Contra Dance: music by Joy Factor, Nils Fredland Calling

Join us for a traditional New England contra dance at Tracy Hall in Norwich. All dances are taught, and beginners and singles are always welcome. We offer pot-luck snacks at the break, so please feel free to bring something to share. Our caller will offer a introductory / refresher session at 7:15 pm for newcomers or those who want to review the basics. Please bring clean non-marking shoes to help protect our dance floor! Masks are optional and welcome; vaccination strongly encouraged; please stay home if you have been exposed to COVID or are experiencing symptoms.

Nils Fredland has been active as a professional musician, dance caller, and choral director for over 20 years. He draws his material from a large and varied repertoire of dances, ranging from the centuries-old “chestnut” contra dances, to the most cutting-edge contra dance choreography being done today. Also a square dance caller, Nils is well known for breathing new life into traditional singing squares from the mid-twentieth century, and has co-authored and edited two books on the topic for the Country Dance and Song Society (CDSS). As a dance caller, Nils is known for his expertise, skilled leadership, and community-minded approach. He has traveled coast to coast and overseas to call and play for contra and square dancers.

Joy Factor is a contra dance band from Massachusetts featuring Gianna Marzilli Ericson and Rebecca Rose Weiss on fiddles and Henry Yoshimura on guitar. They play original tunes alongside Celtic, Quebecois, and old-time repertoire, all with a decidedly New England accent.

Gianna and Rebecca delight in a shared love of twin fiddling and late-night tune writing, as well as a shared belief in the fiddle as a rhythm instrument. Henry brings his skillful melodic support to the mix, plus the occasional original song. Together, they bring dynamic harmonies, driving chords, deep appreciation of the dance, and gratitude for playing together with each set they create. Between them all and with each other, they have played for dances around the country with a variety of collaborators. As a trio, they like to see how many different geographical points they can travel from for a gig. Join them at a dance or concert and you will come to understand the origin of the band’s name!

Sliding Scale Admission:
$20+ Dance Supporters
$15 General Admission
$10 Students
Under 16 free

Public · Hosted by Norwich Community Dances