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It’s Hawaiian Shirt Night! Maybe we can’t all go on a tropical vacation, but we always have fun at the contra dance! Ed Raskin is celebrating his birthday tonight with Hawaiian surprises. It’ll be “fabulous”!
Chuck Abell and Evan DeSmitt are two local callers who take their craft seriously, calling a mix of all-time contra favorites and never-before-danced contras.
The band tonight has one of our favorite fiddlers, Eileen Kalfass from Syracuse, joined by Seattle musicians Eric Anderson and Terry Wergeland.
Callers
Chuck Abell
In his caller persona, Chuck Abell brings us challenging dances that will exercise your mind and tickle your fancy with their intricate beauty. Chuck organizes the monthly caller meetings in Rochester to workshop new dances. He debuted his “DJ Abell” persona at our 2017 Thanksgiving Festival, with a Taste of Techno Contra session.
Evan De Smitt
Evan has recently joined the ranks of callers here in Rochester. A seasoned marching band musician (saxophone), Evan has great timing, a lovely, clear, resonant voice, and he is very attentive to the dancers.
Band
Continental Drift
Eileen Kalfass (Fiddle), Eric Anderson (Keyboard), Terry Wergerland (Fiddle)
Eileen Kalfass and Terry Wergerland are a fiddle duo, paired with Eric Anderson on Keyboard.
Fantastic Irish influenced tunes makes for great danceable music!