Meet the Talent
ContraForce
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The Charleston-based quartet ContraForce may be deeply rooted in traditional folk music and the contra dance scene, but when it comes to composing and recording their own tunes, they certainly don’t shy away from musical experimentation. Fiddler Andrae Raffield, percussionist/handpan/saxophonist Joey Dorwart, guitarist Jimi “Two Nails” Peirano, and vocalist Karin Mcquade have collaborated on old standards and new originals, working in and around the Celtic and Appalachian folk styles normally featured at contra dances.
For more information, check out their website: http://www.contraforceband.com/ |
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Organic Family Band
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The Organic Family Band brings a range of musical experiences and styles to dance and folk music, blending jazz, Irish, Quebecois, Klezmer, New England, ragtime, rock, and more to create a soundscape that'll keep you moving and grooving all night long! With veteran lead player Rebekah Geller (15) on fiddle, dad (and experienced jazz guitarist) Michael Raitzyk, older brother Jakob Raitzyk (20) on fiddle and foot percussion, and mom Judith Geller on french horn, The Organic Family Band carries on musical traditions and brings new life into the sound of dance/folk music.
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Go Figure
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Based in Charlottesville, Go Figure brings the spirit of joy and poetry to the dance floor. Fiddler Mike Dunn and keyboardist Janet Muse have collaborated for most of the twenty-first century, and have become a much-loved fixture at regional contra, English, and Scottish dances, as well as waltzes. Together, they mix jazz, Americana, and Celtic into a roots salad sound collage all their own. Leave your anxieties at the door, and feed the beat with your feet! Learn more at www.musedunn.com.
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Sarah VanNorstrand
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Sarah VanNorstrand has been calling, organizing and teaching contra, square, and family/community dances for over ten years. She has a clear and engaging teaching style and a great repertoire of dances to share. Instantly hooked from her first contra dance as a teen, Sarah’s love of social dancing and her joy in sharing it is evident and infectious. Above all, her goal as a caller is to make sure the dancers are having a wonderful time connecting with the music and each other. For more information, check out her website: sarahcallsdances.com |
Brian Hamshar
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Brian Hamshar tried out the Greenwood contra dance in 2002, and that proved a major life-changer. He has been calling and organizing contra dances since 2006, and enjoys square dancing as well. He is also a saxophonist and clarinetist with special fondness for jazz and folk. He runs a wedding DJ business on the side and enjoys combining all these passions into "club contras." Brian loves to present the most fun dances, at any skill level, with efficient teaching and an engaging yet understated calling style to connect dancers with awesome music. In his "spare time" he drives a school bus in central Virginia. Find out more at brianhamshar.com!
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