Debuting Band #3: Dannsair

Flutist Suzanne Duffy writes in and tells us she is…

bring[ing] in another band to the contradance community, the Santa Barbara-based Celtic band, Dannsair, led by guitarist Russell Doherty. Dannsair has had longstanding performance engagements at two much-loved Irish pubs in Santa Barbara, Sunday evenings at the James Joyce and Thursday evenings at Dargan's. And for some time, contradancers have stopped by for a listen and encouraged the band to consider performing for a contradance. So here we go! We're delighted and honored to be partnered with caller Susan Petrick from the Bay area for our debut dance. Hope you'll come close out your Thanksgiving holiday weekend with us on Sunday, November 25th.

We'd also like to apologize for misspelling the band's name in the Dance Star. If you download it now, though, it's been corrected.

Debuting Band #2: Aolian

[Waiting for any of our intrepid reporters to land some info.]

Debuting Band #1: Atlantic Crossing

From their website:

This band was started in 1987 to share traditional music from both sides of the Atlantic and points beyond. Over the years, we have played traditional American music from the Appalachians and Louisiana, the Balkans and Middle East, and now, we are playing primarily contra dance music.

[more]

ECD Experiment in Ventura

If you’ve paid any attention to our calendar, you’ve noticed we have an English Country Dance in Ventura on the second Monday of each month. We’ve heard from several people that Monday evenings are difficult, so as a sort of “trial balloon,” we’re offering a special Sunday afternoon dance on September 16 from 3 to 5 p.m.

The location is a padded wooden floor at the Gold Coast Fencing Center, 2300 Knoll Dr. #L. Look for “trial” balloons marking the driveway to enter.

Our Monday, September 10, dance at the usual Ventura location is still on.

Long-Time Volunteer To Be Honored

Usually working behind the scenes, Scott Swain has tirelessly volunteered his services to our dance community, for decades. Yes, decades! Now we wish to publicly thank him and honor him for all he has done. The contra dance evening of September 9 has been designated Scott Swain Night. We will hold a ceremony in his honor during the break. Let’s all be there to give a huge “thank you” to Scott.

Coming Attractions

BACDS Fall Dance Weekend at Monte Toyon: Contra and English at a wooded camp near Santa Cruz. October 12-14.
www.bacds.org/camps/fallweekend/

Seventh Annual Southern California English Country Dance Ball: Playford to Present. November 3. Find flyers at our contra and English Country dances.

New Year’s Eve contra dance: Ojai Art Center with Warren Blier and Bonfire. 
www.ojaiartcenter.org/dance.htm

More at www.sbcds.org/festivals/.

Guest Caller from Portland, OR

Nationally known dance leader, caller and dance activist Mary Devlin comes to Santa Barbara for our annual Pre-­Thanksgiving Event on November 18. She will lead the English Country Dance at 2 p.m. and the contra at the usual 6:30.

She’s a favorite caller in the Northwest, around the country and around the world: Monte Toyon, Mendocino, Minnesota, Brasstown, France and Denmark, among other places.

Learn more about Mary at www.­mdevlin.com/dance/.

Harvest Moon—What's That?

Harvest Moon Dance Festival, September 28-30, is Santa Barbara’s yearly premier contra dance camp. Based on current enrollment numbers, this year will be the biggest Harvest Moon ever and it will be held entirely at the Carrillo Ballroom. And we still have room for more dancers!

Notorious, an outstanding six-piece band, will get you completely in the groove. Musicians include Larry Unger, guitar and banjo player extraordinaire; Eden MacAdam-Somer, an exciting and versatile fiddler; Sam Bartlett, a mandolin master; Mark Hellenburg, an incredible percussionist; Ralph Gordon, driving on cello and bass; plus special guest, Bill Tomczak, on clarinet and saxophone. Virginia caller, Shawn Brenneman, is a top- notch caller calling clear, concise, smooth dances. The East Coast dancers love her!

Besides having more contra dancing then ever, you can waltz on both mornings. On Saturday afternoon, choose between Swing dancing to legendary Rob Rio or English Country dancing to L.A.’s renowned Bonfire. And don’t miss the post-Harvest Moon Sunday evening dance with Notorious and Shawn, 7-10 p.m., $10.

Download an application by going to the Harvest Moon web page.

Questions? Email Kelli Butler at harvestmoon [at-sign] sbcds.org or call (805) 649-5189

House a Dancer for Harvest Moon

House a Dancer, Dance Friday Night Free!

Hospitable folks are needed to provide hospitality for our out-of-town Harvest Mooners. Floor space, futons, guest rooms, deluxe doghouse in the backyard—it’s all good. As thanks, be our guest at the Friday night opening dance on September 28. Email Donna at donnabayet [at-sign] aol.com or call (805) 682-1877 if you can help.

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