Details
Join us for an exhilarating contra dance night as we welcome back Margaret Mathews and the old-time musicians of Esteemed Clams. Dance the beloved Money Musk, known for it’s balance and foot-stomping fun!
All Dances Taught – Our caller, Margaret Mathews has years of experience calling contras for all kinds of musical styles, and we love to have her calling the dances whenever she can.
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.
- Go beyond the basics of contra dancing starting at 6:00 pm;
- Introduction to contra dance at 7:00;
- Contra 7:30 – 10:00 pm.
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
![Margaret Mathews at the microphone](https://cdrochester.org/CDR/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_0234-e1514747755530-400x533.jpg)
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
![](https://cdrochester.org/CDR/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/EsteemedClams_Rubes_18May2023-400x498.jpg)
Esteemed Clams
Kathy Vandemortel – fiddle, Stephen Bland – guitar, Fred Filbrich – bass, banjo-uke
The Esteemed Clams originally came together in 1994 and have been playing for dances ever since. Their band roots are in Appalachian old-time music with a contra dance drive that will make you want to keep your feet a-movin’ on that dance floor!