Apple pie The PATMAD Board is now encouraging people to bring snacks on mask optional nights. Please bring finger food to share! (Yes, we celebrated Pi Day with pie!) Cherry Pie

Welcome to the Thursday Contra! 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.
Look for the signs, and use the ballroom entrance, furthest from Carpenter Ave.

Beginner lesson: 7:30pm
Dance: 8:00pm to 10:30pm

Admission: $5-15+ sliding scale for local bands, $8-20+ sliding scale for *touring bands.


Our Thursday night dances require masks (surgical or better, properly worn, except at designated mask-optional dances), and a signed waiver. Up-to-date vaccination is strongly encouraged.

Snacks are welcome at mask-optional dances (second and fourth Thursdays, and some special events). Please bring finger foods to share! (No peanuts or peanut butter please, due to allergies in our community.)

(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
Mar. 7 Bob Isaacs coordinating SPUDS: Philly's phabulous open contradance band! Masks required
3.14 Scott Higgs

Forthcoming: Cecelia Tannous-Taylor (fiddle), Miranda Weinberg (fiddle), Jeff Gauthier (whistles, percussion), Rachel Chang (guitar)

Free admission (tips for performers optional) for this sponsored birthday celebration. (More)

Masks optional

Bring a pie for Pi Day!

Mar. 21 Greg Frock Coracree: Jane Rothfield (fiddle), Bill Quern (mando, banjo, melodeon), Sarah Gowan (guitar), Allan Carr (bass) Masks required
Mar. 28 Sam Rotenberg coordinating Jovial Beggars: Ben Kennedy (keyboard), Helene Zisook (fiddle), Peggy Leiby (recorder & feet), Rachel Hall (concertina) Masks optional; snacks welcome
Mar. 30 Medley Marathon Contra Dance Six callers! Four bands! Three hours of non-stop dancing!! (More information)
Saturday night at 7:30pm at Summit Church
Masks optional; snacks welcome
Apr. 4 Michael Karcher and Donna Hunt coordinating Alias: Kirsten Erwin (flute, whistles), Adam Oleksa (fiddle), Adlai Waksman (piano) Masks required
Apr. 11 Sue Gola coordinating Hot Wasabi: Dave Miller (fiddle), Roberta Goren (flute), Chris Carpenter (clarinet, banjo, mandolin), Ben Kennedy (piano) Masks optional; snacks welcome
Apr. 18 Rick Mohr coordinating The Hazel Nuts: Chris Germain (fiddle), Heidi Germain (bass), John Salmon (guitar), Keith Brand (banjo) Masks required
Apr. 25 Ridge Kennedy coordinating SPUDS: Philly's phabulous open contradance band! Masks optional; snacks welcome

Dances continue every Thursday. See more callers and bands in the full calendar!


But wait, there's more! PATMAD also sponsors

All Hands In has been presenting games nights and other community-led events, along with some fun online dances with fantastic live calling. Tune in most Tuesday nights.
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