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: sliding scale, pay what you wish. Suggested $10/$15/$20+.
Donations to Philadelphia Area Traditional Music and Dance, the nonprofit which sponsors the Thursday Contra dance, are always appreciated! (Link)
Contributions to the 100% free platform we use for donations are optional, and may be set to "Other" including zero.
Snacks are welcome. Please bring finger foods to share! (No peanuts or peanut butter please, due to allergies in our community.)
Our Thursday night dances strongly encourage up-to-date COVID vaccination. Masks are optional and welcome. 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. Please read more info about health precautions. We're looking forward to dancing with you!
| Date | Caller | Band | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 5 | Donna Hunt coordinating | SPUDS: Philly's phabulous open contradance band! | |
| June 12 | Christine Merryman | TWeLve: Nathalie Levine (fiddle), Miranda Weinberg (fiddle), Kathy Talvitie (piano) | |
| June 19 | Bob Isaacs coordinating | Broadside Kinetic: Rachel Hall (piano), Amy Ksir (accordion, winds), Tom Rhoads (guitar), Helene Speer (fiddle), Jim Speer (bass) | |
| June 26 | Liesl Jandrey coordinating | The Orphans: Ben Kennedy (piano), Miranda Weinberg (fiddle), Peter Buchak (accordion) | |
| July 3 | Penelope Weinberger | Birch Trio: Daphne Pickens (fiddle), Molly Tucker (fiddle), Casey Murray (guitar, cello) | |
| July 10 | Janine Smith |
Brooklyn Swing Ensemble: Danny Elias, Marco Brehm, Sam Zygmuntowicz, and Bob Pasquarello Free admission thanks to Rich Myers, who is sponsoring this dance in celebration of his birthday. Tips for the performers are optional. |
|
| July 17 | Sam Rotenberg coordinating | Hot Feat: Mat Clark (fiddle, mandolin), Dave Wiesler (piano, guitar), Paul Morrissette (bass) | |
| July 24 | Dave Rupp coordinating | SPUDS: Philly's phabulous open contradance band! | |
| July 31 | Rick Mohr coordinating | Jared, Alec, & Adam: Jared Bishop (fiddle), Alec Charon (tenor banjo), Adam Bodine (guitar) | |
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Dances continue every Thursday (except Thanksgiving). |
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But wait, there's more! PATMAD also sponsors
- The 3rd Saturday Contra Dance in Mt. Airy, on break for the summer and returning in September.
- Allons Danser, Philadelphia's home for Cajun/Zydeco music and dance, continuing on Saturday, June 21 with CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band at the Holy Saviour Club, Norristown, Pa.
(3rd Saturday and Allons Danser may have different COVID precautions from the Thursday night contra dance. Check their pages for the most up-to-date schedules and information.) - SPUDS, Philly's phabulous open contradance band.
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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