DUMMERSTON — In a “rare and exciting collaboration” between Jokers Wild and Peter Amidon, an evening of community contra and square dances will take place at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center on Saturday, May 21, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m,, according to a news release.
Jokers Wild features three local young musicians: Aidan Murphy on fiddle, Everest Witman on guitar and Alden Witman on penny whistle. Peter Amidon will call the dance and tell a traditional folk tale midway through the evening.
Jokers Wild is three musicians who have been playing together for the past six years at various traditional-music sessions around Brattleboro.
Living close enough together to walk to rehearsals has been very helpful, as none of them is old enough to drive. They play traditional dance music from French Canada, the British Isles, and New England, as well as contemporary sources. Peter Amidon - a local music legend - will bring his humor and creativity to both his calling and his selection of traditional and original contra dances.
The final dance in this spring series will take place June 18 at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center. All dances are preceded by a community potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. Bring a dish and your own plates and silverware.
The Village Dance Series provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together to enjoy one of New England's traditional pastimes. The program will include traditional New England contra dances, square dances, circle mixers, and couples dances. Experience isn't necessary, as all the dances are taught. Although the dances are geared for school-age children through adult, all ages and abilities are welcome.