For this special dance we’re thrilled to welcome back David Kaynor, one of the most influential musicians in the New England contra dance scene for the last four decades. As a fiddler, caller, composer, and teacher, David has traveled across the U.S. leading dances and sharing his abundant love of our traditions with fellow musicians, dancers, and students. Above all, David believes in the value of community and has striven to make his home dance at the Guiding Star Grange (in Greenfield, Massachusetts) welcoming to all.

A frequent visitor to Ithaca over the years, David has been struggling with serious illness this past year, which makes us especially grateful that he is coming to Ithaca to play for this dance.

Playing with him will be our own Tim Ball, who counts David among his primary musical mentors. A versatile fiddler and guitarist, Tim performs throughout the northeast with his Celtic trio Arise & Go, contra dance band Center Street, and many other artists. Tim can also be found at the Argos Inn in Ithaca on Tuesday nights, playing with the Irish session band Traonach. 

Talented pianist John Wobus plays for contra dances and English country dances with numerous bands in central and western New York. He has also played at Glen Echo, NEFFA, and other dances and dance weekends with the Maryland-based band Contranella. His special area of interest is the music of Cape Breton.

Teaching and calling the dances will be longtime Ithaca caller and Hands Four board member Nancy Spero. 

$9 HFDI members, $12 nonmembers, $5 students/limited income

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