Penelope Weinberger & Birch Trio
Hailing from the DC area, Penelope Weinberger has been calling and organizing dances for over 20 years, and is welcomed around the country for her clear and convivial calling.
Birch Trio unites fiddlers Daphne Pickens and Molly Tucker alongside cellist/guitarist Casey Murray. Childhood friends Daphne and Casey are natives of Rochester, NY who have been playing tunes and improvising together at the Kanack School of Music since they were 4 years old. Daphne and Molly, a native of Thousand Oaks, CA, later met at Oberlin College and Conservatory, overjoyed to find their mutual love for the New England contra dance repertoire. The three first came together in 2016 at the Dandelion Romp, Oberlin’s contra dance weekend, where they discovered an immediate joyful spark in making music with one another. With roots in traditional New England, Celtic, Québécois, and Old-Time music, the three bring a fresh spirit to dance music through their improvisatory style, vocal harmonies, and original compositions. Their rich harmonies, flowing lines, and driving grooves fill dance halls with warmth and propel dancers across the floor.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
- 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 kitchen sink.
- 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.