Nov. 1: Piper & Kurt's Irish contra dance wedding

Kurt Seaburg and Piper Call in 2009

Dear all contra and Irish dancers! Kurt Seaburg and Piper Call will be tying the knot on Sunday, November 1st at the GODS contra dance (during the break at ~5:30 pm) in a brief ceremony conducted by JoLaine Jones-Pokorney.

You are all most welcome to come and enjoy the contra dance and see Kurt and Piper get officially hitched! The dance runs from 4-7 pm and takes place at the Thelma Boltin Center in Gainesville, 516 NE 2nd Avenue and cost for the dance is $10.

Don't miss this event!

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Nov 1st: Contra The Gadabouts with John Rogers Sticky

The Gadabouts with caller John Rogers

The Gadabouts are dropping in for an evening of "percussive, foot-tappin', yes ma'am, shake your booty good time" Contra Dancing! Get your fix of old time music gone amok interspersed with zesty and beautiful cajun waltzes.

Our caller, John Rogers misspent his youth and much of his adulthood avoiding dance situations because they felt foreign. How "sweet it was to find a dance form that hollered out instructions while you were doing it". John will be hollerin' fer us.

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Oct 17: Terra Ceia Twisters & JoLaine Jones-Pokorney

For the first time in Gainesville, the Terra Ceia Twisters will string us along on a voyage of ‘funked’ up traditional tunes. A trio of classroom refugees, all strings and a flute, they will be sure to please.

Partnering with our new friends is a familiar face to our dance, JoLaine Jones-Pokorney in the caller's spot.

Terra Ceia Twisters are:
• Rob Zanders on guitar/mando;
• Sherry Lowe on fiddle;
• Sarah Mitchell on flute/dulcimer

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October 3-4: Two Days of Contra, Waltz & English Country Dance

Yazoo Kickstarts and Barbara Groh

• 12 hours of dance events Saturday-Sunday October 3-4
• English country dances for all levels
• Beyond the Basics waltz workshop
• Two-day Package: only $30 ($20 for age 25 & under)
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TALENT:
• Contra—Yazoo Kickstarts, preeminent FL contra band
• Barbara Groh, Asheville NC contra caller
• English country dance - Hoggetowne Fancy & caller Randy Thorp
• Waltz – to live music by 'Stay Tuned'
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SATURDAY, October 3rd Schedule:

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September 19: Possum Trot & Gary Arthur

Possum Trot,

Brace yourself for a "contra dance wall of sound" of French Canadian, New England and Southern music. Possum Trot, an inter-generational band, "blends the new and the old" in a swashbuckling sensation.

When not helping first graders learn gardening, Gary Arthur is soliciting tips himself. About gardening that is. Warmed up from a recent Melrose engagement, he will strut his stuff for us.

Possum Trot is Anthony Pilla on fiddle, Laura Price on fiddle, Benny McDowell on piano, Pete Sucsy on banjo & guitar, Eleta Sucsy on penny whistle, Kai Sucsy on percussion.

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Sept 6: Mourning Glories and Andy Kane

Mourning Glories and Andy Kane

With influences from Romani, Balkan and old-time Irish music to sea shanties, the Mourning Glories share their passion for traditional music and dance. Chelsea, the mandolin player, shares her passion with young woman in "Girls Rock Camp", to promote self-esteem and community. Give a listen here: https://mourningglories.bandcamp.com/releases

Andy Kane returns to the caller's spot with the familiar and perhaps the new.

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Aug 30 Advanced Dance: Comes When Called & JoLaine Jones-Pokorney

Comes When Called & JoLaine Jones-Pokorney

Advanced Contra-Fusion is coming our way with "percussion toys" and "wild and crazy recorder improv". Layered with African rhythm and big-band strings, 'Comes When Called' promises to "delight dance floor denizens" with their Celtic, modern and old-time tunes.

Calling advanced delights, JoLaine Jones-Pokorney will show us the way through the contra-fusion and pulsating rhythms.

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Aug 15: Toss the Possum & Vicki Morrison

Toss the Possum & Vicki Morrison

Waltzing in with a Kickstarter-funded CD is the Zizette family - Toss The Possum. Laura, a classically trained pianist and Rob, a fiddling physics major, weave "lyrical, driving and energetic" dance tunes. Charlie, "Papa Possum", is behind the sound board and the wheel of the van. Tunes here: www.tossthepossum.net

Driving in from Tallahassee, Vicki Morrison, on a whistle stop of her world tour, may be practicing New Zealand contra calls for her upcoming trip. Stay tuned.

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Aug15: Waltz Escape Stay-cation Workshop

Dear Dancers,

Wish you were here! Join us for a breezy waltz workshop!

What: Waltz Escape Stay-cation Workshop—dress optional in your favorite island getaway getup. Admission to waltz workshop includes a souvenir.

Who: Toss the Possum band with Laura & Rob Zisette (expect some steamy Blues dance flair). Beyond the Basics workshop 5:00-6:00. Waltz to live music by Toss the Possum band 6:00-6:30.

Where: Boltin Center—516 NE 2nd Ave., Gainesville FL 32601

When: Sat., Aug. 15, 2015 at 5:00—6:30 pm.

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August 2: Category 5 and Eric Harris

Category 5 and Eric Harris

A collision of classical strings and African rhythms is just half of the musical storm blowing your way when Category 5 returns to Gainesville. The storm force builds with their high energy jigs and reels - a force to be reckoned with in air conditioned comfort.

Stirring up a storm in the caller's corner is Eric Harris, taking a turn from his other gig at Sea Life Orlando - spreading cheer and enthusiasm across the state.

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