Details
This is the second of our special Rochester Fringe Festival dances. Admission is free this week.
The club scene fuses with Contra this week! We’re excited to bring back Tryptech, the dynamic duo of Cat and Zak bringing Techno Contra to the Rose Room. It’s always fun to pick out the pop tunes that Cat and Zak work into their sets. Joining them for this special event will be Alex Fortier, weaving his keyboard magic into the mix.
? Lively Fiddling and Picking – The driving tunes of Catherine Sloboda will have you twirling across the dance floor.
? Pounding Rhythms – Drummer and synth specialist Zak Spath brings an awesome beat to the house.
? Syncopated Boom-chucks – Keyboard master Alex Fortier adds to the wall of sound in a special appearance with Cat and Zak.
All Dances Taught – Our own Margaret Mathews has spent time in the band rehearsals to find the dances that will best match the music. We’ll be in good hands as Cat and Zak explore new soundscapes for contra. Be sure to listen for their Easter eggs!
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.
- Introduction to contra dance at 7:00;
- Contra 7:30 – 10:00 pm.
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
Tryptech
Catherine Sloboda (violin), Zak Spath (synth, drums and percussion)
Cat and Zak, talented musicians and passionate dancers seamlessly fuse technology with the the traditional.
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!