Join HFDI this fall for an afternoon and evening of dancing with beloved caller George Marshall and exciting band River Road. We welcome more experienced dancers for an afternoon Advanced Contras session, and we welcome all to an evening dance. New dancers are encouraged to join us at 6:30 for a beginner’s workshop.
3-5 PM - contras for experienced dancers
Dinner break
6:30 PM - beginners’ workshop
7:00-10:00 PM - contra dance for all
Admission for each session is $17 for members, $20 for non-members, and $10 for students. Admission for both sessions is $32 for members, $38 for non-members, and $19 for students. Children under 12 dance for free!
One of the best known and loved contra callers in the country, George Marshall's mission is to share the joy of dance! George got hooked on contra in the early 70s, and has an active musician, caller, and dance teacher ever since. From his Massachusetts base, he can be found calling/playing with Wild Asparagus or touring nationally. George has called with wonderful bands such as Pete’s Posse, Clayfoot Strutters, Maivish, Syncopaths, The Horseflies, Buddy System, Faux Paws and many more. George specializes in teaching and calling New England style contra dances he has collected throughout the country. He is known for his knack of matching music to dance and his smooth, concise teaching and presentation. In addition to performing, and providing sound reinforcement, George produces music and dance events including week long winter dance vacations on St. Croix in the Caribbean and on the Big Island of Hawaii; ask him about these at the break!
River Road delivers beauty, power, and groove to contra dances with a highly revered mixture of contemporary and traditional tunes with strong influences from Quebecois, New England, & Maritime traditions, featuring Sarah-Hadley Yakir on fiddle, Kristen Planeaux on piano, flute, and accordion, and Jesse Ball on mandolin, guitar, accordion, and foot percussion. While they are geographically divided by the Connecticut river, an aptly named River Road connects them to create an energy that is highly sought after in the contradance scene.