PATMAD Board Election Results

We welcome our new board members Cristian Clothier, Oliver Lyons, and Ella Williams, and welcome back Ian Brehm, Kirsten Erwin, and Dave Rupp who were reelected, all by acclamation on October 12. (More)

Weekly Dancing Returns; Masks Optional on 2nd and 4th Thursdays

As we return to weekly dancing in September, the second and fourth Thursdays will be mask-optional. Masks are required at other dances. The PATMAD Board voted to make this change based on our survey of dancers. (More)

Welcome back 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.

(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
Nov. 30 Rick Mohr coordinating SPUDS: Philly's phabulous open contradance band!
Dec. 7 Ridge Kennedy coordinating Sleigh for Four: Steve Epstein (clarinet and sax), Laura Alexander (cello), Thane Glenn (mando), Adlai Waksman (piano)
Dec. 14 Michael Karcher Torrent: Nadia Gaya (piano accordion), Sarah Parker (fiddle), Ross Parker (piano) Masks optional
Dec. 21 Sue Gola coordinating TWeLve: Nathalie Levine (fiddle), Miranda Weinberg (fiddle), Kathy Talvitie (piano)
Dec. 28 Jan Alter coordinating Hot Wasabi: Roberta Goren (flute), Chris Carpenter (mandolin, banjo, clarinet), Ben Kennedy (piano), Dave Miller (fiddle) Masks optional

Dances continue every Thursday. More callers and bands will be announced in the full calendar!


But wait, there's more! PATMAD also sponsors

All Hands In is continuing 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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