day date start_time end_time miltime duration hall rating short verbose performers Friday 4/21/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) DB Israeli Dancing for All Beginner-friendly Israeli folk dances with simple patterns taught efficiently and cheerfully. No partners needed...you can do these! Joan Savitt Friday 4/21/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS ECD For As Many As Will Longways English dances invite all dancers to join in, and can be superbly exciting and fun. This program focuses on wonderful old dances, for all to enjoy both the music and company. Sam Rotenberg, Crossover Friday 4/21/2023 7:00 PM 8:50 PM 1900 110 Duchess (Hotel East) TB Hand Drumming Workshop I'm leaving this a little open ended. The workshop could be West African drumming, Middle Eastern doumbek drumming, or Middle Eastern frame drumming, depending on which type of drumming you think would be most popular. I can also do a general hand drumming workshop that covers all three styles and then some. I can bring loaner drums to share and encourage people to bring their own drums if they have them. All skill levels are welcome. Dave Curry Friday 4/21/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Hello Old Friend An instrumental performance of guitar pieces. Paul Colombino Friday 4/21/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GS Play Romanian Tunes We will read through several tunes from Romania and nearby regions. Some instruction is provided. Ralph Iverson Friday 4/21/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Trade Center Tent GB Planet Banjo Country Sing-a-Long Sing-a-Long of classic country songs from the 40s through the 60s with a country band. Think Hank Williams and Patsy Cline. All words provided Planet Banjo Friday 4/21/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Trade Center West DS Welcome Back Contras! Let's get revved up for dancing together again at Neffa! Lisa Greenleaf, Roaring Jelly Friday 4/21/2023 8:00 PM 9:05 PM 2000 65 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) NS Bulgarian+ Dance Party Zdravets plays and sings village-style music "mostly from Bulgaria," using traditional Bulgarian folk instruments and vocal styles. Zdravets Friday 4/21/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS ECD Contemporary Women Composers and Choreographers English Country Dancing featuring a sample of women composers and choreographers who influence the 21st century's deep repertoire. Luanne Stiles, Brookline Country Players Friday 4/21/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E Songs About Our Waters We do neo-traditional original folk music mainly about our maritime heritage and history. Harbortown Friday 4/21/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Intro to Contra Dance Come learn what all of the excitement is about. An easy way to get into contras. Yaron Shragai, Torrent Friday 4/21/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Prairie Music Hammered Dulcimer Concert Keith will play a mixture of songs from folk circles and tunes in the folk style but some of his own compositions. Keith Prairie Friday 4/21/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GB Favorite Old Time Tunes Slow Jam Your chance to play some simple Old Time fiddle tunes at advanced beginner pace. Friends from the bi monthly Berlin MA jam will help get you going on Angeline the Baker, Over the Waterfall, Jamie Allen, Seneca Square Dance and other old favorites.. Berlin Jam Friends Friday 4/21/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Trade Center Tent GB Uncommon Drinking Songs Drinking songs are always a favorite at the pub and chantey sessions. I’ll be presenting some uncommon drinking songs that I think are well worth singing, some as old as 1808 and some recently composed or old songs that I’ve added new verses to. Most of these songs have choruses or refrains but a few are ballads. I will be leading the songs for the first 15 minutes and then inviting two friends to lead some other songs. Most of the songs will be unaccompanied but some will be accompanied by 5-string banjo. Charlie Ipcar, Eli Dale Friday 4/21/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Trade Center West DS Dances In Harmony (Contras) Dances written specifically to match special tunes can elevate the experience of both. Let's explore some custom fit pairings that uniquely deliver on this promise. Don Veino, Kingfisher Friday 4/21/2023 9:00 PM 9:50 PM 2100 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) NS Mostly Waltzes In the spirit of Philadelphia's popular "Mostly Waltz" series, a variety of waltzes together with schottische, tango, swing, and other couple dances. Alias Friday 4/21/2023 9:00 PM 9:50 PM 2100 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E From Shady Grove to County Down This concert will feature Caldrum Street's wide variety of traditional repertoire ranging from classic Americana to traditional Irish ballads along with modern folk classics. Caldrum Street Friday 4/21/2023 9:00 PM 9:50 PM 2100 50 Princess (Hotel East) TB Intro to English Country Dance Come learn the basic figures while dancing to beautiful music. Val Medve, Confluence Friday 4/21/2023 9:00 PM 9:50 PM 2100 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Medieval and Renaissance Music on Period Instruments Enjoy music from the Medieval and Renaissance eras (approximately 13th through 16th centuries). Reproductions of period instruments including Gothic Bray Harp, Recorders, Viola da Gamba, Bowed Psaltery, Baroque Guitar, Greek Aulos (Double Flute), Rebec, Wooden Flutes and vocals. The Harper and the Minstrel Friday 4/21/2023 9:00 PM 9:50 PM 2100 50 Southborough (Hotel West) E Songs of Irish Immigration Describing the experiences of Irish immigrants in 19th-century America, from early optimism, to difficulty and discrimination, to final acceptance and popularity through songwriters like Chauncey Olcott & George M Cohan. Allen Hopkins Friday 4/21/2023 9:00 PM 10:50 PM 2100 110 Trade Center Tent GB Pub Sing We may not have a pub, but we can still raise the rafters! This is an open sing. Bring your voice and, optionally, a song with a good chorus. Jeff Keller Friday 4/21/2023 9:00 PM 9:20 PM 2100 20 Trade Center West NX Contra Medley! The famous 20 minute no walk thru advanced dance extravaganza. Six callers and six dances--no teaching! Live Wire Friday 4/21/2023 9:15 PM 10:05 PM 2115 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) DB Greek Dance Greek music for dancing! A combination of the most popular Greek festival dances and regional folk dances, with walk-throughs for less-known dances. Platana Friday 4/21/2023 9:30 PM 10:20 PM 2130 50 Trade Center West DS Rockin n' Stompin Contras High energy contras with lots of balances, good connection and flow. Let's hear those balances! Dereck Kalish, Live Wire Friday 4/21/2023 10:00 PM 11:30 PM 2200 90 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DX Shapes and Momentum Experienced ECD Exceptional English Country Dance for experienced and highly attentive dancers. When does the pattern we make require abrupt movement? When do we elongate the forms to be smooth and curved? Explore the delightful contrasts in this ever-developing form. Anna Rain, Pandora Friday 4/21/2023 10:00 PM 11:30 PM 2200 90 Princess (Hotel East) DB Fusion Dance Fusion is a partner dance style done to a wide variety of music that borrows elements from many forms (blues, contact improv, ecstatic, tango, etc.) Lesson at beginning. Boston Fusion Dance Community Friday 4/21/2023 10:15 PM 11:30 PM 2215 75 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) NS International Folk Dance with the CFO Folk dancing from many countries. Cambridge Folk Orchestra Friday 4/21/2023 10:30 PM 11:30 PM 2230 60 Trade Center West DS Smooth and Crunchy Contras Enjoy a mix of smooth and percussive dances as we explore how music can emphasize and play up certain features of each dance to give it a specific mood and feel. Carl Levine, Torrent Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) DB International Dances For Everyone "If you can walk, you can dance!" We will do dances from around the world which are often done by recreational groups around the United States. Some are still done in the old country, too! Jonathan Young, The Mad Katters Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) NS Wake Up Waltzes A variety of waltzes, both original and traditional, for your dancing and listening pleasure. Confluence Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E Mine, Mill, and Beyond Songs of the USA's great industrial heritage, including some union songs. Steve Suffet Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Intro to English Country Dance Learn the basic steps and figures of English Country Dance while dancing to beautiful music. Sue Rosen, Bruce Rosen, Donna Slonim Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebrating 200 years of the Erie Canal, with songs sung by canallers and Western New Yorkers in canal towns, 1815 to present. Period garb and antique instruments; plenty of choruses! Allen Hopkins Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Southborough (Hotel West) E Piedmont to the Delta: Country Blues Pete Kraemer and Howard Stith, two masters, will present the Country Blues in a concert of Blues styles from the Piedmont to the Delta. Howard Stith Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Trade Center Tent GF Family Song Circle Have you ever wondered where to find joyful, life-affirming songs to share with your children and grandchildren? Look no further. Join the fun--and bring your favorites. Children's Music Network (New England Region) Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Trade Center West DS English Breakfast (ECD) Start your day with gentle, joyful English Country Dances to beautiful tunes. Mae Wilson, Northeast Extension Saturday 4/22/2023 10:30 AM 11:20 AM 1030 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) C Positional Calling: What direction ought we to go? A conversation regarding the benefits and drawbacks of using positional terms to teach and prompt contra, English country, and Scottish country dance. Anna Rain Saturday 4/22/2023 10:30 AM 11:20 AM 1030 50 Westborough (Hotel West) E Mamaliga Klezmer Concert A spirited concert of original and traditional Klezmer music, that will make you dance, laugh and cry – perhaps all at once! Mamaliga Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) TS Learn the Ragtime Hesitation Waltz Come learn the ragtime hesitation waltz which can be used for both slow and very fast waltzes. Martha Griffin Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) TS Riveting Russian Returns! Enjoy exciting and challenging dances of Russia. Each dance is accompanied by the beautiful and thrilling (live!) choral music from the region. Music provided by the Bjelalitsa Chorus, directed by Julia Poirier. Murray & Randi Spiegel, Bjelalitsa Chorus Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Duchess (Hotel East) E Breton and French Dance Music We play French and Breton traditional and modern dance tunes (andros, bourées, mazurkas, etc.) for listening and/or dancing. Ganivelle Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E Memorial Concert for Jon Weinberg Jon Weinberg was a hammered dulcimer and guitar player, music teacher, dance band and dance organizer, and all-round good friend, who was involved in the New England dance and music community for decades. He sadly passed away in early 2020. This group will play music in tribute to Jon. Friends of Jon Weinberg Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Intro to Square Dance First-time dancers, learn a few moves and pro tips that will help you enjoy the rest of the Festival. Tony Parkes, The Dixie Butterhounds Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Swinging Folk Music — Fun & Frolic! Grammy-winning guitarist Mark Hanson and award-winning vocalist Greta Pedersen entertain with their sparkling vocals, fingerpicking excellence, and fun and funny songs. Mark Hanson & Greta Pedersen Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GS Scandi Jam Session Come and request your favorite Swedish tunes to play or listen to. You may learn some new favorites as well. lydia ievins Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Sterling (Hotel West) DF Family Scottish Country Dancing Fun and energetic dancing for all ages and all skill levels. Karen Sollins, Terry Traub Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Trade Center Tent GB NEFFA Funny Song Swap Hour Funny songs, silly songs, and other songs to make you laugh. Audience participation is encouraged. Joel Landy Saturday 4/22/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Trade Center West DS Contra Poetry Short medleys of easy dances in different patterns, with some instruction so everyone can join! Michael Karcher, Cojiro Saturday 4/22/2023 11:30 AM 12:20 PM 1130 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) C Evolution of Folk Organizations Hosted by the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston. Members of folk organizations, concert organizers, and interested folks are invited to join a roundtable discussion about the evolution of folk organizations. How do we grow our organizations? What's the best way to attract new members and keep it all going? Lynn Feingold Saturday 4/22/2023 11:30 AM 12:20 PM 1130 50 Westborough (Hotel West) E Tunes with a Twist With EmmaLee on the fiddle and Peter on the cello and guitar, Larksgrove takes you on a unique musical tour through their innovative arrangements of the traditional tunes, blending the folk and classical worlds. Larksgrove Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) DB French Balfolk Bal Millevaches will play great French dance tunes and Lynn Baumeister will provide brief teaching as needed for a selection of fun couple, circle and line dances. On y va! Lynn Baumeister, Millevaches Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS Learn the ECD Medley Dances Learn all six dances for this year's English Medley! Includes tips for expeditious recoveries. No obligation to participate in the actual medley. Tom Roby, Joanna Reiner Wilkinson, Night Cap Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Duchess (Hotel East) TB Appalachian Traditional Songs The Klines will share and teach these expressive treasures along with a sense of the singers from whom Michael learned over the past six decades in West Virginia. Michael & Carrie Kline Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) GS Bob McQuillen Favorites Performing New England style tunes composed or enjoyed by the legendary piano and accordion player Bob McQuillen. 2023 would have been his 100th birthday year! Sugar River Band Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Intro to International Dance Come learn the basics of Balkan and other International dance styles. Enjoy efficient, cheerful teaching and wonderful live music! Janet Yeracaris, Shining Moon Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Ritual Dance (Outside Hotel) Hop Brook Morris, Pokingbrook Morris, Charles River Rapper Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Maritime and Work Songs Old Fid (Alan Short, Deirdre and Sean Murtha) sing maritime, work, and drinking songs in three-part harmony with occasional instrumentation. Come and sing along! Old Fid Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GS Klezmer Jam Klezmer jam! All instruments and levels welcome! Mamaliga Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Sterling (Hotel West) DF Family Barn Dance Fun dances for everyone, from the child dancing with a parent as one person, to dancers whose grandchildren have left home. Jacob Bloom, JumpStart Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Trade Center Tent GS Woody Guthrie Song Swap Please bring voices, instruments, and your favorite Woody Guthrie songs to share. Leader will bring a few of Guthrie's less known songs. Steve Suffet Saturday 4/22/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Trade Center West DS Hot Tunes, Cool Contras Contra dances and awesome music; this is what you've been longing for!! Donna Hunt, Free Association Saturday 4/22/2023 12:30 PM 2:20 PM 1230 110 Sudbury (Hotel West) P Folk Song Performance Coaching Ken's Coaching Demo: Become a better, more confident singing artist in all kinds of traditional, folk, and roots material in all kinds of performance situations! Ken Schatz Saturday 4/22/2023 12:30 PM 1:20 PM 1230 50 Westborough (Hotel West) E Swedish Women Fiddlers Fiddle and nyckelharpa concert featuring old and new Swedish trad tunes by/after women. lydia ievins Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:20 PM 1300 20 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) E DANCE PERFORMANCE Mladost, Iskwelahang Pilipino Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) TS Early American Cotillions French cotillions were the original square dances, the ancestor of today's, enjoyed by everyone from Jane Austen to George Washington. Basics of the cotillion form and specific American dances! Susan de Guardiola, Calliope Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Duchess (Hotel East) GS ECD Tune Jam Come play tunes with Night Cap, a heady intoxication of cheerful musicians. Most tunes out of Barnes Books I-III (having the books is helpful but not required) Night Cap Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) P Mics for Callers, Singers, & More Mic best practices are important for all performers, but particularly important for dance callers. Dance callers' best use of a mic is different than for singers or musicians and we will explore them all. Nick Loy Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Intro to Contra Learn the basics or try a role you haven't danced before. Beginner and experienced dancers all welcome! Sue Gola, Cojiro Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Ritual Dance (Outside Hotel) Vineyard Swordfish, Stick'n the Mist, Firebird, Renegade Morris Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Traditional Canadian Folk Songs Maura will sing (unaccompanied) a selection of ballads, work songs and complaints about the weather, ranging from familiar to obscure and from east coast to west. Many have singalong choruses. Maura Volante Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Southborough (Hotel West) P Starting a Campus Contra We started a contra dance at our university from scratch, where contra was new to nearly everybody, including the caller, most of the band members, the dancers, and the university's administration and staff. Today, after 10 dances, we'll share how we're doing and how we did it so you can do it too. Dancing Bears Contra Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Sterling (Hotel West) DF Community Dance: Come One, Come All All ages are welcome to join in fun and accessible dances. Margaret Bary, Free Association Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Trade Center Tent GB Freestyle Drum Circle For All Ages Dave Curry will facilitate this freestyle drum circle that welcomes people of all skill levels and all ages. If you have your own hand drum, bring it along. Dave will have a number of loaner drums available for borrowing on a first-come, first-served basis. Dave will give a quick tutorial on using the hand drums and then off we go to jam on fun rhythms where everyone can participate! Dave Curry Saturday 4/22/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Trade Center West DS Contras That Connect Contra dancing is all about connection -- with your partner, your neighbor, your shadow, or the whole set. These dances will all lean into that sense of connection, and the satisfaction that comes with it! Ben Sachs-Hamilton, Festival Orchestra Saturday 4/22/2023 1:30 PM 2:20 PM 1330 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) TS Roma Holiday! Dance to fabulous Roma melodies which will move your body and soul and capture your heart! Jeanne Clifford, Rakiya Saturday 4/22/2023 1:30 PM 2:20 PM 1330 50 Westborough (Hotel West) GF Old Favorites Singalong Join Folk Talk Trio to sing along with favorite old folk songs from multiple traditions and hear stories from our bandleader Rik Palieri. Folk Talk Trio Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS Dances of Ted Sannella (Contras, Sqs) Contras, squares, and triplets by a great 20th-century caller/choreographer. Tony Parkes, Calliope Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Duchess (Hotel East) TB French Tune Workshop Come learn some balfolk tunes in a musical Tour de France! You don't need to know anything about French music, but some experience playing dance tunes will be helpful. All instruments are welcome. Leslie Barr Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E Yiddish Songs of Immigrants and Immigration There are hundreds of Yiddish songs of immigrants' lives, born out of Jewish history and experience. We will share songs of hardship and struggle - and songs of celebration and triumph. Khrain! [Horseradish!] Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Princess (Hotel East) TB Schottis from the Bright Side Learn how to lead and follow Schottis steps ranging from the most basic to tricky spins with heel slaps. Frequent partner and role changes will be encouraged. Joan Savitt, Marilyn Butler Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Ritual Dance (Outside Hotel) Juggler Meadow Morris Men, Muddy River Morris, Hart's Brook Garland Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Journey Through Time with the Celtic Harp Celtic Harp music from the past to the present, featuring The Wire-Strung Irish Harp, Celtic Folk Harp and Electric Harp! Accompanied by Hammered Dulcimer, Penny Whistles, Irish Wooden Flute, Bowed Psaltery, Recorders and Guitar. Turlough O'Carolan to Loreena McKennitt The Harper and the Minstrel Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GB Ukulele Jam Bring a song accompanied by your ukulele playing. Evy Mayer Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Sterling (Hotel West) TS Playing Contra Dance Rhythm Workshop describing basic accompaniment/rhythm strategies for contra dance. Mark Price plays guitar and other rhythm instruments + Jess plays fiddle - rhythm and melody instruments are all welcome! Cojiro Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Trade Center Tent GB The CT Sea Music Festival Chantey Blast Calling all chantey singers! Lead, sing along with, and/or listen to chanteys and maritime songs in this open, participatory, and rousing format! The CT Sea Chantey Singers Saturday 4/22/2023 2:00 PM 3:20 PM 1400 80 Trade Center West DS ECD: A Fresh Bouquet 21st century English dances, including highlights from Jenny & Scott's book, "Key to the Cellar." Join us to explore fresh choreography, savor great tunes, and enjoy lively fun for all ! Scott Higgs, Jenny Beer, Mulberry Garden Saturday 4/22/2023 2:30 PM 3:20 PM 1430 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) NS Balkan Dance Party Balkan Dance Party with live music by Rakiya Rakiya Saturday 4/22/2023 2:30 PM 3:20 PM 1430 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) GB How to Play the Bones Instruction on how to play the bones from basic to intermediate, with demonstration of various styles of bones playing Stephen Brown & Friends Saturday 4/22/2023 2:30 PM 3:20 PM 1430 50 Westborough (Hotel West) GF Old Time Dancing Henry, the Planchette Puppet Henry is a planchette marionette puppet controlled by a single string attached to my knee. While Jody and Michael accompany Henry on the concertina and fiddle, anyone is welcome to pull Henry's string and make him dance to the music. Jody Kruskal, Michael Gorin Saturday 4/22/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS Old Squares with a New Twist Dance old-time squares as you've never done them. Some patter calls, some singing. Quick walk-throughs and smooth dancing. Susan English, The Dead Sea Squirrels Saturday 4/22/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Duchess (Hotel East) E Dark Clouds and Silver Linings Songwriting is my way of processing my reactions to world and personal events, and sharing them with the community - solidarity vs solitude! Includes songs about book banning, Ukraine, aspects of the pandemic, dancing, losing friends, the weather and more, mostly with choruses. Kim Wallach Saturday 4/22/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E Fiddle, Guitar, and Recorder Heartwood Junction will perform a fun show featuring beautiful original tunes alongside a few traditional Celtic tunes, on fiddle, guitar, and recorder. Heartwood Junction Saturday 4/22/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Intro to International Folk Dance Learn dances from many different countries. No partner needed. Enjoy efficient, cheerful teaching and good music. Val Medve Saturday 4/22/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Ritual Dance (Outside Hotel) Pinewoods Morris Men, Great Meadows Morris and Sword, Ladies of the Rolling Pin Saturday 4/22/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Springtime Tunes - Flute, Feet, Piano Nadine Dyskant-Miller contributes the flute and foot-percussion, Barbara Dyskant contributes the piano, and together they contribute the joy of tunes from hot and driving to slow and lyrical, including both originals and arrangements of tunes from Quebec, Ireland, England, and way beyond. Nadine's simultaneous flute and feet add special energy. Touches of Latin and blues also appear. Confluence Saturday 4/22/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Sterling (Hotel West) TB Traditional and Evolving Roles of the Bass Guitar This will be a combination of solo performance (with possible acoustic guitar accompaniment), demonstrations of various techniques both old and new, a primer on bass guitar chords, and its new emerging role as a solo instrument. I will also be covering the history of the instrument along with various versions of it, and notable players. Jeff Clark Saturday 4/22/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Trade Center Tent GB Songs in Languages Other Than English Sing around event in which participants may sing a song in any language other than English. Lynn Noel Saturday 4/22/2023 3:30 PM 4:20 PM 1530 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) TS Tricky Balkan Dances Balkan dances are often tricky due to the irregular [to most Western ears] rhythms and intricate steps. By breaking down the pattern of steps carefully and methodically, tricky dances can be readily learned and practiced. Ed Abelson, Tom Pixton Saturday 4/22/2023 3:30 PM 4:20 PM 1530 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) E New England Lore (Spoken and Sung) Come be entertained with folklore and stories from around New England, both spoken and sung! Heidi Slaney, Jess Accetta Saturday 4/22/2023 3:30 PM 3:50 PM 1530 20 Trade Center West NX ECD Medley English country dances called in succession, no teaching! Dancers are expected to know all of the usual calls and be able to respond quickly. Joanna Reiner Wilkinson, Tom Roby, Intuition Saturday 4/22/2023 3:30 PM 4:20 PM 1530 50 Westborough (Hotel West) GB A Sense of Place Maura will lead this session of traditional folk songs mentioning a specific place in the lyrics. Bring a song or take a listening tour. Maura Volante Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS Something Borrowed Contras Fun dances featuring moves taken from squares and English country dance. Sue Rosen, Reel Deal Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Duchess (Hotel East) P A Black Caller in Napoleonic France Presentation on the remarkable story of Julien Clarchies, born a slave in the Caribbean, who became a famed musician, composer, and caller in Napoleonic France. Susan de Guardiola Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) GS McQuillen Tune Slow Jam Slow Jam Session of favorite tunes composed by Bob McQuillen, New England Piano and accordion player. Music will be provided, but playing by ear is encouraged. All instruments and levels welcome. Chris Carpenter, Dave Miller Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Intro to Scottish Country Dance Come and try out Scottish Country Dancing! We will go over basic steps and figures and put them together for a few fun dances. Charles Liu, Sue Chari, Terry Traub Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Ritual Dance (Outside Hotel) Jack in the Green Morris, Ring O' Bells Morris, Still River Sword, Harbour Steel Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Celtic Misery & Mayhem Some of the most beautifully evocative songs in the Celtic repertoire are songs of Misery and loss: lost - love, life, homeland. Plus some lively Mayhem. Do join us on choruses. Coffin Dodgers Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GS Mostly Swedish Jam We will be hosting a jam for instrumentalists to join us in playing along with the some of our favorite tunes. A tunebook will be provided for those new to the tunes. SAC Spelmanslag Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Sterling (Hotel West) DB Seated Square Dance Seated square dances are just like regular square dances, except you are sitting down. Fun for everyone, especially people with mobility issues. Fred Wersan, Assabet Ramblers Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Trade Center Tent E World Music Concert Novel and authentic choral repertoire from global ethnic traditions: South Africa, Bosnia, Georgia, Ukraine, Albania, the US and more. Boston Harmony Saturday 4/22/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Trade Center West DS The Music Will Tell You What to Do (ECD) When you dance, so much more pleasure can be had if you let the music tell you what to do. Tom Amesse, Intuition Saturday 4/22/2023 4:30 PM 5:20 PM 1630 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) DB Afro-Puerto Rican Dance & Song Learn the basics of Puerto Rican bomba, an African-based tradition for over 200 years. Join us for dancing with live drumming, and songs celebrating Puerto Rican history and identity with poetry and satire. Bomba de Aqui Saturday 4/22/2023 4:30 PM 5:20 PM 1630 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) C Caller Chat: Working with Non-dancers Gather to share experiences and ideas if you work (or want to) with kids, families, seniors, or other non-dance-hobbyist communities. Tony Parkes Saturday 4/22/2023 4:30 PM 5:20 PM 1630 50 Westborough (Hotel West) G Bluesy Jazzy Squeezy Sing old songs along with Jody on Anglo concertina. Jody Kruskal Saturday 4/22/2023 5:00 PM 5:50 PM 1700 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS Scottish Country Dancing Fun Scottish figures and great tunes Howard Lasnik, Mary Ellen Scannell, Terry Traub Saturday 4/22/2023 5:00 PM 5:50 PM 1700 50 Duchess (Hotel East) TS Whistling Whorkshop Techniques for whistling with the lips, with special focus on dance tunes, as well as considerations for performance in general. Jonathan Danforth, Ari Erlbaum Saturday 4/22/2023 5:00 PM 5:50 PM 1700 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) GS Balkan Kefana Sing-along Come sing along (or just enjoy listening to) "old city songs" and/or dance songs from Macedonia and surrounding areas, evoking the pleasure ("kefi") of singing with old friends around the table at a celebration, or in the village tavern or coffeehouse. Balkan Kefana Saturday 4/22/2023 5:00 PM 5:50 PM 1700 50 Princess (Hotel East) NX The Return of Rørospols! Norwegian Cpl Dancing Pols tunes from the Røros region of Norway for your dancing pleasure, along with vals, reinlander, and hoppvals. Rorosvenner Saturday 4/22/2023 5:00 PM 5:50 PM 1700 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Kings of the 12-String Howard and Pete in concert present the Kings of the 12-String guitar, including Leadbelly, Blind Willie McTell, and others. 24 Strings! 24! Howard Stith Saturday 4/22/2023 5:00 PM 5:50 PM 1700 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GS Bluegrass Slow Jam All bluegrass instruments welcome at this slow jam. This is primarily for beginners to become comfortable with an informal jam scenario, so they gain confidence in their playing and ability to pick up songs 'on the fly'. Songs will have 2-3 chords in the major keys used in bluegrass - G, D, A, C. Participants are welcome to lead a song, if they so choose. Practice up in a safe environment with other like-minded folks. Chris Reckling Saturday 4/22/2023 5:00 PM 5:50 PM 1700 50 Sterling (Hotel West) E Royer's One Man Band Royer's One Man Band will perform traditional American string band songs on Mr. Royer's home made contraptions, playing banjo, bass, guitar, percussion harmonica and singing, all at the same time. Eric Royer Saturday 4/22/2023 5:00 PM 5:50 PM 1700 50 Trade Center Tent GB Rounds Singing Group participation of singing Rounds. The Rounds Galore & More Singers Saturday 4/22/2023 5:00 PM 5:20 PM 1700 20 Trade Center West NX Contra Medley! The famous 20 minute no walk thru advanced dance extravaganza. Six callers and six dances--no teaching! The Mad Katters Saturday 4/22/2023 5:30 PM 6:20 PM 1730 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) TB Learn to Waltz! Starting with some easy folk waltz basics, we'll progress to a full rotary (turning) waltz -- the kind of gliding, swirling dance that can leave you feeling like Cinderella and her Prince. Rick Lightbody & Carol Johnson, Chimney Swift Saturday 4/22/2023 5:30 PM 6:20 PM 1730 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) C ECD Caller/Music Opportunities Make space for the upcoming generation of English Country Dance callers and musicians! Lets discuss effective mentoring, supportive community, ways for newer callers and musicians to gain experience beyond their local dances. This seems more challenging for ECD, however our conversation will also be relevant for contra and other dance communities. Come share your questions and experiences! Jenny Beer Saturday 4/22/2023 5:30 PM 6:20 PM 1730 50 Trade Center West DS Contras Squared Squares with contra moves, contras with square moves, and fun formations that mix contras and squares. Bob Isaacs, The Mad Katters Saturday 4/22/2023 5:30 PM 6:20 PM 1730 50 Westborough (Hotel West) E Ballads for the Pub Singer Ballads are songs that tell a story. Often, we think of them as long, slow, sad, and/or solo songs -- but often they are none, or only some, of these. In this concert, Cate will share some traditional ballads that you can sing with others -- there are more of them than you might think! Cate Clifford Saturday 4/22/2023 6:00 PM 7:20 PM 1800 80 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) NS Balkan Joy! Balkan Fields plays fresh, exciting (and perhaps less well-known) music for favorite dances from the Bulgarian, Macedonian, Romanian, Serbian and Roma traditions. Balkan Fields Saturday 4/22/2023 6:00 PM 6:50 PM 1800 50 Duchess (Hotel East) E Banjo and Hardingfele Mountain Music An exploration of the joint sound of 5-string banjo and 9-string Norwegian hardingfele, through the performance of "old-time" tunes from the mountain regions of Appalachia and Telemark. Hardingbanjofele Saturday 4/22/2023 6:00 PM 6:50 PM 1800 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E American Songbook Bernadette Colley and Richard Yospin will once again explore the American Songbook in vocal harmonies, and on guitars, piano, mandolin and clarinet — singing and talking about influential and enduring pop songs, jazz standards, torch songs, Broadway and movie tunes, written from the early twentieth century through the bebop era and beyond. Richard Yospin, Bernadette Colley Saturday 4/22/2023 6:00 PM 6:50 PM 1800 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Where The Chilly Winds Don't Blow This concert will feature the string band music of the American South, both instrumental and vocal, a rich stew of archaic British transplanted ballads; playful and haunting songs, African-rooted rhythms and blues; Cajun waltzes two-steps; and old-time fiddling – driving and stately, bouncy, quirky and often eerily beautiful. The Dead Sea Squirrels Saturday 4/22/2023 6:00 PM 6:50 PM 1800 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GS Scottish Fiddle Session Join Barbara & Robert McOwen for a friendly, moderately-paced session of the greatest hits of the current Scottish fiddle repertoire. Come to listen, or bring your instrument and perhaps a tune or three to suggest. Barbara McOwen, Robert McOwen Saturday 4/22/2023 6:00 PM 6:50 PM 1800 50 Sterling (Hotel West) GS Pre-dance English Open Band Practice Come practice the tunes that will be played at the English Open Band ECD session on Saturday evening (7:30 pm in Ballroom CDE) Vince O'Donnell Saturday 4/22/2023 6:00 PM 6:50 PM 1800 50 Trade Center Tent GB FSSGB Singing Party Everyone is welcome to join our folk singing party. The song leaders will get us started but every present is welcome to suggest songs that we can sing together. Folk Song Society of Greater Boston Saturday 4/22/2023 6:30 PM 7:20 PM 1830 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) DB Choreographed Couple Dances Couple dance choreographies appear in many traditions, from round dancing to Old Time to English ceilidh and Regency dancing. We’ll learn and dance different sequences without much technical language. Alan Winston, Darlene Hamilton, Two Cousins Saturday 4/22/2023 6:30 PM 7:20 PM 1830 50 Princess (Hotel East) TB Basic Italian Village Dances Learn dances representing the four main areas of traditional dances in Italy Italian Village Dances Saturday 4/22/2023 6:30 PM 7:20 PM 1830 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) G Josh Gannon-Salomon Memorial Jam In memory of our mandolin extraordinaire, Josh Gannon-Salomon, we will host an open jam. Bring your instruments, your singing voices, and a song or 2. Please do not feel obliged to lead a song if you don't want to. The idea is to have everyone playing along, playing together, and singing together. That's the way Josh would've wanted it! The King's Busketeers Saturday 4/22/2023 6:30 PM 7:20 PM 1830 50 Trade Center West DS Rum & Onions '23 (contras) Festive contras danced to the music of the one and only Rum & Onions Halloween band! Lisa Greenleaf, Rum & Onions Saturday 4/22/2023 6:30 PM 7:20 PM 1830 50 Westborough (Hotel West) E Stories for Grownups Traditional and Original Stories exploring a theme. Poetry and music sometimes included. Helen Engelhardt Saturday 4/22/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Duchess (Hotel East) TB Tune Writing Workshop After some general discussion of my approach to tune writing and perhaps a tune written on the spot, we'll write tunes or parts of tunes together as a group. Participants can play an instrument or use their voice. Larry Unger Saturday 4/22/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) GS Shetland Fiddle Workshop This workshop will explore dance music from the Shetland Islands, focusing on bowing styles and fiddle tunes by Tom Anderson. We will learn by ear; all instrumentalists are welcome. Becky Miller, Avi Randall Saturday 4/22/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Hard Hitting & Country Life Songs High mountain songs learned face to face from archetypal singers of Appalachia and beyond. The vivid imagery and haunting melodies will leave you deeply touched and eager for more. Michael & Carrie Kline & Friends Saturday 4/22/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GS Favorite Old Time Tunes Come play along with the friends of the Berlin MA Old Time jam - favorite Old Time dance tunes from New England, Appalachia and our Canadian neighbors, (Moderate pace, banjo friendly!) Berlin Jam Friends Saturday 4/22/2023 7:00 PM 7:50 PM 1900 50 Trade Center Tent GB Pete Seeger and The Power of Song Do you have a favorite Pete Seeger song? Do you have a Pete story to share? Join us as we celebrate Pete Seeger and the power of song. Joel Landy Saturday 4/22/2023 7:30 PM 8:50 PM 1930 80 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) NX International Dance Party Balkan and International line dances for all Pinewoods Band Saturday 4/22/2023 7:30 PM 8:20 PM 1930 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS ECD Familiar Favorites with English Open Band This session will feature familiar favorites from the ECD repertoire, accompanied by the English Open Band--open to all ECD musicians! If you want extra practice, come to the rehearsal beforehand at 6pm in Sterling. Margaret Bary, Vince O'Donnell Saturday 4/22/2023 7:30 PM 8:20 PM 1930 50 Princess (Hotel East) E Transcultural Belly Dance to Middle Eastern Rhythms Trade Route Dance Collective & Drum Nomads, The Drum Nomads Saturday 4/22/2023 7:30 PM 8:20 PM 1930 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) E Power Harmonies Come and plan to lift your voice! As Power Harmonies, Lynn Noel and Ken Mattsson sing with depth, power, and passionate attention to the spirit in the song. As experienced dancers of contra, English country, and Scandinavian gammaldans, their duo sound can be described as "ballroom dancing for the voice." They are noted for inspiring harmonies and making the rafters ring. Power Harmonies Saturday 4/22/2023 7:30 PM 8:20 PM 1930 50 Trade Center West DS Ahhhsome Contrahhhs Classic fun with minimal complication, these dances will free your mind and let you simply enjoy being on the dance floor with glorious music motivating your motion. Don Veino, Raise the Roof Saturday 4/22/2023 7:30 PM 8:20 PM 1930 50 Westborough (Hotel West) P Scots Revolt! Alistair Hulett's "Red Clydeside" This is a fine year to remember the antiwar/workers' action arising around Glasgow, 1910-1930s, & it's hero John Maclean (1879-1923). Hulett wrote this poetic account during post 9-11 war hysteria but story is even richer in considering Glasgow-Dundee part in 2014 Referendum, struggles over Brexit & Trump's America. Cycle of 9 trad ballad form songs, notes, Glaswegian Scots glossary, great tunes, many moods, crackin good choruses to sing! Anne Kazlauskas, Ishmael Stefanov-Wagner Saturday 4/22/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Duchess (Hotel East) E Songs of the North Atlantic Fisheries Having lived surrounded by the sea on Cape Ann for thirty-plus years, I've slowly gathered sea songs like sea glass - a piece here and a piece there while idly walking the beach - and among them are a number of songs of the north Atlantic fisheries, including songs of Gloucester, which celebrates its 400+ this year. The songs will be largely if not entirely unaccompanied, and some will have refrains/choruses for the audience to join in on. Michael O'Leary Saturday 4/22/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E Django, Jazz, and Bluegrazz Acoustic duo performs swing, gypsy jazz, American Songbook, bluegrass- tunes from the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s. Blue Jersey Band Saturday 4/22/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Misandry, Sheep, and the Apocalypse Join Becky and Nicole for a concert! Becky and Nicole sing traditional songs and songs-in-the-tradition with beautiful poetry, enchanting stories, and delicious harmonies. In this concert, they will share songs on some of their favorite themes: Misandry, Sheep, and the Apocalypse, with many opportunities for the audience to sing along. Nicole Singer, Becky Wright Saturday 4/22/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Southborough (Hotel West) TS Play Old Time Backup Guitar Like Riley Puckett Learn a handful of the signature bass runs of the great Skillet Lickers guitarist in this hands-on workshop. We’ll cover the keys of G, D, A, and C using examples from the album, "Old-Time Fiddle Tunes and Songs from North Georgia". While we're at it, we'll cover the basic runs leading to each chord change and how to construct your own. Tab available after the class. Attendees should be able to “boom-chuck” in those keys - or listen in and take home new material to work on. Chris Reckling Saturday 4/22/2023 8:00 PM 8:50 PM 2000 50 Trade Center Tent GB Tangled Up in Bob! Get tangled up in Bob Dylan at this sing-along with your Dylan favorites. Come all without. Come all within. Don't think twice, it's alright. See you there, babe! Joel Landy Saturday 4/22/2023 8:30 PM 9:20 PM 2030 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS English Dances, Contra Moves With so much crossover, seasoned contra dancers already enjoy many figures common in English Country Dances. In this session the dances will include moves frequently found in contra, sometimes used in slightly unfamiliar ways. Cathy Hollister, Two Cousins, Bruce Randall Saturday 4/22/2023 8:30 PM 9:20 PM 2030 50 Princess (Hotel East) E Rhythmic Journey With The Drum Nomads Join the Drum Nomads as they take you on a rhythmic journey with drumming styles drawn from traditions from across the globe, including West Africa, Brazil, the Middle East and the Caribbean. If there's space to move, get up and dance to the groove! The Drum Nomads Saturday 4/22/2023 8:30 PM 9:50 PM 2030 80 Trade Center West DS Smooth Sailing Contras Contras with the emphasis on the flow. Alexandra Deis-Lauby, River Road Saturday 4/22/2023 8:30 PM 9:20 PM 2030 50 Westborough (Hotel West) E Civil War Songs The conflict as described in songs familiar and obscure –– soldiers' songs, the home front, danger, defeat and triumph. Voices of various ethnic groups, humor, nostalgia, hardship etc., played on period instruments. Many choruses. Allen Hopkins Saturday 4/22/2023 9:00 PM 9:50 PM 2100 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) TB Intro to Blues Dance An all-levels friendly but introduction-oriented lesson in blues dance. Blues is a dance style closely related to swing, usually partnered and danced to blues, R&B, or slow jazz music. Blues Dance Boston Saturday 4/22/2023 9:00 PM 10:50 PM 2100 110 Duchess (Hotel East) GS Ballad Swap Ballads are old story songs - I'll share a few of my favorite traditional ballads and then open the floor to any other ballad enthusiasts who would like to share a song. Got an old ballad that tells a good story? (Attention: there may be adult themes/language/situations in these old songs.) Lynn Feingold Saturday 4/22/2023 9:00 PM 9:50 PM 2100 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E Intertwined - Cultures in Connection What happens when you intertwine the musics of different cultural traditions? You get a fusion of sounds and stories, songs and tunes, both traditional and original that reflect how music from different regions can be connected and interwoven. This event fuses musical styles from the Celtic, Eastern European, Americana, folk, world, and jazz idioms. Bring a tissue for the sad songs and your stomping feet or a shaker for the bouncy ones! HeartSoulVoice Ensemble Saturday 4/22/2023 9:00 PM 9:50 PM 2100 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GB Tin Pan Alley Sing-Along Join Jerry Bryant (uke) and Bob Snope (tuba) for a sing-along of popular tunes from the Prohibition Era. See you on the sunny side of the street! Lyric sheets will be provided. The Volstead Act Saturday 4/22/2023 9:00 PM 10:50 PM 2100 110 Trade Center Tent GB Pub Sing Pub-less Pub Sing . Join in a traditional pub sing where one (or more) singers lead a song, typically with a sing-a-long chorus. Feel free to lead, sing along on the choruses or just sit and listen. Beginners encouraged! Jack in the Green Morris Saturday 4/22/2023 9:30 PM 10:20 PM 2130 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) NS International Dance Party Balkan and International folk dances with live music by Sladka Sladka Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 PM 11:30 PM 2200 90 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) NB Jug Band Swing and Blues Dance Come dance your heart out to Outrageous Fortune's rootsy jug band stylings of classic '20s and '30s blues and jazz. Stationary listeners also welcome! Outrageous Fortune Saturday 4/22/2023 10:00 PM 11:30 PM 2200 90 Trade Center West DS Role-Play Contras A session of stylish, fun contras that play around with roles a little. We'll have same-role swings, both roles doing chains, and similar elements in these thrilling dances! Julian Blechner, Chimney Swift Saturday 4/22/2023 10:30 PM 11:30 PM 2230 60 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) NS Moonlight Dancing Balkan and International folk dance favorites featuring Shining Moon Shining Moon Sunday 4/23/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) TB High-Energy Circle and Partner International Dances Learn some of our young dancers' favorite international folk dances! We'll do dances from Romania, Israel, Basque country, Italy, South Africa, and more. No experience or partner required! Mladost Sunday 4/23/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) NX Zwiefache! Put your waltzing and pivoting skills to use in many different permutations! Enjoy whirling with partners to classic Bavarian Zwiefache tunes! The music tells you what to do! Tom Roby, The Mother Zwiefacher Orchestra Sunday 4/23/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Duchess (Hotel East) E Songs for the Seasons Stuart Ryerse will perform a concert of his original songs, whose themes center around nature, beauty, and the passage of time. Stuart Ryerse Sunday 4/23/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Intro to International Folk Dance Introduction to International Folk Dance Yaron Shragai Sunday 4/23/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Southborough (Hotel West) GS Jiggety Jig Jam Bring your instruments and jigs from around the globe and let's rock out on our favorite genre. Irish, Icelandic, French, Québécois and all others welcome. Cindy Harris Sunday 4/23/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Trade Center Tent GS West Gallery Music Sing and play the music from English rural churches, from the time of Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, and King George III! For all voices and melodic instruments. The West Gallery Quire Sunday 4/23/2023 10:00 AM 10:50 AM 1000 50 Trade Center West DS ECD Hot Music, Cool Dances Fun ECD with great music and minimal teaching. A knowledge of English dance figures is helpful. Ted Rudofker, Hidden River Sunday 4/23/2023 10:30 AM 11:20 AM 1030 50 Westborough (Hotel West) GS Play Bulgarian Tunes We will read some Bulgarian tunes. Some instruction is provided involving the scales, rhythms, and styling. A few copies of Bb music will be available. Ralph Iverson Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) DB Scottish Ceilidh Party Come party as Hila and Torrent present a variety of set and circle dances traditionally found at a ceilidh and designed to get folks mixing, mingling and having a great time on the dance floor. Hila Lenz, Torrent Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) TB Introduction to Indian Dance Samskrithi will teach simple dance movements from the traditional Bharatanatyam repertoire of Tamil Nadu. Samskrithi Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Duchess (Hotel East) C How to Apply to NEFFA NEFFA has been welcoming new performers for 79 years. Are you thinking about becoming a performer? Wonder about how to submit a successful application? How can we encourage new performers to apply? Come join this discussion on how the Program Committee works and how we can help you join our community of performers. NEFFA Program Committee Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) TS Expand Your Sound for Contra Ideas to expand your sound palette for varied textures and moods while supporting the dance. Great ensemble playing goes beyond the melody, and the instrument you play shapes your contribution. Alias (flute/whistle, fiddle, and piano) will share ideas on how each type of instrument can play different roles through a dance set. Alias Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Welcome to Contra Dancing Instruction and dances to help everyone feel welcomed into the contra dancing community. Michael Karcher, Black River Ironworks Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Songs of Work and Freedom from the Coal Fields of West Virginia Gritty, high-powered songs of resistance the Klines have harbored as folklorist-musicians in West Virginia and Kentucky performed in high mountain harmony on vocals, guitars, banjo and upright bass Michael & Carrie Kline Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Southborough (Hotel West) C Fiddle Without Pain We will discuss and demonstrate how to play fiddle without pain. Presentation with questions welcome. Carol Kycia Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Sterling (Hotel West) DF Family Barn Dance Simply fun dancing for all ages and ability levels. Just bring your smile and dance with us for awhile! Don Veino, JumpStart Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 11:50 AM 1100 50 Trade Center Tent TB Shape Note Workshop What did Americans do before electronic media? They made their own music. Join us in ‘singing in the square’ with four-part, unaccompanied songs of our New England ancestors for a taste of community music making. No experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm to sing and to learn the ‘four shape system’ invented in colonial America. Glen Wright & Friends Sunday 4/23/2023 11:00 AM 12:20 PM 1100 80 Trade Center West DS Where've You Been Contras Fun contra dances inspired by some of those dance locations we love. Sue Gola, The Orphans Sunday 4/23/2023 11:30 AM 12:20 PM 1130 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) TS Waltz With Your Autoharp Waltzes are the perfect repertoire for autoharp: not too fast, not too slow, and enhanced by a plethora of chord choices and strums. Bring your autoharp and your favorite waltzes and I'll bring mine and we can experiment with a variety of techniques to make them our own. Cindy Harris Sunday 4/23/2023 11:30 AM 12:20 PM 1130 50 Westborough (Hotel West) GB Pastime with Good Company The audience will participate in rounds and simple part songs. Music will be supplied. We will sing songs about eating, drinking, love, birds, death, and “Publick Sickness”, from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Cantabile Renaissance Band Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) TS Argentine Tango ca. 1916 Early Argentine Tango was quite different from modern Argentine or ballroom tango. It is still fun to dance today. This class is an introduction to "El Tango Argentino de Salon" by Nicanor Lima (ca. 1916). You will learn essential walking, crossing and quick steps, plus key combinations called "sentadas" and "medias lunas." See how a few basic principles led to innumerable possibilities in this versatile dance. Tim Lamm, Martha Griffin Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:20 PM 1200 20 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) E DANCE PERFORMANCE Krakowiak Polish Dancers of Boston, Inc.; Boston Scottish Country Dancers Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Duchess (Hotel East) TB Finding Your Way Around The Hammered Dulcimer Workshop for beginning hammered dulcimer players and those interested in exploring if the hammered dulcimer might be for you. Please bring a dulcimer (tuned to A 440) if you have one available. If not we will trade off and let those without a dulcimer have a try. We will focus on a couple of simple songs (Simple Gifts and Frere Jacques) and with limited embellishments. Keith Prairie Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) GS Contra Tune Slow Jam Slow jam session of favorite traditional tunes commonly played for New England style contra dancing. All instruments and levels welcome! No written music; all tunes will be played by ear. Chris Carpenter, Dave Miller Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB Intro to Balkan Dancing Intro to Balkan Dancing featuring live music with the NEFFArious Goats Sue Rose, NEFFArious Goats Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Ritual Dance (Outside Hotel) Midnight Capers Morris & Sword, Whistlepig Morris Dancers, Banbury Cross Morris Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Seminar (Hotel East) C NEFFA Annual General Meeting NEFFA is an all-volunteer run organization. Come meet the Board, provide feedback, and ask questions. NEFFA Board Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Southborough (Hotel West) E One String More Clawhammer Clawhammer banjo tunes in several musical genres, sharing the particular fun, versatility and deeper voice of banjos having a sixth string in addition to the usual five. Steve Bittenson, Bob Solosko Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Sterling (Hotel West) NF Improv Dance Session You've peeled the banana, now let's mash it up with other dance styles! Come and join us for a participatory improv dance session. No experience necessary! Here we combine our various forms of dancing into our own unique new style! Musicians are encouraged to come and jam while we go with the flow. Family-friendly! Terpsichore Eats the Banana Sunday 4/23/2023 12:00 PM 12:50 PM 1200 50 Trade Center Tent E Humor Us! Humorous Songs, many with singalong choruses. Evy Mayer Sunday 4/23/2023 12:30 PM 1:20 PM 1230 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) TB Shadow Waltz Variations Uncomfortable post-Covid doing face-to-face couple dancing? Get dizzy from spinning? Never waltzed before? Enjoy easy and beautiful side-by-side promenading waltz variations! Susan de Guardiola, The Mad Katters Sunday 4/23/2023 12:30 PM 1:20 PM 1230 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) TB Jewish Papercut Art Class Come learn about the tradition of Jewish papercut art and try your hand at cutting out a simple template. Templates that aren't religious will also be available. If you're feeling extra creative, you can make an original. All materials will be provided. As we are using exacto knives, this workshop is for teens and adults. Rachel Asarnow Sunday 4/23/2023 12:30 PM 1:20 PM 1230 50 Trade Center West DS Evolutionary Contras Experience contras that borrow figures evolved from English Country Dance. Carl Levine, Not Enough Fiddles Sunday 4/23/2023 12:30 PM 1:20 PM 1230 50 Westborough (Hotel West) GB Music and Meter: Poetry and Song Celebrate National Poetry Month with a song circle for soaking in (and sharing) poem recitations, poems set to music, songs by poets, and perhaps a monologue or two! Listeners welcome. Cate Clifford Sunday 4/23/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) DS Remarkable Romanian Dances Help stamp out some Romanian dances. GET your RHYthms HERE. Efficient teaching for maximal dancing to great live music. Tom Roby, Tom Pixton Sunday 4/23/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Duchess (Hotel East) TB How to Play the Irish Bodhran Introduction to Irish Bodhran; a demonstration of handling technique. Explore Irish music rhythms.We'll consider session etiquette, play some tunes (with Dave Miller on fiddle), explore ornamentation.Bring a bodhran. Jeanne Hansberry, Dave Miller Sunday 4/23/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) GS Hypnotic Old-Time Jam Lock in with other musicians in a moderately-paced Southern old time jam. The Dead Sea Squirrels Sunday 4/23/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Princess (Hotel East) DB English Country Dance: A Gentle Introduction Modern English country dance presented through enjoyable dances called without gender reference. Figures learned in the context of dances. Paced for beginners, experienced dancers welcome! Alan Winston, Darlene Hamilton, Brookline Country Players Sunday 4/23/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Ritual Dance (Outside Hotel) Half Moon Sword, Johnny Jump Ups, And Sometimes Y Sunday 4/23/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Nyckelharpa Smörgåsbord The Swedish nyckelharpa: a sampling of tunes old and new, traditional and modern. Help celebrate #WorldNyckelharpaDay! lydia ievins Sunday 4/23/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Southborough (Hotel West) E Sea Chanteys, Songs, and Ballads Come join us in singing our favorite sea songs...we love audience participation...sing hearty!!! Three Sheets to the Wind Sunday 4/23/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Sterling (Hotel West) DF Family Dance Dancing for folks of all ages! Andy Taylor-Blenis Sunday 4/23/2023 1:00 PM 1:50 PM 1300 50 Trade Center Tent GB Gospel Jam Old Time Gospel Sing [GB] Bring your voices to an Old Time Gospel Sing where we'll sing songs and hymns from the old time tradition, including songs recorded by the Carter Family, EC & Orna Ball, and others. Dallal & Henry Sunday 4/23/2023 1:30 PM 1:50 PM 1330 20 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) NB Open Waltzing Come join us and waltz to a wide variety of old and new favorites, including classical, country, tango waltz, and more. The Mad Katters Sunday 4/23/2023 1:30 PM 2:20 PM 1330 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) G Why Do I Never Hear It Anymore? Some folk songs once were overdone.... Yet you never hear them anymore! Join us for a song circle for no-longer-heard folk classics. (No questionable content songs per NEFFA policy.) Heidi Slaney, Jason Baker Sunday 4/23/2023 1:30 PM 1:50 PM 1330 20 Trade Center West NX Contra Medley! The famous 20 minute no walk thru advanced dance extravaganza. Six callers and six dances--no teaching! Two Roses & a Thorn Sunday 4/23/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) TB Allemande:The Couple Dance Not just a hand turn! Once upon a time, the allemande was a couple dance that inspired many of the beautiful waltz movements we use today. Learn basic figures and transitions of the 18th century allemande. Susan de Guardiola, Pandora Sunday 4/23/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DB Fest-Bretagne Breton community dance party (Fest-Noz/Fest Deizh) with a variety of easy and moderate line dances (An Dro, Laride, Gavotte, etc) and perhaps a few couple dances (waltz, mazurka). Marie Wendt, Le Bon Truc Sunday 4/23/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Duchess (Hotel East) C 5 Things: Grow Your Community A open discussion about building your dance community. What things bring in new folks, more fun, and create a strong community spirit. From the “5 Things” web chat team! Darlene Hamilton Sunday 4/23/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) P How to Talk to Your Sound Engineer How to work with an engineer to get the best sound with the least aggravation for both of you. What's possible, what isn't; what you can do to avoid feedback and still hear yourself. How to ask for more and not get a bowl of porridge. If you make your engineer's life easier, they'll return the favor! Michael Bergman Sunday 4/23/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Princess (Hotel East) NS Swedish Couple Dancing A session of Swedish couple turning dances -- regional polskas along with hambo, schottis, waltz, and more. lydia ievins Sunday 4/23/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Ritual Dance (Outside Hotel) No Apologies Rapper, Ha'Penny Morris, Red Herring Morris, Orion Longsword Sunday 4/23/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Folk Adjacent Pub Music We perform a blended variety of folk music, from sea shanteys to centuries' old folk songs to folksy twists on more modern tunes. We love an audience that sings and claps along. The Penniless Jacks Sunday 4/23/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Trade Center Tent G Croatian Music Sing Along Join in with Pajdashi folk band and chorus to sing Croatian favorites. Word sheets will be provided. Pajdashi Sunday 4/23/2023 2:00 PM 2:50 PM 1400 50 Trade Center West DS Cracking Chestnuts (Contras) Travel back in time and enjoy the contras danced by generations past. This session will feature extra teaching for those who haven't danced chestnuts or triple-minor dances, while leaving plenty of time for dancing! Ben Sachs-Hamilton, Sugar River Band Sunday 4/23/2023 2:30 PM 3:20 PM 1430 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) TS Cajun Fiddle Workshop Learn a Classic Cajun Tune "Johnny Peut Pas Dancer" and How to Make It Danceable. Cathy Mason Sunday 4/23/2023 2:30 PM 3:20 PM 1430 50 Westborough (Hotel West) C Chantey Talk Love chanteys and want to know what all the strange terms mean? Learn about shipboard tech of the 19th century and how chanteys were tools crafted for specific jobs. Jerry Bryant Sunday 4/23/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) TB Polish Dances - North, South, East & West Easy dances from all four corners of Poland, showcasing the wide differences in dance and music styles across the country. Andrea Haber Sunday 4/23/2023 3:00 PM 3:20 PM 1500 20 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) E DANCE PERFORMANCE Country Dance Society, Boston Centre; Samskrithi Sunday 4/23/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Duchess (Hotel East) C Success Stories From Your Dances Zoom dances helped us ride-out the pandemic, and in-person dances are returning. Each community faced its own unique set of challenges along that journey. Where do things stand now ? What are some of the efforts that worked well ? As a group, we'll share stories of Success in the face of Adversity ! Scott Higgs, Lisa Greenleaf Sunday 4/23/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) GF Beatles Sing Along Join in the fun and sing along as we play and sing some great Beatles songs, familiar and obscure. Rocking Horse People Sunday 4/23/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Princess (Hotel East) TB Appalachian Flatfooting and Buck Dancing Participants will learn the basics of Appalachian flatfooting and buck dancing. James Keenan Sunday 4/23/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E Tunes from Cape Breton and Elsewhere Fiddle, cello, and piano playing tunes from Cape Breton, Scotland, and Scandinavia Northern Mix Sunday 4/23/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Trade Center Tent E Music of Scotland and Cape Breton Listen to traditional Scottish and Cape Breton tunes arranged to create a unique fresh sound while also keeping in the tradition. We have a big fiddle sound with other instruments, including flute, whistle, accordion, mandolin, cellos, piano. Music Director is Neil Pearlman. Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra Sunday 4/23/2023 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 1500 50 Trade Center West DS Wavy Contras Waves can run across a contra set, longways, or on the diagonal; add a gentle touch, balance, and eye contact, and you have the perfect dance. Susan English, Black River Ironworks Sunday 4/23/2023 3:30 PM 4:20 PM 1530 50 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS English Country Dances to Unexpected Tunes From hymns to Broadway, tunes for ECD can sometimes be a surprise! Melanie Axel-Lute, Melusine Sunday 4/23/2023 3:30 PM 4:20 PM 1530 50 Sudbury (Hotel West) GS Harpapalooza Bring your Harp and your favorite tune. Everyone will be able to play their favorite, and there will several pieces that everyone will play together. Jay Michaels Sunday 4/23/2023 3:30 PM 4:20 PM 1530 50 Westborough (Hotel West) E Banjo For Old Hands Arthritis? Banjo is for you! A concert of blues, ballads, gospel & sing-alongs. Clawhammer or finger-style, it's versatile, easy to learn and easy on the hands. Extend your musical career or just have some fun with it. Cece Borjeson Sunday 4/23/2023 4:00 PM 5:30 PM 1600 90 Ballroom AB (Hotel East) NS Bulgarian Dancing Easy Bulgarian line dances; music by Zornitsa, a men's Bulgarian singing group with instrumental accompaniment. Zornitsa Sunday 4/23/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Marlborough (Hotel West) E Trouble, Trouble Everywhere: Fiddle Tunes & Broadsides We will fiddle and sing our way through episodes of rural catastrophe and moments of redemption, from "Hog Went Through the Fence, Yoke and All" and "Rabbit in the Pea Patch" to "The Spring's All Muddy and the Pond is Dry." High Strung Strummers Sunday 4/23/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Seminar (Hotel East) E High Octane Bluegrass! Southern Rail's bluegrass is high energy exuberant fun with lush harmonies, irrepressible good humor and sparkling banjo, guitar and mandolin. Southern Rail Sunday 4/23/2023 4:00 PM 4:50 PM 1600 50 Trade Center Tent GB Closing Sing-Around Finishing up the festival, with an open song-sharing session. Chorus songs preferred but not required, instruments welcome, participation rather than performance. Allen's led the sing-around for over 20 years. Allen Hopkins Sunday 4/23/2023 4:00 PM 5:30 PM 1600 90 Trade Center West DS Festival Orchestra Contras and Squares -- Merry Go Round at 4:35! Join us for our traditional big, open-band finale. We'll dance good, fun contras and the amazing Merry Go Round square to the joyful sound of the Festival Orchestra. Dereck Kalish, Bob Isaacs Sunday 4/23/2023 4:30 PM 5:30 PM 1630 60 Ballroom CDE (Hotel East) DS ECD: Farewell Favorites Come bid farewell to another NEFFA festival with some favorite English Country Dances. Val Medve; Eleanor, Kristen & Micah