Contra

 
 
 

 

 

Dancing Planet Productions

Sunday, February 22

Janine Smith

calling to

Vandalia

3:00-6:00 pm

Glen Echo Park
Ballroom Back Room
7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD

Vandalia is dedicated to exploring the depth and breadth of American String-band music. Informed by tradition, but not chained to it, the group has found a niche inside of the old-time community as well as in the wider arts world that offers audiences a forward-looking take on traditional acoustic music. Formed from a chance encounter at the 2024 Baltimore Old-Time Festival, fiddler Dakota Karper, cellist Ellen Gira and guitarist Gabriel Furtado met in a late-night afterparty jam session. 

The three musicians bring something all-their-own to the trio – West-Virginian born and raised, Dakota is steeped in the West Virginia fiddling tradition as the protege of master fiddler Joe Herrmann. A seasoned veteran of the both the D.C. and Glasgow music scenes, Ellen has made a reputation herself as one of the most versatile cellists in the trad world, adding her hallmark chop to countless ensembles and recordings, and stretching the boundaries of style with elements of the Scottish, Irish, American, Scandinavian and Canadian traditions. A classical-to-bluegrass guitar crossover, Gabriel is well known for his front-of-the-beat rhythm playing and driving pocket, heard at countless square dances, bluegrass festivals and jazz clubs in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond.

Together the trio creates a version of string-band music you can tap your foot to, or get lost in the details of the melodies. Weaving intricate fiddle and cello lines, gorgeous vocal harmonies, subtle guitar textures and exhilarating rhythmic drive, the pleasure these three musicians have creating and playing together is palpable, both in the studio and onstage. 
 

Janine Smith has called for many of our Dancing Planet Contras, as well as other local dances and dance weekends, so you should know her well.  She’s the “party gal,” one of the Hot Mamas, and one of the producers of this dance.  Expect to have a LOT of fun!

New dancer introductory session at 2:30 pm

 

Enjoy a fabulous afternoon of contra dancing at the Glen Echo Ballroom Back Room 

$15 cash or Venmo $17 (includes fee) at the door, no cards 

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Additional 2026 dates

March 22 (Ballroom Back Room): Melissa Chatham calling to Owen Morrison (guitar), TJ Crow (mandolin) and Ralph Gordon (bass)

April 19 (Bumper Car Pavilion): TBA

June 28 (Ballroom Backroom): TBA

September 13 (Ballroom Backroom): TBA

October 25: (Bumper Car Pavilion): TBA

November 22 (Bumper Car Pavilion): Stomp Rocket with Will Mentor

 

Please provide a valid email address when you register at the door.  We will add you to our email list and inform you about future dances.  You can unsubscribe at any time.

Unless you opt-out, we will also inform you if there has been a report of Covid infection.  Please let us know when you register. 

Covid policies:

This is a mask-optional event.  We recommend vaccinations, boosters and masks, but they are not required.  If you are symptomatic, or have tested positive, or if you have recently been exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid, please stay home. If you test positive within 48 hours after attending a dance, please email us immediately at: dancingplanet@erols.com

Also of interest:

The Dancing Planet Contra is co-sponsored by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington (fsgw.org)

Friday Night Dancers sponsor a series of dances on Friday nights at the Spanish Ballroom.  More information at https://www.fridaynightdance.com/upcoming-dance