifer"]
price = "$10-$30"
organisation = "Swingin' Tern Dances"
source = "events/usa/cdss.yaml"