Alyssa [Lyss] Adkins + Gus & Pepin
Tonight’s dance is on! The snow has stopped with a 1″ accumulation in Chatham. Lyss, Gus & Pepin have arrived from Maine and are all ready to bring us some hot dancing. See ya tonight!
Gus & Pepin are the perfect duo, bringing us Jigs & Reels that will have us dancing like Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, making magic like Ziegfeld & Roy, laughing like Abbott & Costello, and performing like Barnum & Bailey. Gus & Pepin pair well with Alyssa who couples Larks & Robins, Heys & Chains, Circles & Stars, and Balances & Swings. Brace yourselves, the twain shall meet as we double up for twosome entertainment before saying deuces.
![Photo of Alyssa [Lyss] Adkins](https://folkproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tern-Alyssa-Adkins-072025-sq1200.jpg "Alyssa [Lyss] Adkins")
When you ask a Muppet to masquerade as a human and call a contra dance, you get Alyssa [Lyss] Adkins. Dancers consistently describe their teaching and calling as clear, joyful, and energetic. An experienced contra dancer, folk waltz and fusion dance teacher, she stays precise and concise in her communication so everyone can more fully enjoy the dance, the music, and each other.
Gus La Casse brings his incredible energy, innovative spirit, and dedication to Maine’s music traditions. Gus is known across North America for his raw energy and talent. Joining Gus is versatile multi-instrumentalist Pepin Mittelhauser as they take the stage to share the fiddle music they each grew up with in Downeast Maine.
Together, the dynamic duo of Gus & Pepin is known to tear up the strings, driving the music forward with such power that casualties of broken bow hairs and snapped strings are all too common. Their infectious rhythms and compelling contradance performances will have you dancing the night away.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
- We have a sliding admission scale of $15 to $20+ for adults. If you are able, you can allow us to continue booking this amazing talent by paying $20 or more at the door. If that’s a stretch, stay at the regular $15 or volunteer and get in for free. Student admission is $5.
- Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
- Masks and vaccines are optional.
- All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
- We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
- Our dance is two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris/Essex line out of Penn Station, NYC.
- We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
- Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the orange Igloo cooler.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
- We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles!
Hourly Schedule
Dance Schedule
- 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Beginner's Workshop
- Learn the basics or help the newcomers.
- 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- Dance
- The main event.