Contra DANCE-6-9pm, Special band, the Syncopaths

This is a special Contra Dance with a nationally recognized band, the Syncopaths!

“Make no mistake, the Syncopaths are nothing short of a Celtic supergroup.”-Irish Herald

From dance floors to concert halls, the Syncopaths bring a fresh, contemporary spin to tunes and songs rooted in the Scottish, Irish, and American folk traditions. Evolving through their contradance origins, they are creating a “chamber folk” sound, characterized by the compelling rhythmic interplay of fiddle and mandolin, rich vocals, and unexpected colors and rhythms of the piano and bodhrån. The exuberant joy they derive from the music and each other is palpable and contagious.

Founded in 2002 as a backup band for bluegrass fiddler Richard Greene, the Syncopaths stepped out on their own shortly thereafter to rave reviews from audiences who delighted in the band’s improvisational and playful style. At the heart of the band’s sound are the twin engines of Ryan McKasson’s dynamic Scottish-based fiddling, and the understated-but-monster picking of mandolinist Ashley Hoyer. Jeffrey Spero provides wonderfully inventive and surprising piano accompaniment, anchored by the driving power of Christa Burch’s inventive bodhrån. Christa also lends her singular voice as lead singer – warm, supple, expressive, and intimate – to the band’s songs.

Each member of the band is also an accomplished tunesmith, with recordings of original compositions on each of the band’s CDs. All in all, the Syncopaths are equally at home with pulsing, high-energy dance tunes, and beautiful, contemplative songs. They ably stretch melodic boundaries while keeping a steady, compelling, danceable beat. They do performances on east and west coasts and Canada.

The caller is Christine Merryman, who discovered the magic of contra dancing 14 years ago just outside her hometown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Christine started calling dances in her parents’ backyard eight years ago. She took callers workshops with Bob Isaacs and began calling dances in the Philly area. Six years ago, Christine moved to Arizona and began calling for dances in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. She has also called dances and dance weekends in California and throughout the eastern U.S.

Christine enjoys teaching beginners and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all dancers. One thing she loves the most about calling is seeing the joy, laughter, and smiles on dancers’ faces!

CONTRA DANCE:

• Fun social dance
• A live band and a caller
• Enjoyable
• Good Exercise
• Good for the body and brain
• You don’t need a partner.