Community Contra Dance

Community Contra Dance

Friday, January 17, 2025, from 7 – 9 pm

In the tradition of New England’s earliest settlers, The Granite and the Redding Grange #15 invite you to a New England Contra Dance to celebrate the traditions of community dancing! Light snacks and refreshments will be served. No partner is necessary! Tickets are required, and the suggested donation is $10.

THE CALLER

Don Heinold, hailing from Rhode Island, has been calling at dances, weddings, and parties all over New England for over 14 years. Don is also known for teaching the Rotary (country) Waltz.

THE MUSICIANS

Mickey Koth on fiddle and various wind instruments and John Kalinowski on accordion, concertina, and fife (but not all at the same time!) are an energetic and exuberant traditional acoustic duo with roots in Irish, Scottish, French-Canadian, jazz, and classical music. Mickey and John’s playing has been described as “St. Patrick at a hoedown.” As one fan put it, they will change your O’Doul’s to Guinness! Together, they will amaze you!

CONTRA DANCE

Contra dance (also contradance, contra-dance, and other variant spellings) is a form of folk dancing, made up of long lines of couples. It has mixed origins from English country dance, Scottish country dance, and French dance styles in the 17th century. Sometimes described as New England folk dance or Appalachian folk dance, contra dances can be found around the world, but are most common in the United States (periodically held in nearly every state), Canada, and other Anglophone countries. – Wikipedia

REDDING GRANGE #15

Redding Grange #15 strengthens our town by gathering its individuals, families, and youth in order to promote agriculture, community, service, health, and to foster fellowship and well-being. Learn more at reddinggrange.org