ContraCopia - save the dates and register now for our annual Thanksgiving weekend contra dance weekend, now including a techno contra Saturday night!
Friday, Nov. 27 in Bethlehem, and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29 here in Mount Airy, Philadelphia.
Featuring talent from across the east coast: 3 amazing callers (Will Mentor, Isaac Banner, Liesl Jandrey) and 3 awesome bands (Toss the Possum, Cojiro, and High Strung), plus waltzes with our By-Ear Open Band.
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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+.
Our community standards seek to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone.
Questions or concerns? You can meet with a member of our Safety Committee at any event, or report something online (can be anonymous).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 5 | Penelope Weinberger | Countercurrent: Brian Lindsay (fiddle, feet, vocals) and Alex Sturbaum (guitar, vocals) | |
| Nov. 12 | Liesl Jandrey coordinating | Raise the Roof: Mat Clark (fiddle, mando), Judi Stellar (hammered dulcimer), Bob Pasquarello (bass), Kathy Talvitie (guitar) | |
| Nov. 19 | Will Mentor | Torrent: Nadia Gaya (accordion), Sarah Parker (fiddle), Ross Parker (piano) | |
| Nov. 21 | Gaye Fifer | 3rd Saturday at Summit Church with High Strung | |
| Nov. 26 |
No dance - Thanksgiving ... but join us for ContraCopia dance weekend Nov. 27-29 in Bethlehem and Philadelphia! (Register now) |
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| Dec. 3 | Sue Gola coordinating | SPUDS: Philly's phabulous open contradance band! |
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| Dec. 10 | Bob Isaacs coordinating | Midnight on the Water: Tom Krumm (fiddle, mandolin, guitar), Nathan Bishop (fiddle, viola), Dani Hawkins (cello) | |
| Dec. 17 | Jan Alter coordinating | The Contragenarians: Paul Sidlick (banjo, mandolin), Peter Sego (guitar, fiddle), Garry Moore (fiddle), Ed Jankowicz (stand-up bass) | |
| Dec. 24 | No dance - Christmas Eve | ||
| Dec. 31 | Yes we are holding a dance! Details TBA. | ||
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Dances continue every Thursday (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). |
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But wait, there's more! PATMAD also sponsors
- The 3rd Saturday Contra Dance in Mt. Airy, continuing on November 21 with Gaye Fifer and High Strung at Summit Church.
- Allons Danser, Philadelphia's home for Cajun/Zydeco music and dance, continuing on Saturday, November 14 with Dennis Stroughmatt at the Holy Savior 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, playing on December 3 at the Thursday Contra.
- A Center City Contra series in Rittenhouse Square in the heart of Philadelphia, generally on fourth Saturdays most months.
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.
Our community standards seek to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone.
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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