Swingin' Tern Dances
Location: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ a smoke and alcohol-free environment. See photos and video below. DIRECTIONS
Time: Beginner's workshop at 7:00 PM. Dance follows, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM (unless otherwise indicated). Please carry in clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Dance at your own risk.
Admission: $15 per adult, $5 per student with Student ID.
For More Information: (973) 535-3274 or send email to swingintern@folkproject.org
Proof of Covid vaccination is no longer required.
40th Anniversary Swingin' Tern Name Buttons
Order your 40th Anniversary Name Button here! Your button will be available at our 40th Anniversary Dance on January 6th, 2024. Buttons are $3.00 apiece plus a 50 cent service fee if ordered online. You may save the service fee by ordering in person at one of our December dances. List your first name for the front of the button. Your last name will be written on the back of the button. The background color is random.
Bands and callers, email our booking contact at booking@swingintern.org.
Swingin' Tern Dances
Location: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ a smoke and alcohol-free environment. See photos and video below. DIRECTIONS
Time: Beginner's workshop at 7:00 PM. Dance follows, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM (unless otherwise indicated). Please carry in clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Non-dancing children must be supervised at all times. Dance at your own risk.
Admission: $15 per adult, $5 per student with Student ID.
For More Information: (973) 535-3274 or send email to swingintern@folkproject.org
40th Anniversary Swingin' Tern Name Buttons
Order your 40th Anniversary Name Button here! Your button will be available at our 40th Anniversary Dance on January 6th, 2024. Buttons are $3.00 apiece plus a 50 cent service fee if ordered online. You may save the service fee by ordering in person at one of our December dances. List your first name for the front of the button. Your last name will be written on the back of the button. The background color is random.
Click the image below to check out the joy at our Retern to Tern from July 17th, 2021.
DOUBLE DANCE
3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $20 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance $20 adults/$5 students
Combo admission for both sessions $30/$10 students.
Advanced tickets for this dance are now on sale. Given the caliber of the talent for this event, we may reach the capacity of our hall. Don’t miss out! Reserve your tickets now.
Much more information and more videos may be found at https://conta.cc/3QGooGF
.
Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”
Four exceptional New England contra musicians join forces as Stove Dragon, the kindly dance-beast, breathing in notes and breathing out smoldering rhythms and flickering melodies, igniting dancers’ feet and toasting listeners’ ears.
Oliver Scanlon and Rose Jackson fill the room with melodic lift and tight, dynamic double-fiddle harmony, while Sam Zakon-Anderson and Max Newman are a beating heart of fiery piano-guitar groove.
Stove Dragon draws on the combined tool kits of their individual experiences touring with Pete’s Posse, Nor’easter, Polaris, The Stringrays and more. Infused with the subtle warmth of excellent musicianship, their music propels through snappy New England tunes, punchy French Canadian sets, smooth and driving Irish reels, delightful improvisations, and trad-inspired originals.
Come in from the cold and let Stove Dragon set your heart and dancing feet afire!
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.
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
- All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
- **The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only. You should be familiar with ricochet heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, etc., with minimal prompting. If not, please join us for the evening dance.
- We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
- 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!
In 2022, Karen Justin discovered the joy of contra calling. Known as a friendly and precise dancer, she brings these same qualities to the microphone. With clear teaching and well-timed calling, Karen welcomes new and experienced dancers alike, helping them connect to the music and to each other.
The contra dance trio Wry Bred has been energizing dance floors for years. With Julie Sorcek on flute and saxophone, Mickey Koth on fiddle, and Robert Messore on guitar, Wry Bred engages in rollicking musical conversations with driving rhythms and exuberant harmonies. Wry Bred: good music no matter how you slice it!
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!
We are happy to welcome back Don Flaherty, one of the founders of Swingin’ Tern Dances. Don is well-known for his prolific creation of new contra dances. His dances are called by dozens of callers across the country. Don is sure to keep us moving with his gems that have become part of the contra tradition along with a debut or two of his freshly choreographed dances.
Jaybird!. . .sassy rhythms, down-to-earth grooves, flights of fancy, contra dance heaven. With buttons, strings and keys, Jaybird mixes complex rhythms and joyful energy fueling contra dance mayhem. Who is Jaybird?. . .Sam Zygmuntowicz on fiddle, Jody Kruskal on Anglo concertina, Mark Ettinger on piano, and
Marco Brehm on bass .
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!
It’s not just quadragenarians through octogenarians that love The Contragenarians. Egalitarians, totalitarians, humanitarians, disciplinarians, libertarians, vegetarians, even veterinarians, are carryin’ their dancing shoes to The Contragenarians and the clarion calls of Carl the Levinarian. Don’t be a contrarian, barbarian, or antidisestablishmentarian; come be a swinginternarian.
Carl Levine has been a familiar face on the dance floor and on the stage. He has been dancing, organizing, and calling traditional dance for thirty years. His teaching is clear and concise, and his programming is lively and interesting.
Having each been on the dance scene for four decades, The Contragenarians play a mix of Old Time and traditional New England tunes that are sure to warm your feet up. Collectively, their varied musical credits include Peter Szego‘s deft rhythm guitar playing, his definitive book on Martin guitar history, and expertise in banjo lineage. Long time multi-instrumentalist Paul Sidlick‘s seamless transitions between mandolin, guitar, and five string banjo adds versatility to the band’s sound. Ed Jankowitz has played bass with bands too numerous to list, including the Hunterdon Symphony’s performance in Vienna, Austria. Garry Moore has been contra dancing and playing fiddle in the area since 1980. Come on out and give it a whirl!
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!
DOUBLE DANCE
3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $15 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance $15 adults/$5 students
Michael Karcher has been having the time of his life calling dances and weekends around North America since 2011. He has honed a warm and concise style of teaching and calling, to the delight of dancers across the continent.
Cecilia Vacanti (of Kingfisher) and Jess Newman and Mark Price (of Cojiro) have teamed up to play contra dances in a high energy, dynamic trio known as The Star Charters. They wowed us at Swingin’ Tern’s Anniversary Dance. With Cecilia and Jess on fiddle and Mark holding down rhythm on guitar, The Star Charters bring to the stage a rock-solid groove and level of technical prowess that is complimented by their combined versatility, lyrical twin fiddle harmonies and joyful, off-the-cuff improvisation. This bopping team-up will send dancers over the moon!
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.
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
- All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
- **The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only. You should be familiar with ricochet heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, etc., with minimal prompting. If not, please join us for the evening dance.
- We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
- 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!
Paul Morris has been contra dancing for over two decades, from his hometown of Berea, Kentucky to New York City where he now hangs his hat. Paul has become a regular caller on the circuit of dances in the area. Paul has found his experience as a teacher helps him effectively teach dances to newcomers and experienced dancers alike.
Flying Circus features Anna Bosnick on fiddle, Christie Riehl on cello. and Doug Healy on guitar.
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!
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!
This is a FREE dance to celebrate Mike Agranoff’s 80th birthday! Mike is one of the founders of our parent organization, The Folk Project. Mike might even take the caller’s mike for a dance. Free-will donations to Swingin’ Tern will be gratefully accepted. Expect a party. And yes, there’ll be cake!
Swingin’ Tern is fortunate to have had a close relationship with Bob Isaacs. Bob is known for his clear, concise calling. He is a prolific contra choreographer—his creative dances are called throughout the country. Bob is sure to sneak in a Zia which is a literal cross between a square and a contra.
Brooklyn Swing Ensemble has been gracing the stage of Swingin’ Tern for over thirty years. They are well known in the Northeast for their unique blend of fiddle tunes, Klezmer music, and swing/blues – playing for contra dances and other events throughout the region. With fiddle and clarinet as the lead instruments, the world is their musical oyster, and they are unafraid to explore!! The band features Danny Elias on clarinet, Sam Zygmuntowicz on fiddle, Marco Brehm on double bass, and Norman Plankey on guitar.
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!
NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE
A Swingin’ Tern tradition for over 35 years!
Pot Luck Dinner 6:30pm–Please bring a entree or sidedish to share.
Dancing from 8pm to 12:30am–including the fabulous dessert break [bring a dessert to share] and midnight toast!
Admission:
Adults $25 before 12/25; $30 after 12/26 and at the door.
Students $12 before 12/25; $15 after 12/26 and at the door.
Advanced tickets will go on sale in early November
All of our dances are called to Larks & Robins.
Masks and vaccinations optional.
We’re so excited about Spintuition that we just had to get this dance posted. Rest assured that we are on the hunt for a caller to match the energy of the band!
From Quebec to Georgia and everywhere in between, Spintuition has been making a splash on the contradance scene. With Samuel Foucher on accordion, Willy Clemetson on fiddle and foot percussion, and Silas Hamilton laying down the groove on Guitar, this trio has a grasp of dynamics and dance energy that has been honed over many years of playing dances together. Based mostly in the Northeast, Spintuition was formed in 2018 and has gone on to be featured up and down the East Coast at some of the biggest dances, such as Glen Echo, Montpelier, Belfast, and BIDA and at weekend such as Atlanta Dance Weekend, Cabin Fever and Winter CDH. In addition to playing dances, they also sing in bold three part harmony. Presenting a compelling mixture of spicy new tunes and glorious old ones, Spintuition has cultivated a vital sound that will leave you hungry for more.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
-
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks 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.
- 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!
DOUBLE DANCE
3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $20 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance $20 adults/$5 students
Combo admission for both sessions $30/$10 students.
Advanced tickets for this dance are now on sale. Given the caliber of the talent for this event, we may reach the capacity of our hall. Don’t miss out! Reserve your tickets now.
Much more information and more videos may be found at https://conta.cc/3QGooGF
.
Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”
Four exceptional New England contra musicians join forces as Stove Dragon, the kindly dance-beast, breathing in notes and breathing out smoldering rhythms and flickering melodies, igniting dancers’ feet and toasting listeners’ ears.
Oliver Scanlon and Rose Jackson fill the room with melodic lift and tight, dynamic double-fiddle harmony, while Sam Zakon-Anderson and Max Newman are a beating heart of fiery piano-guitar groove.
Stove Dragon draws on the combined tool kits of their individual experiences touring with Pete’s Posse, Nor’easter, Polaris, The Stringrays and more. Infused with the subtle warmth of excellent musicianship, their music propels through snappy New England tunes, punchy French Canadian sets, smooth and driving Irish reels, delightful improvisations, and trad-inspired originals.
Come in from the cold and let Stove Dragon set your heart and dancing feet afire!
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.
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
- All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
- **The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only. You should be familiar with ricochet heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, etc., with minimal prompting. If not, please join us for the evening dance.
- We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
- 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!
In 2022, Karen Justin discovered the joy of contra calling. Known as a friendly and precise dancer, she brings these same qualities to the microphone. With clear teaching and well-timed calling, Karen welcomes new and experienced dancers alike, helping them connect to the music and to each other.
The contra dance trio Wry Bred has been energizing dance floors for years. With Julie Sorcek on flute and saxophone, Mickey Koth on fiddle, and Robert Messore on guitar, Wry Bred engages in rollicking musical conversations with driving rhythms and exuberant harmonies. Wry Bred: good music no matter how you slice it!
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!
We are happy to welcome back Don Flaherty, one of the founders of Swingin’ Tern Dances. Don is well-known for his prolific creation of new contra dances. His dances are called by dozens of callers across the country. Don is sure to keep us moving with his gems that have become part of the contra tradition along with a debut or two of his freshly choreographed dances.
Jaybird!. . .sassy rhythms, down-to-earth grooves, flights of fancy, contra dance heaven. With buttons, strings and keys, Jaybird mixes complex rhythms and joyful energy fueling contra dance mayhem. Who is Jaybird?. . .Sam Zygmuntowicz on fiddle, Jody Kruskal on Anglo concertina, Mark Ettinger on piano, and
Marco Brehm on bass .
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!
It’s not just quadragenarians through octogenarians that love The Contragenarians. Egalitarians, totalitarians, humanitarians, disciplinarians, libertarians, vegetarians, even veterinarians, are carryin’ their dancing shoes to The Contragenarians and the clarion calls of Carl the Levinarian. Don’t be a contrarian, barbarian, or antidisestablishmentarian; come be a swinginternarian.
Carl Levine has been a familiar face on the dance floor and on the stage. He has been dancing, organizing, and calling traditional dance for thirty years. His teaching is clear and concise, and his programming is lively and interesting.
Having each been on the dance scene for four decades, The Contragenarians play a mix of Old Time and traditional New England tunes that are sure to warm your feet up. Collectively, their varied musical credits include Peter Szego‘s deft rhythm guitar playing, his definitive book on Martin guitar history, and expertise in banjo lineage. Long time multi-instrumentalist Paul Sidlick‘s seamless transitions between mandolin, guitar, and five string banjo adds versatility to the band’s sound. Ed Jankowitz has played bass with bands too numerous to list, including the Hunterdon Symphony’s performance in Vienna, Austria. Garry Moore has been contra dancing and playing fiddle in the area since 1980. Come on out and give it a whirl!
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!
DOUBLE DANCE
3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $15 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance $15 adults/$5 students
Michael Karcher has been having the time of his life calling dances and weekends around North America since 2011. He has honed a warm and concise style of teaching and calling, to the delight of dancers across the continent.
Cecilia Vacanti (of Kingfisher) and Jess Newman and Mark Price (of Cojiro) have teamed up to play contra dances in a high energy, dynamic trio known as The Star Charters. They wowed us at Swingin’ Tern’s Anniversary Dance. With Cecilia and Jess on fiddle and Mark holding down rhythm on guitar, The Star Charters bring to the stage a rock-solid groove and level of technical prowess that is complimented by their combined versatility, lyrical twin fiddle harmonies and joyful, off-the-cuff improvisation. This bopping team-up will send dancers over the moon!
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.
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
- All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
- **The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only. You should be familiar with ricochet heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, etc., with minimal prompting. If not, please join us for the evening dance.
- We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
- 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!
Paul Morris has been contra dancing for over two decades, from his hometown of Berea, Kentucky to New York City where he now hangs his hat. Paul has become a regular caller on the circuit of dances in the area. Paul has found his experience as a teacher helps him effectively teach dances to newcomers and experienced dancers alike.
Flying Circus features Anna Bosnick on fiddle, Christie Riehl on cello. and Doug Healy on guitar.
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!
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!
This is a FREE dance to celebrate Mike Agranoff’s 80th birthday! Mike is one of the founders of our parent organization, The Folk Project. Mike might even take the caller’s mike for a dance. Free-will donations to Swingin’ Tern will be gratefully accepted. Expect a party. And yes, there’ll be cake!
Swingin’ Tern is fortunate to have had a close relationship with Bob Isaacs. Bob is known for his clear, concise calling. He is a prolific contra choreographer—his creative dances are called throughout the country. Bob is sure to sneak in a Zia which is a literal cross between a square and a contra.
Brooklyn Swing Ensemble has been gracing the stage of Swingin’ Tern for over thirty years. They are well known in the Northeast for their unique blend of fiddle tunes, Klezmer music, and swing/blues – playing for contra dances and other events throughout the region. With fiddle and clarinet as the lead instruments, the world is their musical oyster, and they are unafraid to explore!! The band features Danny Elias on clarinet, Sam Zygmuntowicz on fiddle, Marco Brehm on double bass, and Norman Plankey on guitar.
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!
NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE
A Swingin’ Tern tradition for over 35 years!
Pot Luck Dinner 6:30pm–Please bring a entree or sidedish to share.
Dancing from 8pm to 12:30am–including the fabulous dessert break [bring a dessert to share] and midnight toast!
Admission:
Adults $25 before 12/25; $30 after 12/26 and at the door.
Students $12 before 12/25; $15 after 12/26 and at the door.
Advanced tickets will go on sale in early November
All of our dances are called to Larks & Robins.
Masks and vaccinations optional.
We’re so excited about Spintuition that we just had to get this dance posted. Rest assured that we are on the hunt for a caller to match the energy of the band!
From Quebec to Georgia and everywhere in between, Spintuition has been making a splash on the contradance scene. With Samuel Foucher on accordion, Willy Clemetson on fiddle and foot percussion, and Silas Hamilton laying down the groove on Guitar, this trio has a grasp of dynamics and dance energy that has been honed over many years of playing dances together. Based mostly in the Northeast, Spintuition was formed in 2018 and has gone on to be featured up and down the East Coast at some of the biggest dances, such as Glen Echo, Montpelier, Belfast, and BIDA and at weekend such as Atlanta Dance Weekend, Cabin Fever and Winter CDH. In addition to playing dances, they also sing in bold three part harmony. Presenting a compelling mixture of spicy new tunes and glorious old ones, Spintuition has cultivated a vital sound that will leave you hungry for more.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
-
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks 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.
- 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!
DOUBLE DANCE
3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $20 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance $20 adults/$5 students
Combo admission for both sessions $30/$10 students.
Advanced tickets for this dance are now on sale. Given the caliber of the talent for this event, we may reach the capacity of our hall. Don’t miss out! Reserve your tickets now.
Much more information and more videos may be found at https://conta.cc/3QGooGF
.
Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”
Four exceptional New England contra musicians join forces as Stove Dragon, the kindly dance-beast, breathing in notes and breathing out smoldering rhythms and flickering melodies, igniting dancers’ feet and toasting listeners’ ears.
Oliver Scanlon and Rose Jackson fill the room with melodic lift and tight, dynamic double-fiddle harmony, while Sam Zakon-Anderson and Max Newman are a beating heart of fiery piano-guitar groove.
Stove Dragon draws on the combined tool kits of their individual experiences touring with Pete’s Posse, Nor’easter, Polaris, The Stringrays and more. Infused with the subtle warmth of excellent musicianship, their music propels through snappy New England tunes, punchy French Canadian sets, smooth and driving Irish reels, delightful improvisations, and trad-inspired originals.
Come in from the cold and let Stove Dragon set your heart and dancing feet afire!
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.
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
- All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
- **The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only. You should be familiar with ricochet heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, etc., with minimal prompting. If not, please join us for the evening dance.
- We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
- 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!
In 2022, Karen Justin discovered the joy of contra calling. Known as a friendly and precise dancer, she brings these same qualities to the microphone. With clear teaching and well-timed calling, Karen welcomes new and experienced dancers alike, helping them connect to the music and to each other.
The contra dance trio Wry Bred has been energizing dance floors for years. With Julie Sorcek on flute and saxophone, Mickey Koth on fiddle, and Robert Messore on guitar, Wry Bred engages in rollicking musical conversations with driving rhythms and exuberant harmonies. Wry Bred: good music no matter how you slice it!
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!
We are happy to welcome back Don Flaherty, one of the founders of Swingin’ Tern Dances. Don is well-known for his prolific creation of new contra dances. His dances are called by dozens of callers across the country. Don is sure to keep us moving with his gems that have become part of the contra tradition along with a debut or two of his freshly choreographed dances.
Jaybird!. . .sassy rhythms, down-to-earth grooves, flights of fancy, contra dance heaven. With buttons, strings and keys, Jaybird mixes complex rhythms and joyful energy fueling contra dance mayhem. Who is Jaybird?. . .Sam Zygmuntowicz on fiddle, Jody Kruskal on Anglo concertina, Mark Ettinger on piano, and
Marco Brehm on bass .
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!
It’s not just quadragenarians through octogenarians that love The Contragenarians. Egalitarians, totalitarians, humanitarians, disciplinarians, libertarians, vegetarians, even veterinarians, are carryin’ their dancing shoes to The Contragenarians and the clarion calls of Carl the Levinarian. Don’t be a contrarian, barbarian, or antidisestablishmentarian; come be a swinginternarian.
Carl Levine has been a familiar face on the dance floor and on the stage. He has been dancing, organizing, and calling traditional dance for thirty years. His teaching is clear and concise, and his programming is lively and interesting.
Having each been on the dance scene for four decades, The Contragenarians play a mix of Old Time and traditional New England tunes that are sure to warm your feet up. Collectively, their varied musical credits include Peter Szego‘s deft rhythm guitar playing, his definitive book on Martin guitar history, and expertise in banjo lineage. Long time multi-instrumentalist Paul Sidlick‘s seamless transitions between mandolin, guitar, and five string banjo adds versatility to the band’s sound. Ed Jankowitz has played bass with bands too numerous to list, including the Hunterdon Symphony’s performance in Vienna, Austria. Garry Moore has been contra dancing and playing fiddle in the area since 1980. Come on out and give it a whirl!
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!
DOUBLE DANCE
3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $15 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance $15 adults/$5 students
Michael Karcher has been having the time of his life calling dances and weekends around North America since 2011. He has honed a warm and concise style of teaching and calling, to the delight of dancers across the continent.
Cecilia Vacanti (of Kingfisher) and Jess Newman and Mark Price (of Cojiro) have teamed up to play contra dances in a high energy, dynamic trio known as The Star Charters. They wowed us at Swingin’ Tern’s Anniversary Dance. With Cecilia and Jess on fiddle and Mark holding down rhythm on guitar, The Star Charters bring to the stage a rock-solid groove and level of technical prowess that is complimented by their combined versatility, lyrical twin fiddle harmonies and joyful, off-the-cuff improvisation. This bopping team-up will send dancers over the moon!
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.
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
- All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
- **The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only. You should be familiar with ricochet heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, etc., with minimal prompting. If not, please join us for the evening dance.
- We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
- 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!
Paul Morris has been contra dancing for over two decades, from his hometown of Berea, Kentucky to New York City where he now hangs his hat. Paul has become a regular caller on the circuit of dances in the area. Paul has found his experience as a teacher helps him effectively teach dances to newcomers and experienced dancers alike.
Flying Circus features Anna Bosnick on fiddle, Christie Riehl on cello. and Doug Healy on guitar.
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!
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!
This is a FREE dance to celebrate Mike Agranoff’s 80th birthday! Mike is one of the founders of our parent organization, The Folk Project. Mike might even take the caller’s mike for a dance. Free-will donations to Swingin’ Tern will be gratefully accepted. Expect a party. And yes, there’ll be cake!
Swingin’ Tern is fortunate to have had a close relationship with Bob Isaacs. Bob is known for his clear, concise calling. He is a prolific contra choreographer—his creative dances are called throughout the country. Bob is sure to sneak in a Zia which is a literal cross between a square and a contra.
Brooklyn Swing Ensemble has been gracing the stage of Swingin’ Tern for over thirty years. They are well known in the Northeast for their unique blend of fiddle tunes, Klezmer music, and swing/blues – playing for contra dances and other events throughout the region. With fiddle and clarinet as the lead instruments, the world is their musical oyster, and they are unafraid to explore!! The band features Danny Elias on clarinet, Sam Zygmuntowicz on fiddle, Marco Brehm on double bass, and Norman Plankey on guitar.
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!
NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE
A Swingin’ Tern tradition for over 35 years!
Pot Luck Dinner 6:30pm–Please bring a entree or sidedish to share.
Dancing from 8pm to 12:30am–including the fabulous dessert break [bring a dessert to share] and midnight toast!
Admission:
Adults $25 before 12/25; $30 after 12/26 and at the door.
Students $12 before 12/25; $15 after 12/26 and at the door.
Advanced tickets will go on sale in early November
All of our dances are called to Larks & Robins.
Masks and vaccinations optional.
We’re so excited about Spintuition that we just had to get this dance posted. Rest assured that we are on the hunt for a caller to match the energy of the band!
From Quebec to Georgia and everywhere in between, Spintuition has been making a splash on the contradance scene. With Samuel Foucher on accordion, Willy Clemetson on fiddle and foot percussion, and Silas Hamilton laying down the groove on Guitar, this trio has a grasp of dynamics and dance energy that has been honed over many years of playing dances together. Based mostly in the Northeast, Spintuition was formed in 2018 and has gone on to be featured up and down the East Coast at some of the biggest dances, such as Glen Echo, Montpelier, Belfast, and BIDA and at weekend such as Atlanta Dance Weekend, Cabin Fever and Winter CDH. In addition to playing dances, they also sing in bold three part harmony. Presenting a compelling mixture of spicy new tunes and glorious old ones, Spintuition has cultivated a vital sound that will leave you hungry for more.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
-
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks 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.
- 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!