BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Bellingham Country Dance Society - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Bellingham Country Dance Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260124T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260124T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20251016T064250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T012935Z UID:1461-1769281200-1769292000@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Special Contra Dance: Beregovsky’s All Stars + Joe Micheals DESCRIPTION:This dance is part of the 2026 Bellingham Folk Festival! \n \nTime: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nWorkshop: 6pm – 7pm: Swing and its Flourishes + Mad Robin \nLocation: Christ the King (Norway Hall) 1419 N Forest St. \nEntry: \nBeginner lesson + dance $12-$15; $8 students\nWorkshop: $10 or $20 for whole evening; Students: $8 or $15 for whole evening \nBand: Seattle Klezmer rhythm makers: Beregovski’s All Stars with Jimmy Austin (of local legendary folk gypsy band “Hot Damn Scandal”) on trombone\, W.B. Reid on guitar\, Laurie Andres on accordion\, and Carl Shutoff on clarinet. \nCaller: Putting joy in traditional dance\, we have Seattlite Joe Micheals. Or is it Michael or Micheel or Mikael or Mitchel. No no\, it’s Micheal. I dare say we’re getting the hang it . \n\nBeregovski’s All Stars: \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jimmy Austin\n \n \n \n \n \n Carl Shutoff\n \n \n \n \n \n Laurie Andres\n \n \n \n \n \n W.B.Reid\n \n \n \n\nJimmy Austin: inherited both his name and his first trombone from his paternal grandfather. He began seriously exploring klezmer music about five years ago\, when he joined the band Shpilkis. In addition to playing klezmer\, Jimmy performs with many other groups around the Pacific Northwest playing various combinations of funk\, jazz\, soul\, and blues. He occasionally performs with circus and theatre productions such as the award-winning musical\, Dragon Lady. \nCarl and Laurie: “Carl Shutoff (clarinet in C) and Laurie Andres (accordion) constitute the Kesselgarden Klezmer Duo in Seattle\, WA\, where we have been playing together for the last 22 years. Our name comes from the way Yiddish-speaking Jews pronounced “Castle Garden”\, the facility on the southern tip of Manhattan where Jewish immigrants entered this country prior to the opening of Ellis Island in 1892.  Among first and second generation Jews\,  the term Kesselgarden was eventually generalized to mean any situation that was noisy\, confusing and chaotic. We are a traditional band\, playing Eastern European instrumental Jewish/Yiddish music of the 19th and 20th centuries\, with original\, sweet and joyful arrangements which are neither noisy nor confusing.”  \nJoe Micheals \n  \n  URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-beregovskys-all-stars-tbd/ LOCATION:Christ the King Hall (Norway Hall)\, 1419 N. Forest St.\, Bellingham\, WA\, 98226\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260124T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260124T190000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20260113T073739Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T231118Z UID:1853-1769277600-1769281200@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Workshop: Swing and its Flourishes + Mad Robin DESCRIPTION:Workshop: Swing and its Flourishes + Mad Robin\nLocation: Christ the King (Norway Hall) 1419 N Forest St.\nTime: 6:00 – 7:00pm\nDay: Jan 24th\nEntry: $10 or $20 for workshop + dance\nStudents: $8 or $15 for workshop + dance \nFor this workshop there will be a beginner track and an advanced track. We’ll mostly focus on the swing\, but have an addendum on mad robin. \nFor beginners (Led be Sky Leuba and Hannah Garcia): \nLearn swinging basics and a little more. The swing is the foundation of every good dance. We’re remiss without a partner swing\, let alone a neighbour swing. So how’s it done? How is it not done? How is it done well? How do you swing so smooth you want to swing forever and sing together? What is the buzz step? How do you give weight? How do you do the basic twirl in and out of the swing? Questions asked\, questions answered. \nFor intermediate (led be River Leuba): \nLearn some nifty swing flourishes and neat little tricks. Have you been looking at those experienced dancers spinning this way and that? What’s that all about? What are the different ways to spin? Different hand holds? How do you spin fast and safely? How do you flourish in fun and safe ways? We will cover those topics and more in this dance workshop. \nStay after for live music and social dancing from 7:00 – 10:00 pm! \n \n. URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/swing-and-its-flourishes-mad-robin/ LOCATION:Christ the King Hall (Norway Hall)\, 1419 N. Forest St.\, Bellingham\, WA\, 98226\, United States CATEGORIES:workshop END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250804T005016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T210917Z UID:1340-1768071600-1768082400@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Pajamajam + Judy Zeidel and Sky Leuba DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: We have Cayley Schmid (fiddle) of Sub Zero Glitter Fridge and Rosie O’Neil (guitar) of Bison Socks will express their mutual enthusiasm for music\, dance\, pajamas\, and friends by shredding a variety of spicy pan-Celtic tunes. \nCaller: Judy Zeidel and Sky Leuba of Bellingham! \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nPajamajam: L to R – Cayley Schmid\, Rosie O’Neil URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-pajamajam-tbd/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251231T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260101T003000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250624T030217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251228T080507Z UID:1272-1767211200-1767227400@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:New Years Eve Contra Ball: Countercurrent + Jesse Partridge DESCRIPTION:Time: 8:00 pm –  12:30 pm \nBeginner Lesson: 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm \nLocation: Christ the King Church – 1419 N. Forest St.\, Bellingham \nBand: Nationally touring band Countercurrent hails from Olympia\, WA — Alex Sturbaum & Brian Lindsay\, a powerhouse acoustic duo based in Olympia\, WA featuring fiddle\, guitar\, harmony vocals\, and foot percussion. Contra dance & folk music that will rock your socks. A flurry of fiddle\, a ginormous gallop of guitar. One of the best dance bands on the west coast! \nCaller/Instructor:  Of Olympia\, WA\, Jesse Partridge: by progeny\, a man of birds\, Jesse will take us all under the wing that we may all be birds of a feather dancing together\, plucking up the courage to spread our wings and dance to our hearts content\, light on the feet\, as light as a feather\, shaking our tail feathers\, such that the year’s travails are nothing but water off a duck’s back. Duck duck goose\, my friends\, this is no wild goose chase\, we shall all end the night as proud as a peacock and with two thousand twenty six feathers in our caps. (more normal bio below) \nEntry: $20-$20; $15 students (by donation) \nCoffee\, snacks provided. Sparkling cider toast at midnight. Ball drop with the Jewel of Bellingham. \nFinger food Potluck: please bring a savoury or sweet finger food to share! \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n NYE 2024\n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alex Sturbaum & Brian Lindsay\n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jesse calling at Seattle’s Northwest Folklife Festival\n \n \n\nJesse started life as a fiddler\, which led him to become a\ncontra dancer\, dance organizer\, and dance caller. He teaches orchestra\nat the Olympia Waldorf School and fiddle lessons privately. Jesse can\noften be found at local contra dances throughout the Pacific Northwest as a\nmusician\, caller\, or participant. He lives in swell time with an orange\ntabby cat named Sunny. URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/nye-contra-ball-2025/ LOCATION:Christ the King Hall (Norway Hall)\, 1419 N. Forest St.\, Bellingham\, WA\, 98226\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251230T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251230T160000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20251221T192039Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251223T224407Z UID:1809-1767099600-1767110400@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Dance Hall Decorating Party at CTK DESCRIPTION:What’s a dance ball without decorations and delights?  Come join us decorate CTK for the big NYE contra ball. We’ve got stars\, moons\, lights\, tinsel\, paper chains\, and greenery that all need to be arranged just so. Indeed\, you’re the very one to do it—none other could! Help is also needed with heavy lifting of equipment\, tables\, and such. There’s a place for you\, do not fear. (P.S. Help is needed to take it all down after the dance the next day also). \nDay: Tuesday\, Dec 30th\nTime: 1:00pm – 4:00pm\nLocation: Christ the King Church – 1419 N. Forest St.\, Bellingham \nRemember the dance is the next day \n  \nCTK Hall URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/dance-hall-decorating-party/ LOCATION:Christ the King Hall (Norway Hall)\, 1419 N. Forest St.\, Bellingham\, WA\, 98226\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251213T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251213T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250624T030012Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T090229Z UID:1270-1765652400-1765663200@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Heliotrope + Laura Mé Smith DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: With great breath and great scope\, it’s Heliotrope.  From Bellingham is Robin Brown\, fiddle; Paul Englesberg\, flute and concertina; Michael Hobart\, guitar; and from Mt. Vernon is Greg Sherman\, bass. \nCaller: The elegantly loquacious and learned Laura Mé Smith of Kirkland\, WA \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nHeliotrope: L to R – Michael\, Paul\, Robin\, Greg \nLaura Mé Smith (right) with Calaskan \n  URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/heliotropelauramesmith/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251213T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251213T190000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20251124T214447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T092156Z UID:1671-1765648800-1765652400@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Intro to Volunteering at BCDS DESCRIPTION:Wondering where to begin? It all starts with setting up for a dance. We’ll go over all the steps for setting up for a BCDS dances. Lights\, quilts\, chairs\, etc… Did you know you can get free entry when you help set up? \nAs we’ll review some other ways to get involved like helping out with schedule flyers\, promo posters\, admin\, open band\, open calling\, door monitoring\, social media\, sound engineering\, snacks\, printing\, and more!\n\nIntro to Volunteering at BCDS \nTime: 6:00 – 7:00pm\nLocation: Fairhaven Library Hall (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven\nTeacher: various board members\nEntry: free of course! \nFind more info at our volunteer page \nStay after for social dancing at 7pm \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n More the merrier?\n \n \n \n \n \n Collin being nifty and helpful.\n \n \n\nWhiteboard art by Volunteers Sage and Leah URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/intro-to-volunteering-at-bcds/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States CATEGORIES:workshop END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250624T025925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T215546Z UID:1268-1764442800-1764453600@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Open Band + Open Caller DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: Bellingham’s Open Band Orchestra and rallying such multitudal savants\, ten aunts\, the myriad flaunting fiddles – all sauntering\, we have the dauntless Dave Really “Saint-Antoines” on lead fiddle\, Michael “Hobart’s Transformation”\, on guitar and the “Red Haired Boy” being a sweet pea flower tickling the ivories on piano. \nCallers: Judy Zeidel\, John Hatten\, Sky Leuba\, Curtis\, Morna Leonard\, and you? \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nThe Open Band Orchestra! \n \nOpen Band Orchestra: The Bellingham local\, traditional dance community has been dancing “contras\, squares\, and circles” at the Fairhaven library for 40 years. After starting with monthly dances\, it wasn’t long before there were to 25 to 35 dances a year. Bands and callers from Bellingham and beyond supply a variety of music and dances. Early on\, some dance events in the schedule were designated as open band/open mic dances\, usually two or three a year. \nThe open band dances are where musicians can just show up to play and where new callers can try their hand at calling. There are designated people to lead the band on melody and rhythm and also a caller to support callers by handing over the mic and offering guidance. For the last dozen or so years\, the open band regulars have maintained a set list that they add to and subtract from for any given evening’s dance. There are many open band regulars\, so they now refer to themselves as the Open Band Orchestra (OBO). Generally\, weekly practices are held for the six weeks leading up to each open band dance. There is a mailing list that updates folks about the open band schedule and to announce any practice sessions. \nOver the last dozen years\, the OBO has exuberantly played from a repertory of about 150 jigs and reels (and 20 waltzes) for energized dancers. The list continues to grow as players share their newest favorites. The initial list was compiled at a magical\, weekend dance camp where there were no organized\, professional bands. Instead\, it was a bunch of folks showing up with their instruments\, happy to play together\, and many more folks showing up with their feet\, ready and eager to dance together. \nThe music in the set lists is available as sheet music for musicians who sight-read\, but since most of the music is traditional music\, most of it is widely known\, and experienced players will do fine to drop in. Just be early enough to make sure the space and sound equipment can accommodate everyone comfortably. \n-Info compiled by Sally\, a long time contributor to the OBO. URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-nov-29/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States CATEGORIES:Contra Dance END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251129T190000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20251115T204130Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T215418Z UID:1548-1764439200-1764442800@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Dance Workshop: Intro To Swinging - Basics and Common Twirls DESCRIPTION:Join us for the beginner track our workshop series “Flourishes and Twirls: Exploring the Country Dance Form” \nIntro To Swinging: Basics and Common Twirls \nThe Swing. The foundation of every good dance. We’re remiss without a partner swing\, let alone a neighbour swing. So how’s it done? How is it not done? How is it done well? How do you swing so smooth you want to swing forever and sing together? What is the buzz step? How do you give weight? How do you do the basic twirl in and out of the swing? Questions asked\, questions answered. \nTime: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm\nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven\nTeacher: Sky\nEntry: Workshop: $10 or $20 for class + dance social\nStudents: $8 or $15 for for class + dance social \nStay after for social dancing from 7:00 – 10:00 pm! \n  \nAdvanced workshop on Ladies Chain and Hey-For-Four URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/dance-workshop-beginner-101-the-swing-and-other-basic-moves/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250624T025837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T205514Z UID:1266-1763838000-1763848800@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Sweater Weather + Morna Leonard DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: From Sequim and Seattle we have the coziest fluffiest old time crew\, it’s (the abridged) Sweater Weather String Band. With Rosie O’Neil on guitar\, Joey Gish on fiddle\, and Claire Furtwangler on cello \nCaller: Striking right to dancing marrow and into our wee dancing hearts\, it’s our local caller from Bow\, WA — Morna Leonard. \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nClaire Furtwangler and Joey Gish \nRosie O’Neil URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/sweater-weather-morna-leonard/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251115T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251115T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250827T211435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T211054Z UID:1390-1763233200-1763244000@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Dave Bartley and Blueberry Jam + Maya Roe DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: Delighting our senses tonight we have Dave Bartley on fretted instruments\, Sky Leuba on piano\, Todd Citron on winds and bodhran. Otherwise know as Blueberry Jam and the Citrus Bartlett Macaroon. Something tasty is on the menu… \nCaller: From the Island nation of Vancouver is Maya Roe in calling vocation\, making it seem a notion of vacation\, you’d think she rowed her boat merrily down the Padden Stream to fair Fairhaven. Really though\, she’s on Holiday. \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nMaya Roe: (she/her) is a contra caller based in the Pacific Northwest on the traditional territory of Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish nations. After years of loving contra\, Maya decided to take her love for contra to the next level and become a caller when dances began reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic. Maya strives to create evenings that are welcoming to newcomers and exciting for experienced dancers. \nMaya Roe \nDave Bartley:\nDave plays guitar\, mandolin\, cittern\, and several other stringed instruments. He has played many styles of music over the years and continues to range over several genres. He has performed throughout the US and Canada\, and in England\, Australia\, France and Greece. It is difficult to count the number of bands in which he plays.\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave Bartley\n \n \n \n \n \n Sky Leuba (on left; photo credit Asaiah Montoya)\n \n \n \n \n \n Todd Citron\n \n \n \n\nPhoto credit Asaiah Montoya URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-dave-bartley-sky-todd-maya-roe/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251108T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251108T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250624T025354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T064912Z UID:1259-1762628400-1762639200@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:*Special Contra Dance*: Countercurrent + George Marshall DESCRIPTION:**Special Location** \nTime: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Christ the King (previously Norway Hall) – 1419 N. Forest St.\, Bellingham \nBand: Nationally touring band Countercurrent hails from Olympia\, WA — Alex Sturbaum & Brian Lindsay\, a powerhouse acoustic duo based in Olympia\, WA featuring fiddle\, guitar\, harmony vocals\, and foot percussion. Contra dance & folk music that will rock your socks. A flurry of fiddle\, a ginormous gallop of guitar. One of the best dance bands on the west coast! \nCaller: Nationally touring caller. The gratifyingly magnanimous George Marshall from Massachusetts \nEntry: $15 – $25; $10 students (by donation) \nMore about the band and caller: \n \nCounter Current Nov 2024 @ Christ the King \nCtK Hall (Norway Hall) URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/special-contra-dance-counter-current-george-marshall/ LOCATION:WA END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251025T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251025T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250624T024813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T225240Z UID:1255-1761418800-1761429600@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Halloween Contra Dance: Dear Crow + Isaac Banner DESCRIPTION:Halloween Contra!  Wear a costume! Have fun\, be a pun\, monkey\, favourite dancer\, banana\, princess\, prince\, toad\, road\, a cart of cabbages\, a body of bandages\, or a mummy? \nBellingham Witches: For your viewing pleasure\, the roving Bellingham Witches flash mob will do a dance routine some time between 8 and 9pm. For a video of them see here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17FsCNmJSG/?mibextid=wwXIfr \n \nDance Workshop: 6:00 – 7:00 pm  “Hey For Four and the Ladies Chain 201″ \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nSocial Dance: 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: Old-time tunes\, original and trad songs\, sweet double fiddles and lyrical banjo\, tight vocal harmonies: a sound that is both nostalgic and bright with possibility. Dear Crow is the musical partnership of Brian Lindsay and Penka Jane Culevski. From Olympia\, WA \nCaller: From Seattle we have Isaac Banner \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nMore about the band and caller: \nDear Crow: \nPenka Jane began playing fiddle as a child and has been singing since she first heard the radio. Her forthright and emotive fiddle playing pulls the listener along the journey of every tune\, and since she began songwriting in earnest in 2018 she’s become known for her timeless and lyrically potent songs. When she started playing with Brian Lindsay\, they found kindred spirits in each other. Brian is half of the powerhouse acoustic duo Countercurrent\, and is nationally sought after as a contra dance fiddle player\, singer\, and multi-instrumentalist. In the heartfelt and vulnerable arrangements of Dear Crow\, the harmonies ring easily\, the songs pluck your heartstrings\, and the tunes roll and tumble with the energy that only dance musicians can muster. Click here see Dear Crow’s website \nPenka Jane Culevski and Brian Lindsay \n\nIsaac Banner: \n“Tenured Seattle transplant Isaac Banner is known in the Pacific Northwest for their particular blend of humour and dance instruction. Calling for contra dances since 2016\, they’ve developed their own unique style that resonates with dancers of all levels. With contagious excitement and a cheerful personality\, they’ve since become a sought-after presence at dance weekends and festivals throughout the West Coast and New England. When he’s not up on stage\, Isaac can be found writing original choreography\, coaching new callers\, or making surprisingly convincing chicken noises.” Click here to see Isaac’s website \nIsaac Banner at Bellingham Contra Dance \n\nHalloween 2025 \n  URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-dear-crow-isaac-banner/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251025T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251025T190000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250703T015303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T160855Z UID:1320-1761415200-1761418800@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Dance Workshop: "Hey For Four and the Ladies Chain 201" DESCRIPTION:Join us for the advance portion of our workshop series “Flourishes and Twirls: Exploring the Country Dance Form”! \n“Hey For Four  and the Ladies Chain” 201: \nHey you! So you’ve done more than a few “Heys” and want to know more ways to make things interesting. Ever heard of ricochet? As well we’ll cover ways to twirl in the crossfire and be playful. With the ladies chain we will go over more varied ways to twirl in and out of this common figure. \nTeacher: Sky Leuba has more than two decades of dance experience in the contra/square/barn dance genre and loves to to share his passion with new and experienced dancers! \nEntry:\nF&T Workshop: $10 or $20 for whole evening\nStudents: $8 or $15 for whole evening \nStay after for live music and social dancing from 7:00 – 10:00 pm! \nNote: 201 level classes are geared towards dancers who have attended at least a couple contra dance evenings or are otherwise experienced dancers. Anyone is welcome\, but it may be a whirlwind if you’re a beginner. URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/advance-class-2/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251011T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251011T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250624T024448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T175709Z UID:1253-1760209200-1760220000@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Wild Rosin + Elisabeth Monica DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: From Bellingham and Seattle we have Claire Furtwangler on cello\, Rosie O’Neil on guitar and Elise Snoey on fiddle. From the high cascades to the glacial crystal waters\, these lassies have scoured the raw unadultered majesty of nature and by the brilliance of their bowstrings return to distill the alpine burbling brook\, the seashore whispering winds\, and the multitues of marvelous maples into a melodic triumph of dance music. The tapping of your toes will evoke the elk\, the spinning of your torso will evoke the whirling maple seeds seeking new life\, and the grasp of all hands four will evoke the impossibly intricate web of the interdepenDANCE. \nCaller: From Seattle we have Elisabeth Monica. Verily not a harmonica\, I hear rather by vocal sonic\, a choreogrpahy leader of footwork calligraphy and setting the triple line hall geography into harmony. By that caller’s solliloquy\, we shan’t be silly really\, but our souls will lilt merrily\, it is a revelry as we dock at Fairhaven for our dance\, you see\, it is elegant\, deep as the eyes of gypsy. \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nMore about the band and caller:\n \nWild Rosin \nWild Rosin: Elise Snoey on fiddle\, Rosie O’Neil on guitar\, and Claire Furtwangler on Cello \nElisabeth Monica \nElisabeth Monica:  Elisabeth fell in love with contra dancing with as a child. She\ncherishes the contra community and wants it to thrive and sees\ncalling as an opportunity to repay and sustain the community. As a\ncaller Elisabeth is encouraging and direct. URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/wild-rosin-elisabeth-monica/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251011T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251011T190000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250703T014557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T160541Z UID:1312-1760205600-1760209200@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Dance Workshop: "Hey For Four and the Ladies Chain" 101 DESCRIPTION:Join us for the beginner portion of our workshop series “Flourishes and Twirls: Exploring the Country Dance Form”! \n“Hey For Four and the Ladies Chain” 101 \nHey you! Hey-For-Four\, or affectionately called “Heys”\, are one of the most common difficult moves for beginners. Ever wanted to slow it down and practice? Now’s your chance! As well we will be covering basic twirls and considerations for smooth transitions for the “Ladies Chain”. \nTeacher: Sky Leuba has more than two decades of dance experience in the contra/square/barn dance genre and loves to to share his passion with new and experienced dancers! \nEntry:\nF&T Workshop: $10 or $20 for whole evening\nStudents: $8 or $15 for whole evening \nStay after for social dancing and live music from 7:00 – 10:00 pm! URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/beginner-class-2/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250927T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250927T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250624T024153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T191009Z UID:1250-1758999600-1759010400@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Blueberry Jam + Katie Pinter DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: Bellingham locals Blueberry Jam with Sky Leuba on piano and concertina\, Liam Weydert on guitar. \nCaller: Vancouver new and upcoming talent Katie Pinter! \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \nMore about the band and caller: \nLeft to right: Liam\, Sky\, Brian \nBlueberry Jam: is the passion project of Sky Leuba\, a local Bellingham musician who grew up just across the border in Langley\, BC. It features a somewhat rotating cast of musicians with the aim to provide a platform to introduce local musicians to the dance scene and have a jolly good time. The music is well established in tradition\, but with a propensity for some improvisation\, arrangement\, as well as the infusion of original piano compositions that speak to Sky’s formative education in classical and jazz. \n  \n  URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/blueberry-katie-pinter/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250927T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250927T190000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250703T012846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T232617Z UID:1306-1758996000-1758999600@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Dance Workshop: "The Swing" 201 DESCRIPTION:Join us for the advance portion of our workshop series “Flourishes and Twirls: Exploring the Country Dance Form”! \nEntry:\nF&T Workshop: $10 or $20 for whole evening\nStudents: $8 or $15 for whole evening \n“The Swing” 201: Swinging and Footloose \nHave you been looking at those experienced dancers spinning this way and that? What’s that all about? What are the different ways to spin? Different hand holds? How do you spin fast and safely? How do you flourish in fun and safe ways? We will cover those topics and more in this dance workshop. \n  \nTeacher: Retta and Jewel \nLeft to right\, Retta Hill and Jewel Leuba \nStay after for social dancing from 7:00 – 10:00 pm! URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/advance-class-1/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250913T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250913T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250624T023931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T175244Z UID:1247-1757790000-1757800800@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: The Nettles + Isaac Banner DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: Touring band “The Nettles“ blend traditional Irish and American music with modern spices. Laura Brophy’s fiddle forms strong melodies punctuated by soaring improvisation and intertwined with Kev Nettles’ muscular guitar with Michael Proctor on bass. \nCaller: Get our your spanner\, it’s Isaac Banner. He’ll fix us up a real good time. Whether you’re partial to mm or fractional inches\, metric and imperial is welcomed. Don’t worry\, 5/16th or 3/16th sockets won’t be needed\, just look in the tool becket for your favourite ratchet and a good 3/4 turn to the left\, encouraged and advised\, will loosen up the ball joints — especially at start. If you’ve lost a bolt\, borrow from a neighbour\, shadow\, or perhaps your partner. Remember\, left loosey\, righty tighty. By the end of the night Isaac will have us running like a well oiled bicycle chain (grand promenade anyone?) in our regular practice of group cooperation: the ladies chain also in a 1 : 2 reducing close-ratio transmission. Hey\, no cheater/breaker bar or man doubler needed here. With such dancing efficiency and social proficiencies we’ll have tightened up the contra corners in no time\, better never than late for your partner’s sake. So strap down those dance shoe lace bunny ears\, the sky is the limit. \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nThe Nettles:\n \nLaura Brophy\, Kev Nettles\, Michael Proctor \nIsaac Banner \n  URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-the-nettles-russel-owen/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250913T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250913T190000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250703T012245Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T232222Z UID:1302-1757786400-1757790000@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Dance Workshop: "The Swing" 101 DESCRIPTION:Join us for the beginner portion of our workshop series “Flourishes and Twirls: Exploring the Country Dance Form”! \nCost: $10 \n“The Swing” 101: Swinging and Footloose \nThe Swing. The foundation of every good dance. We’re remiss without a partner swing\, let alone a neighbour swing. So how’s it done? How is it not done? How is it done well? How do you swing so smooth you want to swing forever and sing together? What is the buzz step? How do you give weight? How do you do the basic twirl in and out of the swing? Questions asked\, questions answered. \nTeacher: Sky \nStay after for social dancing from 7:00 – 10:00 pm! URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/beginner-class-1/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250614T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250614T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20241227T055609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T030009Z UID:1127-1749927600-1749938400@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: **Special Venue** at Glen Echo Hall: Heliotrope + John Hatten DESCRIPTION:Summer is upon us and the warm long days mean hot dance halls and no more dancing… We’re sad to see you go\, but we have one last dance to see off the summer. Join us for dancing and a sweet and savoury finger food potluck at the charming Glen Echo Hall in Everson. \nTime: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Everson Glen Echo Hall 7694 Goodwin Road\, Everson\, 98247\n\nBand: Bellingham’s Heliotrope\, from Bellingham with Robin Brown on fiddle\, Paul Englesberg on flute and concertina\, Michael Hobart on guitar\, and Greg Sherman on bass. \nCaller: Bellingham stalwart John Hatten \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n \nGlen Echo Hall – Everson \n\nMore about band/caller: \nHeliotrope URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-special-dance-at-glen-echo-hall/ LOCATION:Glen Echo Community Club\, 7694 Goodwin Road\, Everson\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250524 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250525 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20241227T054927Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241227T054927Z UID:1125-1748044800-1748131199@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Folklife! DESCRIPTION:No regular dance! See you at the Seattle Northwest Folklife Festival May 23-26. Contra dancing in the Roadhouse and elsewhere. URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/folklife/ LOCATION:WA END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250517T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250517T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20250415T151507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T054054Z UID:1225-1747508400-1747519200@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Open Band Orchestra + Maya Roe DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: The intrepid. The Interstellar. The Inventive. Bellingham’s Open Band Orchestra led by Dave Andrews on fiddle and Michael Hobart on Guitar accompanied by Sky Leuba on piano. \nHear tunes written by locals! It’s fun! It’s grand! It’s a bird in the hand in this wacky land. \nOpen band and calling! Email board@bellinghamcountrydance.org for more information. There will be weekly band practices and opportunities for calling practice. \nCaller: Seattle mind twister Maya Roe of Victoria \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \nMore about the band and caller:\n \nOpen Band Orchestra \nOpen Band Orchestra: The Bellingham local\, traditional dance community has been dancing “contras\, squares\, and circles” at the Fairhaven library for 40 years. After starting with monthly dances\, it wasn’t long before there were to 25 to 35 dances a year. Bands and callers from Bellingham and beyond supply a variety of music and dances. Early on\, some dance events in the schedule were designated as open band/open mic dances\, usually two or three a year. \nThe open band dances are where musicians can just show up to play and where new callers can try their hand at calling. There are designated people to lead the band on melody and rhythm and also a caller to support callers by handing over the mic and offering guidance. For the last dozen or so years\, the open band regulars have maintained a set list that they add to and subtract from for any given evening’s dance. There are many open band regulars\, so they now refer to themselves as the Open Band Orchestra (OBO). Generally\, weekly practices are held for the six weeks leading up to each open band dance. There is a mailing list that updates folks about the open band schedule and to announce any practice sessions. \nOver the last dozen years\, the OBO has exuberantly played from a repertory of about 150 jigs and reels (and 20 waltzes) for energized dancers. The list continues to grow as players share their newest favorites. The initial list was compiled at a magical\, weekend dance camp where there were no organized\, professional bands. Instead\, it was a bunch of folks showing up with their instruments\, happy to play together\, and many more folks showing up with their feet\, ready and eager to dance together. \nThe music in the set lists is available as sheet music for musicians who sight-read\, but since most of the music is traditional music\, most of it is widely known\, and experienced players will do fine to drop in. Just be early enough to make sure the space and sound equipment can accommodate everyone comfortably. \n-Info compiled by Sally\, a long time contributor to the OBO. \nMaya Roe \nMaya Roe: Maya Roe (she/her) is a contra caller living in Metchosin\, BC on the unceded territory of the Scia’new first nation. Maya has been dancing since 2017 and decided to take her love for contra to the next level and become a caller when dances began reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic. Maya helps organize the Victoria Contra Dance\, a monthly dance in Victoria\, BC. URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-open-band-orchestra-maya-roe/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250510T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250510T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20241227T054451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250511T073503Z UID:1123-1746903600-1746914400@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Orb Weavers + Isaac Banner **evening of challenging and unique dances** DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven\n\nBand: From Seattle we have Orb Weavers: with Hayden Stern on fiddle\, Ezra Jane Landsman on guitar\, and Elise Snoey on second fiddle \nCaller: Seattle mind twister Isaac Banner \nSpecial Evening Program!\nJoin us for an evening of unique and challenging contra dances with Isaac Banner – something different and interesting to add spic to our regular dance series. You don’t necessarily have to be an expert dancer\, but be willing to listen\, be patient and attentive so that we might dance in new and unsuspecting ways! \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nMore about our band and caller: \nOrb Weavers \nOrb Weavers at Bellingham Dance \n  URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-orb-weavers-isaac-banner/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250426T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250426T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20241210T225147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250205T172701Z UID:1087-1745694000-1745704800@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: **special band** Dan Carollo\, Brandon Vance\, Eliot Grasso + Laura Mé Smith DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: From Bellingham we have Dan Carollo on guitar\, Seattle’s Brandon Vance on fiddle\, and Portland’s Eliot Grasso on pipes. \nCaller: From Kirkland we have Laura Mé Smith \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nMore info on the Band: \nDan: Dan’s music has been featured on the BBC TV program Britain’s Lost Routes with Griff Rhys Jones (the “Pilgrims” episode)\, The “Horizon’s” podcast of the Diocese of County Kerry\, Ireland\, The “Pray as You Go” podcast (by Jesuits of Britain)\, and the film “The Dark Horse” by Seattle film director Cornelia Duryée \nDan Carollo \nBrandon: Internationally acclaimed Scottish fiddler and violinist\, Brandon Vance\, is the recipient of Scotland’s 2017 Royal National Mòd “Sutherland Cup” in Scottish Fiddle\, Charleston\, South Carolina’s 2021 “Dan Rory MacDonald Memorial Prize in Fiddling” sponsored by the Clan Donald Lands Trust\, as well as being the youngest to win the U.S. National Open Scottish Fiddling Championship in both 1999 and 2001. \nBrandon Vance \nEliot: Eliot has performed for the National Heritage Awards\, for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton at the National Endowment for the Arts Awards\, for Irish President Mary Robinson\, Irish Ambassador to the United States Sean O hUigin\, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern\, President of Sinn Féin Gerry Adams\, and other heads of state. \nEliot Grasso URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-special-band-dan-grosso-brandon-vance-dan-carollo/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250412T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250412T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20241210T223731Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T132913Z UID:1084-1744484400-1744495200@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra dance: Pachelbel's Bazooka (with Dave Bartley) + Morna Leonard DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand:  Bang bang\, you’re dancing. Watch out for the Bazookas (Pachelbel’s\, that is)\, whose propulsive beats and melodies brook no argument. They may be scattershot sometimes\, but the combined effect makes a hell of a noise. Claude Ginsburg\, unfretted strings (possibly concertina); Dave Bartley\, fretted strings; and Anita F. Anderson\, keys. \n \nCaller: Morna Leonard \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-pachelbels-bazooka-dave-bartley-morna-leonard/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250329T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250329T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20241210T222601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250205T171519Z UID:1076-1743274800-1743285600@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Blueberry Jam + Eric Curl DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: Bellingham locals Blueberry Jam with Sky Leuba on piano and concertina\, Liam Weydert on guitar\, and Brain Anderson on Bodhran. \nCaller: Seattle’s Eric Curl \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nMore about the band/caller: \nBlueberry Jam \nBlueberry Jam: is the passion project of Sky Leuba\, a local Bellingham musician who grew up just across the border in Langley\, BC. It features a somewhat rotating cast of musicians with the aim to provide a platform to introduce local musicians to the dance scene and have a jolly good time. The music is well established in tradition\, but with a propensity for some improvisation\, arrangement\, as well as the infusion of original piano compositions that speak to Sky’s formative education in classical and jazz. \nSky: Sky is a local Bellingham folk musician deeply rooted in the Contra Dance and folk music community. He was raised  coming to the Fairhaven Library dances\, his parents having met at a dance in Ohio. Growing up he longed to play in the bands and through much persistence that dream became a reality. He enjoys taking part in the weekly tune jams at Menace brewery and Uisce and started a traditional singing “pub” session that is also hosted at Menace. \nBrian: Brian Anderson is a percussionist hailing from Bellingham\, Washington. Anderson began his musical study playing wind instruments in school then quickly expanded into the world of drums and percussion. Through the last 25 years he has performed in bands and ensembles ranging in genres from jazz to punk rock\, cabaret to Celtic. Anderson is very connected to his ancestral lines back to Ireland and Scotland. Through that connection he found his passion for playing Celtic music\, the bodhran and session culture. \nEric Curl \nEric Curl: Eric started calling in 1996 and called in California and Colorado before moving Seattle in 2007 and Olympia in 2019. A retired mechanical engineer from Boeing\, he now enjoys being a flight instructor as well as calling in Washington and Oregon on a semi-regular basis. URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/blueberryjam-ericcurl/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250322T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250322T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20241210T222501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T193638Z UID:1074-1742670000-1742680800@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Wild Rosin (Claire\, Rosie\, Elise) + Suzanne Girardot DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: From Bellingham and Seattle: Claire Furtwangler on Cello\, Rosie O’Neill on fiddle\, and Elise Snoey on fiddle \nCaller: From Seattle we have Suzanne Girardot \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nMore about our band/caller: \n  \nWild Rosin \nWild Rosin: Elise Snoey on fiddle\, Rosie O’Neil on guitar\, and Claire Furtwangler on Cello \nSuzanne Girardot \nSuzanne Girardot: from Seattle\, WA\, Suzanne is a caller known for her enthusiastic\, clear\, and concise calling\, and gets everyone moving and smiling before they know it. Her relaxed teaching style leaves everyone with a sense of fun and accomplishment. She is a caller\, musician\, and step dancer who has been calling and teaching dance around the country since 1981. Dancers all over the country love her diverse selection of contras and squares. \n  URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-claire-rosie-elise-suzanne-girardot/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250308T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250308T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20241210T222225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T225040Z UID:1072-1741460400-1741471200@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Open Band Orchestra + Joe Micheals DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: The intrepid. The Interstellar. The Inventive. Bellingham Open Band Orchestra led by Dave Andrews on fiddle and Michael Hobart on Guitar. \nHear tunes written by locals! It’s fun! It’s grand! It’s a bird in the hand in this wacky land. \nOpen band and calling! Email board@bellinghamcountrydance.org for more information. There will be weekly band practices and opportunities for calling practice. \nCaller: From Seattle we have Joe Micheals \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nMore about the band and caller:\n \nOpen Band Orchestra \nOpen Band Orchestra \nOpen Band Orchestra: The Bellingham local\, traditional dance community has been dancing “contras\, squares\, and circles” at the Fairhaven library for 40 years. After starting with monthly dances\, it wasn’t long before there were to 25 to 35 dances a year. Bands and callers from Bellingham and beyond supply a variety of music and dances. Early on\, some dance events in the schedule were designated as open band/open mic dances\, usually two or three a year. \nThe open band dances are where musicians can just show up to play and where new callers can try their hand at calling. There are designated people to lead the band on melody and rhythm and also a caller to support callers by handing over the mic and offering guidance. For the last dozen or so years\, the open band regulars have maintained a set list that they add to and subtract from for any given evening’s dance. There are many open band regulars\, so they now refer to themselves as the Open Band Orchestra (OBO). Generally\, weekly practices are held for the six weeks leading up to each open band dance. There is a mailing list that updates folks about the open band schedule and to announce any practice sessions. \nOver the last dozen years\, the OBO has exuberantly played from a repertory of about 150 jigs and reels (and 20 waltzes) for energized dancers. The list continues to grow as players share their newest favorites. The initial list was compiled at a magical\, weekend dance camp where there were no organized\, professional bands. Instead\, it was a bunch of folks showing up with their instruments\, happy to play together\, and many more folks showing up with their feet\, ready and eager to dance together. \nThe music in the set lists is available as sheet music for musicians who sight-read\, but since most of the music is traditional music\, most of it is widely known\, and experienced players will do fine to drop in. Just be early enough to make sure the space and sound equipment can accommodate everyone comfortably. \n-Info compiled by Sally\, a long time contributor to the OBO. \nJoe Micheals \nJoe Micheals: started calling in 1964 teaching for the Spokane City School District. Snagged as host caller for the 1968 Washington State Square Dance Convention teenage dance. He has been calling Contras in the Pacific Northwest since 1982.\nHighlights: Calling at the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle and at the Road House in Portland as part of the Cascade Promenade.\nMain Goal: to introduce the joy of traditional dance and make it accessible for as many people as possible.\nOther stuff:\nI play guitar with bands like “Red Crow” and “the Electrodes” and…I do voice-overs…Like “the Announcer” in Portal 2. and bit parts for KING 5’s Almost Live and Bill Nye the Science Guy.\nJoe likes spinach but not squash. URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/open-band-orchestra-joe-micheals/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250222T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250222T220000 DTSTAMP:20260608T151135 CREATED:20241210T222103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250205T171736Z UID:1070-1740250800-1740261600@bellinghamcountrydance.org SUMMARY:Contra Dance: Schmoneil + Abigail Golden DESCRIPTION:Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm \nBeginner lesson: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm \nLocation: Fairhaven Library Auditorium (enter through side door). 1117 12th St.\, Fairhaven \nBand: From Bellingham and Seattle we have Schmoneil!!  Cayley Schmid (fiddle) of Sub Zero Glitter Fridge and Rosie O’Neil (guitar) will express their mutual enthusiasm for music\, dance\, and friends by shredding a variety of spicy pan-Celtic tunes. \nCaller: Seattle Caller Abigail Golden \nEntry: $12-$15; $8 students (by donation) \n\nMore about our band/caller: \nSchmoneil URL:https://bellinghamcountrydance.org/event/contra-dance-shcmoneil-tbd-2/ LOCATION:Fairhaven Library\, 1117 12th St\, Bellingham\, WA\, United States END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR