ITHACA NY - Notes Inégales for a traditional, old New England style Contra Dance on Fri May 24th. Notes Inégales [pronounced notes in-a-gall] is Andrea Katz on fiddle and Michael Ludgate on mandolin. For this dance featuring special musical guests: Laurie Tupper on flute and Tim Ball on guitar. Caller: House callers. Location: Bethel Grove Community Center 1825 Slaterville Rd Ithaca NY. 8-11 pm $6- TCCD sponsored event. Band: www.notesinegales.org FB event https://www.facebook.com/events/441495482607316/

Andrea Katz (fiddle, viola) - Andrea Katz (from Texas on playing fiddle and viola) is a PhD candidate in applied physics at Cornell University (finishing her 2nd year there). Andrea played in a variety of contra dance bands in the San Antonio area and has studied with Jay Ungar and David Kaynor. Andrea is joined by Michael Ludgate (mandolin, fiddle, tenor banjo), joined by occasional special guests. Both are fantastic contra dance musicians and are playing a dance with Ithaca contra musician and music promoter Michael Ludgate under the new band name Notes Inégales. This will be an exceptionally fun dance!

Laurie Tupper (flute) - Laurie Tupper is also a graduate student at Cornell University, moving here from Swarthmore College. Laurie is well know in contra dance circles as the flute player for “Last Exit” a Philly based band. She has played all around the northeastern US. She is also the flute player for “Stunt Double” contra band. More here http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayIdent.com?key=LAURIE_TUPPER

Tim Ball (guitar) - Tim has recently been perfecting a style of guitar playing that is great for Irish sessions and contra dancing. Most folks know him for his fiddling: Tim plays fiddle with Contrapasso, Tunescape, the O’Shanigans, and other fine musicians for contra and English Country dances around upstate New York and beyond. A recent graduate of the Ithaca College School of Music where he studied violin with Susan Waterbury, he brings training in classical music and jazz improvisation together with a love of social dancing and a great respect for the traditional music of New England, Ireland, Quebec, and the many other regions that have lent their influence to contra dance musicians everywhere. http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayIdent.com?key=TIM_BALL

Notes Inégales (pronounced notes in-a-gall) contra dance band performs Celtic, American and world fiddle tunes suitable for contra dancing,  general entertainment and weddings. Fiddle and dance tunes from: New England, Southern Appalachia, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Finland, Sweden and the Middle East! We currently combine the skills of two of Ithaca’s most talented contra dance musicians: Andrea Katz (fiddle, viola) with local contra session leader and acoustic music promoter, Michael Ludgate (mandolin, fiddle, tenor banjo), joined by occasional special guests.

From the dancers and callers –  “Notes Inégales, what a fantastic band! You guys rock! True to it’s name, the band infused some interesting rhythmic swing-like patterns (rock step-1-2-3??) into regular square steps. Thanks guys for a fun evening!” “A wall of dance sound” “Wow! What was that Horse Flies tune you played?” “The music was fantastic!” “That was a delightful contra dance last night … I truly enjoyed the many subtleties of your musical arrangements.”, ” … such a fun group of people, and the band was awesome … ” , “The band was absolutely wonderful last night!”

Notes Inégales - About the band name: “Notes Inégales” (pronounced notes inagall) contra dance band http://www.notesinegales.org/ — “In music, notes inégales (French: unequal notes) refers to a performance practice, mainly from the Baroque and Classical music eras, in which some notes with equal written time values are performed with unequal durations, usually as alternating long and short. The practice was especially prevalent in France in the 17th and 18th centuries, with appearances in other European countries at the same time; and it reappeared as the standard performance practice in the 20th century in jazz.” source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notes_in%C3%A9gales

More about the musicians here: Bios and Photos www.notesinegales.org

More about Contra Dancing:

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST DANCE Contra dancing is easy to learn. It’s so easy to learn that you don’t take lessons. Just show up at a dance and by the end of the first night you’ll have learned Danceers at an O’Shanigans’ contra dance in Ithaca NYall the dance moves and you will be able to enjoy the next dance even more. People are friendly and welcoming to beginners. The age range is from kids to folks that have been around for a while. Both singles and doubles come to contra dances and women as well as men ask people to dance. It is usual that you change partners after every dance. You will meet people in a relaxed, pleasant, smoke and alcohol free atmosphere. The patterns of the dance can be a tad confusing at first but remember everyone had a first time and that other dancers will help you. Listen to the caller and the music and go with the flow of the dance. Some people find they get dizzy at first. Looking directly at the person you are dancing with eliminates this sensation. For many, the music is what keeps them coming back as it is exciting and lively. People come to dance, hear the music, socialize and have a good time.

WHAT TO WEAR? Wear smooth soled shoes and comfortable light weight clothing. Some halls require non-street shoes so make sure the soles of shoes aren’t bringing grit onto the dance floor. Most people bring a bottle of drinking water. Contra dancing is joyous so it’s important that you bring a smile. Adapted from http://www.greatmeadowmusic.com/music.html

More information about contra dancing at these links:

http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_dance.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cny.contradance/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance
http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayDance.com/US_NY_ITH_TCCD
http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayBand.com?key=OSHANIGANS
http://hands4dancers.org/
http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/
http://contra.binghamtondance.org/contra_calendar.htm
http://www.thedancegypsy.com/
http://www.thedancegypsy.com/performerList.php?band=Oshanigans
http://www.sbcds.org/contradance/whatis/

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Sat Apr 06    TRUMANSBURG NY - Casey Carr w/ O’Shanigans - Contra Dance 8-11 pm. Fundraiser for the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts! O’Shanigans: Tim Ball (fiddle), Phil Robinson (guitar), and Michael Ludgate (mandolin). Location: Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. Adults $10; children under 13 free. Contra dances have been held for hundreds of years in small town halls such as the Conservatory. Come help us revive this tradition in Trumansburg! Each dance is taught, and you can come without a partner. But please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the lovely wooden floor! Sponsored by the board of the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. Band www.oshanigans.org Venue http://tburgconservatory.org/

Fri Apr 05    COOPERSTOWN NY - Casey Mullaney w/ O’Shanigans - Contra Dance w/ Philip Robinson (guitar) and Mike Ludgate (mandolin) with Tim Ball on fiddle. The delightful Casey Mullaney (Hartwick ALUM) calling the dances in Cooperstown NY. Great little venue with a nice wooden floor. First Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Pioneer and Church Streets in Cooperstown NY. 8-11 pm., $8- www.oshanigans.org

Fri Feb 08 ITHACA NY - Katy Heine with Notes Inégales (notes in-a-gall): Andrea Katz (fiddle, viola) and Mike Ludgate (mandolin) - will be joined by Margaret Ball (fiddle) and Sophie Orzechowski (keyboard). Calling the dances is our fabulous Ithaca caller, Katy Heine http://www.notesinegales.org 8-11 pm 1825 Slaterville Rd Ithaca NY. Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/536339516400038/

Sat Feb 09 ROSE NY - Notes Inégales duo: Andrea Katz (fiddle, viola), Mike Ludgate (mandolin). Casey Carr Calling http://www.notesinegales.org EARLY dance 7:30-10:30 pm MAP http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/146838455471078/

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Sat Jan 12 BING NY - O’Shanigans Contra Dance w/ Michael Ludgate (mandolin, tenor banjo), Philip Robinson (guitar) and Tim Ball (fiddle) for the BING contra dance. http://www.oshanigans.org/ - Contra dance in Binghamton Saturday, January 12, 2012, EARLY DANCE 7.00 - 10.00 pm intro lesson 6:40 pm Music by O’Shanigans http://www.oshanigans.org/ Caller Casey Carr (from Ithaca) General admission $8 Students with ID and those under 18 $3 Family maximum $17 At Trinity Church, 44 Main Street, Binghamton (enter on Oak Street) http://www.binghamtondance.org/ MAP http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/409580022451030/

Fri Jan 18 ITHACA NY - NO’Shanigans Contra Dance w/ Margaret Ball (fiddle), Sophie Orzechowski (fiddle & accordion), Tim Ball (guitar) and Michael Ludgate (mandolin). Bethel Grove Community Center 1825 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca NY. 8-11 pm TCCD. http://www.oshanigans.org/ MAP http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/573713775976966

Sat Feb 09 ROSE NY - Notes Inégales duo: Andrea Katz (fiddle, viola), Mike Ludgate (mandolin). Casey Carr Calling www.notesinegales.org EARLY dance 7:30-10:30 pm MAP http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS

MUSICIANS BIOS - http://www.oshanigans.org and http://www.notesinegales.org/

VENUE LOCATIONS - New Google Map of Central NY contra venues http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS

From the dancers and callers about O’Shanigans and Notes Inegales –  “That was a delightful contra dance last night in Fayetteville … I truly enjoyed the many subtleties of your musical arrangements. And when Nils Fredland joined in on his trombone, it was polyphonic heaven … ” , “Ithaca’s best contra dance band”, “O’Shanigans rock(s)”, ” … such a fun group of people, and the band was awesome … ” , “What a great dance! Nils called some fun and interesting dances, the band was delightful! The place was packed…” , “you guys really GET the dance thing”, “wow …. WOW! That was inceredible!”, “you guys are so much fun to dance to!”, ”O’Shanigans is Ithaca’s hottest new contra dance band.”, “Tim Ball, Mike Ludgate, and Phil Robinson play with energy and style. It’s party time!” “I was happy to see and hear your band play, it was great! The music was the best I’ve heard at a contra for sure. It really got everyone grooving and elicited hooting and hollering … YEAH!” “The O’Shanigans rocked the hall tonight! You guys sure know how to throw a party!” “I was really glad to get to dance to your music- that was tons of fun!!” “Super dance on Friday! You guys were peppy, and there were some imaginative arrangements that made familiar tunes sound fresh. Hooray for the O’Shanigans!” “It was invigorating music, great company and fun caller!” “Do play for us again!” “It was fun dancing and even more so to the tunes of O’Shanigans!” “It was great!” “Mike, you and Phil and Tim were SOLID! I had a blast and my daughter had fun too! Thanks for playing, and thanks to Ray for the goodies!” “We’ve heard great stuff about you guys: We’d love to have you play at our dance!” “Wow! I have not seen that kind of energy at the Friday Dance in long time, you guys were great!” “That was they most amazing medley … was there something Middle Eastern in there?” “You guys were way out there like in Hungary or somewhere? … then you brought it back home with that old-time tune … the best version of that I have ever heard!” “The band was absolutely wonderful last night!”

More information About Contra Dancing:

http://www.greatmeadowmusic.com/music.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance
http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayDance.com/US_NY_ITH_TCCD
http://hands4dancers.org/
http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/
http://contra.binghamtondance.org/contra_calendar.htm
http://www.thedancegypsy.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTtEOaruqr4
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128273050

NPR: Youth Flock To Contra Dancing — Contra dancing has been around since the 1700s. If you don’t know it — it’s kind of like square dancing but with long lines of dancers. The dance is having a renaissance around the country thanks to a thriving youth scene and incredibly lively acoustic music. Article by Marika Partridge on All Things Considered NPR July 2nd 2010 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128273050

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BROOKTONDALE NY (near ITHACA) - Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand - Sat Mar 16th House Concert & Workshop - Spend the whole day at the Canaan Institute or take it in “a la carte”. Details and suggested contributions listed here: Contra Musicians’ workshop 2:00-4:30 pm $20, Potluck dinner 5:00-6:30 pm bring something to share, House Concert 7:00-9:30 pm $15, Music Jam after the concert - bring your instrument, or $25 for the whole day. This takes place at a private residence, please email Mike for reservations and directions mike@cinst.org. Telephone 607-539-6153. The Canaan Institute: www.cinst.org

Here is a video clip from the March 16 concert … they played this song spontaneously from a request by an audience member.

CONCERT DETAIL - The VanNorstrands have been bringing their brand of high-energy alternative folk music to concert halls, festival stages, and dance floors across North America for more than a decade, but this concert is a return to the brothers’ musical roots. They began their musical careers learning old-time fiddle tunes, but soon became proficient on an astonishing variety of instruments; guitar, banjo, bouzouki, bongos, mandolin, bodhran, and even didgeridoo. Recently they’ve branched out into an edgier, more improvisational style including jazz, rock and world-beat percussion.  Their stunning abilities as both performers and composers, combined with energetic, heartfelt performances, have built a large and loyal following. This show presents a special opportunity to hear these remarkable musicians in a cozy, close-up setting.

RSVP mike@cinst.org to reserve your place! Let us know what part of the day you want to participate in.  This will be an all day event.  Spend the whole day at the Institute or take it in “a la carte”.  Details and suggested contributions listed here:

Contra Musicians’ workshop 2:00-4:30 pm - $20 alone
Potluck dinner 5:00-6:30 pm - bring something to share
House Concert 7:00-9:30 pm - $15 alone
Music Jam after the concert - bring your instrument
$25 donation covers the whole day

DIRECTIONS to this event http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_jamcann.html
Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/143069282522156/

WORKSHOP DETAIL - Here is a mini-summary of possible workshop topics: great for contra dance musicians!

Crowd Control: rhythm, dynamics and communication
Bigger on the Inside: tune deconstruction and arrangements
The Perfect Fit: working with callers, matching tunes with dances
Between the Sheets: improvisation and finding the soul of a tune

More about Noah and Andrew VanNorstrand:

www.andrewandnoah.com
www.facebook.com/andrewandnoahband
www.sonicbids.com/andrewandnoah

PHOTO - Noah on the left, Andrew on the right

Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand are two of the most exciting and creative musicians on the folk music scene today. This special show will be a rare, all acoustic performance by the duo, featuring a finely crafted blend of old-time country songs, mountain fiddle tunes, swing, and bluegrass, as well as some originals. The intimate setting of the Canaan Institute is the perfect venue for this kind of concert.

The VanNorstrands have been bringing their brand of high-energy alternative folk music to concert halls, festival stages, and dance floors across North America for more than a decade, but this concert is a return to the brothers’ musical roots. They began their musical careers learning old-time fiddle tunes, but soon became proficient on an astonishing variety of instruments; guitar, banjo, bouzouki, bongos, mandolin, bodhran, and even didgeridoo. Recently they’ve branched out into an edgier, more improvisational style including jazz, rock and world-beat percussion.  Their stunning abilities as both performers and composers, combined with energetic, heartfelt performances, have built a large and loyal following. This show presents a special opportunity to hear these remarkable musicians in a cozy, close-up setting.

Andrew & Noah are DIY musicians with some hard-earned credentials. They’ve been featured performers at the Lake Eden Arts Festival in NC, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in NY, KVMR Celtic Festival in CA, Suwannee Springfest in FL, Midpoint Music Festival in OH and many others. They’ve toured extensively, often playing for contra dances as The Great Bear Trio with their mom Kim on piano. They’ve taught at various music camps including Ashokan Fiddle & Dance, CDSS Pinewoods and the Augusta Heritage Center. Andrew is also the program coordinator for the annual Ashokan Guitar Camp. They performed live on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” when they were in their teens. They maintain their own independent label (Great Bear Records) and produce an annual music and dance festival in Oswego, NY called The Groove.

Andrew and Noah are a true brother duo in the line of the Stanleys, the Louvins and the Everlys. Their finely-honed vocal harmonies bespeak over two decades of common musical experience, but it’s their differences that make them truly dynamic. Both brothers started out playing fiddle at age eight. Andrew was always drawn to bluegrass, swing, old-time country and cowboy songs, which eventually led him to take up the guitar and banjo. Noah, on the other hand, dug deeper into Celtic, Appalachian and contemporary acoustic roots music; branching out on the mandolin, tenor guitar, didgeridoo, drums and percussion. They recorded several albums in their teens of all original material and in 2004 they appeared on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. Now in their twenties, the brothers continue to write, record and tour all over North America with several bands including The Great Bear Trio, Giant Robot Dance and of course, the Andrew & Noah Band. They maintain their own independent label (Great Bear Records) and produce an annual music and dance festival in Oswego, NY called The Groove.

Press quotes:

“Their material is original, yet sounds timeless, demonstrating a depth of musical understanding seldom found in musicians double or triple their ages.” – Rob Weir, Sing Out!

“These folks are going places!” – Jay Ungar, performer, composer

“Their eclectic arrangements show both considerable technical ability and an ear for orchestration.” – Tom Nelligan, Dirty Linen Magazine

“These two brothers are fun, talented, and above all, great showmen!” – Bill Knowlton, Bluegrass Ramble, WCNY-FM

ANDREW & NOAH BAND
www.andrewandnoah.com
www.facebook.com/andrewandnoahband
www.sonicbids.com/andrewandnoah

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Trumansburg Conservatory Traditional Music & Dance Weekend Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, Congress & McLallen Streets, Trumansburg NY Friday evening, March 8 thru Saturday evening, March 9., Weekend pass—$40 adults/$20 students. Individual Concerts/Events or classes: $10 adults/$5 students http://tburgconservatory.org/calendar.htm

Directions to this and other contra venues: click on map here http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_dance.html

The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts (TCFA) is pleased to announce our first Traditional Music and Dance Weekend. The event will kick off at 7pm , Friday, March 8, with a concert featuring the Stringcatchers, Rilanthu and Doolin O’Dey. On Saturday afternoon, March 9, a range of experienced dance instructors will provide four hours of dance instruction, all to the tunes of live traditional music. Pat Kane will get things rolling as he teaches Irish Dancing at 1:30pm. Next up, Bob Tomlinson will teach English Country Dancing at 2:30pm. Contra Dancing will be taught by Katy Heine at 3:30pm, and Nancy Spero will wrap up the Saturday classes with Traditional Western Square Dancing at 4:30pm. Saturday evening will see a dance party, starting at 7pm, called by Nancy Spero, Bob Tomlinson and Katy Heine. Music will be provided by Serendipity and a second band with Jerome Gagliano on fiddle, Lloyd Graves on banjo and harmonica, and Steve Selin on guitar and fiddle. “This is a wonderful gathering of real talents drawn from the realm of traditional music and dance in central New York and beyond,” says Nancy Kane, director of dance at the Trumansburg Conservatory. “Especially for our first go at hosting a weekend like this.” Among the participants, Bob Tomlinson is a folk dance specialist from Ohio, as well as artistic director of the Heritage Dance Association and current president of the Lloyd Shaw Foundation.

Admission to all events of the entire weekend is $40/$20 students. A la carte admission to single events—Friday’s concert, a single Saturday afternoon class or Saturday evening dance is $10/$5 students. This concert is made possible with generous support by TCFA members, by the Lloyd Shaw Foundation, and by donations fom the public.

TRUMANSBURG CONSERVATORY TRADITIONAL MUSIC & DANCE WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Friday, March 8, 7pm

CONCERT: Stringcatchers, Rilanthu and Doolin O’Dey

Saturday March 9

Afternoon

1:30pm IRISH DANCING (Pat Kane, instructor; music by Rilanthu)

2:30pm ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING (Bob Tomlinson, instructor; music by Stringcatchers)

3:30pm CONTRA DANCING (Katy Heine, instructor; music by Miller’s Wheel)

4:30pm TRADITIONAL WESTERN SQUARE DANCING (Nancy Spero, instructor; music by Jerome Gagliano, Lloyd Graves and Steve Selin)

Evening

DANCE PARTY 7pm Music by Serendipity and the Jerome Gagliano, Lloyd Graves and Steve Selin band Dances called by Nancy Spero, Bob Tomlinson and Katy Heine

Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, Congress at McLallen, Trumansburg NY www.tburgconservatory.org

Contra Dance and Dessert Potluck with The Contradictions

Saturday 2 February 2013

Contra dancing 7:30-10:30 pm

Dessert potluck and couples dances 10:30-11:30 pm

CSMA (Community School of Music and Arts), 330 E. State St., Ithaca

A feast of fine music, dancing, and friends, as well as delectable treats, are the allure of this annual event hosted by Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca. Contra dancing (7:30-10:30 pm) will be followed by a dessert potluck and couples dances, including waltzes, swing, schottisches, and hambos, 10:30-11:30 pm. Step lively and you just might balance your caloric intake and output! Music is by the witty, high-energy Contradictions: Laurie Hart on fiddle, Rick Manning on fiddle and mandolin, Tom Hodgson on guitar, Dave Davies on bass, and the sparkling Vikki Armstrong calling. Their irresistible fiddle harmonies and imaginative, hot rhythms will drive winter away, at least for one night. The Contradictions are revered for tight, dynamic, and soulful playing; nary a contradictory note. Their peppy, broad mix of Appalachian and Irish jigs and reels, bluegrass, driving French Canadian tunes, lilting Swedish dances, 1930s and Texas swing, and sophisticated tango-waltzes has brought joy to dancers from the Saratoga Dance Flurry, the Brattleboro Dawn Dance, and Ashokan, to their home in the Finger Lakes. Find out more and hear them in action at http://lauriehartfiddle.com/contradictions.html .

Contra dancing is a more than 300-year-old tradition, a community event at which beginners of all ages are always welcome. A workshop at 7:30 pm will teach the simple steps and moves, each dance is “called,” and experienced dancers are willing to guide. No need to bring a partner. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the special Marley dance floor and something yummy to share for the grand dessert finale. Hot beverages and water will be provided. Info: 607-539-3174 or www.hands4dancers.org. Admission: $8 HFDI members; $10 nonmembers.

– Margaret Shepard

The Cornell Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Music Ensemble under the direction of Harold Hagopian presents their Fall Concert on Sunday December 2nd 2012 at 3:00 pm in Barnes Hall on the Cornell University Campus in Ithaca NY. Admission: FREE and open to the general public. Sponsored by the Cornell Institute for European Studies, Mediterranean Initiative, Near Eastern Studies and the Music Department. CMEMME website http://www.arts.cornell.edu/cmeme/ Facebook Event https://www.facebook.com/events/451753161527785/

Hands Four Contra Dance with Wild Asparagus and George Marshall Calling

Saturday, 20 October

4-6 pm dance for experienced dancers;

6:15 pm potluck supper;

7:30 pm beginners’ workshop;

8-11 pm dancing for all

Beverly Martin Elementary School,

302 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca

Dance bliss is guaranteed with the return of renowned caller George Marshall and Wild Asparagus. Springing up in the heart of the Pioneer (aka Asparagus) Valley of Massachusetts in the 1980s, the acclaimed band WILD ASPARAGUS has been pivotal in the contra dance renaissance. Their monthly “first-Saturdays” at Greenfield are packed. Over the years, these first-rate musicians have put their individual stamp on traditional tunes from New England, Canada, the wider Celtic world, and beyond, recognized for their imaginative arrangements and dynamic pacing. Beyond skill, their playing is playful. After too long an absence, this fabulous band will bring its unique blend of instruments, creativity, and energy to Ithaca for a “Don’t miss!” event.

Ann Percival, on dazzling piano, guitar, and vocals, is the essential heartbeat of the band; David Cantieni, woodwind wizard, provides melody and joyous flow with flutes, tin whistle, oboe, saxophone, and bombard. George Marshall, gifted at English concertina, bodhran, and bones, brings drive and does double duty as a suave caller. Becky Tracy, of Nightingale fame, fiddles with a rare match of fire and beauty. Ithaca’s own Harry Aceto will build the solid bass foundation for the musical dynamics.

Prices (Hands Four member/nonmember): both sessions $16/20; afternoon only $8/10; evening only $10/12). Join or renew at the dance and receive the discounted admission. Beginners are most welcome: steps are simple and each dance is taught. No need to bring a partner. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the floor! For more information, visit www.hands4dancers.org or call 607/539-3174.

Here’s a delectable Sunday mix: two superb Vermont-based, traditional but innovative musicians, glorious brunch supervised by a renowned cook, and sweet company! House concert at 124 Pine Tree Rd., Ithaca (Dave Jones and Lucia Sciore). Light brunch at 10 am, concert at 11 am, followed by more food,

ending around 1 pm. $15 admission includes brunch (but you’re welcome to bring a dish to share as well). Space is limited, so we askfor reservations. If you reserve and then discover you cannot come, please let us know; we expect a waiting list. Until Sept. 13, contact Margaret Shepard (mbs19@cornell.edu) to reserve seats. Sept. 14-16, please call Lucia (607-351-0221).

Becky Tracy (fiddle) and Keith Murphy (guitar, mandolin, piano, and foot percussion) are dynamic performers of traditional music from Newfoundland, Quebec, Ireland, France, and beyond. Tracy’s fiddling pulses through tasteful arrangements of dance tunes and resonates with beauty on traditional slow airs. Keith’s gentle and expressive singing in English and French is balanced by the drive and power of his guitar playing and foot percussion. Combined, they produce a range and richness of sound that is striking for a duo. Their playing is seamless, the result of years of playing together and touring across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Their repertoire includes Keith’s original compositions (many included in the Black Isle Music tune collection). He’s a prolific tunesmith with a style strongly grounded in traditional dance music. Keith and Becky were two-thirds of the wildly popular Vermont trio Nightingale and are veterans of several other bands including Childsplay and Assembly (Keith) and Wild Asparagus (Becky). They’ve recorded with these bands and many others, and have fine solo recordings: Evergreen (Becky) and Bound For Canaan (Keith).

Those of you who’ve heard Nightingale in concert or on the dance floor know what a treat you’re in for as Keith and Becky make a return appearance in Ithaca. If you don’t know these musicians, you’ll want to. Don’t hesitate to make a reservation; seats will go fast!

Directions from downtown Ithaca: Take Route 79 East out of Ithaca to the flashing yellow light at Pine Tree Road. Turn oblique left onto Pine Tree. We are about a 1/4 mile from the turn.  House is 124 Pine Tree, on the left side as you are going up:  Gray house with blue steel roof.  Parking on right side/uphill side of road.  May park on left, on lawn but make sure you are totally off the road.  Venturesome people may park at East Hill Plaza and walk the mile to our house.

ITHACA NY - This Friday Aug 24th at Bethel Grove Community Center 1825 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca NY. A Contra Dance with a variation on the band Notes Inégales. This will be a fun little dance with a new combination of musicians who are very excited to be playing together. Andrea Katz (fiddle & viola), Gail Blake (guitar), Mike Ludgate (mandolin & banjo) and they may be joined by a special surprise guest! Nancy Spero is calling the dances. This should be a nice start to the semester and a great warm up for a weekend of dancing. Dance time 8-11pm Fee $6- (cheap night out!) FB event https://www.facebook.com/events/143609619112505/

ITHACA NY Fri Jun 29 2012 — Contra Dance with Notes Inégales (pronounced notes inagall) at Bethel Grove. Ethan Jodziewicz (guitar, bass, banjo and feet) and Andrea Katz (fiddle) along with Michael Ludgate

(mandolin) at Bethel Grove Community Center. Calling the dances will be local favorite Pamela Goddard. All at 1825 Slaterville Road (Rt 79 about 4 miles east of Ithaca) Ithaca NY from 8-11 pm. Admission $6- Sponsored by: TCCD - Tompkins County Country. http://www.notesinegales.org/

Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/146715998785801/

We are lucky to have two new contra dance musicians now living in the Ithaca area, both are students starting well into their second semesters here. Ethan Jodziewicz (bass, guitar, banjo, mandolin and feet) is studying double bass performance at Ithaca College. Ethan is from Washington state, where he often plays with his band The Retrospectacles. Andrea Katz (from Texas on playing fiddle) is a PhD candidate in applied physics at Cornell University. Andrea played in a variety of contra dance bands in the San Antonio area and has studied with Jay Ungar and David Kaynor. Both are fantastic contra dance musicians and are playing a dance with local contra musician and music promoter Michael Ludgate under the new band name Notes Inégales (pronounced notes inagall). This will be a fun dance! http://www.notesinegales.org/

More information about this upcoming dance: Located at Bethel Grove Community Center. The contra dance starts at 8:00 - 11:00 pm. The street address is 1825 Slaterville Road (Rt 79 about 4 miles east of Ithaca; look for the yellow street sign that says “School”) Ithaca NY. Admission $6- (discounts for students and new dancers). Sponsored by: TCCD - Tompkins County Country Dances 607-273-8678. Don’t miss this celebration of the roots of New England folk dance. This is an authentic Old New England style venue with a newly refinished wooden dance floor. Bring clean shoes, a water bottle and YOUR FRIENDS. All dances taught, No partner needed. http://www.notesinegales.org/

Additional links …

BAND Notes Inégales contra dance band http://www.notesinegales.org/
VENUE http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayDance.com?key=US_NY_ITH_TCCD
VENUE’S POSTER http://canaaninstitute.org/photos/TCCD_Insert_current.pdf
FACEBOOK EVENT https://www.facebook.com/events/146715998785801/

DIRECTIONS to this DANCE http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayVenue.com?key=US_NY_ITH_BG Bethel Grove Community Center 1825 Slaterville Road (NYS Rt.79) (from Ithaca take State Street east to Rt. 79, about four miles from the Ithaca Commons; a few hundred yards past the Bible Church)

GOOGLE MAP link to VENUE http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode&q=1825+Slaterville+Rd%2C+Ithaca%2C+NY+14850&sll=42.41161%2C-76.29505&sspn=0.008523%2C0.01929&ie=UTF8&hq&hnear=1825+Slaterville+Rd%2C+Ithaca%2C+Tompkins%2C+New+York+14850&ll=42.40552%2C-76.432515&spn=0.034097%2C0.077162&z=14

About the band name: Notes Inégales (pronounced notes inagall) contra dance band http://www.notesinegales.org/ — “In music, notes inégales (French: unequal notes) refers to a performance practice, mainly from the Baroque and Classical music eras, in which some notes with equal written time values are performed with unequal durations, usually as alternating long and short. The practice was especially prevalent in France in the 17th and 18th centuries, with appearances in other European countries at the same time; and it reappeared as the standard performance practice in the 20th century in jazz.” source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notes_in%C3%A9gales

MORE INFORMATION About Contra Dancing:

http://www.greatmeadowmusic.com/music.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance
http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayDance.com/US_NY_ITH_TCCD
http://hands4dancers.org/
http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/
http://contra.binghamtondance.org/contra_calendar.htm
http://www.thedancegypsy.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTtEOaruqr4
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128273050

NPR: Youth Flock To Contra Dancing — Contra dancing has been around since the 1700s. If you don’t know it — it’s kind of like square dancing but with long lines of dancers. The dance is having a renaissance around the country thanks to a thriving youth scene and incredibly lively acoustic music. Article by Marika Partridge on All Things Considered NPR July 2nd 2010 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128273050

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TRUMANSBURG NY Sat Jun 30 - Casey Carr calling contra and square dances (she’s gifted at keeping beginners of all ages comfortable and experienced dancers entertained). Lively music (from Celtic to Quebecois to old-time, Scandinavian to French to Middle Eastern) by the amazing O’Shanigans: Tim Ball (fiddle), Phil Robinson (guitar), and Michael Ludgate (mandolin) http://www.oshanigans.org/. Location: Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, Congress St. just off Main St., downtown T’burg http://tburgconservatory.org/. Suggested donation $10; children under 13 free; discount for families.

Come celebrate the T’burg community and the area dance community together in a splendid historic building. Contra dances have been held for hundreds of years in small town halls such as the Conservatory. Help us revive this tradition in T’burg! The steps are simple, each dance is taught, and you can come without a partner. But please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the lovely wooden floor! Sponsored by the board of the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. For info., e-mail mbs19@cornell.edu.

BROOKTONDALE NY - Join us for a House Concert and CD release Party at The Canaan Institute (Mike and Raylene’s workshop) on Saturday June 16th 2012 from 2:00-4:30 pm. This event is FREE (also a great time to purchase their new CD!) RSVP: please email Mike Ludgate to reserve your seats and for directions michael@canaaninstitute.org

Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/351665688228803

More events at Canaan Institute: Concerts, Workshops, Jams http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_jamcann.html

CONFLUENCE Trio, from Olean, Rochester, and Ithaca NY, is a highly creative, versatile, and energetic band consisting of Nadine Dyskant-Miller on flute and foot-percussion, Tim Ball on fiddle, and Barbara Dyskant on keyboard. Ethan Jodziewicz (of Notes Inégales fame) is also on this new CD and will be at Canaan Road for this concert!

They feature both contemporary and traditional arrangements of music from Quebec, Ireland, New England, and elsewhere, plus modern grooves and rhythms and plenty of original material. Contra Dances are their specialty. Their music ranges from intensely driving to silky and lyrical, and is always high energy, filled with verve and life. They are clever at mixing styles and rhythms to create exciting twists and surprises. Within this you will hear (and feel) hints of blues, jazz, and Latin material tucked within the texture of our grooves along with traditional New England dance tunes played as musicians did years ago.

The musicians function as more than their number. Nadine plays simultaneous flute and foot-percussion with pulse and ease. Barbara plays both back-up and melody on keyboard with rapid precision and gusto, and Tim provides lightning fiddle with intensity and sensitivity.

Of special note is the soaring and seamless interweaving of flute and fiddle, ramping up the intensity and pulse of driving tunes and providing gorgeous lyricism in melodic selections.

http://www.confluence-band.com/