Details
The evening dance party starts at 7:00 PM this week. We’re delighted to welcome The Engine Room, a brand new contra dance band hailing from both coasts and places in between. Ithaca’s Katy Heine will teach and call the dances.
🎶 Lively Fiddling and Picking – Kelsey Wells brings extra fiddling and banjo picking delight.
🎶 Rhythmic Picking and Squeezin – Alex Sturbaum plays guitar and button accordion. He last visited us as part of Countercurrent. He’s also played here with Gallimaufry.
🎶 Lifting Harmonies – Noah VanNorstrand is beloved in Western New York and we’re so happy to see him again. Truly, Noah brings unparalleled spirit to contra dancing.
All Dances Taught – Katy Heine is one of the strong Ithaca callers.
Experience the magic of contra dancing, where all are welcome, and no partner or experience is necessary. Bring your friends, family, and fellow dance enthusiasts for a night of lively music, connection, and community. If you like, come early for an introduction to contra elements at 7:00.
We have a sliding scale admission policy, with a target of $12. Pay more if you can, less if you can’t – come dance!
Caller
Katy Heine
Ithaca-based caller Katy Heine has been leading contras and community dances in the Finger Lakes region and beyond for more than 30 years. She’s known for her clear teaching style and for her large repertoire of fun and flowing dances. Whether the hall’s full of experienced dancers or first-timers, they’re sure to have a great time at one of Katy’s dances!
Band
The Engine Room
Noah VanNorstrand (fiddle, mandolin, foot percussion), Kelsey Wells (fiddle, banjo), Alex Sturbaum (guitar, button accordion)
The Engine Room is a brand new contra dance band hailing from both coasts and places in between. The Engine Room will lay down a driving, nonstop groove that is sure to get you moving.
Fiddler Kelsey Wells joins The Engine Room from Nashville, where she also performs with Turnip the Beet.
Alex Sturbaum has also been to Rochester before, first with Gallimaufry, and more recently with Countercurrent. His guitar riffs underlie and enrich the tunes.
And we’ve known and loved Noah Vannorstrand for decades now. He’s always delighted dancers in every band where he’s a member, from the Great Bear Trio, to the Great Bear Band, and the Faux Paws, among others.