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 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!
26 Jun 2026
Episode 9 - Rose Jackson, Helen Kuhar, Guillaume Sparrow-Pepin
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.
4 May 2026
Episode 8 - Carol Bittenson, Cecile Leroy, Daniel Raine
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!
27 Mar 2026
Episode 7 - Nobody's Business
This episode features Nobody’s Business (Hayden Stern on fiddle, Casey Murray on cello, and Helen Kuhar on guitar). The conversation kicked off with some reflections on their individual paths to playing for contra dances, from classical music lessons, to dances when they were younger, and other fiddle traditions, They also discuss how they found a supportive environment for musicians in general, but especially folks who identify as queer. In between playing music, we also get into topics like choosing tune sets, devising arrangements, being conscious of a musical arc, and how uplifting it is to play for people who are so responsive to your musical offerings. Just really, they were just really bright spirits! I think you can hear the smiles in their voices.
28 Jan 2026
Episode 6 - Benjamin Foss & Bennett Konesni
Benjamin Foss and Bennett Konesni discuss their dedication to fostering local participatory music and dance, exploring contra music's history and cultural connections in an interview.
23 Dec 2025
Episode 5 - Trip to Norwich
Chrissy interviews Carol Compton and Thal Aylward of Trip to Norwich, who discuss their unique journeys into English country dance and contra music, showcasing their original and traditional tunes.
28 Nov 2025
Episode 4 - Genticorum
Members Pascal Gemme, Yann Falquet, and Nicholas Williams from Genticorum discuss the band's history, their paths to traditional music, and how playing for contra dances solidified their trio in this interview episode.
25 Jul 2025
Episode 3 - River Road
River Road, a contra dance band, discusses their experiences as friends and musicians after playing the Belfast Flying Shoes series in an interview, revealing their musical focus and palpable energy.
23 May 2025
Episode 2 - Wild Asparagus
Wild Asparagus, an influential dance band, shares their musical journey and experiences from performing for dancers worldwide since 1984, highlighting their unique approach to contra dance music; this is an interview.
24 Mar 2025
Episode 1 - Pine Tree Flyers
Welcome to the first episode of the Flying Shoes Radio Hour Podcast! Launching this project with the Pine Tree Flyers was a natural decision. We made this recording on Mother’s Day 2024, just after the band released their first album, which is chock full of tunes from the contra dance repertoire and which pays homage to some of the greats of the trad music scene in New England. Each of the band members has deep roots in the contra dance tradition, and that plays out in their musicianship as well as their philosophical perspective. What’s more, they all live in Maine – which connects nicely as a starting point for this Maine-produced podcast. From all of us at Belfast Flying Shoes, Country Dance & Song Society, and Belfast Community Radio, enjoy the contra dance music and the conversation!
Who has been a guest on Flying Shoes Radio Hour
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Benjamin Foss
Bennett Konesni
Carol Compton
Thal Aylward
Pascal Gemme
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 7 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
13
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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