Contra Dance with CROWFOOT and George Marshall - Saturday, 31 October, 4-6 pm; 8-11 pm; potluck 6:30 pm at Beverly Martin School, 302 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca

Hands Four Dancers is thrilled to host suave Pioneer Valley caller George Marshall and the multinational, multi-layered band Crowfoot, which has been heating up dance floors and concert stages across the land, including the recent Brattleboro Dawn Dance. Adam Broome (from rural England), on guitar, cittern, and vocals, draws inspiration from diverse wells: Renaissance to reggae. Jaige Trudel on fiddle, cello, and vocals shows her classical-Celtic-Appalachian roots in sweet, fiery playing. Canadian Nicholas Williams (flutes, accordion, piano, vocals) is a scholar of world music, from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Québec, to North India. Crowfoot, which melds traditional and original tunes, is known for euphoric groove music, infectious energy, and superb, tight-ensemble instrumentals and vocals.

There’s a 4-6 pm session for experienced dancers, a 6:30 pm potluck supper, and a session 8-11 pm for all dancers. Newcomers are welcome; a beginner’s workshop at 7:30 pm will cover the simple steps and each dance is taught. No need to bring a partner, but please bring clean, soft-soled shoes. Admission for whole event (4-11 pm): $12 members/$15 nonmembers; afternoon only: $6/$8; evening only: $9/$12. Info: 607-539-3174 or http://hands4dancers.org