by Chrissy Fowler
Highlighting the roots and branches of the contra dance music we love here in Belfast, Maine and beyond, the musicians who play it with and for others, and the dancers of all ages that it inspires! In each episode, host Chrissy Fowler welcomes contra dance musicians to an informal recording session, where we get to hear their sound up close and personal, as well as stories about their history and approach to playing.
Language
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Publishing Since
3/24/2025
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July 25, 2026
This episode features pianist and accordionist Amy Englesberg and fiddler Cedar Stanistreet. You'll hear about their early influences, how Cedar and Amy each became a dance musician, kind of the path they traveled, when they started playing together as a band, and also their thoughts on the tunes that they'll play and on playing for dances in general, and a few other tidbits here and there. You'll also hear tunes from the Irish music repertoire, a couple of classic New England chestnut tunes, and some originals, too. Enjoy!
June 26, 2026
This episode we get to explore the interconnected musical journeys of three incredible musicians: Guillaume’s band Nova and Rose’s Polaris inspired Helen’s teenage dancing in Washington State, while both Rose and Guillaume were profoundly shaped by mentors Becky Tracy and Jeremiah McLane of Nightingale. The trio’s shared love for balfolk music thrives in Massachusetts and Vermont’s vibrant scenes, and Helen and Rose’s duo Dearest Dear debuted an arrangement from their upcoming EP. They dive into their their heartfelt appreciation for the contra dance music community’s generosity; especially how mentors championed their early efforts despite limited skill, and deep feelings that music occupies a central part of their lives.
May 4, 2026
Episode 8 of the FSRH was part of an epic late February weekend in Maine with Carol Bittenson, Cecile Leroy, and Daniel Raine. Lots of common threads to weave in this interview as the versatile combo reunited for their second gig as a trio (the first being just before the Covid19 pandemic.) The conversation was a sweet glimpse of the collaborative nature of these three fine musicians, and the commitment they have to playing music for dancers. Their histories overlapped and diverged, sort of like a beautiful weaving with different colors and patterns highlighted and converging. You’ll also be treated to Ice Cream Sandwiches, Owls with Cowls, tunes for particular people, and some classics in the contra and English country dance vernacular. Enjoy!
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Highlighting the roots and branches of the contra dance music we love here in Belfast, Maine and beyond, the musicians who play it with and for others, and the dancers of all ages that it inspires!
In each episode, host Chrissy Fowler welcomes contra dance musicians to an informal recording session, where we get to hear their sound up close and personal, as well as stories about their history and approach to playing.
This podcast updates daily.
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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