Details
Join the Lake Effect Groove and various callers for conviviality, a community pot luck dinner, and sweet dancing on the day after Christmas, or Boxing Day, as it’s known in the British tradition. Chuck Abell has put together an after Christmas party with a great collection of musicians. Margaret Mathews will lead the dances, with guest callers chipping in.
- 4:00 – 5:30 pm Contras
- 5:30 – 6:30 pm Potluck Dinner
- 6:00 – 6:30 pm Couples dancing
- 6:30 – 8:00 pm Contras
$10 minimum donation plus something to share for the potluck (recommended). Bring a dish to pass for dinner. Notes: Please label dishes that may have meat, nuts, and other such ingredients. Although there will be no kitchen facilities, we will have some outlets for plugging in crockpots, etc. As the Harmony House bar will NOT be open that day, please bring sufficient beverages for yourself, as well as some to share, if desired. Paper products and plastic ware will be provided.
Caller
Margaret Mathews
With more than 35 years experience as dancer, musician and caller, Margaret’s easy-going, engaging style gets everyone out on the dance floor. Her ability to smoothly adjust the dances to the experience level of the dance community make it a fun and accessible evening for everyone. In addition to contra dances, she calls for traditional Old Time square dances, Civil War reenactments, hoedowns, weddings and other joy filled occasions. Her dance calling has taken her up and down the East coast, from the Carolinas to Vermont, as well as the Northwest and Canada. When not calling, Margaret plays bass in Wild Root String Band, a Southern Old Time band.
Bands
Lake Effect
Matt Sloboda (fiddle, mandolin, accordion, bouzuki), Chuck Abell (guitar), Catherine Sloboda (fiddle)
For nearly seven years, Lake Effect has been honing its sound while playing for dances and concerts both locally and in New England and along the Eastern Seaboard. Founded initially by Matt Sloboda and Chuck Abell, the band has grown to include Catherine Sloboda. With a shared vision that encompasses the best in folk, Celtic, swing, and World Music, the band has melded seamlessly into a unique ensemble which values both precision and musical variety.
Groove Effect
Chuck Abell (guitar), Matt Sloboda (fiddle, bouzouki), Alex Fortier (keys), Bennie Johnson (drums)
Chuck Abell’s 2025 band bring together jazzy stylings in arrangements ideally suited for a hot night of contra dance.