Details
Pianist Alex Fortier and fiddler Catherine Sloboda join with Oliver Scanlon for the first time in Rochester. We’re excited to see what these three powerhouse musicians will bring. All dances are taught and called by our own Margaret Mathews.
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 to contra elements at 7:00.
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
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
Alex Fortier
Alex Louis Fortier has been studying and playing piano in various idioms since the age of 6. His traditional accompaniment stylings range between classic New England style (Bob McQuillen, Gordon Peery), Quebecois style (Mario Loiselle, Rachel Aucoin), and Cape Breton style (Neil Pearlman, Jason Roach, Mac Morin, Troy MacGillivray). With a love of tradition and a penchant for harmonic substitutions and development, he’s sure to keep a dance fresh and energetic!
Oliver Scanlon
Oliver Scanlon (fiddle)
A soulful fiddler, mandolinist and spellbinding tunesmith, Oliver Scanlon co-founded in 2013 Pete’s Posse with Pete Sutherland and Tristan Henderson. Oliver played with Pete’s Posse for hundreds of contradances, concerts and festivals for their nine years as a trio, releasing eight recording projects along the way! Now based in Syracuse, NY, Oliver plays with Stove Dragon and gives music lessons.
Catherine Sloboda
Catherine Sloboda (fiddle)
Catherine’s fiddling is energizing, sensitive, and creates music with that elusive quality of danceability. She also has long experience in playing for dancing; in the early ’90’s, Catherine was a member of the Sloboda family band, Glenrose, who played for many contra and family dances. She is a member of the ECD bands Bellamira, Quicksilver, and many other combinations of local dance musicians.