Ridge Kennedy & Hot Wasabi
Root for your favorite vegetable as Hot Wasabi turns up the heat. If you carrot all about dance, you’ll cumin seed as Ridge ramps up to cauliflower arrangement of cookin’ contras to lettuce dip endive. You butter turnip early as the band does double thyme from the starch. Peas kale a cabbage to savory strength or you’ll be sorrel over.
The Ridge Kennedy Way to Dance
Something old, something new
A dance that is chunky,
Then one that is smooth
Another one, funky
Most are in lines,
but sometimes a square
or circles, or triplets
or even in pairs
New dancers, we welcome
I’ll teach you your part
Long timers, surprises
We’ll spring from the start
(If not a surprise
then perhaps something rare?
A treasure forgotten,
brought out for fresh air?)
Our goal: To delight you
Just give us a chance
Put on your best smile
and come to the dance
Hot Wasabi features Dave Miller, Chris Carpenter, and Roberta Goren who have been playing for contra dancing together in several different bands for over three decades. Roberta is a retired public school music teacher who plays flute at a variety of secular and religious gigs. Dave converted from classical violin to dance and Celtic fiddle long ago. Chris plays mandolin, guitar, clarinet and whistle among other instruments. He has played for contra dancing for many years in Philly, New Jersey, New York, and New England.
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. We accept Apple/Google Pay and credit cards.
- 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.