2026 Contra Dances

Jan 10, 2026: Contra Quartet with Lindsey Dono calling. Free admission - this dance is sponsored by Jay Finkelstein to celebrate his fourth annual 80th birthday! Contra Quartet is Jay Finkelstein (guitar), Jesse Partridge (fiddle), Steve Cifka (cello), and Julie Bennett (percussion).

Jan 24, 2026: Riffraff with Rich Goss calling. The band is Evo Toney (fiddle, mandolin), Jesse Partridge (fiddle), Josh Gaydos (bouzouki).

Feb 14, 2026: No contra dance this day. Instead, spend all weekend at the Grange for the Oly Old Time Festival! Then join us on Monday for a special waltz event - details below.

Monday Feb 16, 2026: Waltz night with Gaye Fifer with music by Dave & Brian. Join us for a workshop in contra-style waltz taught by nationally renowned instructor Gaye Fifer, followed by an evening of waltzing to live music from Dave Bartley (guitar etc.) and Brian Lindsay (fiddle). The workshop will be beginner-friendly, and will also offer more experienced waltzers an opportunity to up their game. The dancing will be taught gender-free. Workshop 7pm - 8pm, open dancing 8pm - 9:30. Admission: Sliding scale - suggested $10-25.

Feb 28, 2026: Riffraff/Hot Seat with Tom Wimmer calling. We don't know whether to call this band Riffraff or Hot Seat! Members this month are Evo Toney (fiddle), Jesse Partridge (fiddle), Alex Sturbaum (guitar), and Julie Bennett (percussion).

March 14, 2026: Special afternoon dance with Countercurrent with Jesse Partridge calling! Local powerhouse duo Countercurrent consists of Brian Lindsay (fiddle, foot percussion, vocals) and Alex Sturbaum (guitar, vocals). Lesson at 12:30, dance from 1:00-3:30. This dance is part of Cascade Promenade, a series of dances along the I-5 corridor.