---
events:
  - name: "Swingin' Tern Double Dance"
    details: "Double Dance: Alex Deis-Lauby & Annie Kidwell with Grand Picnic\nMichael Gorin—fiddle; Bill Peek—piano; Marco Brehm—bass; Sam Zygmuntowicz—fiddle; Jody Kruskal—Anglo concertina\nSchedule:\n\n3:45 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Advanced Contras with Alex Deis-Lauby $15 adults/$5 students\n5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants\n7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop\n7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance with Annie Kidwell $15 adults/$5 students\n\n\nGrand Picnic will play for both sessions.\nAll dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins\nSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ\nOur hall is air-conditioned! Vaccination and Masks Optional\n\nHams 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. \nAlex Deis-Lauby\nAlex 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. \nAnnie Kidwell\nAnnie 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. \nGrand Picnic\nGrand 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.\nVideo on YouTube\nFull calendar \nUseful Information:\n\nNewcomers 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.\nWe no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.\nAll dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.\nWe have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.\nWe welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.\nPlease bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.\nWear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.\nWe are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles.\nSwingin’ Tern Name Buttons may be ordered at the dance or at our website.\nWe 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.\n$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
  - 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.   \nBob Isaacs\nSwingin’ 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. \nVideo on YouTube \nZach Kaplan\nZach 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. \nBox and String Trio\nBox and String Trio is Bill Quern, Sarah Gowan, and Laura Alexander.\nWe 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. \nVideo on YouTube\nFull calendar \nUseful Information:\n\nNewcomers 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.\nWe no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.\nAll dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.\nWe have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.\nWe welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.\nPlease bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.\nWear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.\nWe 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
  - name: "Swingin' Tern"
    details: "[Beginners’ Workshop 7pm]\nSue Gola & Midnight on the Water\nTom Krumm—fiddle, guitar, mandolin: Nathan Bishop—fiddle, viola; Dani Hawkins—cello \n\nAll dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins\nAdmission $15 [students $5]\nOur dance hall is Air-Conditioned.\nVaccination and Masks Optional\n\nSue Gola\nA 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.\nVideo on YouTube  \nMidnight on the Water\nMidnight 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: \nNathan 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. \nTom 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. \nDani 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.\nVideo on YouTube  \nFull calendar \nUseful Information: \n\nNewcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing.\nNo partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.\nWe no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.\nAll dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.\nWe have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.\nWe welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.\nPlease bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.\nWear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.\nWe are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles.\n\n$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
  - name: "Swingin' Tern"
    details: "Julie Sorcek—flute, saxophone; Mickey Koth—fiddle; Robert Messore—guitar \n\nAll dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins\nAdmission $15 [students $5]\nOur dance hall is air-conditioned.\nVaccination and masks optional.\n\nWith 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! \nPeter Stix \nPeter 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.\nBesides 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. \nWry Bred \nThe 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! \nFull schedule for Swingin’ Tern  \nUseful information:  \n\nNewcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary.\nAll dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.\nWe no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.\nAll dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins. Dance whatever role you’re comfortable in.\nWe are air-conditioned. We have windows on three sides when we want to let the breeze come in.\nWe welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.\nPlease bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.\nWear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.\nThe dance is held two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris & Essex line.\nWe 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
  - name: "Swingin' Tern Double Dance"
    details: "Peter Buchak—accordion; Miranda Weinberg—fiddle; Ben Kennedy—piano \n3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $15 adults/$5 students\n5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants\n7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop\n7:30 – 10:30 pm All-Level Evening Dance $15 adults/$5 students\nAll dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to Larks & Robins\nSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ\nOur dance hall is air-conditioned. Vaccination and masks optional. \nIf 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. \nGaye Fifer\nGaye 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  \nThe Orphans\nThe 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  \nOur full calendar \nUseful Information:\n\nNewcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing before the evening dance.\nNo partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.\n**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.\nOur dance is two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris/Essex line out of Penn Station, NYC.\nFor the dinner break, visit one of the 17 walkable restaurants within two blocks of the dance.  \nWe no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.\nAll dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins. Dance whatever role you’re comfortable in.\nWe are in an air-conditioned have along with the option for open windows on three sides.\nWe welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.\nPlease bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.\nWear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.\nWe are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles!\n\n$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