Date: Saturday, June 22
Time: 8:00-11:00 pm
Band: Anadama
Caller: Katy Heine
Venue: CSMA

Admission: Free for members!/$8 nonmembers
Workshop? no workshop
Potluck? ice cream social at 6:30 pm
Flyer: Download

Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: 12:00-11:00 pm
Band: Moving Violations and Escape
Caller: Gaye Fifer
Venue: BJM: Beverly J. Martin School

Admission: See Frolic Page
Workshop? Yes (See Frolic Page)
Potluck? 6:15-7:15
Flyer: See Frolic Page

Date: Saturday, February 2
Time: 7:30-10:30 pm
Band: Contradictions
Caller: Vikki Armstrong
Venue: CSMA: Community School of Music and Art

Admission: $8 members/$10 nonmembers
Workshop? Beginners dancing at 7:00
Potluck? Dessert potluck and couples dances 10:30-11:30, following the regular dance
Flyer: Download

Date: Saturday, December 1
Time: 8:00-11:00 pm
Band: Great Bear Trio--super sized!
Caller: Sarah VanNorstrand
Venue: BJM: Beverly J. Martin School

Admission: $8 members/$10 nonmembers
Workshop? Beginners dancing at 7:30
Flyer: Download

Tags: sarah van norstrand, great bear trio

Date: Saturday, October 20
Time: Double-header: experienced dance 4-6, dance for all 8-11
Band: Wild Asparagus
Caller: George Marshall
Venue: BJM: Beverly J. Martin School

Admission: Afternoon: $8/$10. Evening: $10/$12. Both: $16/$20.
Workshop: Beginners dancing at 7:30
Potluck: Dinner potluck begins at 6:15. With all this dancing, we'll have hearty appetites--so please bring a megaginormous dish to share!
Flyer: Download

Date: Saturday, August 25
Time: 8:00-11:00 pm
Band: Confluence
Caller: Bob Isaacs
Venue: CSMA: Community School of Music and Art

Admission: 8/10
Flyer: Confluence Flyer

Date: Saturday, Jun 16, 2012
Time: 8:00-11:00
Band: Jane's Gang
Caller: Luke Donforth
Venue: BJM: Beverly J. Martin School

Admission: $8 members/$10 nonmembers
Workshop? None
Potluck? Dinner

Potluck at 6:00 p.m.

During the meeting we'll have the annual meeting of the Hands Four membership, where we'll review the past year, talk about the year to come, and elect the 2012-13 board.

In 2013 we'll celebrate HFDI's 10th anniversary, so come with ideas about what we might do to mark the occasion!

Flyer: Download

Date: April 28 2012 Time: Noon - 11:00 pm Band: Tunescape Caller: Ron Buchanan Venue: BJM: Beverly J. Martin School

Admission: See Brochure for prices! Workshop: Music workshop, 3-4pm with members of Tunescape Potluck: Dinner potluck, 6:15-7:15. Please bring a ginormous dish to share and your own place setting! Flyer: Download Schedule: Download Brochure: Download

Tags: tunescape, ron buchanan

Date: Saturday, January 21
Time: 7:30-10:30 pm Contras, 10:30-11:30 Couples dances
Band: The Contradictions
Caller: Vikki Armstrong
Venue: WCB: Women's Community Building

Admission: $8 members, $10 nonmembers
Workshop? Beginners Workshop at 7:00
Potluck? Dessert potluck and couples dances 10:30-11:30, following the regular dance
Flyer: Download

Tags: women's community building, vikki armstrong, the contradictions

Date: Saturday, December 3
Time: 8:00-11:00 pm
Band: Montage
Caller: Sarah VanNorstrand
Venue: BJM: Beverly J. Martin School

Admission: $8 members, $10 nonmembers
Workshop? Beginner’s workshop at 7:30
Potluck? No
Flyer: Download

Tags: montage, sarah van norstrand, beverly j. martin school

Date: Oct 8 2011
Time:

• Afternoon session for experienced dancers, 4-6 p.m.
• Evening dance for all, 8-11 p.m.

Band: Clayfoot Strutters
Callers: George Marshall
Venue: BJM: Beverly J Martin School

Admission:

• Afternoon only, $8/$10
• Evening only, $10/$12
• Both sessions, $15/$19

Workshop: Beginners' workshop, 7:30-8:00
Potluck: Starting at 6:15
Flyer: Download

Tags: clayfoot strutters, george marshall, beverly j. martin school

Date: Aug 27 2011
Time: 8:00-11:00
Band: David Kaynor and friends
Callers: David Kaynor and Nancy Spero
Venue: CSMA: Community School of Music and Arts

Admission: $8 members, $10 non-members
Workshop: Beginner's Dancing
Flyer: TBA

Tags: david kaynor, nancy spero, community school of music and arts

Date: Saturday, June 11
Time: 8:00-11:00 pm
Band: George Wilson and Tom Hodgson
Caller: Katy Heine
Venue: WCB: Women's Community Building

Admission: $8 members, $10 nonmembers
Potluck: 6:00 Potluck Dinner
Meeting: 6:30 HFDI Annual Meeting
Flyer: PDF

Tags: women's community building, tom hodgson, george wilson, katy heine

Date: Saturday, April 16
Time: Noon to 11:00 PM
Band: Elixir
Caller: Nils Fredland
Venue: BMS: Boynton Middle School

Admission: See Frolic Page
Workshop? Yes (See Frolic Page)
Potluck? 6:15-7:15
Flyer: See Frolic Page

Tags: Elixir, nils fredland

Date: Saturday, February 5
Time: 7:30-10:30 pm Contras, 10:30-11:30 Couples dances
Band: The Contradictions
Caller: Vikki Armstrong
Venue: WCB: Women's Community Building

Admission: $8 members, $10 nonmembers
Workshop? Beginners Workshop at 7:15
Potluck? Dessert potluck and couples dances 10:30-11:30, following the regular dance
Flyer: Download

Tags: the contradictions, vikki armstrong

Date: Saturday, December 4
Time: 8:00-11:00
Band: Tunescape
Caller: Tom Calwell and Myra Hirschberg
Venue: BJM: Beverly J Martin School

Admission: Members: Free Nonmembers: $8
Workshop? Beginners dancing workshop
Potluck? Dinner potluck starting at 6:30
Flyer: Download

Tags: tunescape, tom calwell, myra hirschberg

Date: Saturday, October 16
Time: 4:00-6:00 experienced dance, 8:00-11:00 dance for all
Band: Nightingale
Caller: George Marshall
Venue: BJM: Beverly J Martin School

Admission: Afternoon session, $7/$10; evening session, $9/$12
Workshop? Beginners dancing at 7:30
Potluck? Dinner potluck starting at 6:15. Please bring a generous dish to share!
Flyer: Download

Tags: nightingale, george marshall, beverly j. martin school

Date: Saturday, August 28
Time: 8:00-11:00
Band: Riverbend
Caller: Bev Bernbaum
Venue: St. Paul's United Methodist Church

Admission: $8 members, $10 nonmembers
Workshop? No
Potluck? No
Flyer: TBA

Riverbend features the Groovemongers' Rebecca McCallum on fiddle and Jane Knoeck on piano and accordion, plus Tom Santasiero on mandolin, tenor banjo, guitar, and foot percussion.

Tags: riverbend, bev bernbaum, st. paul's united methodist church

Date: Saturday, May 22
Time: 8:00-11:00 pm
Band: Great Bear Trio
Caller: Adina Gordon
Venue: BJM: Beverly J Martin School

Admission: $8 for members, $10 for non-
Workshop? No
Potluck? No
Flyer: Download

Tags: the great bear trio, adina gordon, beverly j. martin school

Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: 8:00-11:00 pm
Band: Réveillons!
Caller: Katy Heine
Venue: BJM: Beverly J Martin School

Admission: $9 members, $12 non-members
Workshop: afternoon workshops in fiddle, step-dancing, Québécois social dancing, and the history of the music of Quebec.
Potluck: 6:30
Flyer: Download

Tags: katy heine, réveillons!, boynton middle school

Date: Saturday, January 16
Time: 7:30-10:30 Contra Dancing
10:30-11:30 Couples dances
Band: Contradictions
Caller: Vikki Armstrong
Venue: Women's Community Building

Admission: $8 members/$10 non-members
Workshop? Beginner's workshop at 7:15
Potluck? Dessert potluck 10:30-11:30
Flyer: Download

Tags: the contradictions, vikki armstrong, women's community building

Date: Saturday, December 5
Time: 8:00-11:00
Band: Contrapasso
Caller: Sarah Van Norstrand
Venue: BJM: Beverly J Martin School

Admission: Members - $8, Non-members - $10
Workshop? No
Potluck? No
Flyer: Download

Tags: contrapasso, sarah van norstrand, beverly j. martin school

Date: Saturday, October 31 (Halloween!)
Time: 8:00-11:00 pm - Contras for all
Admission: Members $9, non-members $12
Extra time: 4:00-6:00 pm - Advanced dancing
Admission: Members $6, non-members $8
Double-header special: Members $12, non-members $15 for both sessions
Band: Crowfoot
Caller: George Marshall
Venue: BJM: Beverly J Martin School

Flyer: Download
Workshop? Beginners': 7:30-8:00
Potluck? Between experienced session and the evening dance.

Tags: crowfoot, george marshall, beverly j. martin school

Date: August 22 2009
Dancing: 8-11 PM
Band: Too Much Fun...
Caller: David Kaynor
Venue: Belle Sherman Elementary School
Admission: $8 for HFDI members, $10 for General Admission
Flyer: Download

Tags: david kaynor, too much fun, belle sherman elementary school

Dick and Betsy Darlington invite all local contra dancers to a FREE CONTRA DANCE to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. There will also be 6-8 couple dances.

Kitchen Chair (Gail Blake and Jennifer Dotson) will be playing and Katy Heine and Nancy Spero will be calling. The anniversary dance will be held between 7:30 to 10PM, June 13th at the Women’s Community Building (100 West Seneca St. Ithaca).

Refreshments will be provided. Dick and Betsy request that you just bring your smile and dancing shoes, but no gifts, please.

Tags: kitchen chair, katy heine, nancy spero, women's community building

The third annual Fiddlehead Frolic!
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009
Time: Noon to Midnight
Music by: Phantom Power (Lissa Schneckenburger, Bruce Rosen) plus many talented local musicians
Callers: Sue Rosen, plus many talented local callers
Venue: Boynton Middle School

Admission:
Flyer: Download
Brochure: Download
Workshops:
Potlucks:

Featuring...

Tags: phantom power, contrapasso, lissa schneckenburger, boynton middle school

Date: Saturday, January 31
Time: 7:30-10:30
Band: The Contradictions
Caller: Vikki Armstrong
Venue: Women's Community Building

Admission: Members: $8 Nonmembers: $10
Flyer: Download
Workshop? 7:15 Beginner's Workshop
Potluck? Dessert potluck and couples dances 10:30-11:30

Tags: the contradictions, vikki armstrong, women's community building

Date: December 31 2008
Potluck: 6:00-8:00PM
Waltzing: 7:00-8:00PM (Newcomers&rsquo
Dancing: 8-12:00PM
Toast and more dancing: 12:00-
Potluck dessert: Somewhere in there
Band: Local musicians!
Caller: Local callers!
Venue: BGCC
Admission: Free (Donations welcome)

Tags: bethel grove community center

A day of Wild Asparagus with calling by George Marshall and food by Potluck!

Date: October 25 2008
Challenging Contras: 3:30-5:30PM
Potluck: 5:45-7:30PM
Workshop: 7:30-8PM (Newcomers&rsquo
Dancing: 8-11:30PM
Band: Wild Asparagus
Caller: George Marshall
Venue: BJM
Admission:

Time	Members	Nonmembers
Afternoon	$6	$8
Evening	$9	$12
Both	$12	$15

Flyer: Wild Asparagus 2008 rev

Tags: george marshall, wild asparagus, beverly j. martin school

Giant Robot Dance with calling by David Kaynor and food by Potluck!

Date: September 20 2008
Potluck: 6:30PM
Workshop: 7:45PM (Newcomers&rsquo
Dancing: 8-11:30PM
Band: Giant Robot Dance
Caller: David Kaynor
Venue: BJM
Admission: $9 for HFDI members, $12 for General Admission
Flyer: GIANT ROBOT DANCE rev

You may be wondering... "What exactly is Giant Robot Dance?" Not to worry, there is a perfectly plausible non-paranormal explanation. Unfortunately, I'm not at liberty to go into particulars (national security is after all our number one priority) but, suffice to say that a team of highly trained specialists has been analyzing various data collected from the most recent incident and it has nothing to do with a highly infectious strain of contra dancing or the outlandishly-rocking music and bizarre fashion experiments reported from the area.

Tags: david kaynor, giant robot dance, beverly j. martin school

Kitchen Chair with calling by Katy Heine and food by Potluck!

Date: August 9 2008
Potluck: 6:30
Workshop: 7:45 (Newcomers&rsquo
Dancing: 8:00-11:00 PM
Band: Kitchen Chair
Caller: Katy Heine
Venue: Women’s Community Building
Admission: $8 for General Admission, $FREE$ for HFDI members
Air Conditioning: Air Conditioning!
Flyer: hands4 flyer for KC 08-09-08


No partner needed.
All dances taught.
As always, please bring clean, soft-soled shoes. See you on May 31st!

Tags: kitchen chair, katy heine, women's community building

Date: May 31
Potluck and Annual Meeting: 6:00 in the BJM Cafeteria
Workshop: For newcomers at 7:30
Dancing: 8:00-11:30 PM
Band: Magic Foot
Caller: Nils Fredland
Venue: Beverly J Martin School
Admission: $8 for HFDI members, $10 for General Admission
Flyer:

If you haven’t heard of Magic Foot, then you will be in for a real treat. Fast on the heels of their Southern Tour (Glen Echo, Asheville, Atlanta, River Falls), the exuberant New England band Magic Foot will make its first Ithaca appearance, along with inventive, wildly popular caller (and trombonist) Nils Fredland. Colin Lindsay on fiddle and concertina, Chris Stevens on button accordion, Brendan Taaffe on guitar, feet, and vocals, and Stefan Amidon on percussion and vocals have a decidedly Celtic bent, but are sure to toss in some surprises.

Caller Nils Fredland wowed the crowd at last year's Fiddlehead Frolic with fun, interwoven dances never before seen in Ithaca, taught clearly and with high spirit. Colin, who fiddles in the sweet Irish style, is on staff at Pinewoods, was a top student of Brian Conway, and has played with the Greenfield Dance Band and members of Wild Asparagus. Chris handles the accordion with tremendous drive and good taste, is prominent in Boston sessions, performs regularly with Wild Asparagus, and teaches for CCE Boston. Brendan, rock-solid and imaginative on guitar, got a Master's in Irish music at the University of Limerick, where he played with All-Ireland champion Danny O'Mahony and fiddler Colin Farrell. He's toured Europe with Northern Harmony and Turtle Dove, and played for contra dances throughout the Northeast with top players including George Wilson, and Pete Sutherland. From a tender age, Stefan has provided percussion for contras, most famously with Popcorn Behavior/Assembly, Lift Ticket, and Lissa Schneckenburger. He's on staff at Pinewoods, did a recent turn on Prairie Home Companion, and has toured Europe with Northern Harmony. Turn out to give these lads a fine welcome!

We are looking for a few Hands4 members who would like to be more involved in putting together our dances by being a part of the board. Please contact Jennifer or call 607-273-7076 for more details. You can also nominate people from the floor but please don’t surprise them!

Tags: nils fredland, magic foot, beverly j. martin school

The second annual Fiddlehead Frolic!
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2008
Time: Noon to Midnight (see schedule for more details)
Music by: The Clayfoot Strutters, Too Much Fun, Long John & the Tights, and Kathy Selby
Callers: Beth Molaro, David Kaynor, David Smukler, Nancy Spero, and Katy Heine
Venue: Ithaca High School

Admission: Less than $30 (see brochure for details)
Flyer: ff08 flyer
Brochure: ff08 brochure v2 (includes printable pre-registration form. Register early to save $5 off the all-day ticket price!)
Workshops: New Dancers' Workshop at 6:30pm
Potlucks: There will be a break for dinner at 6:00

Featuring...

The Vermont-based CLAYFOOT STRUTTERS--Pete Sutherland, Jeremiah McLane, Lee Blackwell, Peter Davis, and Harry Aceto--fuse traditional American immigrant music, pop, jazz, and hot dance-floor rhythms from the swing, Latin, Cajun, and zydeco worlds. They are in great demand at camps, dances, and festivals across the country.

Beth Molaro, one of the country's most popular callers, has a clear calling style and contagious enthusiasm that infuses her dances with energy and excitement. Beth makes her home in Asheville, North Caroline, but is known and loved by dancers from coast to coast.

TOO MUCH FUN combines the talents of fiddle impresario David Kaynor from Greenfield, Massachusetts, with hometown favorites Jennifer Dotson, Gail Blake, and Nancy Spero. Providing the foundation for David's eclectic and playful style is a deep respect for tradition and strong desire to build community through dance. Jennifer and Gail, a.ak.a. Kitchen Chair, contribute exquisitely interpreted traditional tunes and inspired originals, while Nancy Spero provides solid support on bass.

LONG JOHN & THE TIGHTS is a new incarnation of a great old-time Appalachian band, UpSouth. John Hoffman, Stefan Senders, Jim Reidy, and Randi Beckmann crank out built-from-scratch music perfect for hot squares and cool contras.

Tags: david kaynor, beth molaro, the clayfoot strutters, too much fun, nancy spero, katy heine, kitchen chair, long john & the accidentals tights, kathy selby, ithaca high school

Date: Saturday, January 26
Time: 7:30-10:30
Band: The Contradictions
Caller: Vikki Armstrong (TBC)
Venue: Women's Community Building (TBC)

Admission: Members: $8 Nonmembers: $10
Flyer:
Workshop? 7:15 Beginner's Workshop
Potluck? Dessert potluck and couples dances 10:30-11:30

Tags: the contradictions, vikki armstrong, women's community building

Dance in the New Year!




New Year's Eve Community Dancing

What: Contra, Square, Waltz Dancing; Putluck supper and dessert
When: Monday, December 31, 2007 6pm..until...
Where: Bethel Grove Community Center
1825 Slaterville Road (Rt.79)
about 4 miles east of the Ithaca Commons
How Much: $free, bring potluck to share

Join us for a Community New Year's Eve Pot Luck Dinner, Waltz Jam, and Contra Dance.

It all starts with a massive Pot Luck Dinner at 6pm in the Bethel Grove Community Center. After feasting on the finest food we can make, we'll stagger to the other end of the hall and begin to usher in 2008 with waltzing followed by several hours of contras, squares, English country dances, and couple dances. There will be a break around 9:30pm for a second potluck, this time desserts. We'll sing at mid-night, toast each other with non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider, and continue with contras and waltzing until we send each other off with warm wishes for the New Year.

The evening's dances will be called by a cavalcade of Ithaca callers and non-stop music will be provided by lots of local musicians, including fiddlers Tim Ball, Hope Grietzer, Kathy Selby, and Jennifer Dotson, along with Curt Osgood, Gail Blake, Jim MacWilliams, and many others.

This annual tradition -- since the last century; last Millenium, even -- is a great way to swing into the New Year. We whirl each other out of one year into another. The event is entirely alcohol- and smoke-free, and very beginner friendly.

Whether you come to every weekly dance, the special events through the year, or only dance once in a blue moon, New Year's is the best time and place to smile into our friends' faces and share our best wishes for 2008.

The New Year's Eve dance is jointly presented by Tompkins County Country Dances and Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca. The dance is free, a gift from the dance organizers to you. Besides the potluck, bring an extra treat for the mid-dance festive break.

For information, contact Ted and Pamela, 607.273.8678.

More info about Tompkins County Country Dances
Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca
Folkstuff home page

Tags: bethel grove community center

When: 7:30 PM
Band: Wild Asparagus!
Caller: George Marshall
Location: Beverly Martin School Gym
Address: 302 West Buffalo Street, Ithaca NY
Admission: $9 for HFDI members, $12 for General Admission
Workshop: For newcomers at 7:30

Tags: wild asparagus, george marshall, beverly j. martin school

When: 8:00 Saturday September 15th
Band: Kitchen Chair
Caller: Nancy Spero
Location: Womens Comunity Building
Address: 100 W Seneca St. Ithaca.

Flyer: kitchen chair poster
Admission: Members-FREE! Nonmembers-$8 Student with ID-$5
Potluck: Dinner potluck at 6:30
Workshop: Newcomer's workshop at 7:45

Tags: kitchen chair, women's community building, nancy spero

When: Saturday August 4
Band: Great Bear Trio
Caller: Katy Heine
Locations: Community School of Music & Arts, 3rd floor Performance Space
Address: 330 East State St, Ithaca, NY

Flyer: Here it is!
Admission: $8 (HFDI Members $6)
Workshop: Newcomer's workshop at 7:30

Tags: the great bear trio, katy heine, community school of music and arts

The First Ever Fiddlehead Frolic
featuring Nightingale and Nils Fredland
plus The Contradictions, Kitchen Chair, Laurie Hart, Vikki Armstrong, Pamela Goddard, Katy Heine and Nancy Spero
Ithaca High School

Tags: nightingale, nils fredland, the contradictions, kitchen chair, laurie hart, vikki armstrong, ithaca high school, pamela goddard, katy heine, nancy spero

Saturday, March 3rd, 2007 Le Vent Du Nord, Beverly Martin School Gym

Tags: le vent du nord, beverly j. martin school

Saturday, January 27, 2007 The Contradictions with caller Vikki Armstrong, Women's Community Building

Tags: the contradictions, vikki armstrong, women's community building

Sunday December 31, 2007 Kitchen Chair with callers Pamela Goddard, Ted Crane & Katy Heine, Womens Community Building

Tags: kitchen chair, pamela goddard, ted crane, katy heine, women's community building

Saturday September 30th 2006 Swallowtail with caller George Marshall, Beverly Martin School Gym

Tags: swallowtail, george marshall, beverly j. martin school

Saturday August 26th, 2006 The Groovemongers with caller Kathy Anderson, Community School of Music and Art.

Tags: the groovemongers, kathy anderson, community school of music and arts

Saturday, July 1, 2006, Illegal Contraband, with caller Bev Bernbaum, Community School of Music and Art.

Tags: illegal contraband, bev bernbaum, community school of music and arts

Saturday May 27, 2006 The Accidentals with caller Katy Heine, Womens Community Building.

Tags: the accidentals, katy heine, women's community building

March 25, 2006 CNY Callers’ Workshop at Bethel Grove followed by potluck supper and a dance with Kitchen Chair and regional callers at Womens Community Building.

Tags: kitchen chair, women's community building, bethel grove community center

Saturday February 4th, 2006, Womens Community Building Contradictions with caller Vikki Armstrong Followed by dessert potluck.

Tags: the contradictions, vikki armstrong, women's community building

Saturday October 29th, 2005, Ithaca High School Gym, Nightingale with Caller George Marshall

Tags: nightingale, george marshall, ithaca high school

Satruday August 6, 2005, Community School of Music and Arts, The Great Bear Trio with caller Katy Heine.

Tags: the great bear trio, katy heine, community school of music and arts

Saturday June 11, 2005, Women's Community Building, The Groovemongers with caller Joyce Rossbach

Tags: the groovemongers, joyce rossbach, women's community building

Saturday, April 23, 2005, Women's Communtity Building, David Kaynor ,Lissa Schneckenburger ,Tom Hodgson Calling by David, Nancy Spero & Katy Heine

Tags: david kaynor, lissa schneckenburger, tom hodgson, nancy spero, katy heine, women's community building

Saturday, February 5, 2005, Women's Community Building, The Contradictions with caller Vikki Armstrong

Tags: the contradictions, vikki armstrong, women's community building

Saturday, October 23, 2004, Beverly J. Martin School, Swallowtail with caller George Marshall

Tags: swallowtail, george marshall, beverly j. martin school

Saturday, August 28, 2004, Women's Community Building, Changeling with caller Nancy Spero

Tags: changeling, nancy spero, women's community building

Saturday, February 28, 2004, Women's Community Building, The Contradictions with caller Vikki Armstrong

Tags: the contradictions, vikki armstrong, women's community building

Saturday, October 25, 2003, Ithaca High School, Wild Asparagus with caller George Marshall

Tags: wild asparagus, george marshall, ithaca high school

Saturday, June 21, 2003, Fall Creek School, Groovemongers with caller Katy Heine

Tags: the groovemongers, katy heine, fall creek school