Downeast Friends of the Folk Arts
Music and Dance for the Maine community
We are looking for singers to join us as we create a statewide choir with a special purpose: to create community by singing progressive songs. Think "Rise Up Singing" with a focus on current events. This group will mirror the Resistance Revival Choir of Vermont or other group singing such as that put on by […]
Playing jigs, reels, hambos, waltzes, marches, etc. Music traditions include contradance tunes, Irish, Scottish, Quebecois, Swedish, Southern. Fiddles, guitars, accordions, concertinas, mandolins, dulcimers, etc. welcome. We also have a keyboard available. Many of our tunes come out of the on-the-go collections – Portland, Waltz Books, Fiddlers Fake Book, Fiddlers Repertoire. We love to try tunes […]
Join the Oyster Creek Fiddlers and Fred Gosbee and Julia Lane for our new 2024 contradance series at the Willing Workers Hall in Bristol, Maine. All dances taught! Suggested donation $5-$10. All proceeds to benefit Fisherman’s Relief Fund.
Join us the Fourth Sunday of every month from 3-5pm at the Lubec Brewing Company, 41 Water. St in Lubec. In the warm tradition of Irish pubs, musicians and listeners are invited to the monthly jam – come to play music or come simply to listen and enjoy. Music books are provided and all levels […]
Scottish Country Dance is the ballroom dance of Scotland. We meet weekly to learn and enjoy the dances. All dances are taught. We recommend soft soled, flexible shoes. Bring a water bottle. There is usually a beginner/preview session at 5 p.m., check to be sure it is on.
Are you ready? Somatic Liberation movement and dance is performance art for the soul. We gather weekly on Monday Mornings at the Ballroom in Harrison from 10:00- 12:00. And in the evening on the first Friday of each month. $10 suggested donation. Come and go at any time- there is no lateness. *IMPORTANT We take […]
You don’t have to be Scottish, wear a kilt, or even speak English to enjoy Scottish dancing! Dance to the lively beat of jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspey, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun... any age, singles or couples... all are welcome! Experienced social class, year-round: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 […]
A living tradition, ECD has for centuries served as a means of community interaction, exercise for the body and mind, and practice of the social graces. Related to New England contra dancing and Scottish country dancing, but generally less physically demanding, ECD is a great way to make friends, challenge short- and long-term memory, and […]
Learn to dance to the lively jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspeys, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun… any age, singles or couples. There is a time at 6:00 for beginners and newer dancers to learn patterns. Contact Patti Tillotson at 207 841-3232 or [email protected] to confirm.
Belfast Flying Shoes presents the First Friday Community Dance and Contra Dance Series. 6:00 warm-up session for the All Comers Band, led by Willy Clemetson & Benjamin Foss and open to all musicians, instruments, and skill levels. Tune list available on the website. 6:30 Community Dance (Chrissy Fowler & Lisa Newcomb calling with music by […]
Traditional New England contra dance at the Central Hall Commons, 152 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, 04426, from 7-10 pm. Fun and friendly folks and wonderful dances! Music will be provided by our wonderful local contra dance band, Some Reel People. All dances will be taught by John McIntire. This is a fun and family friendly […]
Join us on the first Friday of every month at the Newfields Town Hall in Newfields NH for an evening of high-spirited fun. Be sure to arrive early for the newcomer lessons at 7:30 PM to brush up on your dance skills or learn the basics. Dancing starts at 8:00 PM.
On May 4th and 5th at the Bagaduce Music Performance Hall, fabric artist Jo Hesse and fiddler Owen Kennedy will present “Music is the Fabric of Community,” a weekend of dancing and crafting that will combine the traditions of Scottish music and Turkish felt-making to create beautiful rugs. During the workshop portions of the weekend […]
Location: West Cumberland Community Hall 115 Blackstrap Road, Cumberland, ME 04021 (approx. 20 minutes from Portland) Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024 (First Saturday of the month) Caller: Maggie Robinson Band: Ed Howe + friends Time: Beginner lesson starts at 7PM, dancing begins at 7:30PM and ends at 10:30PM. Admission: $15 (additional donations welcome) children under […]
Come celebrate Cinco De Mayo with us. The band this month is Better Late Than Never, Caller TBD. This will be one of only two dances we have scheduled for this season. Find your southwestern clothes and come enjoy a kickoff for the summer!
Scottish Country Dance is the ballroom dance of Scotland. We meet weekly to learn and enjoy the dances. All dances are taught. We recommend soft soled, flexible shoes. Bring a water bottle. There is usually a beginner/preview session at 5 p.m., check to be sure it is on.
Join us the first Sunday from May to October for our monthly contra dance series. Led by an expert caller and fun for dancers of any age or ability, our contra barn dances are the perfect community event! Beginners, or those new to contra dance, are invited to come early for a lesson from 6:30pm […]
Are you ready? Somatic Liberation movement and dance is performance art for the soul. We gather weekly on Monday Mornings at the Ballroom in Harrison from 10:00- 12:00. And in the evening on the first Friday of each month. $10 suggested donation. Come and go at any time- there is no lateness. *IMPORTANT We take […]
The Maine Resistance Revival Chorus will begin meeting weekly in Belfast every Tuesday at 6 PM starting May 7th. This is a new singing group with the idea of supporting progressive causes in times of information overload. The group will meet at 37 Miller Street in Belfast. call (808) 352 1714 for more information, or find […]
Come dance mid-week with us on 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 7.15pm at The Gatherings in Surry! Have fun dancing for a couple of hours while helping out our local beginner callers, where they will practice calling dances, doing walkthroughs etc. We'll also be helping one another with flourishes and sharing other contra dancing tips […]
You don’t have to be Scottish, wear a kilt, or even speak English to enjoy Scottish dancing! Dance to the lively beat of jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspey, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun... any age, singles or couples... all are welcome! Experienced social class, year-round: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 […]
On Wednesday May 8 at 7:30p, multi-instrumentalist, step dancer and host of the TradCafe podcast, Neil Pearlman will perform a solo show on the Bagaduce Music Campus in Blue Hill. This will be a very special program, interesting piano lovers and those who appreciate and value its role in folk, jazz or other genres of […]
Learn to dance to the lively jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspeys, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun… any age, singles or couples. There is a time at 6:00 for beginners and newer dancers to learn patterns. Contact Patti Tillotson at 207 841-3232 or [email protected] to confirm.
A living tradition, ECD has for centuries served as a means of community interaction, exercise for the body and mind, and practice of the social graces. Related to New England contra dancing and Scottish country dancing, but generally less physically demanding, ECD is a great way to make friends, challenge short- and long-term memory, and […]
Join us every Second Saturday from 3-5pm at the Old Sow Grill, 31 Water St in Eastport. In the warm tradition of Irish pubs, musicians and listeners are invited to the monthly jam - come to play music or come simply to listen and enjoy. Music books are provided and all levels are welcome - […]
Community Dance 6pm - 6.45pm ... 2nd Saturdays in Surry at 6! This is a fun and friendly dance for all ages, Bennett Konesni of Bagaduce Music heads up the Open Band (open to all musicians, instruments & skill levels). Show up 15 minutes early to get situated if you'd like to play with us! […]
Come to "A Waltz Thing" and do "waltz stuff" An evening of recorded waltz music, and a space to dance with friends and strangers Happenings at Maine Ballroom (616 Congress St, FL 2, Portland, ME) on May 11th. Doors open at 7pm, dancing starts around 7:15. $10 cash/venmo at the door. No formal lesson so […]
UUCB Concerts for a Cause presents Renaissance Voices: Love Songs Old and New May 11, 2024 Renaissance Voices will perform at the Brunswick Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 pm as part of the Concerts for a Cause series. All proceeds will be donated to Oasis Free Clinics and Midcoast New Mainers […]
Scottish Country Dance is the ballroom dance of Scotland. We meet weekly to learn and enjoy the dances. All dances are taught. We recommend soft soled, flexible shoes. Bring a water bottle. There is usually a beginner/preview session at 5 p.m., check to be sure it is on.
A monthly contra dance in Portland, Maine. Event details at www.CommonFloorContra.dance
Are you ready? Somatic Liberation movement and dance is performance art for the soul. We gather weekly on Monday Mornings at the Ballroom in Harrison from 10:00- 12:00. And in the evening on the first Friday of each month. $10 suggested donation. Come and go at any time- there is no lateness. *IMPORTANT We take […]
The Maine Resistance Revival Chorus will begin meeting weekly in Belfast every Tuesday at 6 PM starting May 7th. This is a new singing group with the idea of supporting progressive causes in times of information overload. The group will meet at 37 Miller Street in Belfast. call (808) 352 1714 for more information, or find […]
7.15pm on Tuesday May 14th at The Gatherings, 1208 Surry Rd, Surry. Changing minds, one dance at a time! Take Hands tells a small town story that has a big current relevance—a story of how music and dance can unite people across cultural divides. The film follows Stacy Rose and the South Coast Folk Society […]
You don’t have to be Scottish, wear a kilt, or even speak English to enjoy Scottish dancing! Dance to the lively beat of jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspey, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun... any age, singles or couples... all are welcome! Experienced social class, year-round: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 […]
Learn to dance to the lively jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspeys, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun… any age, singles or couples. There is a time at 6:00 for beginners and newer dancers to learn patterns. Contact Patti Tillotson at 207 841-3232 or [email protected] to confirm.
A living tradition, ECD has for centuries served as a means of community interaction, exercise for the body and mind, and practice of the social graces. Related to New England contra dancing and Scottish country dancing, but generally less physically demanding, ECD is a great way to make friends, challenge short- and long-term memory, and […]
This month, a special bal folk dance taught by Marie Wendt with music by Le Bon Truc! Bring clean, dry shoes for dancing, and a water bottle. Potluck snacks at the break.
Le Bon True plays French European dance music with Marie Wendt calling bal folk traditional dances.
Le Bon True plays French European dance music with Marie Wendt calling bal folk traditional dances.
Alden Robinson and Benjamin Foss will play the Brooks Contra Dance on May 17th with legendary Maine caller John McIntire. Alden is a fiery fiddler known for the international touring dance band Riptide, and Benjamin is an exciting accompanist and co organizer of the Brooks dance. There may even be a special surprise guest appearance... […]
The Cherryfield Academy is delighted to welcome the return of Allison Aldrich Smith and Hunt Smith with their wonderful band Some Reel People to create a Contra Dance for us on Saturday, May 18th from 7 to 10pm! Allison and Hunt planted the seed for the Cherryfield Contra Dance over 6 years ago and now […]
Scottish Country Dance is the ballroom dance of Scotland. We meet weekly to learn and enjoy the dances. All dances are taught. We recommend soft soled, flexible shoes. Bring a water bottle. There is usually a beginner/preview session at 5 p.m., check to be sure it is on.
Are you ready? Somatic Liberation movement and dance is performance art for the soul. We gather weekly on Monday Mornings at the Ballroom in Harrison from 10:00- 12:00. And in the evening on the first Friday of each month. $10 suggested donation. Come and go at any time- there is no lateness. *IMPORTANT We take […]
The Maine Resistance Revival Chorus will begin meeting weekly in Belfast every Tuesday at 6 PM starting May 7th. This is a new singing group with the idea of supporting progressive causes in times of information overload. The group will meet at 37 Miller Street in Belfast. call (808) 352 1714 for more information, or find […]
Come dance mid-week with us on 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 7.15pm at The Gatherings in Surry! Have fun dancing for a couple of hours while helping out our local beginner callers, where they will practice calling dances, doing walkthroughs etc. We'll also be helping one another with flourishes and sharing other contra dancing tips […]
You don’t have to be Scottish, wear a kilt, or even speak English to enjoy Scottish dancing! Dance to the lively beat of jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspey, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun... any age, singles or couples... all are welcome! Experienced social class, year-round: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 […]
Vermont Folklife’s “Sugar in the Pan” Trad Band of superstar teenage musicians is touring Maine with an exciting program of Franco-American favorites! Ahead of their June performances in Québec, the Young Tradition Touring Group learned traditional tunes and songs with Québécois musician mentors Pascal Gemme of Genticorum and Véronique Plasse of Bon Débarras. Six Touring […]
Learn to dance to the lively jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspeys, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun… any age, singles or couples. There is a time at 6:00 for beginners and newer dancers to learn patterns. Contact Patti Tillotson at 207 841-3232 or [email protected] to confirm.
A living tradition, ECD has for centuries served as a means of community interaction, exercise for the body and mind, and practice of the social graces. Related to New England contra dancing and Scottish country dancing, but generally less physically demanding, ECD is a great way to make friends, challenge short- and long-term memory, and […]
Vermont Folklife’s “Sugar in the Pan” Trad Band of superstar teenage musicians is touring Maine with an exciting program of Franco-American favorites! Ahead of their June performances in Québec, the Young Tradition Touring Group learned traditional tunes and songs with Québécois musician mentors Pascal Gemme of Genticorum and Véronique Plasse of Bon Débarras. Six Touring […]
Kennebec Contra Dance in the Hallowell City Hall Ballroom. Vermont Folklife’s “Sugar in the Pan” Trad Band is coming to Maine! A program of Vermont Folklife, the Touring Group and the Trad Band nurture youth involvement in traditional music and dance, providing opportunities to learn from tradition bearers, to build connections with artists and communities […]
Come join a fun lively contra dance. All dances taught by caller Chris Ricciotti. Music by Big Moose. Beginners, families, experienced dancers welcomeWe play cheerful jigs, reels, waltzes on piano, fiddle, guitar, banjo, whistle, bodhran, accordion,bass,mandolin
Join us the Fourth Sunday of every month from 3-5pm at the Lubec Brewing Company, 41 Water. St in Lubec. In the warm tradition of Irish pubs, musicians and listeners are invited to the monthly jam – come to play music or come simply to listen and enjoy. Music books are provided and all levels […]
Playing jigs, reels, hambos, waltzes, marches, etc. Music traditions include contradance tunes, Irish, Scottish, Quebecois, Swedish, Southern. Fiddles, guitars, accordions, concertinas, mandolins, dulcimers, etc. welcome. We also have a keyboard available. Many of our tunes come out of the on-the-go collections – Portland, Waltz Books, Fiddlers Fake Book, Fiddlers Repertoire. We love to try tunes […]
Scottish Country Dance is the ballroom dance of Scotland. We meet weekly to learn and enjoy the dances. All dances are taught. We recommend soft soled, flexible shoes. Bring a water bottle. There is usually a beginner/preview session at 5 p.m., check to be sure it is on.
Are you ready? Somatic Liberation movement and dance is performance art for the soul. We gather weekly on Monday Mornings at the Ballroom in Harrison from 10:00- 12:00. And in the evening on the first Friday of each month. $10 suggested donation. Come and go at any time- there is no lateness. *IMPORTANT We take […]
The Maine Resistance Revival Chorus will begin meeting weekly in Belfast every Tuesday at 6 PM starting May 7th. This is a new singing group with the idea of supporting progressive causes in times of information overload. The group will meet at 37 Miller Street in Belfast. call (808) 352 1714 for more information, or find […]
You don’t have to be Scottish, wear a kilt, or even speak English to enjoy Scottish dancing! Dance to the lively beat of jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspey, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun... any age, singles or couples... all are welcome! Experienced social class, year-round: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 […]
Learn to dance to the lively jigs, reels and hornpipes, and to the elegant strathspeys, unique to Scottish music. Join the fun… any age, singles or couples. There is a time at 6:00 for beginners and newer dancers to learn patterns. Contact Patti Tillotson at 207 841-3232 or [email protected] to confirm.
A living tradition, ECD has for centuries served as a means of community interaction, exercise for the body and mind, and practice of the social graces. Related to New England contra dancing and Scottish country dancing, but generally less physically demanding, ECD is a great way to make friends, challenge short- and long-term memory, and […]
Join us as we rekindle the Winter Harbor Contra Dance on the last Friday in May! Dip and spin to your heart's content and watch the magic from the beautiful balcony of the historic Hammond Hall! Street parking on the same side as the hall, plus more at the bank and in further in town. […]
*PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION* Location: Newbegin Gym, 22 Main Street, Gray, ME 04039 Date: June 1, 2024 Caller: Alyssa Adkins Band: Glen Loper + friends Time: Beginner lesson starts at 7PM, dancing begins at 7:30PM and ends at 10:30PM. Admission: $15 (additional donations welcome to defray start up costs) children under 10 years FREE. Parking: Plenty of […]