Swingin' Tern Contra Dances -- Too Hot Mamas & Dead Sea Squirrels
Saturday, May 16th 7:30pm—10:30pm
[Beginners’ Workshop 7pm]
TOO HOT MAMAS & DEAD SEA SQUIRRELS
Cathy Mason—fiddle; Craig Edwards—fiddle, banjo, mandolin; and Henry Yoshimura—guitar
Admission $15 - $20+ [sponsor] * / Students $5
We now accept Apple/Google Pay and credit cards
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928
Janine & Susan have dug up the Dead Sea Squirrels and translated the new Beatitudes:
Blessed are the women who wear skirts for they shall be uplifted
Blessed are the men who change shirts for they shall be embraced
Blessed are the callers for they shall lead us to the top of the set
Blessed are the musicians for they shall channel celestial chords
Blessed are the dance organizers for they shall strengthen the tradition
Blessed are the Swingin’ Tern dancers for theirs is the community of contra.
TOO HOT MAMAS
Too Hot Mamas—Janine Smith and Susan Taylor—are a duo of singin’, swingin’ dance callers who aim to bring joy, connection, and whimsy to dancers everywhere. They’re passionate about goofing around and whooping it up all at the same time because dancing is FUN! Video at https://youtu.be/2vjz8IvxLM8?si=LxvBX4X7AjTsjUre&t=16
DEAD SEA SQUIRRELS
The Dead Sea Squirrels play widely for contra dances and are known for their danceable tunes arranged in medleys designed to closely match and enhance the movements of the particular contra dance being taught/called. They tend to push the boundaries of the southern style with fiddle and fiddle/guitar harmonies. Since all the musicians are also dancers, they understand the importance of the interaction between dancers and musicians, and how to use rhythm and dynamics to augment the feel and excitement of a dance. Dead Sea Squirrels features Cathy Mason on fiddle; Craig Edwards on fiddle, banjo, and mandolin; and Henry Yoshimura on guitar Video at https://youtu.be/dGLUYi64vrg?si=-XjcBnMWk3UgctPF&t=70
For our full calendar, go to https://folkproject.org/swingin-tern/
USEFUL INFORMATION:
• Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing before the evening dance. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
• * We have a sliding admission scale of $15 to $20+ for adults. If you are able, you can allow us to continue booking this amazing talent by paying $20 or more at the door. If that's a stretch, stay at the regular $15 or volunteer and get in for free. Student admission is $5. We now accept Apple/Google Pay and credit cards.
• Vaccination and masks are optional.
• All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins. Dance whatever role you’re comfortable with.
• Our hall is air-conditioned with windows on all four sides of the room that can be opened.
• Our dance is two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris/Essex line out of Penn Station, NYC.
• We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
• Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the orange Igloo cooler.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you to carry in your shoes.
• We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles!
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3628684-0
