Details
Join us for a thrilling contra dance night back at our centrally located venue, 295 Gregory Street. Get ready to dance the night away to the irresistible tunes of Sister Haggis, featuring Eileen Kalfass on fiddle and Jane Knoeck on keyboard. Every dance is taught by our caller, Evan DeSmitt.
Beginner Workshop (7:10 PM – 7:30 PM): New to contradance? Join us for a beginner workshop before the dance to learn the basics and get ready to hit the dance floor with confidence!
No partner? No problem! Bring your friends, family, and fellow music and dance enthusiasts for a night of energetic music, laughter, and connection. Contra dancing is all about community and good vibes.
Admission pricing is a sliding scale, with a $10 suggested price for adults.
Caller
Evan De Smitt
One of Rochester’s seasoned callers, Evan brings great timing from his experiences playing saxophone in marching bands. His lovely, clear, resonant voice carries well, and he is very attentive to the dancers.
Band
Sister Haggis
Eileen Nicholson Kalfass - fiddle, Jane Knoeck - piano, accordion
Known as Sister Haggis, Eileen Kalfass and Jane Knoeck have been making music together for over 15 years. Bringing their wealth of experience to both Contra and English dance, Eileen’s lilting fiddle and Jane’s dynamic piano provide both high energy and exceptional musicality to the dance floor. Their repertoire features both traditional and modern tunes and draws from a number of musical traditions. Together, and with other ensembles including the Groovemongers and Continental Drift and New Brew, they have travelled the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe, playing for numerous dance weeks, camps and festivals.