Details

Honoring the light from the sun and the awakening of the earth, Ostara brings us music from New England and Quebec. Cat Sloboda fiddles, her brother, Matt Sloboda plays fiddle, mandolin and accordion, and Tom Santarsiero strums guitar, mandolin and banjo and accordion, too. All dances taught and called by Chuck Abell.

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. Come early for a lesson on the elements of contra given 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!

All dances are taught. An introduction to contra dancing is provided around 7:00 on request. Please let us know when you arrive.

Caller

Peter Stix

Peter Stix is a caller and dance organizer up in Albany NY.  Stix started calling in 1989 in Minnesota (no doubt that’s where he developed his laid-back style). Clear teaching and varied dance selections are his trademarks, once you get past his PUNishing sense of humor. Undoubtedly he will have a great program for our dancing enjoyment.

Besides dancing and calling, Stix teaches math; creates sculptures; builds “eccentric lazy susans”; writes satires and parodies for cathartic release; and is edging ever closer to an encore career as a stand-up comic.

Band

Ostara

Catherine Sloboda (violin), Matt Sloboda (fiddle, accordion, mandolin, jaw harp), Tom Santarsiero (guitar, mandolin, accordion, foot percussion)

Ostara blends a rich texture of musical traditions from Western Europe, New England and Quebec with modern styles. With their contagious rhythm, Ostara has crafted a style that stirs up the dance floor.

Tom Santarsiero has been influenced by the musical styles of New England, France, French Canada and southern Appalachia. Tom has developed an eclectic approach to playing guitar, mandolin, diatonic accordion and foot percussion. His rhythm anchors musicians and dancers while giving them room for expression. Tom has played in The Groovemongers, Montage and New Brew.

Matthew Sloboda began fiddling in the mid 1990’s after being introduced to the Rose, NY contra dance. Suzuki violin lessons from the tender age of 3 laid a solid foundation for technique and his fiddle style was influenced by New England, Irish and Quebecoise traditions. Matthew developed traditional repertoire on the diatonic accordion and mandolin as a sideline to his fiddling. Current bands include Lake Effect, Glenrose, and the newly formed Ostara.

Catherine Sloboda is a teacher of classical violin. She and her brother, Matthew were introduced to fiddling by their parents. As kids they played for contra, ECD, and Scandi dances with their family band, Glenrose. Since 1995 Catherine has studied and performed in various fiddle styles at many camps in the US and Canada with a special interest in Quebecois repertoire.