2012-2013 Schedule
The 2012-2013 line-up is filled with INCREDIBLE bands and callers from Quebec and the United States as well our local favourites. Come on out for some fabulous dancing - you will not be disappointed!!! In addition to our dances every 1st and 3rd Saturday, we offer a number of special afternoon events. These vary from 'mostly waltz' dances to workshop dances.
Starting this year, we're also organizing 'community talent' dances once a month. These will feature great local talent in a more intimate setting without a sound system. It's a great way for some of our experience callers/musicians to try new stuff and for new folks to try calling/playing. Come check out this new initiative!
If you are interested in learning how to call or want to dance as new callers practice, contact Catherine at dance@ottawacontra.ca. Our callers group gets together once a month to practice - dancers as well as complete beginner callers are welcome!
Old Sod Band
Old Sod is a super talented band that lays down a most beautiful groove. We are lucky to have them as our house band!
Click here to watch the Old Sod Band.
ottawacontra.ca/oldsodband/Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns is the reason contra dancing exists in Ottawa. She is an AWESOME caller, working to make fun for all. A guaranteed great night!
3 Dollar Bills
This is a fantastic local band that dancers will love. Made up of three experienced players from other bands, Greg Brown (fiddle, accordion, concertina, etc), Duncan Gillis (whistles, flute, bagpipes), and Paul Hawtin (guitar) will rock the evening.
This is a special YOUTH CONTRA DANCE where all welcome, ages 29 and under get in FREE!!!
Tom Calwell
Living part of the year in the contra dance mecca of North Carolina, Tom is full of exciting and fun dances.
dancingthread.caOld Sod Band
Old Sod is a super talented band that lays down a most beautiful groove. We are lucky to have them as our house band!
Click here to watch the Old Sod Band.
ottawacontra.ca/oldsodband/PLUS... special FAMILY DANCE led by Chrissy for kids and their parents in the afternoon ... come out and have lots of family fun! 330-5pm, 10$ for adults...kids free!
Chrissy Fowler
Chrissy Fowler is AAAAMMMAAAAZZINGG!!! Coming all the way from Belfast Maine to call for us, she is one of the most talented contra community builders around. Chrissy brings expertise at calling for regular contra dances as well as family dances so we're having her do both in one day!
COMMUNITY TALENT CONTRADANCE
Beginning in the 2012-2013 season, we're adding 4th Tuesdays to our schedule as a 'Community Talent' contra dance. HOWEVER OUR FIRST OF THESE DANCES WILL BE ON HALLOWE'EN (Not the four Tuesday - that starts in November!!!!) This is a chance for local musicians and callers to try their stuff in a low pressure situation and for dancers to have a chance to dance to our local talent in an awesome small hall with great acoustics (musicians aren't mic'd)! We're hoping this will become a great little dance added as part of our regular schedule so mark 4th Tuesdays on your calendars. (PS-it's a bit cheaper than our regular dances!)
HALL LOCATION
4th Tuesday dances aren't at our regular hall. Instead, they are just down the road at the Orange Hall, 41 Rosemont Ave (K1Y 1P3). Google maps will show you the way! :)
Perpetual e-Motion
Perpetual e-Motion are ***AMAZING***!!! These two gents take electric violin, guitar, and digeridoo to a blissful level. You will love these guys...what a lift!
Click here and here to watch Perpetual e-Motion.
perpetuale-motion.comSpecial afternoon CHALLENGING CONTRA (only $8) 330-530pm + evening contra dance
Will Mentor
Will is traveling from Vermont to call for us! Calling to hundreds in one room at events such as the 2010 Dance Flurry and the 2010 Champlain Valley Folk Festival, Will is in high demand for his contras and squares.
Watch Will's calling in action here.
Godknowswhat!
Godknowswhat! plays traditional music in non-traditional ways. Klezmer frailachs, French-Canadian, Irish, Cajun, New Orleans marches, Cabaret-era swing, and Honky-Tonk all surface in this band's diverse repertoire. You never know what might happen!
Special 2hr lesson on both the Schottishe & Waltz in the afternoon (regular contra dance at night). Great for beginners and intermediate dancers. 3:30-5:30pm, 8$.
Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns is the reason contra dancing exists in Ottawa. She is an AWESOME caller, working to make fun for all. A guaranteed great night!
COMMUNITY TALENT CONTRADANCE
Beginning in the 2012-2013 season, we're adding 4th Tuesdays to our schedule as a 'Community Talent' contra dance. This is a chance for local musicians and callers to try their stuff in a low pressure situation and for dancers to have a chance to dance to our local talent in an awesome small hall with great acoustics (musicians aren't mic'd)! We're hoping this will become a great little dance added as part of our regular schedule so mark 4th Tuesdays on your calendars. (PS-it's a bit cheaper than our regular dances!)
HALL LOCATION
4th Tuesday dances aren't at our regular hall. Instead, they are just down the road at the Orange Hall, 41 Rosemont Ave (K1Y 1P3). Google maps will show you the way! :)
Frost & Fire
Coming up from Vermont for the the first time to Ottawa is Frost & Fire! Trad tunes with great energy will be the serving of the evening.
Click here to see a video of Frost & Fire in action.
www.frostandfireband.comSpecial afternoon MOSTLY WALTZ DANCE 330-530(including lesson @ 3pm) in addition to evening contra dance
Mary Wesley
Mary Wesley is a fantastic young caller from Vermont. She is taking a firm leadership role in contra dance organizing within the New England States, and has fanastic calling skills. Under her hat already include working dance weekends like OohLaLa and the Youth Dance Weekend!
Click here to see Mary calling.
Old Sod Band
Old Sod is a super talented band that lays down a most beautiful groove. We are lucky to have them as our house band!
Click here to watch the Old Sod Band.
ottawacontra.ca/oldsodband/This is our seasonal dance with potluck snacks, carols, and other fun at the break!
Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns is the reason contra dancing exists in Ottawa. She is an AWESOME caller, working to make fun for all. A guaranteed great night!
Crowfoot
Dancers go wild where ever Crowfoot plays! They are one of the hottest contra dance bands in North America.
Click here and here and here to see videos of Crowfoot in action.
crowfootmusic.comThis is a special NEW YEARS CONTRA BALL at a different location with a different price. Check out this poster for more information.
Mary Wesley
Mary Wesley is a fantastic young caller from Vermont. She is taking a firm leadership role in contra dance organizing within the New England States, and has fanastic calling skills. Under her hat already include working dance weekends like OohLaLa and the Youth Dance Weekend!
Click here to see Mary calling.
Greg Brown, Alexis MacIsaac, & Ken Harper
Serving up tunes tonight are our very own Greg, Alexis, & Ken. Alexis has sat in a number of times with the Old Sod Band and plays in all sorts of other settings. Greg does our sound for dances but of course, is an amazing multi-instrumentalist. Ken will be providing awesome rhythms as he did with Shindigo. It should be a great evening of music!
Martha Cooper
Now living in Wakefield, Martha carries on the tradition calling excellent contras and squares that she learned from her father. While we miss her presence living in Ottawa, we're glad she can make an appearance calling!
Old Sod Band
Old Sod is a super talented band that lays down a most beautiful groove. We are lucky to have them as our house band!
Click here to watch the Old Sod Band.
ottawacontra.ca/oldsodband/PLUS... special FAMILY DANCE led by Catherine for kids and their parents in the afternoon ... come out and have lots of family fun! 330-5pm, 10$ for adults...kids free!
Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns is the reason contra dancing exists in Ottawa. She is an AWESOME caller, working to make fun for all.
COMMUNITY TALENT CONTRADANCE
Beginning in the 2012-2013 season, we're adding 4th Tuesdays to our schedule as a 'Community Talent' contra dance. This is a chance for local musicians and callers to try their stuff in a low pressure situation and for dancers to have a chance to dance to our local talent in an awesome small hall with great acoustics (musicians aren't mic'd)! We're hoping this will become a great little dance added as part of our regular schedule so mark 4th Tuesdays on your calendars. (PS-it's a bit cheaper than our regular dances!)
HALL LOCATION
4th Tuesday dances aren't at our regular hall. Instead, they are just down the road at the Orange Hall, 41 Rosemont Ave (K1Y 1P3). Google maps will show you the way! :)
Andrew & Noah VanNorstrand
Andrew and Noah are about as hot as it gets. Starting off as young kids in the Great Bear Trio, they have worked on many musical projects including Giant Robot Dance. VERY creative, fun, and intense, these fellas are a highlight of the season!
Click here and hereto watch Andrew & Noah in their Great Bear Groove.
andrewandnoah.comSpecial afternoon CHALLENGING CONTRA (only $8) 330-530pm + evening contra dance
Sarah VanNorstrand
Sarah VanNorstrand is a wonderful young caller from the Syracuse NY area. Married to Andrew VanNorstand of Great Bear Trio, Giant Robot Dance, and the Andrew and Noah VanNorstand band, Sarah carries strong weight on her own as a very talented caller. Come check her out doing what she loves!
Old Sod Band
Old Sod is a super talented band that lays down a most beautiful groove. We are lucky to have them as our house band!
Click here to watch the Old Sod Band.
ottawacontra.ca/oldsodband/This is a special YOUTH CONTRA DANCE where all welcome, ages 29 and under get in FREE!!!
Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns is the reason contra dancing exists in Ottawa. She is an AWESOME caller, working to make fun for all.
COMMUNITY TALENT CONTRADANCE
Beginning in the 2012-2013 season, we're adding 4th Tuesdays to our schedule as a 'Community Talent' contra dance. This is a chance for local musicians and callers to try their stuff in a low pressure situation and for dancers to have a chance to dance to our local talent in an awesome small hall with great acoustics (musicians aren't mic'd)! We're hoping this will become a great little dance added as part of our regular schedule so mark 4th Tuesdays on your calendars. (PS-it's a bit cheaper than our regular dances!)
HALL LOCATION
4th Tuesday dances aren't at our regular hall. Instead, they are just down the road at the Orange Hall, 41 Rosemont Ave (K1Y 1P3). Google maps will show you the way! :)
Sassafrass Stomp
Coming all the way from Montana, Sassafrass Stomp blends New England and Southern music into a great groove!
Click here to watch Sassafras Stomp.
www.myspace.com/sassafrasstompALSO, a special afternoon APPALACHIAN SQUARES session for only $8 (330-530pm). We have such an awesome band and caller for this - 'twill be a great new experience in Ottawa. :)
Will Mentor
Will is traveling from Vermont to call for us! Calling to hundreds in one room at events such as the 2010 Dance Flurry and the 2010 Champlain Valley Folk Festival, Will is in high demand for his contras and squares.
Watch Will's calling in action here.
Old Sod Band
Old Sod is a super talented band that lays down a most beautiful groove. We are lucky to have them as our house band!
Click here to watch the Old Sod Band.
ottawacontra.ca/oldsodband/Catherine Burns & Ken Panton
Catherine Burns is the reason contra dancing exists in Ottawa. She is an AWESOME caller, working to make fun for all. Ken Panton will be joining Catherine on the calling this night as well!
COMMUNITY TALENT CONTRADANCE
Beginning in the 2012-2013 season, we're adding 4th Tuesdays to our schedule as a 'Community Talent' contra dance. This is a chance for local musicians and callers to try their stuff in a low pressure situation and for dancers to have a chance to dance to our local talent in an awesome small hall with great acoustics (musicians aren't mic'd)! We're hoping this will become a great little dance added as part of our regular schedule so mark 4th Tuesdays on your calendars. (PS-it's a bit cheaper than our regular dances!)
HALL LOCATION
4th Tuesday dances aren't at our regular hall. Instead, they are just down the road at the Orange Hall, 41 Rosemont Ave (K1Y 1P3). Google maps will show you the way! :)
Crowfoot
Dancers go wild where ever Crowfoot plays! They are one of the hottest contra dance bands in North America.
Click here and here and here to see videos of Crowfoot in action.
crowfootmusic.com Special afternoon INSTANT CHOIR 2-330pm and a MOSTLY WALTZ DANCE 4-530pm in addition to evening contra dance.
See this poster for more information.
Nils Fredland
Nils, a contra dance caller by profession, is considered to one of the very top callers right now. Known for his technical skill, disarming friendliness, and soothing voice, he creates magical moments on the dance floor with every band he performs.
Click here to watch Nils.
nilsfredland.comGodknowswhat!
Godknowswhat! plays traditional music in non-traditional ways. Klezmer frailachs, French-Canadian, Irish, Cajun, New Orleans marches, Cabaret-era swing, and Honky-Tonk all surface in this band's diverse repertoire. You never know what might happen!
PLUS... special FAMILY DANCE led by Catherine for kids and their parents in the afternoon ... come out and have lots of family fun! 330-5pm, 10$ for adults...kids free!
Emily Addison
While relatively new to calling, Emily brings lots of playing and dance organizing experience to the floor. Come check out some hot dances she's picked up from recent travels.
COMMUNITY TALENT CONTRADANCE
Beginning in the 2012-2013 season, we're adding 4th Tuesdays to our schedule as a 'Community Talent' contra dance. This is a chance for local musicians and callers to try their stuff in a low pressure situation and for dancers to have a chance to dance to our local talent in an awesome small hall with great acoustics (musicians aren't mic'd)! We're hoping this will become a great little dance added as part of our regular schedule so mark 4th Tuesdays on your calendars. (PS-it's a bit cheaper than our regular dances!)
HALL LOCATION
4th Tuesday dances aren't at our regular hall. Instead, they are just down the road at the Orange Hall, 41 Rosemont Ave (K1Y 1P3). Google maps will show you the way! :)
Nor'easter
A VERY strong trio of fiddle, piano, and mandolin/guitar, Nor'easter creates fantastic dance music. This is a band to watch for --- and to dance to. Come on out!
Click here to see a video of Nor'easter in action.
noreasterband.comSpecial EVOLUTION OF CONTRA dance (only $8) 330-530pm + evening contra dance. +++ A Sunday morning talk (1030-1230) on 'Contras vs Squares: 300 years of country dance history'. This will be awesome - period.
See this poster for more information.
David Millstone
David is a pure joy to dance to. Currently the president of Country Dance and Song Society (check it out... here he is one of the most talented callers there is, period! A warm, welcoming personality, he can make magic happen on the floor. You must come out tonight!
davidmillstonedance.comClick here to see David calling.
Old Sod Band
Old Sod is a super talented band that lays down a most beautiful groove. We are lucky to have them as our house band!
Click here to watch the Old Sod Band.
ottawacontra.ca/oldsodband/Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns is the reason contra dancing exists in Ottawa. She is an AWESOME caller, working to make fun for all.
COMMUNITY TALENT CONTRADANCE
Beginning in the 2012-2013 season, we're adding 4th Tuesdays to our schedule as a 'Community Talent' contra dance. This is a chance for local musicians and callers to try their stuff in a low pressure situation and for dancers to have a chance to dance to our local talent in an awesome small hall with great acoustics (musicians aren't mic'd)! We're hoping this will become a great little dance added as part of our regular schedule so mark 4th Tuesdays on your calendars. (PS-it's a bit cheaper than our regular dances!)
HALL LOCATION
4th Tuesday dances aren't at our regular hall. Instead, they are just down the road at the Orange Hall, 41 Rosemont Ave (K1Y 1P3). Google maps will show you the way! :)
Montage
Montage is travelling up from around Rochester NY to lay down some European-based grooves. Jane, Rachel, and Torn are super talented players who cater their playing to make the most energy possible on the dance floor. You're in for a treat!
Click here to watch Montage.
myspace.com/montagedancebandSpecial afternoon MOSTLY WALTZ DANCE 330-530(including lesson @ 3pm) in addition to evening contra dance
Ken Panton
Ken is a local caller who loves interesting material. Come out and support him on his first ever full evening of calling in Ottawa. He'll be sure to have some fun dances!
Old Sod Band
Old Sod is a super talented band that lays down a most beautiful groove. We are lucky to have them as our house band!
Click here to watch the Old Sod Band.
ottawacontra.ca/oldsodband/OPEN CALLERS NIGHT!
Come celebrate the dance season with some of our up-and-coming local callers hosted by Catherine Burns!
Dessert potluck at the break!
