Contra dance with caller Alyssa Adkins, music by Gus and Pepin

Welcome notes for new dancers: The beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM will get you dancing in no time. Come alone or with a friend. Throughout the evening, we mix around and dance with everyone. The music is live, and the steps are called/prompted. People of all ages attend, and our events are alcohol-free. Dancing is aerobic; dress lightly and bring a water bottle. Flat-soled shoes are best; heels or flip-flops are not recommended.

Tonight's talent joining us tonight from Maine: When you ask a Muppet to masquerade as a human and call a contra dance, you get ALYSSA ADKINS. Dancers consistently describe their teaching and calling as clear, joyful, and energetic. An experienced contra dancer, folk waltz and fusion dance teacher, she stays precise and concise in her communication so everyone can more fully enjoy the dance, the music, and each other.

Described as a “passionate and masterful player who values tradition,” GUS LA CASSE is exploring the future of fiddle music. He has appeared on the Canadian international television broadcast from the Congrès Mondial Acadien, traveled to Ireland as part of the Young Tradition Vermont touring group, and was a featured performer at the American Folk Festival in Bangor.

PEPIN MITTELHAUSER is a tenor guitar player and vocalist who performs as a duo with Gus at contradances around Maine. He is also a lead performer and vocalist with the Maine Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

Admission: $15-$20 as you're able. $5 with student ID. Pay at the door with cash or Square.
Times: Beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM. Dance from 7:30-10:30 PM, first and third Saturdays.

There is ample parking in the lot behind St. Paul's and the adjacent municipal library. The Chatham train station is just two and a half blocks away. Use New Jersey Transit from Penn Station in NYC and take the Morris & Essex line terminating at Morristown or Dover.

Hungry before the dance? Chatham has many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines all within two blocks of our location on Main Street.

Swingin' Tern dances are held on the first and third Saturdays of the month and are presented by The Folk Project. Join our email list here to get dance announcements, and check out our Facebook page. Our dance is run by volunteers. Sign up to lend a hand at a future dance and get a free pass for that evening! Home-baked goods or other snacks to share at the break are welcome.