Ridge Kennedy demonstrates three kinds of swings that are symmetrical and "gender-neutral" (2-minute YouTube video). Thanks to Jan Alter for the video.
Welcome back to the Thursday Contra! WhooHoo! We're back to in-person contra dancing, every two weeks for now, while COVID numbers stay low. See the schedule of upcoming bands and callers below.
Location: The Irish Center (a.k.a. Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center),
6815 Emlen St., Philadelphia, PA 19119.
Doors open: 7:00pm to check vaccination cards (photos ok) and sign waivers.
Beginner lesson: 7:30pm
Dance: 8:00pm to 10:30pm
Admission: sliding scale for local bands $5-15+.
Our Thursday night dances require
- proof of full vaccination,
- masks (surgical or better, properly worn), and a
- signed waiver.
(If you test positive for COVID a few days after a dance, please send email to so we can alert others to a potential exposure. Thanks.)
Please read the full details if you plan to attend. We're looking forward to dancing with you!
| Date | Caller | Band | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 12 | Dave Rupp coordinating | Box and String Quartet: Laura Alexander (cello), Sarah Gowan (guitar), Miranda Weinberg (fiddle), Bill Quern (mandolin, banjo, melodeon) | Larks & Robins |
| Jan. 26 | Sue Gola coordinating | SPUDS: Philly's phabulous open contradance band! | Gents & Ladies |
| Feb. 9 | Bob Isaacs coordinating | Contra Mantra: Paul Sidlick (banjo, mandolin), Mark Piro (fiddle), Margaret Sidlick (guitar), Mike Foster (bass) | Larks & Robins |
| Feb. 23 | Donna Hunt coordinating | Broadside Kinetic: Rachel Hall (concertina, piano), Amy Ksir (accordion, winds, piano), Tom Rhoads (guitar), Helene Zisook Speer (fiddle), Jim Speer (bass guitar) | Gents & Ladies |
| Mar. 9 | Jan Alter coordinating | Coracree: Jane Rothfield (fiddle), Allan Carr (bass), Bill Quern (mando, banjo, melodeon), Sarah Gowan (guitar) | Larks & Robins |
| Mar. 23 | Ridge Kennedy coordinating | The Orphans: Peter Buchak (accordion), Ben Kennedy (piano), Miranda Weinberg (fiddle) | Gents & Ladies |
|
Dances continue every other Thursday. See details in the full calendar! |
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But wait, there's more! PATMAD also sponsors
- The 3rd Saturday Contra Dance in Mt. Airy, continuing on February 18 with Dave Rupp calling to the music of Alias at Summit Church
-
Allons Danser, Philadelphia's home for Cajun/Zydeco music and dance, continuing on Saturday, February 25 with a Mardi Gras party with Mo' Mojo at the TK Club, Conshohocken, Pa.
(3rd Saturday and Allons Danser have different COVID precautions from the Thursday night contra dance.)
- SPUDS, Philly's phabulous open contradance band.
Also join us online for Musicians' Tune Swaps, a biweekly online gathering for sharing tunes and socializing, hosted by SPUDS.
(All Hands In continues fun online dancing with fantastic live music and calling, now two Tuesdays a month, with a variety of games nights and other community-led events on alternate Tuesdays.)
PATMAD membership is free, but must be renewed annually. Membership forms are available online as well as at every dance; your membership will be until Dec. 2023. You will need to be a member to vote in the upcoming role terms vote. (You can be on our email announcement list with or without being a PATMAD member.)
Responses from the Fall 2022 survey are available. We discussed them, as well as other suggestions for increasing attendance, at the community meeting on Thursday, November 17.