February 16th English country dance

Save the date for our zesty contra coming up on February 29th! This dance will be at a special location, Camp Pollock, and a special time, 6:30-9:30, with Lynn Ackerson calling to the music of BLAM!

Talent: Bonnie Richardson calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2020
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Camp Pollock, 1501 Northgate Blvd, Sacramento
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Bonnie Richardson is a local treasure from Napa who calls frequently for the North Bay Country Dance Society. The music will be provided by Quite Carried Away, our house band: Dick Holdstock on octave mandolin and banjo, Susan Jones on concertina, Arlene Jamar on piano, Jane Kostka on whistle, Martin Lodahl on viola da gamba, and David Wright on fiddle and mandolin. Ask about their CD!

As usual, beginners are welcome and no partners are necessary.  If you are bringing, or know of any, first-timers, please urge them to come at 1:30 for the introductory workshop that precedes the dance.  All dancers are welcome at the workshop, but first-time attendees receive a coupon for half-off admission at their next dance!

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
February 22: contra dance
February 29: zesty contra at special location (Camp Pollock) and time (6:30-9:30)
March 1: English country dance in Roseville

February 8th contra dance

Talent: Talib Huff calling to the music of Debra Tayleur, David Wright, Sue Jones, and Nick Rich
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020
Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Talib Huff has been calling dances for over 20 years. He currently calls primarily in the Sacramento region and has led dances for local groups, schools wedding, festivals and dance communities. 

The band is Debra Tayleur on piano, David Wright on fiddle, Sue Jones on concertina and recorder, and Nick Rich on mandolin. Debra Tayleur has played for our dances in Whimsical and The Honeysuckle Sisters. David Wright and Sue Jones are familiar from Magic Reelism, and David also from Star Thistle. Nick Rich is a composer, songwriter, and founder of the progressive folk band Winterbirds. 

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
February 16: English country dance in Sacramento
February 22: contra dance
February 29: zesty contra at special location (Camp Pollock) and time (6:30-9:30)

February 2nd Winters contra and English country dances

We’re hosting two dances at the same time on the afternoon of Sunday, February 2nd: a special contra dance in Winters and an English country dance in Roseville. Details for both dances are below.

For those who would like to attend, the memorial service for Sandy Westfall will be held on February 8th at 2 pm at the Unitarian Church in Davis.

English country dance:

Talent: Alisa Dodson calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
Date: Sunday, February 2nd, 2020
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Polish American Hall, 327 Main St, Roseville
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

The English Dance Committee has brainstormed ideas to pursue in 2020, which will be posted on the flier table at the February dances. All dancers are invited to join this committee! Please see Chris Ratekin if you’d like more information or want to get involved.

Alisa Dodson has been English country dancing since 1980 and calling since 1990. She was involved in BACDS dance in the Bay Area for many years before moving away, and she now lives in the old gold mining town of Murphys.

The music will be provided by Quite Carried Away, our house band: Dick Holdstock on octave mandolin and banjo, Susan Jones on concertina, Arlene Jamar on piano, Jane Kostka on whistle, Martin Lodahl on viola da gamba, and David Wright on fiddle and mandolin. Ask about their CD!

As usual, beginners are welcome and no partners are necessary.  If you are bringing, or know of any, first-timers, please urge them to come at 1:30 for the introductory workshop that precedes the dance.  All dancers are welcome at the workshop, but first-time attendees receive a coupon for half-off admission at their next dance!

 

Winters contra dance

Talent: Erik Hoffman calling to the music of Ruby Mountain String Band
Date: Sunday, February 2, 2020
Time: 2:00–5:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 1:30 pm
Location: The Palms Playhouse, 13 Main St, Winters, CA
Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID

Local favorite Erik Hoffman brings clear teaching and calling, and a sense of humor. Ruby Mountain String Band is Darin Smith on fiddle, Cliff Landis on banjo and guitar, and Bob Daley on mandolin. Hailing from Mendocino County, they have been playing dances together for more than 10 years and have a rich heritage with all kinds of old-time American music. Darin is a winner of fiddle contests throughout California.  They love to make great fiddle tunes come alive, and lay down a groove to propel dancers.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 1:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

 

For more information on either dance, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org.

Upcoming events:
February 8: contra dance
February 16: English country dance in Sacramento
February 22: contra dance
February 29: zesty contra dance

January 25th English Country Dance Music Workshop, Contra Flourishes Workshop, and Contra Dance

Wow, have we got a lot going on this Saturday! We’re hosting contra and English country dance workshops generously funded by our Big Day of Giving donors, along with our regular fourth-Saturday contra dance with Susan Petrick calling to the music of Star Thistle. Details for all the events are below.

English Country Dance Music Workshop:

Talent: David Wright, Clark Smith, Jane Kosta, Martin Lodahl, and Susan Jones
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2020
Time: 1:30–4:30 pm
Location: Sacramento Friends Meetinghous, 890-57th Street, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $5 per person (cash or check)

Want to learn to play music for English country dancing? Here’s your chance! Taught by members of Quite Carried Away, this workshop will prepare you to join in and play at dances.

Any instrument is welcome. Musicians should have some ease at playing waltzes and faster pieces on their instrument, either by ear or by using sheet music. All tunes used in the workshop will be from Barnes Volume III (‘Green Barnes’). Copies of Green Barnes will be available for sale at the workshop for $25.

Please register in advance to attend the workshop and tell us what instrument(s) you plan to play. Registrants will receive sheet music by email. To register, send an email to SusanJones533@gmail.com. Questions? Call David or Sue at 916-739-8906.

 

Contra Flourishes Workshop:

Talent: Susan Petrick
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2020
Time: 5:00–6:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $5 per person (cash or check)

This workshop is aimed at people who already know the basic contra moves and want to add more style and fun to their dancing! Caller Susan Petrick will show you how to spice up your dancing smoothly and safely, while taking good care of your partner. Then you can practice your new skills at our regular Saturday night contra dance.

 

Contra Dance:

Talent: Susan Petrick calling to the music of Star Thistle
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2020
Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Susan Petrick is a regional treasure with national prominence, who tours throughout the country calling for dance weekends and festivals. She is well-known for her clear teaching, efficient guidance, and expert pacing, making even complex dances accessible to all. Star Thistle plays contra dances featuring Celtic, old-time, and other music. The band is Lonna Whipple (fiddle), David Wright (fiddle and mandolin), and Cheryl McKinney (keyboard).

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
February 2: Winters contra dance
February 2: English country dance in Roseville
February 8: contra dance
February 16: English country dance in Sacramento

January 19th English country dance

Interested in learning how to play music for English country dancing? Join members of Quite Carried Away for a workshop from 1:30-4:30 pm on January 25th. Preregister by writing SusanJones533@gmail.com to receive the sheet music two weeks in advance. Questions? Call David or Sue at 916-739-8906. Thanks to our Big Day of Giving donors for supporting this event!

Talent: Alisa Dodson calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
Date: Sunday, January 19, 2020
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Camp Pollock, 1501 Northgate Blvd, Sacramento
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

This dance will continue our “New Year – New Beginnings” theme. Caller Alisa Dodson has chosen dances to refresh some of the basic moves and stylistic features of English country dance, focusing this week on how the music and the dances are intertwined. This program is particularly welcoming to new dancers, so if your friends have made resolutions to try something new, this is a great time to bring them along!

The music will be provided by Quite Carried Away, our house band: Dick Holdstock on octave mandolin and banjo, Susan Jones on concertina, Arlene Jamar on piano, Jane Kostka on whistle, Martin Lodahl on viola da gamba, and David Wright on fiddle and mandolin. Ask about their CD!

As usual, beginners are welcome and no partners are necessary.  If you are bringing, or know of any, first-timers, please urge them to come at 1:30 for the introductory workshop that precedes the dance.  All dancers are welcome at the workshop, but first-time attendees receive a coupon for half-off admission at their next dance!

For more information, and lost and found, call Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org.

Upcoming events:
January 25: English Country Dance Music Workshop
January 25: contra dance with Contra Flourishes Workshop
February 2: English country dance in Roseville
February 2: Winters contra dance

January 11th contra dance

Interested in learning how to play music for English country dancing? Join us for a workshop from 1:30-4:30 pm on January 25th! Preregister by writing SusanJones533@gmail.com to receive the sheet music two weeks in advance.

Talent: Andy Shore calling to the music of Todd Silverstein, Lewis Santer, and Erik Hoffman
Date: Saturday, January 11, 2020
Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

With over 30 years experience in teaching and leading social dance, Andy Shore calls both traditional and “gender role free” contra dances. He loves everything from teaching beginners to satisfying seasoned dancers. Todd Silverstein, a recent arrival from Oregon where he played contras in bands like The Nettles, mixes it up on bouzouki, whistle and saxophone. Local favorite Lewis Santer plays guitar and Irish bouzouki. Erik Hoffman played fiddle with The Rosin Doctors and The Erik Thor & Hands Four. He loves the spirit and joy that is passed along with traditional music and dance, and loves to share his enthusiasm.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
January 19: English country dance in Sacramento
January 25: English Country Dance Music Workshop
January 25: contra dance with Contra Flourishes workshop

January 5th English country dance

Interested in learning how to play music for English country dancing? Save the date for our workshop from 1:30-4:30 pm on January 25th! Preregister by writing SusanJones533@gmail.com to receive the sheet music two weeks in advance.

Talent: Alisa Dodson calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
Date: Sunday, January 5, 2020
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Polish American Hall, 327 Main St, Roseville
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

The theme for our first English country dance of 2020 is “New Year – New Beginnings.” Caller Alisa Dodson has chosen dances to refresh some of the basic moves and stylistic features of English country dance. This program is particularly welcoming to new dancers, so if your friends have made resolutions to try something new, this is a great time to bring them along!

Quite Carried Away, our house band, is Dick Holdstock on octave mandolin and banjo, Susan Jones on concertina, Arlene Jamar on piano, Jane Kostka on whistle, Martin Lodahl on viola da gamba, and David Wright on fiddle and mandolin. Ask about their CD!

As usual, beginners are welcome and no partners are necessary.  If you are bringing, or know of any, first-timers, please urge them to come at 1:30 for the introductory workshop that precedes the dance.  All dancers are welcome at the workshop, but first-time attendees receive a coupon for half-off admission at their next dance!

For more information, and lost and found, call Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org.

Upcoming events:
January 11: contra dance
January 19: English country dance in Sacramento
January 25: English Country Dance Music Workshop
January 25: contra dance with Contra Flourishes workshop beforehand