BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Labor Day Dawn Dance is set for Sunday, Aug. 31.
The Dawn Dance, which takes place each year on Memorial Day and Labor Day, draws dancers from far and wide for the chance to dance the night away to a selection of the finest musicians and callers in the country.
The afternoon English country dance runs from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Stone Church, across the street from the Gibson-Aiken Center.
Pianist Dave Wiesler, from Dover, Del., joins local fiddler Mary Lea and caller Robin Hayden from Greenfield, Mass., to play for this dance. The English dance costs $10. For tickets, sold separately from the contra dance, visit www.dawndance.org. Doors open at 2 p.m.
The contra dance begins at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) and ends at 7 a.m. at the Gibson-Aiken Center, 207 Main St. The first set runs from from 8 p.m. to midnight, with Shawn Brenniman calling to music from local and Maine-based musicians Lissa Schneckenburger, Corey DiMario, Glen Loper, and Bethany Waickman.
From 12:30 to 3:30 a.m., Gaye Fifer calls with band Les Z Boys, which includes musicians Dave Langford, Peter Siegel, Peter Barnes, and Stuart Kenney.
From 3:30 to 7 a.m., the night ends with Mary Wesley calling with the band Maivish, which includes musicians Jaige Trudel, Adam Broome, and Matthew Olwell. Tickets for the contra dance are $25, or $20 for seniors and students.
Dancers of all ages and abilities are welcome.