Details

Join us for an exhilarating contradance night on January 4, 2024, as we welcome back Margaret Mathews and the old-time musicians of The PossumTone String Band for an evening of lively mountain music that will get you up onto the dance floor.

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 class at 7:10.

We have a sliding scale admission policy, with a target of $10. Pay more if you can, less if you can’t – come dance!

 

Caller

Margaret Mathews at the microphone

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.

Band

PossumTone Stringband on stage

PossumTone String Band

Tom Owens (fiddle), Dan Palmer (guitar), Michelle Burack (banjo), Jordan Kleiman (bass)

The PossumTone String Band, based in Rochester, NY, plays high energy music anchored in the Southern tradition. While most their tunes come from the Appalachian region of the United States, some are from the Midwest and beyond. The band plays music that’s centuries old as well as new tunes created in the past few years. They enjoy playing for dances, weddings, farmers’ markets, and other happy events.