Please note: THE ELEVATOR IS OUT OF SERVICE. We hope to see you at the dance, but know that there has been no elevator service at the hall. (A lightning strike damaged the elevator, and the replacement part was out of stock.)
Yes, there is a full flight of stairs to climb. We hope you can make it.
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 11:00pm
Admission: sliding scale for local bands $5-15+.
Our 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.)
The evening may include extra breaks that can be taken outside to get fresh air.
Please read the full details if you plan to attend. We're looking forward to dancing with you!
More dances are listed in the full calendar.
| Date | Caller | Band | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep. 1 | Sue Gola coordinating | Raise the Roof: Mat Clark (fiddle), Bob Pasquarello (bass), Judi Stellar (hammered dulcimer), Kathy Talvitie (guitar) | Larks & Robins |
| Sep. 15 | Sam Rotenberg coordinating | Jovial Beggars: Helene Speer (fiddle), Ben Kennedy (keyboard), Peggy Leiby (recorders, feet), Rachel Hall (concertina) | Gents & Ladies |
| Sep. 29 | Jan Alter coordinating | BASS: Bill Quern (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, melodeon), Adlai Waksman (keyboard), Sarah Gowan (guitar, concertina), Steve Epstein (clarinet, sax) | Larks & Robins |
| Oct. 13 | Jim Kitch coordinating | Instant Ensemble: Dave Miller (fiddle), Roberta Goren (flute), Adlai Waksman (piano) | Gents & Ladies |
| Oct. 27 | Sue Gola coordinating | Mohr Family Band: Rick Mohr (fiddle), Chloe Mohr (piano), Evan Mohr (cajon) | Larks & Robins |
|
Dances continue every other Thursday (except Thanksgiving): November 10, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, Dec. 15, etc. 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 October 15 with Jan Alter and Live Wire
- Allons Danser, Philadelphia's home for Cajun/Zydeco music and dance, presenting Dennis Stroughmatt on Saturday, November 19 at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill
- 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, our Mt. Airy open band.
- Fun online dancing with All Hands In, with fantastic live music and calling, now two Tuesdays a month.
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.
NOTE: You can be on our email announcement list with or without being a PATMAD member.