Contra Pulse

See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or click here to download it directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.Here is a video of the panel discussion.To learn more about our panelists, you can see their websitesBecky TracyKate BarnesPete SutherlandRodney Miller

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are The Wail, the 1927 foxtrot by Carleton Coon/Joe Sanders (1927 foxtrot), performed by BLT on the 1987 cassette tape Music from Here and There, Now and Then, with Kate Barnes on piano, Mary Lea on violin, and Bill Tomczak on clarinet; Alabama Jubilee, performed live at the Guiding Star Grange by Ralph Sweet's All-Starts (Ralph Sweet as the Caller, Lee Blackwell on drums, David Cantieni on alto sax, Stuart Kenney on acoustic bass, Dave Langford on fiddle, Ann Percival on guitar and backing vocals, Pete Sutherland on piano and backing vocals, Bill Tomczak on Tenor Sax and the Arranger) from the 2004 CD Shindig in the Barn; Red Haired Boy performed live at the 2001 Asheville Summer Soireé by The Latter Day Lizards, with Dave Langford on violin and fiddle strum, Bill Tomczak on clarinet, Kate Barnes on piano, harmonica, and Carol Hamm on acoustic bass.Log Cabin by The Latter Day Lizards from the 2007 CD Rainy Night in Montague with Dave Langford on fiddle, Bill Tomczak on tenor sax, Kate Barnes on piano, Stuart Kenney on acoustic bass; And Bethena the 1905 concert waltz by Scott Joplin, from BLT's 1998 CD Gypsy Wine with Kate Barnes on piano, Mary Lea on violin, and Bill Tomczak on clarinet.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or click here to download it directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Bill Tomczak in action:Visit Bill's collection of contra dance articles at his Musaique website.Head over to The Latter Day Lizards website.To see the Latter Day Lizards playing, check out this video of them at the Atlanta Dance Weekend in 2012, and here you'll see them playing at the Concord Scout House.See Bill play drum, clarinet, and saxophone at the 1994 Old Songs Folk FestivalHere's Devil's Dream/Opera Reel played by Bill, Pete Sutherland, and Bob McQuillen at the Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend in 2004. Even though you can only hear Bill in this video, we couldn't resist sharing it because of the charming Bob McQuillen moment at the beginning!Watch BLT play Romany Polka at the 2017 Vintage Dance Weekend in Cincinnati.Check out this virtual concert with Bill in the Portland Megaband in 2021.Odds and ends mentioned in this interview:Visit the website for the Folk Arts Center of New England.One of the greatest carriers of the Scottish fiddle music tradition, Alasdair Fraser.Definitely check out the computer generated Harry Potter chapter, you'll be glad you did!Vladimir's Steamboat from Fiddle FeverFootage of the dance Vallimont's Steamboat, played to a different tuneBig John McNeil from Fiddle Fever with multiple harmony parts and multiple modulations.Some folks mentioned in this episode have their own Contra Pulse episode. Check them out: Mary Lea, Kate Barnes

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are John Henry's Reel/First Month of Summer/Bean A Ti Ar Lar/The Wild Irishman from Becky Tracy's album Evergreen, Haapavesi/Wedding Dance from Assembly's 2002 EP The January EP, Hills/Mulqueen's from Nightingale's 2004 album Three, Clamanda/Farewell To The Taliban from Keith Murphy's 2005 album Bound for Canaan, SamSam Amidon/Good Morning To Your Night Cap from Childsplay's 2009 album Waiting for the Dawn, and Barter's Hill from Nightingale's 2009 album Jolie.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or click here to download it directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Keith Murphy in action!You can read more about Keith and his projects, and buy his albums and tune books at his Black Isle MusicWatch Keith Murphy and Hanneke Cassel perform “Clamanda" at Takoma Park, Maryland, in 2012. Learn more about Hanneke on her website.See Keith on piano with Nightingale during a 2008 contra dance in Tacoma. And here's Nightingale at the Spring LEAF dance in 2010. You can check out Nightingale's albums here.Here's a video of Wild Asparagus playing at the Guiding Star Grange. You'll see Keith on penny whistle at 1:55 and 4:38, and piano at 6:40 and 8:43. Here's another video of Wild Asparagus, with Keith on the guitar.Here is a link to the 2004 album Other Side of the Tracks, by Assembly, and the 2002 EP The January EP. You can read more about Assembly here.Enjoy this video of Keith Murphy playing in Childsplay at The National Heritage Museum in 2007.Several of Keith's tunes were used in Ken Burns' documentary series on the Roosevelts. You'll find them all in this episode! Fast forward to 1:43:48 to hear a poignant speech by Eleanor Roosevelt, leading into Keith Murphy's tune, The Black Isle at 1:44:15.Keith has been the music director for the WGBH Boston Public Radio's annual Celtic Sojourn St Patrick's Day concerts since 2014. You can listen to the 2019 concert here, which features Keith!Odds and ends mentioned in this interviewTo hear more Scottish Dance music, check out this video of Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent at the 2010 Ottawa Ball! And here you can listen to their recording of Kiss me quick, my Mither's coming / Bonny Jocky.Learn more about Scottish Accordion player Freeland Barbour who Keith played with at Pinewoods.Charlie Lennon was one of Keith's influences for Irish style piano. Here's a video of Charlie Lennon on piano with Sean McGuire on fiddle.Keith learned a lot about vamping styles and medleys from Susie Petrov.Visit Oliver Schroer's website here, the great fiddle player who Keith played with.Learn more about fiddler Viveka Fox and flutist Chris Layer.Many folks mentioned in this interview have their own Contra Pulse episode: David Cantieni (part 1, part 2), George Marshall, Becky Tracy, and Jeremiah McLane.Listen to Kerry Elkin's Soir Et Matin here.Here is a video of the Horse Flies at the 2009 Dance Flurry.

In the debut episode of From the Mic we meet Phil Jamison of Asheville, North Carolina. Phil is nationally-known as a dance caller, old-time musician, and flatfoot dancer. He has called dances, performed, and taught at music festivals and dance events throughout the U.S. and overseas since the early 1970s, including over forty years as a member of the Green Grass Cloggers. His flatfoot dancing was featured in the film, Songcatcher, for which he also served as Traditional Dance consultant. From 1982 through 2004, he toured and played guitar with Ralph Blizard and the New Southern Ramblers. He also plays old-time fiddle and banjo.Over the last thirty years, Phil has done extensive research in the area of Appalachian dance, and his book Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance (University of Illinois Press, 2015) tells the story behind the square dances, step dances, reels, and other forms of dance practiced in southern Appalachia. A 2017 inductee to the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, Phil teaches traditional music and dance at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, where for twenty-five years he served as coordinator of the Old-Time Music and Dance Week at the Swannanoa Gathering.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Music and soundbites featured in this episode (in order of appearance):“Blizard Train” – “Blizard Train,” Ralph Blizard & the New Southern Ramblers (June Appal Records, 1989) Ralph Blizard (fiddle), Phil Jamison (guitar), Gordy Hinners (banjo), Andy Deaver (bass).Phil Jamison, Thomas Maupin, and friends flatfooting at the Clifftop festival in 2010Phil calling the Grapevine Twist square dance and a big set dance at the 2011 Dare to be Square in Brasstown, NCHistoric recordings from Phil (view the entire collection referenced in his book here):Mellie Dunham, "Chorus Jig" contra dance (1926)Samantha Bumgarner, calling a Southern (big ring) square dance to "Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss" (1924)Ernest Legg calling "Chase the Rabbit" square dance with the Kessinger Brothers playing "Devil's Dream" (1928)“Zai Na Yaoyuan De Difang” (In That Faraway Place) – “March Celebration: Chinese-Appalachian Collaborations,” Jenny & the Hog Drovers and Manhu (recorded in Shanghai, China, 2017) Maddy Mullany & Clarke Williams (fiddles), Phil Jamison (banjo), Hayden Holbert (guitar), Landon George (bass), Jin Hongmei (vocal)Watch a video of the group performing in ChinaOther LinksPhil's website, where you can also order his book, Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian DanceSquare 'em up! A Dare to be Square event is happening in Dumfries, Virginia, May 6 - 8, 2022!Crazy about squares? There is SO MUCH on the Square Dance History Project webpage.Phil was featured in a great episode of Radio Lab exploring the history of square dance called "Birdie in the Cage"You'll find some of Phil's writing on dance traditions here on his website

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Hell Broke Loose in Georgia from The Latter Day Lizards' 2002 album Sleeping on a Rock, Midnight on the Water from The Latter Day Lizards' 2007 album Rainy Night in Montague, The Old Favorite/The Return from Paris from Childsplay's 1994 album Twelve Gated City, Rainy Night in Montague from The Latter Day Lizards' 2007 album Rainy Night in Montague, and Early June/Roscoe/Fiddler's Dream from The Latter Day Lizards' 2002 album Sleeping on a Rock. Of these tunes, Early June and Return from Paris were composed by Dave!See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or click here to download it directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Dave in action:Visit these links to learn more about Dave'sbands: Big Bandemonium, The Latter Day Lizards, Les Z Boys, Childsplay, and Stomp Rocket.Check out this video of Big Bandemonium in action at the guiding star grange, filmed by Ray Sebold. There are a lot of recognizable faces in this video, including Ralph Sweet! And here's another Big Bandemonium video at the Portland Raindance 2011.See Dave play with Latter Day Lizards at the 2020 Contra Carnivale.Here's a video of Dave playing with Supertrad, the Sam Bartlett and Eric Schedler duo.Here is a video of Dave playing with Childsplay at The National Heritage Museum in Lexington, MA. (At 6:23 you can hear Dave (off camera) play 4 beats and lead off the tune "Ways of the World.")You can see Dave playing with Stomp Rocket at the Portland Intown Contra Dance in 2018 in this video.Odds and ends mentioned in this interview:Several people Dave mentions have been on their own Contra Pulse episodes: Sam Bartlett, Kate Barnes, Becky Tracy, Larry UngerRalph Sweet's Powder Mill Barn.Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins, West Virginia.Dave mentioned some of his teachers, and inspirations including Pete Sutherland, Liz Carroll, Johnny Gimble, Bruce Molsky, and Lisa Ornstein.Here is an article about fiddlemaker Bob Childs, who made Dave's fiddle.

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are La fille dans le bois/Reel d'IIas Boudreault from Becky's 2001 Solo CD Evergreen, Eugene O'Donnell/Bea Maye's/Tuttle's/Lady Ann Montgomery from Nightingale's 1996 album Sometimes When the Moon is High, Chili and Chocolate from Eloise & Co.'s 2018 album More, Please, Big Reel/Rare from Wild Asparagus' 2001 Wherever You Go recording, and Nobody's Fool from Becky and Keith's 2020 duo record Golden.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or click here to download it directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Becky in action:To read more about Becky, check out the Black Isle Music website.Watch this video to see Becky and Keith play together.Read about Becky's collaboration with Rachel Bell, Eloise & Co., on Rachel's website.Here's the band website for Wild Asparagus! Here's a video of Nightingale playing at the New England Youth Theater in Brattleboro, VT in 2010.Becky mentions a tune that Nightingale played once, but couldn't quite remember the name in the moment. That tune is Return to Camden Town! You can watch a video of Nightingale performing it at the Fiddling Frog Dance Festival in 2011, during a dance called by Sue Rosen!Becky's 2001 solo album Evergreen.Odds and ends mentioned in this interview:Becky mentions a beautiful moment with the gospel singer Kathy Bullock. You can learn more about Kathy's work on her website.Becky shares the nostalgia of her home dance hall, the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, Massachusetts.Learn more about the St. Croix dance weeks here!Becky and Julie mention George Marshall a few times throughout this conversation. Check out George's episode on Contra Pulse here!Watch this video by Ray Sebold, where Becky plays fiddle with her Celtic music students at a benefit event for David Kaynor at the Guiding Star Grange.

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Ring Of Kohala by KGB on their album In From the Cold, Devil's Churn/Vladi On The Trans-Siberian/It's Too Hot from the Bag O' Tricks/Tricky Brits 2001 album Contra Dance And English Country Dance Music, Chimney Pond & Kirtan performed by Contra Sutra live at NW Folklife Festival 2017, To Sofia & The Reconciliation by KGB from the album Contra-Intelligence, Act With Agility by Roguery from the album A New Leaf, and Alpenglow by KGB from their album The Red Light of Evening.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or click here to download directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.More about Dave Bartley:Much to see on Dave's own website, and you can also learn more about his many bands and musical projects on these sites:KGB - (Julie King, Claude Ginsburg, Dave Bartley)Contra Sutra - a contra dance band with Marni Rachmiel, Ryan McKasson or Brandon Vance, and a elite percussionist selected from a binder full of percussionists.Roguery - A versatile English (and contra) dance band with Anita Anderson, Shira Kammen, and Jim Oakden.Valse Café Orchestra - Viennese waltzes and other ballroom dance music from latin to swing.The Irish Experience, electric Celtic musicKeltoi, traditional music of Scotland and IrelandRouge, French cafe music featuring chanteuse extraordinaire Elle RayorSee and hear Dave in action:Recently Dave, Anita Anderson, and Ryan McKasson played Paddy Fahy's #1 & Big John McNeil at the Lake City dance October 21, 2021 (N.B. masks were required for dancers, optional for musicians while on stage)With KGB:Banjo in a Bear Suit and Za in the Qi in the Glen Echo Bumper Car PavilionZahtar at the Ann Arbor Dawn Dance weekend 2012As MI-5, our ECD alter ego, playing Jack's Maggot hambone in formal wearWith Contra Sutra:Growling Old Man and Woman & Dancing Bear from Butterfly Whirl 2018 from Dancing with the GODS 2020Play with Alacrity & Loud Hall from Dancing with the GODS 2020Vladi on the Trans-Siberian & The Dancers of Teeth from Dancing with the GODS 2020With Roguery:Love and All That Hijaz (for the dance Love Always), Ann Arbor Dawn Dance weekend 2013:A Flash of Vermilion (for the dance Ruby Crowned Kinglet), Hey Days 2018Other delightful bits:Dave wrote this lovely tune called “Remembering David” for David Kaynor. He shared the sheet music with us, which you can see hereDave plays classical guitar during the pandemic shutdown: Vals #3 in D major by Agustin Barrios MangoreA mid-80s composition from Dave called City RainRouge (also featuring Ruthie Dornfeld) from NW Folklife 2011, playing La Steppe by the Amestoy TrioPasatempo playing rebetika at a 2009 concert in Portland, OR.Some odds and ends mentioned in this interview:Sandy Silva's incredible percussive dancing and her Migration Dance Film ProjectThe epic Princeton area mega-dance band Rum & Onions playing at the NEFFA FestivalDave is a big fan of the epic English and European style folk band Blowzabella

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Waiting for Recovery and Indiana Summer from the Mean Lids album Prairie Summer, First Chance (feat. Nightingale) from the DR Shadow album Electro Contra and the DR Shadow single Day at the Beech.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or click here to download the transcript directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Ben Smith in action:Learn all about Ben's amazing work as a digital-intermedia artist, composer, musician on his personal websiteAlso check out his main musical projectsThe Mean LidsHere the trio plays a contra dance at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC with caller Hank Morris in 2014And at Contrastock VI at Glen Echo in 2016Check out this west coast scene at the Epicenter Dance Weekend in Mill Valley, CA in 2019And here the Mean Lids play a beautiful set for their hometown radio station (104.5FM Live On The Scene with DJ BJ Clark) at the Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana, Illinois in July, 2021D. R. ShadowD.R. Shadow performs at the Lake Eden-area Arts Festival (LEAF) in 2018And here he is playing a Live Electro Contra at the Indianapolis Grove Haus with Nealium.Some odds and ends mentioned in this interview:Ben made his mother cry by playing this tuneHe mentions the Sugar Hill dance weekend in Bloomington, IN, as an important venue and event for the Mean LidsIthaca Roots:Ben's early mentor, Marty Blodgett of Ithaca, NY is seen here playing jazz fiddle at The Commons Bookstore in IthacaHere's a recording from the Ithaca based band Cletus and the Barn Burners, an early influence of Ben'sYou can hear this radio interview and performance with Ben's early duo, Prairie Chicken Asylum with Matt Turino before Miriam Larson joined them to form the Mean Lids

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are MacPherson Strut, Coriolis/Midnight Couchette/Brushfire/Myra's and April Storm/Kate and Roses from Bag ‘o Tricks' self-titled album, and Gray Jay from Roguery's CD #6. See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or click to download the transcript directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Anita Anderson in action:Here are two clips from one of Anita's most recent gigs, a masked/vaxxed, in-person Lake City Contra Dance in Seattle! She's playing with Ryan McKasson and Dave Bartley.Clip #1Clip #2 - Band close-up!Here she is playing at Seattle's first gender-free Rainbow Contra Dance with Susan Burke and Marni Rachmiel in 2011Anita frequently plays with Dave Bartley, Sande Gillette, and Betsy Cooper in the ECD band the “Tricky Brits” and the same group's contra counterpart, “Bag o' Tricks.” Learn more about their recordings here.Anita is also an anchor in the west coast ECD scene; along with the Tricky Brits she also plays with the ECD group Roguery (Anita, Dave Bartley, Shira Kammen and Jim Oakden)Here they are at the Seattle Ball in 2017And again at Hey Days in 2018Roguery has recorded six CDs, which accompany Brooke Friendly and Chris Sackett's six published collections of Scottish and English Country DancesOther recordings played in this episodeJulie and Anita play excerpts from the following tracks in this episode:Father Charlie's/Frankie's Tune from the album Hand it Down by Bob McQuillen, Laurie Andres, Cathie WhitesidesSoulmate from Rodney Miller's Airplang

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are The Black Cat Jig/Asher (George Penk, fiddle; Clyde Curley, mandolin; Sue Songer, piano) from A Portland Selection 1, Riding on a Load of Hay/The Golden Stud © Paul Roche and recorded virtually by The Portland Megaband, Pretty Peggy (George Penk, fiddle; Clyde Curley, octave mandolin; Sue Songer, piano) from A Portland Selection 1, and Du Petit Sarny (Betsy Branch, fiddle; Clyde Curley, mandolin; Sue Songer, piano) from A Portland Play Along Selection.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or download the transcript directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Sue Songer in action:Playing piano with her longtime band Joyride (Sue Songer, Erik Weberg, George Penk, and Jeff Kerssen-Griepat) the Portland Roadhouse during the Cascade Promenade in March, 2018.Another Joyride video with Sue playing fiddle during the Northwest Folklife Festival in 2017Here is the Joyride websiteYou can't say Sue Songer without immediately thinking of The Portland Megaband.Watch her conduct the band at a Portland dance in 2013, filmed by Doug PlummerYou don't want to miss the epic pandemic era Megaband video that Sue helped organize in March, 2021 (Sue is of course in her signature tux ;)Sometimes she also helps organize and conduct other community bands!The Pittsfield Open Band in Ann Arbor, MI in 2018Here's the South Coast Dance Orchestra (OR) in 2017, a project of the South Coast Folk Society A Lifetime of Achievements! In 2019 CDSS awarded Sue the Lifetime Contribution Award for her contributions to the world of contra dance music!Doug Plummer captured some highlights from the celebratory gathering in Portland, OR on 3/30/19 during which Sue's award was presented.Rob Hoffman also created a longer video of the full ceremony, which you can view here.PublicationsAlong with her co-editor, Clyde Curley, Sue helped to compile the three volumes of The Portland Collection: Contra Dance Music in the Pacific Northwest. In the podcast you heard selections from some of the accompanying CDs.Sue's most recent publication, David A. Kaynor: Living Music and Dance encompasses and celebrates the many contributions David has made to the world of contra dance. Order your copy here!Here's the screen shot showing Kaynor's calligraphy mentioned in the interview

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are The Brumley Brae/Skippin' Cat, Hangman's Reel, The High Part Of The Road/All The Rage, and Four Potatoes/Catharsis - George Booker, all from Uncle Gizmo's self-titled album, Uncle Gizmo!Special thanks to Max Newman unearthing his vintage recording of the Uncle Gizmo album.Check out our upcoming live event! Mentors and Inspirations – a panel discussion with Becky Tracy, Pete Sutherland, Rodney Miller, and Kate Barnes. On Monday October 18th at 7:30 Eastern.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or download the transcript directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Amy Larkin in action:This is a video of her playing with Heyday (Amy on fiddle, Shirley White on fiddle, Jonathan Larkin on accordion, George White on guitar) at the Concord Scout House in 2012Here she is playing twin fiddles with Eric Boodman, backed up by her frequent collaborator, guitarist Benjamin Foss, at the Sandywoods Contra DanceBut twin fiddles is nothing compared to this gig with Charlie Pilzer's superband “Not Enough Fiddles,” seen here playing at NEFFA in 2015She also plays Cajun and zydeco music with her husband, Jonathan Larkin and their bandmate Aaron Mayo in the Allons-y BandSome other people mentioned in this interview:Did you know that some of the people Amy mentions in this interview have also appeared on Contra Pulse!As mentioned above, Amy was part of Charlie Pilzer's conglomeration - “Not Enough Fiddles.” Julie interviewed Charlie in Episodes 2 and 3 of this podcast.Two of Amy's band mates in Uncle Gizmo, Larry Unger and Sam Bartlett, have also been Contra Pulse guests.She also mentions one of her primary musical influences, Rodney Miller, who spoke with Julie in Episode 24 of this show.Finally, as promised in the interview Amy shared her tune list with us! You can check it out here.

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Green Table, Iris O'Norman and Rumblestrip from Sam's 2004 album Evil Diane and Dance-a-Rama and Mick Good's Waltz from his 2016 album Dance-a-Rama.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or download the transcript directly.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Sam Bartlett in action:Playing at the 2012 Dance Flurry with NotoriousAnd with the Stringrays at Dance in the Desert, 2013You can also check out the Stringrays' websiteHere's Sam playing banjo while Abby Ladin (his wife), tears up the floor with her old time flat footing (while singing, too! Woah!) at the Alabama Folk School in 2015Sam brings together community art and music making in a cranky show at Timber Ridge Camp in 2016Check out lots more art by Sam here on his TumblrJulie and Sam speak at length about the jaw harp, his first instrument. Hear Sam talk about the joys of jaw harp and play a tune at Contra Carnivale in 2009Can't get enough Sam? Here's another recent interview he did, which includes him playing a few tunes with his son Stefan!And of course check out all the goodies on his own personal website and YouTube channel!You definitely won't want to miss the Stuntology playlist!Some other people and topics mentioned in this interview:Pete Sutherland not only called the first contra dance Sam ever attended, but he got out on the floor to lead him through the dance when he lost his way. Did you know Pete has been interviewed on this podcast in a double episode (ep 19 and ep 20)!Here's a great video from back in the day when Sam and Abby and a bunch of musicians and dancers performed with the dance company called “Rhythm in Shoes”

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Lowdown Hoedown/Beth Cohen's/Kolomeike from Notorious' their 2006 eponymous album, Door County #2/Sweetbriar from the Reckless Rambler's album Lowdown Hoedown published by Great Meadows Music, Two Rivers from Uncle Gizmo's eponymous album, and Blues at Daybreak from the 2010 Notorious album The Road To Damascus.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more. Or go straight to the transcript.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.Be sure to check out Larry's many recordings here on his website! See and hear Larry Unger in action:Here's some video from this interview of Larry demonstrating his guitar techniqueLarry has played for countless dances! Here are a few videos:With Audrey Knuth and Emily Troll in Greenfield, MAWith Notorious at Echo Summit Dance Camp in 2019 and at the Dance Flurry in 2012And here with fiddler Karina Wilson (who you heard in our previous Contra Pulse episode!) at a contra dance in Denver, COYou can hear tunes written by Larry in so many places:Here he is playing with fiddler Audrey Knuth (with an impressive instrumental background!)Playing his waltz "Two Rivers" for dancers at Norse Hall, Portland Oregon, September, 2019By Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi at Le Café de la Danse ParisAnd a pandemic era solo banjo tuneHow many instruments does he even play!?Playing “Shenandoah” slide guitar style on a NationalA fretless gourd banjo at “FunFest” in Evart, MIAnd how about this jaw harp / hurdy-gurdy duo! Many dances have been written to Larry's tunes:Voici some dancers in France dancing to his tune “Ariel Julia,” and here are some Tango Fusion dancers dancing to the same tune at the First Night Show at the Saratoga Dance Museum on New Year's Eve 2008.Here some English country dancers enjoy Larry's tune “Judy and Jim's Wedding” while dancing “Sunlight Through Draperies” by Tom Ruby

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Late for the Dance/Red Prairie Dawn performed live by the Karina Wilson Trio, Bright New Morning, a singlewritten and performed by Karina with Bard Edrighton on banjo and guitar, recorded at Torreon studios in Santa Fe, NM, Smithy Hill from the Reverie album Violet, and Celeste, also from Violet, featuring Terry Wergeland and Marni Rachmiel. See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent. See and hear Karina Wilson in action:Karina has been playing for contra and ECD since she was a teenager!Here she is with Jeff Spero in Santa Barbara, CAAnd with Larry Unger in Denver, CO and in Paris, France (joined by David Brown)!Here she plays for an English Country Dance at May Madness in Prescott, AZ She is involved in countless other musical projects such includingLone Piñon, a New Mexican string band, or “orquesta típica”Broomdust Caravan playing “cosmic country and blues”A new project, Karina Wilson and Big Heart Band - here's their music video “Blood Moon”Being in quarantine didn't stop the music - hear her perform with her trio in the fall of 2020 (with musicians Mohit Dubey and Michael Chavez) As you heard in the interview Karina is passionate about understanding traditional music from within the geographic and cultural contexts in which it has developed. She shared some of the fruits of her explorations with us:Hear the band Lone Piñon perform a polka by elder violinist Mariano Romero and Tomas Maes (mandolin) of Santa Fe.Here's an archival recording of Mariano Romera and his group Los Villeros Alegres that Karina sharedFom the Michoacán region (a state in Mexico) she has been inspired the fiddler Juan Reynoso - here he plays a pasodoble at the 2000 Festival of American Fiddle Tunes One of Karina's biggest influences was her father, longtime dancer, dance caller and folk community icon in the Santa Fe region. He passed in 2011 but his legacy remains strong in dance communities throughout the Southwest.Hear Richard call at “Boo Camp,” a local halloween dance weekend outside of Santa FE in 2007. Here's another (spooky!) video (if you look closely you might catch Karina in a fairly epic Halloween costume...Here is a little documentary created about Richard right before he diedErik Erhardt and Lauren Lamont of New Mexico wrote a book about Richard called “All Join Hands” with his dances, poems, stories, and stories about him and his community in it.

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Julia Delaney/Farewell to Chernobyl from the Syncopaths' first album Rough Around the Edges, Waves and Smiles performed by Audrey Knuth and Jeff, the Fifth Gear set from the second Syncopath album Five Gears, and Waltz for Ann Marie from Michael Mendelson's album A Fiddler's Notebook.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent. See and hear Jeff Spero in action:One of Jeff Spero's main musical projects over the years has been The Syncopaths:Hear them in concert at Echo Summit dance camp in 2017And here they are rocking the dance hall at Balance the Bay in 2015Jeff also plays with the Rhythm RaptorsHere they play at Fiddling Frog in 2015And at Labor Day Dance Away in 2017In 2013 videographer Doug Plummer captured this video of Jeff expounding on his “boom chuck” piano accompaniment style at BACDS AmWeekAND he writes dances! Check out some of Jeff's contra choreography here on his websiteJeff has also co-written a book with James Hutson titled “(Southern) California Twirls: A Collection of Contradances and Three Community Histories.” Some other people and topics mentioned in this interview:Jeff mentions pianist Kate Barnes as a major influence—Kate has been interviewed on this podcast!He also plays with another Contra Pulse favorite, Rodney Miller, interviewed in Episode 24 of this podcast.Another west coast band, Hillbillies from Mars, has had bearing on Jeff's style

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Blanchard's Hornpipe/Good For The Tongue from the Old Gray Goose album Maine Country Dance Tunes and Songs, She Said She Couldn't Dance from the Old Gray Goose album Opera House Medley, Feisty Barny self-recorded by Doug Protsik, Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad Polka also from Opera House Medley and Popcorn Schottische from Maine Country Dance Tunes and Songs. See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Doug Protsik in action:Doug's longest-running musical project is the folk band Old Grey Goose. He produced all three of their recordings, including the group's first recording in 1978 for Folkways, “Old Time Country Dance Tunes and Songs from Maine”This video is from a contra dance at Maine's “Common Ground Fair” in 2011 with Doug playing fiddle and calling.Hear Doug perform his original work during the New Rag Contest at the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest, held every Memorial Day Weekend in Oxford, MS.Doug shares a special “Rain song” created at Maine Fiddle CampCheck-out this article from the Bangor Daily News featuring Doug and other Mainers sharing how they adapted and helped keep traditional music and dance alive during the pandemic. Doug LOVES a good Fox Trot! Here he leads a Fox Trot on saxophone at an evening dance at Maine Fiddle Camp. He also arranged a fox trot version of “A Sentimental Journey” for a virtual Camp recording during pandemic..Some other people and topics mentioned in this interview:Doug is the current director of Maine Fiddle Camp, a family traditional music camp in central MaineHe speaks at length about legendary Maine caller Ted Sanella In the interview Doug cites numerous influences on his playing and musical style:Fiddle masters Otto Soper [little to no information exists online about Otto though he is cited as an influence by countless traditional musicians), Don Messer, and Mellie DunhamDudley Laufman, a regular at Maine Fiddle Camp (Dudley is featured in the very first episode of this podcast!) Franco American musicians Louis Beaudoin, the band La Bottine Souriante, and harmonica player Gabriel Labbé

The intro and interstitial tracks from today’s episode are Cotillion des baies-des-rochers from the album Canterbury Dance Orchestra’s album Welcome Here Again, Rock Valley Jig from the album Fiddle Tunes with Omar Marcoux, album and a track from The Strasthspeay and Reel Society of New Hampshire: Stirling Fiddlers Welcome To The Strathspey And Reel Society Of New Hampshire. See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent. See and hear Sylvia Miskoe in action:In the interview Sylvia speaks about her longtime involvement with the Canterbury Country Dance Orchestra. Watch a short clip from the documentary "Welcome Here Again, A Recording Session with the Canterbury Country Dance Orchestra" and hear the story of when the Orchestra performed at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.Sylvia has been recognized by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts for her deep and long-lasting influence on New Hampshire’s traditional music and dance. In 2011 she was presented with the Governor's Arts Award for Folk Heritage.See her play at the Scottish Gala for the Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire that same year!Here she plays for a Scottish country dance at Springstep in Medford, MA with longtime collaborator Vince O’DonnellSome other people and topics mentioned in this interview:Sylvia mentions Dudley Laufman, who was interviewed for the very first episode of Contra Pulse!She is one of the founders of the Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire, a group devoted to learning about and playing Scottish music, open to all ages and abilities and was their music director for 7 years.Julie and Sylvia both teach accordion at Maine Fiddle Camp in the summers!

The intro and interstitial tracks from today’s episode are a set of three tunes from the Portland Playalong Selection with Sue Songer and Clyde Curley (a companion CD to the renown tune book): Jeff City / John Sharp's Hornpipe / Ducks on the Pond, Sunday River Waltz from Betsy’s album with David Kaynor - Midnight in Montague, Picassiette from her album with pianist Mark Douglass -Iles de la Madeleine, Kitchen Jig/Over the Causewayfrom Midnight in Montague, and Offerat Ecclesia, a piece from a Portland Revels recording called Down Through the Winters featuring Betsy and Shulamit Kleinerman on vielle. See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Betsy Branch in action:Betsy plays with longtime collaborator David Kaynor live at Fiddletunes Festival in 2010 and again at the Folklife Festival in SeattleHere she joins Leela Grace and Lisa Ornstein at the Portland Oldtime Music Gathering in Portland, Oregon in 2013 Through the magic of the internet and video editing Betsy plays along with her younger self and some friends in this compilation video ofMoney MuskSome other people and topics mentioned in this interview:Learn more about Betsy’s book project with Kevin Burke hereBetsy is a close collaborator and music editor for The Portland CollectionShe is also the Associate Music Director for Portland RevelsBetsy mentions fiddler and musicologist Lisa Ornstein, who also resides in the Pacific NorthwestHere’s a peek behind the scenes of the Tractor Tavern Square Dance, a significant venue in Betsy’s exploration of dance music.Finally, check out this mega-cool video of the Portland Megaband, recorded virtually and edited together during pandemic times. An impressive feat!

The intro and interstitial tracks from today’s episode are Reel des Accordéonistes  / Mother’s / Le Champs de Bleuet / Reel Ti-Mé from Elixir’s album Anybody’s Guess, Way Down in Union Country from 21st Century Hoedown by The Morrison Brothers, Daybreak (Reprise) from Owen’s Solo Album Daybreak, and Javelina Hunt from the Night Watch album Splendid Isolation.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Owen Morrison in action:Owen plays with Elixir at ContraShock in New York City, September, 2018Here are The Morrison Brothers tearing it up at ContraCopia dance weekend in Philadelphia, November, 2014Listen to The Figments in concert at Michigan Dance Heritage Fall Dance Weekend, September 2014And here’s an amazing father and son duo, Owen playing one of his own tunes with his dad, Jim Morrison at Berea’s Christmas Country Dance School, 2009Some other people and topics mentioned in this interview:Owen’s band mates Anna Patton and Nils Fredland from Elixir have each been interviewed on this podcast!The Morrison Brothers websiteMany of Owen’s early musical connections were made at Pinewoods Camp

The intro and interstitial tracks from today’s episode are Honey in the Woodpile/Grinding Stone from Jeremiah’s latest solo album The Grinding Stone, Sri Bubba from The Clayfoot Strutters’ 2002 album Going Elsewhere, June from Jeremiah’s first solo album Freetown, Flying Tent from Nightingale’s album Three, and La Crouzade, a single recorded by Jeremiah’s band Triton. See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent. See and hear Jeremiah McLane in action:Find Jeremiah’s music on his own website. He has so many bands and musical collaborations! To name a few:Jeremiah and his wife, pianist Annemieke McLane, play as a duoHere’s his (Mc)trio Kalos with guitarist Eric McDonald and fiddler Ryan McKasson  playing a set of Celtic tunes.His band Triton (with Timothy Cummings and Alex Kehler) made a music video featuring the set of of bourées you heard in this episodeJeremiah is virtuosic with French accordion music - check out this video from Acadia Trad School in 2018 Doug Plummer made this beautiful video of Nightingale playing a contra dance in Tacoma, WA.Here are the Clayfoot Strutters tearing up the big hall at the Dance Flurry in 2014Some other people and topics mentioned in this interview:Jeremiah cites huge influence from Dudley Laufman on his path to becoming a contra dance musician. Julie interviewed Dudley in the very first episode of this podcast!Jeremiah sat in with the band Fresh Fish and mentions caller and fiddler Kerry Elkin, who brought together Irish music and contra dance music in an important wayHear more about the Clayfoot Strutters’ appearance at Maine’s Downeast Country Dance Festival in Pete Sutherland’s words in Episode 20 of Contra Pulse

The intro and interstitial tracks from today’s episode are Cloud Nine/Broken Heart/Cloud Nine from the Airdance album Cloud Nine, Petronella/Green Mountain Petronella from the album New England Chestnuts, Cattle In The Cane from the album Airplang II, Lake George is one of the audio tracks from Gems Vol. 3, part of Rodney's series of recorded tunes that appear in his new tune book and Kickstart/Ticket to Nowhere/Scenic Express from the Stringrays album Ticket to Nowhere. See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.Check out the video clip from this interview where Rodney talks about his bowing technique.See and hear Rodney Miller in action:So much good stuff to check out on Rodney’s own website including his new tunebook!!He’s also been recording tunes and releasing them on Bandcamp during the pandemic.The Stringrays are one of Rodney’s current and most active bandsHere they are playing a contra dance at Glen Echo in 2015Here’s a nice clip of Airdance performing at Folkmadness dance camp in Socorro, NM in 2003You can buy Rodney’s classic albums such as Airdance, Airplang and New England Chestnuts, and MANY more in his online store.Julie interviews Airdance band member Mary Cay Brass in Episode 14 of this podcastHere’s Rodney fiddling for Tod Wittemore as he calls a singing (and yodeling!) square at the Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend in 2012Some other topics mentioned in this interview:The Nelson Contra dance - here’s a nifty video about itPinewoods Camp where so many dance and music connections are madeRodney mentions going on tour with musician Andy Davis who Julie interviewed in Episode 18 of this podcast

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are New Brunswick Hornpipe/Rainy Reel and Debbie's Jig/Cadeau's Jig from the Gerry Robichaud album Maritime Dance Party, Angus Campbell/Top o’ the Hill  and Colored Aristocracy/Ragtime  from Kitchen Junket  and  La Bastringue-Saut de Lapin-Beaulieu-Pointe au Pic from  Heatin’ Up the Hall , both by Yankee Ingenuity.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Tony Parkes in action:Calling Lazy H, a square, at the Scout House in 1992Calling his favorite square (Do-si-do and Face the Sides) to his favorite tune (Ragtime Annie) in Brasstown, NCTony sent two resources for us to include in these notes:A partial list  of Yankee Ingenuity sit-in musiciansA list of tunes Tony describes as follows: “I just sent an eclectic list of tunes I recall from my early days playing and calling. Many of them go back to my summers at Farm & Wilderness; others date from my first couple of years playing in the NEFFA Festival Orchestra. (That reminds me of something I didn’t get around to mentioning in the interview: I called a dance at my first festival in 1969 because one of the programmed callers didn’t show up. The callers submitted their dance titles in advance; somewhere I have the program sheets from 1969. There would be a set of three squares, with different callers, danced with the same partner and set, followed by a contra.) Note that not all of these tunes are of the kind I talked about: easy to play on any melody instrument. That list will take a bit more work to compile.”Some people mentioned in this interview:The Square Dance History Project has some footage of Ed Durlacher calling in Central Park in the 1940s. His albums are still available!Benjamin Foss, the advocate of old Maine tunes Tony mentioned, has an album of his favorite New England contra tunesHere’s the text of a square dance calling course syllabus from Ed Gilmore, one of Tony’s calling influencesLearn more about Michael and Mary Ann Herman and their Folk Dance HouseThere’s more to say about Ted Sannella than fits in these notes! The Square Dance History Project has many resources, including dances he has written and clips of him callingGeorge Marshall mentions Jack Sloanaker at Farm and Wilderness in his conversation with Julie (episode 13 of this podcast). Pete Sutherland talks about his experiences at Farm and Wilderness in Episodes 19 and 20.Some odds and ends mentioned in this interview:Curious about contra dance chestnuts? David Smukler and David Millstone wrote a book about them! CDSS has made the companion video collection available online — check it out!Here’s a video of The Dead Sea Squirrels playing a contra dance in Glen Echo, MD in 2013

Hi, Contra Pulse listeners – this is Ben Williams - editor and producer for this Contra Pulse. I’m just popping on to let you know that we’ll be releasing Contra Pulse every three weeks moving forward instead of every two. Our episodes have been more in depth and have more music, and moving to a three week schedule will allow us to put out that same, high-quality podcast without needing to rush anything, and be better able to sustain this work long-term. We have a great interview coming up for you next week on Tuesday February 9th, with the incomparable Tony Parkes, and interviews with Jeremiah MacLean and Owen Morrison are coming up after that! Thanks as always for your support – you can check out past interviews, transcripts and more at contrapulse.cdss.org, sign up for our mailing list, and reach out to us directly at contrapulse@gmail.com Catch you next week!

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are all by Elixir - Divine Reel/Langstaff Library, Lulu's Back in Town, and Ringstead from the album Anybody's Guess, and I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter and Bransle/Tom Kruskal's from the album Rampant.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Nils Fredland in action:Calling “The Auctioneer” singing square with Nor’easter at Ashokan Northern Week in 2014Crowd surfing at Contrastock 2011 at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo, MDHere’s Nils calling for the DC Square Dance Collective, with the Horseflies playingHere’s a video that shows the huge number of dancersThis video shows what Nils described about having no stage.Here’s Nils calling with DJ Improper at the Wednesday night Amherst, MA dance in 2012Elixir‘s websiteNils and Elixir at ContraShock 2018Nils and Elixir at Glen Echo, MD in 2012Playing with Johnny Socko, the ska bandListen to Monkey Puzzle, Nils’s a capella group from Bloomington, on SpotifyOn the Beat with Ralph Sweetis available for purchase in the CDSS web storeHere’s Ralph calling “The Auctioneer” with Elixir and other musicians playing at the book launch dance in 2010Nils is currently the Artistic Director for Revels NorthSome dances and events mentioned in this interview:DC’s 10-hour event called Contrastock is still happening during non-COVID timesTheDC Square Dance Collective is alive and well during non-COVID times, tooSpark in the Dark is a series of techno contra events that BIDA has hostedMore techno contra videos:Buddy System at LEAF in 2015Buddy System at LEAF in 2016We’re still looking for a video of the PJ song and of a techno square. Let us know if you have these!Some musical groups mentioned in this interview:Here’s a video of Mock Turtle Soup from 2011Here’s a video of Popcorn Behavior from 1996, around the time Nils first contra danced to themSome odds and ends mentioned in this interview:As Nils mentioned, Ralph’s family’s barn, the Powder Mill Barn in Enfield, CT, is still around and available for a wide variety of eventsThe Ralph Sweet’s All-Stars recording Nils mentioned is called Shindig in the BarnHere’s a video of Lisa Greenleaf calling the 16-person dance Nils mentioned—Rod’s Quad #2

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Jules Verret/Reel de Mattawa (Richard Forest)/La Belle Gaspésie from Green Mountain by Mary Cay Brass and Friends, Levi Jackson Rag and la Partida, from Heatin’ Up the Hall by Yankee Ingenuity, and Goodbye My Lady Love from the album Full Swing.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Mary Lea in action:Bare Necessities is Kate Barnes (Episode 9 interviewee), Earl Gaddis, Mary, and Jacqueline Schwab.Playing for a ball in Nashville in 2017Listen to their albums on bandcampChildsplayA memorial page for Donna Grossman has some sound clips, photographs, and information on Ladies Chain, the 5-women band Mary started out withYankee Ingenuity is Kate Barnes (Episode 9 interviewee), Cal Howard, Mary, and Jack O’ConnorTheir album, Heatin’ Up the HallPlaying for a square in 1992, with Tony Parkes callingA 2008 recording from the Monday night danceThis page has info on all of Mary’s current bands, including:BLT playing for vintage dancing in 2017Crazy Quilt, whose other members Julie has also chatted with for this podcast (Anna Patton in Episode 5 and Peter Siegel in Episode 15)Dark Carnival plays the graveyard shift at the Brattleboro Dawn Dance in 2008Here’s a video of the moment Mary described playing Brasilerinho at the Ann Arbor Dawn Dance in 2015 Some people mentioned in this interview:Ruthie Dornfeld lives in Seattle now and has several musical projects. Here’s a video of her playing with Morten Alfred HøirupArthur Davis also mentions playing with Laurie Indenbaumin Episode 6 of this podcastJulie chats with Audrey Knuth in Episode 16 of this podcastGeorge Marshall knows Richard Powers and talks some about his experiences with vintage dance in Episode 13 of this podcastSome odds and ends mentioned in this interview:The tune list Mary mentioned.Wikipedia has a pretty good article on choro/chorinhoThe Brattleboro Dawn Dance has a great history page  

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Chris Glidden's from Pete's Posse, Honeybee from the Clayfoot Strutters, and Chatterin' Horse from an upcoming album of original older time music based on Scottish pipe tunes featuring Tim Cummings on small and border pipes and Brad Kolodner on banjoSee the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Pete Sutherland in action:Pete’s Posse is Pete Sutherland, Oliver Scanlon, and Tristan HendersonPlaying a contra dance at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in 2016Playing the end of a concert set at a festival in 2017Check out their YouTube channel.The Arm and Hammer String Band performs The Shopping SongMetamora’s eponymous album is on YouTube; you can also buy their albums on Grey Larsen’s websiteThe Clayfoot StruttersBuy their only album, “Going Elsewhere” and listen on YouTube while you’re waiting for it to come in the mail.At the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, MA in 2013Here’s a video clip of Pete playing Hull’s Victory at Ralph Page 2004And, of course, here he is playing Money Musk at the same weekendCan’t get enough? Here’s an interview with Pete from 1999; here’s another from 2002.Some other topics mentioned in this interview:Check out Young Tradition Vermont— there’s a lot going on!Nightingale is Jeremiah McLane, Keith Murphy, and Becky Tracy. Here’s a video clip of them playing in 2008.The Horseflies getting their slow, deliberate groove on at the Dance Flurry in 2009.If you haven’t listened to Julie’s conversation with George Marshall, check out Episode 13 of this podcast.

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are John’s Next Adventure and Moonshine Holler from Pete’s Posse.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Pete Sutherland in action:Pete’s Posse is Pete Sutherland, Oliver Scanlon, and Tristan HendersonPlaying a contra dance at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in 2016Playing the end of a concert set at a festival in 2017Check out their YouTube channel.The Arm and Hammer String Band performs The Shopping SongMetamora’s eponymous album is on YouTube; you can also buy their albums on Grey Larsen’s websiteThe Clayfoot StruttersBuy their only album, “Going Elsewhere” and listen on YouTube while you’re waiting for it to come in the mail.At the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, MA in 2013Here’s a video clip of Pete playing Hull’s Victory at Ralph Page 2004And, of course, here he is playing Money Musk at the same weekendCan’t get enough? Here’s an interview with Pete from 1999; here’s another from 2002.Some other topics mentioned in this interview:Check out Young Tradition Vermont— there’s a lot going on!Nightingale is Jeremiah McLane, Keith Murphy, and Becky Tracy. Here’s a video clip of them playing in 2008.The Horseflies getting their slow, deliberate groove on at the Dance Flurry in 2009.If you haven’t listened to Julie’s conversation with George Marshall, check out Episode 13 of this podcast. 

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode areFancy Horpipe/Quindaro/Scotch Hornpipe and Valse du vieux moulin from the album Any Jig or Reel, Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight from Andy Davis, and two recent virtual recordings -  Kroman’s Jig and  Bouchard/Edie/JohnMcNeill by Laurie Indenbaum, Andy Davis and Arthur Davis.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Andy Davis in action:Check out New England Dancing Masters!Andy’s YouTube Channel has some tunes for you to learn.The Square Dance History Project has an hour of footage from a New Year’s Eve dance from 1981, with music from Andy and a few other musicians Julie has spoken with, including Kate Barnes (Episode 9). There’s some footage of the musicians starting around 7:50.It’s not a contra dance, but here’s Andy singing and playing accordion with Nowell Sing We Clear in 1990.Some dances and events mentioned in this interview:Along with Peter and Mary Alice Amidon and Mary Cay Brass, Andy is a part of New England Dancing Masters. Mary Cay talks with Julie about some of her experiences with this in Episode 14 of this podcast.Here are some videos of square dances at Ralph Sweet’s Powder Mill Barn in Enfield, CT. More information about the barn.East Hill Farm still hosts many square dance eventsPete Sutherland and Mark Sustic’s Young Tradition Vermont.Andy mentions Pinewoods Camp in Plymouth, MA as an important part of his contra experiences.Some people mentioned in this interview:Laurie Andres doesn’t have a website, but here’s a video of him playing for a contra dance in 2011.The Square Dance History Project has a recording of Basil “Smitty” Smith calling the singing square “MacNamara’s Band” at a barn dance in West Wardsboro, VT.Julie interviewed Andy’s son Arthur Davis in Episode 6 of this podcast.Here’s a recording of Randy Miller’s piano playing — these are two Irish tunes and not necessarily for a contra, but this will give you an idea of what Andy admires about his playing.Some musical groups mentioned in this interview:David Millstone has a good write-up of Northern Spy’s history on his website, including some photosFirecloud is Julie Vallimont, Andy Reiner, and Andrew Hlynsky. Here’s a brief clip of them playing the Amherst, MA dance in 2013.Some odds and ends  mentioned in this interview:Here’s a flyer from an East Alstead, NH contra dance that Andy played with Chris Madigan, Lark Madigan, and some Littles.Jack Perron and Randy Miller play an Irish reel.Like Andy, George Marshall also worked at Farm and Wilderness summer camps in Plymouth, VT. He and Julie talk about some of his experiences there, including the F and W String Band, in Episode 13 of this podcast.

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Miss Thornton’s/John Stenson’s/Moving Clouds, Valse Aldor, and Tour of Scotland/Ashokans’s Farewell to Celtic Week from Fresh Fish and Callum’s Road Set  from a forthcoming album by Skip Gorman and friends.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.-----------------------------------------See and hear Gordon Peery in action:Trip to Nelson was Gordon, Richard Backes, Lizza Backes, Matt Garland, and Perin Ellsworth-HellerYou can listen to the Fresh Fish album, Turning of the Tide on Gordon’s websiteGordon’s work with Paul KlempererSome dances and events mentioned in this interview:The Nelson, NH contra dance happens in the Nelson Town Hall during non-COVID times. Here’s a great local write-up from 1990.Here’s an article from 1983 that mentions Harvey TolmanMonadnock Folklore SocietySome people mentioned in this interview:George Marshall talks about some of his experiences with Ralph Page in Episode 13 of this podcastJulie interviewed Dudley Laufman in Episode 1 of this podcastRodney Miller and Randy Miller’s websitesLearn more about Harvey Tolman from this brief bio and from Gordon’s websiteSome musical groups mentioned in this interview:You can find the New England Tradition and Old New England albums — Bob McQuillen’s bands — on Great Meadow Music’s websiteSome odds and ends mentioned in this interview:Check out this great interview from New Hampshire Public Radio with Gordon Peery and Skip Gorman  about the origin of contra dance.Gordon has a write-up of his experiences with The Chieftans and the Nelson Country Dancers on his website.The Folkway in Peterborough closed in 1996, but you can read a remembrance here. The Peterborough Folk Music grew out of it and still hosts concerts, including some livestream concerts during COVID times.Here’s Randy Miller’s write-up about John Taggart from liner notes of The Music of John Taggart, the out-of-print recording by the New Hampshire Fiddlers Union. Gordon does have one track from this recording available on his website.The Green Mountain Volunteers’s website

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are Yuma and Highland  from Wake Up Robin and The Engagement from The Free Raisins.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Audrey Knuth in action:The Free RaisinsWake Up RobinThe Gaslight Tinkers — Peter Siegel talks with Julie about this band in Episode 15 of this podcast. Here she is with them in 2015Sign up for her Monday night Tunes and Stuff classAudrey, Julie, and Rachel Bell playing in Denver in 2017Larry Unger and Audrey playing tunes togetherAudrey and Erik Hoffman playing the Santa Barbara, CA contra dance in 2018Audrey, Chris Knepper, Del Eckels, and Christopher Jacoby playing the 2018 New Year’s Eve dance in Sacramento, CASome dances and events mentioned in this interview:The Honolulu contra dance is no longer at the Atherton, but it still happens during non-COVID timesThe Scout House in Concord, MA hosts a few dances Audrey and Julie talked about:Concord, NH area contra danceLearn more about the Syracuse [NY] Country DancersDebby Knight runs Roaring Jelly;check out the Roaring Jelly websiteHere’s a 2011 video of a Davis Square pop-up contraLearn more about Camp Sturtevant on their website. Don’t worry — there are definitely photos of the donkeys!Learn more about Contradancers Delight Holiday (CDH) hereLearn more about Raindance in Portland, ORFiddling Frog takes place in Pasadena, CA when there’s no pandemicSatisfy your curiosity and read about the Hobart, Tasmania contra danceSome people mentioned in this interview:Jeff Kaufman, Audrey’s bandmate in the Free Raisins, has written extensively on his experiences with the band, including a post about the process Audrey described of listening to recordings of the dance they had just playedSarah VanNorstrandGarrett Sawyer and his studio, Northfire, came up in Julie’s chat with Peter Siegel (Episode 15)Luke Donforth is a Vermont-based contra dance callerDana Parkinson is a Florida-based contra dance callerSome places mentioned in this interview:The Hale Koa Hotel in HonoluluThe Guiding Star Grange #1 in Greenfield, MA has featured in many of Julie’s interviews. It’s a mainstay of the Western Massachusetts contra dance scene.Some musical groups mentioned in this interview:Yankee Ingenuity was Kate Barnes, Cal Howard, Mary Lea, Jack O’Connor, and Tony Parkes. Kate has a little blurb about them on this archived page of her website.Crowfoot was Adam Broome, Nicholas Williams, and Jaige Trudel.Nor’easter was Max Newman, Cedar Stanistreet, and Julie Vallimont.Buddy System is Noah VanNorstrand and Julie Vallimont. Julie and Noah talk about some of their experiences playing together in Episodes 11 and 12 of this podcast.La Banane Enchantée was Peter Buchak, Julie Vallimont, and Edward Wallace. Here they are playing in Atlanta in 2012.Lissa Schneckenburger talks about her experiences playing with Bruce Rosen as Phantom Power in Episode 10 of this podcast.Here’s a video of Notorious playing Red Prairie Dawn for a contra dance in 2012Audrey mentioned subbing in on fiddle for ElixirSome odds and ends mentioned in this interview:Check out Emily Rush’s contra dance workouts!Reign of Love, by Keith Murphy, is the first tune in this set played in a group led by Becky TracyTurtle in the Grass, by Ari Friedman, is the first tune in this videoWing Commander Donald Mackenzie, by Phil Cunningham, is the third tune in this Airdance set, starting at 3:09Here’s a group of people dancing La BastringueHere’s a recording of The Road to Malvern, the tune Audrey and Julie agree is too crooked to play for a contra dance — they prefer Red Prairie Dawn (see the Notorious video)Here’s the Free Raisins’s (non-crooked) recording of Fleur de MandragoreL'ange aux patins, the waltz Julie and Audrey mentioned,is the first tune in this set

See and hear Peter Siegel in action:His websiteHis show Live from Brattleboro is every Sunday evening at 6 p.m. Eastern. is available for watching on Facebook and YouTube. (Older episodes on YouTube are here)The Gaslight Tinkers live at the Iron Horse in 2013Playing and singing with Pete Seeger in 2012With Susan Conger, Susie Secco, and David Kaynor playing at the John C. Campbell Folk School Dance Musicians’ Week in 2009The Beverwyck String Band’s album is elusive right now — if you know of a way to purchase or listen to it, please let us know!Some people mentioned in this interview:Julie and Mary Cay Brass discuss other aspects of the Greenfield Dance Band in their conversation in Episode 14Jay Ungar and Molly Mason make the magic happen at AshokanLyn Hardyis still performing and is also a luthierSusan CongerHere’s an interview with Guy Bouchard. Thirty Below no longer exists, unfortunately…Sue Songer was awarded CDSS’s Lifetime Contribution Award in 2019Garrett Sawyer runs Northfire Studio in Amherst, MA.Some musical groups mentioned in this interview:Jim Kimball is still running the Geneseo String Band at SUNY GeneseoYou can learn more about Wild Asparagus from Julie’s conversations with David Cantieni (Episodes 7 and 8) and George Marshall (Episode 13)Here’s a video from Ashokan with members of Nightingale and Wild Asparagus jamming togetherThe MammalsPeter mentioned Garrett’s band The Alchemystics; here’s what they sound likeHere’s Ann Percival’s swing band, The O-Tones, performing “Let’s Get Away from it All”Some dances and events mentioned in this interview:Learn more about the Clearwater Festival on their websiteThe Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax, VAAshokan Northern Week happened virtually this summerYou can read more about the environmental education programming at Ashokan hereJulie mentioned drawing on David Kaynor’s ideas when starting the BIDA dancein Cambridge, MADance Musicians’ Week at the John C. Campbell Folk School also happened virtually this summerSome odds and ends mentioned in this interview:At the beginning of the interview, Peter was riffing on “John Henry.” Here’s a recording of Pete Seeger singing it.Listen to Woodie Guthrie singing and playing “This Land Is Your Land”Here’s La Bottine Souriante playing both "Hommage à Edmond Parizeau" and "Dédicado à Jos"Here’s a YouTube video to give you an idea of what Soca Calypso sounds likePVPA is the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts charter school in South Hadley, MAPeter mentioned using the New England Dancing Masters material in his teaching. Mary Cay Brass talks about this in Episode 14

The intro and interstitial tracks from today's episode are  Bonnie Isabel Robertson/John Howat's from the Greenfield Dance Band's album High Clouds, Rolling Ridge/Flying Home To Shelley from Airdance's Flying On Home, and Iles de la Madeleine from Mary Cay Brass' album Green Mountain.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more.And the Country Dance and Song Society for information about Contra and English country dance across the continent.See and hear Mary Cay Brass in action:The 2011 Village Harmony Teen Residential Ensemble performing Macedonian songs and dances, with Mary Cay Brass on piano accordionA 1996 recording by Ray Sebold of the Greenfield Dance Band (David Kaynor, Mary Cay Brass, Roger Kahle, Michael Kerry, and Susan Waters).A clip from a 2003 Airdance concert setHer recordings and books are available on:Her websiteGreat Meadow MusicThe CDSS storeBandcamp (a Village Harmony recording of songs she collected in the Balkans) Some dances and events mentioned in this interview:The Brattleboro Dawn Dancesare still happening twice a year in non-COVID times.The DownEast Country Dance FestivalThe Fiddle Tunes WorkshopFestival Mémoire et RacinesThe Sage Gateshead still runs Folkworks summer schools in Durham, UKThe Old Songs Festival in Altamont, NYThe Sidmouth International Festival that Mary Cay mentions no longer exists in the same form, but the Sidmouth Folk Festival still happens in Sidmouth, Devon, UK in non-COVID times.Alasdair Fraser’s Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle Campis at Camp Campbell in Boulder Creek, CAVillage Harmony Some people mentioned in this interview:The singer from Québec City Mary Cay blanked on the name of is Gabrielle Bouthillier. Here’s a video of her singing.Check out this recording of Bo Bradham playing “Wild Hog in the Woods” and “Pike’s Peak,” found on an archived copy of hiswebsiteMary Cay’s new accordion teacher, Sunniva BrynnelAndy Davis and Peter and Mary Alice Amidon, along with Mary Cay, make up New England Dancing Masters. They create instructional material grounded in traditional music and dance, like the album Mary Cay mentioned, Chimes of Dunkirk.Stéphane Delicq passed away in 2010, but here’s a video of him tearing it up on the diatonic button accordion in 1993Pascal Gemme is a Québécois fiddler best known for his playing in GenticorumSusan Kevraisthe caller on Full Swing, the album with dance-length tracks mentioned in this interviewMary LeaHere’s an interview with Mario Loiselle, the inspirational Québécois piano player Mary Cay mentioned.Here’s a video of Bob McQuillen playing in his boom-chuck styleMarie-Soleil Pilette stepdances with Genticorum starting at 3:31 at Ashokan Northern Week, 2018Peter SiegelLissa Schneckenburger spoke with Julie about her experiences playing with the Greenfield Dance Band in Episode 10 of this podcast. Some places mentioned in this interview:Here’s a photo of the Belle of Brattleborofrom an old postcardOrchard Hill Breadworks in East Alstead, NH, is a fabulous bakeryThe church in Westminster West, VT Some musical groups mentioned in this interview:Airdance recordings are available from Great Meadow MusicLa Bottine SourianteThe Canterbury Country Dance Orchestraalso comes up in Julie’s interview with Charlie Pilzer, which is Episodes 2 and 3 of this podcast (part 1) (part 2). You can also check out Julie’s interview with Dudley Laufman.Héritage — we’re still looking for information about this group! Stay tuned, and let us know if you have any.Tidal Wave/Raz de MaréeLe Vent du Nord Some odds and ends mentioned in this interview:The Ethnic Folks Arts Center in New York City that Mary Cay mentioned is now called the Center for Traditional Music and DanceGreen Mountain is available on YouTubeIf you want to hear more Québécois piano this week, check out Pascal Gemme and Marie-Soleil Pilette’s Fiddle Hell Online Jam from JuneGreat Meadow Musichas many fabulous contra dance CDs available, thanks to the efforts Mary Cay mentioned in her interview

The intro and interstitial music from today's episode is Come along Jody and Congress Reel/Fisherman's Island/Return to Milltown from Wild Asparagus.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more contrapulse.cdss.orgAnd the Country Dance and Song Society for more information about Contra and English country dance across the continent www.cdss.orgSee and hear George in action:YouTube video of Buddy System and George at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (Hillsdale, NY) in 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mCc55ocWecYouTube video of George Marshall with Wild Asparagus at the Guiding Star Grange (Greenfield, MA) in 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-RzSdjufnAWild Asparagus CDs are available here: http://band.wildasparagus.com/music/purchase-music/Swallowtail CDs and cassettes are available here: http://www.swallowtail.com/album_order.htmlSome dances and events mentioned in this interview:The Tamworth, NH contra dance is still happening in non-COVID times: http://tamworthoutingclub.org/dances.htmlSome history: http://tamworthoutingclub.org/a-closer-look-at-outing-club-dances.htmlThe contra dance in St. Croix George talked about has evolved into two dance weeks:Tropical Dance Vacation: http://www.tropicaldancevacation.com/The Rose City Dance-A-Rama: https://www.dancearama.org/Cincinnati’s vintage dance academy: http://vintagedance.net/Some people mentioned in this interview:David Cantieni also tells the story of Wild Asparagus’s first tour in his conversation with Julie; check it out here: https://www.cdss.org/contrapulse/podcast/episode-7-david-cantieni-part-1/Marianne Taylor’s husband was Conny Taylor; you can read the Folk Arts Center of New England bios of both of them here: http://www.facone.org/about-our-founders.htmlThe Square Dance History Project has a series of interviews with Larry Edelman on their website: https://squaredancehistory.org/exhibits/show/brasstown-interviews/larry-edelman---biographyRichard Powers, the Cincinnati vintage dance teacher, includes some of his thoughts on social dance on his website: http://richardpowers.com/Some places mentioned in this interview:Pinkham Notch, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where George did trail work: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinkham_NotchThe barn in Tamworth, NH where George first encountered contra dancing burned down in 2017. The current owners of the property have rebuilt a barn in its footprint: https://www.reservethepreserve.com/the-barnA photo from 2017, before the barn burned: https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/conwaydailysun.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/b9/fb97dabc-c8c8-11e7-8377-9348a54bdbf2/5a0a28939f9bb.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 

Check out Noah's Bands Buddy System, The Faux Paws, Wake Up Robin, and Great Bear as well as Andrew and Noah's music.The interstitial music from today's episode is  Mia's Room from Buddy System's album Ride the Wheel. And The Amazing Flying Sebastian from Great Bear's Album Magic Fantasy Dream Dance.Check out his book of tunes Long Flight Home - Original Tunes by Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand.And don't forget Cool Hip Dancer!See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more contrapulse.cdss.orgAnd the Country Dance and Song Society for more information about Contra and English country dance across the continent www.cdss.org

Check out Noah's Bands Buddy System, The Faux Paws, Wake Up Robin, and Great Bear as well as Andrew and Noah's music.The interstitial music from today's episode is  Acorn Stomp – Black Jack Grove from Buddy System's album Ride the Wheel. And The Amazing Flying Sebastian from Great Bear's Album Magic Fantasy Dream Dance.Check out his book of tunes Long Flight Home - Original Tunes by Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand.See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more contrapulse.cdss.orgAnd the Country Dance and Song Society for more information about Contra and English country dance across the continent www.cdss.org

Learn more about Lissa's many projects (and download her unreleased tunes) at https://lissafiddle.com/The interstitial music from today's episode is  Rory O'More from her album Dance. Which can also be found at the CDSS StoreSee the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more contrapulse.cdss.orgAnd the Country Dance and Song Society for more information about Contra and English country dance across the continent www.cdss.org

Episode NotesLearn more about Kate Barnes at CDSS: www.cdss.org/44-community/lifetime-contribution-awardsThe interstitial music for this week is Hell Broke Loose in Georgia from the Latter Day Lizards' album Sleeping on a Rock:  www.latterdaylizards.comYou can find Kate's recordings and publications at the CDSS store and here: www.canispublishing.comSee the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more: contrapulse.cdss.orgAnd the Country Dance and Song Society for more information about Contra and English country dance across the continent: www.cdss.org

Learn more about David Cantieni and Swallowtail here: http://www.swallowtail.com/David.htmlAnd his band Wild Asparagus: http://www.wildasparagus.com/about.htmlThe interstitial music for this week's episode is The Baker / After the Bomb / Big Red off David's Album  Red RockSee the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more: https://contrapulse.cdss.org/And the Country Dance and Song Society for more information about Contra and English country dance across the continent: https://www.cdss.org/ 

Learn more about David Cantieni and Swallowtail here: http://www.swallowtail.com/David.htmlAnd his band Wild Asparagus: http://www.wildasparagus.com/about.htmlThe interstitial music for this week's episode is The Baker / After the Bomb / Big Red off David's Album  Red RockSee the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more: https://contrapulse.cdss.org/And the Country Dance and Song Society for more information about Contra and English country dance across the continent: https://www.cdss.org/ 

Arthur and Julie have a lovely summer-night chat about his early roots, building communities through dance, and glorious New England tunes. And as piano players, they also geek out about piano styles, the difference between acoustic pianos and keyboards, and much more!

You can learn more about Anna and her projects on her website here: https://www.annapatton.com/More info on Anna's band Elixir can be found here: https://www.elixirmusic.com/The interstitial music from this week's episode is Reel du Love Shack from Anna's Album Isadore's BreakfastSee the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more: https://contrapulse.cdss.org/And the Country Dance and Song Society for more information about Contra and English country dance across the continent: https://www.cdss.org/

Check out Everest Witman's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/everestwitmanmusic/And Nova's website to learn more about the band and purchase their music: https://novatriomusic.com/about-us/See the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more: https://contrapulse.cdss.org/And the Country Dance and Song Society for more information about Contra and English country dance across the continent: https://www.cdss.org/

Bonus material - video of Charlie playing and getting into harmonization and music theory: https://youtu.be/iKPL19-9afICheck out more about Charlie on his website: http://www.charliepilzer.com/about.htmlSee the Contra Pulse website for transcripts and more: https://contrapulse.cdss.org/Many of Charlie's CDs can be found at the CDSS Store: https://cdss.force.com/commons/s/store  

Julie interviews Charlie Pilzer at the NEFFA, the New England Folk Festival, in 2019. They talk about this history of the contra dance scene, Charlie's diverse musical experience, and even dive into some music theory on what makes a great contra dance tune! Transcript coming soon!