Details

Close out July with Margaret Mathews calling to the music of Sister Haggis. The infectious joy of these two great friends comes through in their music.

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 7:10.

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

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.