Author: Lisa

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Hannah Chamberlain calling with Thistlebird.

Hannah Chamberlain from Maine is a rising contra dance caller celebrated for her vibrant energy, clear instruction, and ability to build instant rapport with dancers. Her calling style blends confidence and charm, making each dance set feel both accessible and exhilarating for all participants.

Thistlebird is a contradance duo based in New England featuring Emma Sloan on fiddle and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Raine on rhythm. Together, the two draw on their shared background in New England, Irish, Old-Time, Québécoise, and Scandinavian dance music to create an energetic and uplifting sound – much like the bright little bird they’re named after!

The dancing from 8:00 PM until 11 PM. 
Workshop for dance basics at 7:30 PM.
Admission is sliding scale $12-20. $30 family, or pay what you can.
Gender-free roles will be used for this evening: Larks and Robins.

Contra dance is a fun, easy style of folk dance that has flourished in New England since the 1700s. Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors. Over the course of the dance, each couple travels the length of the line and dances with every other couple. Dancers are welcome to bring a partner or a group of friends but it’s not necessary – traditionally, dancers are encouraged to change partners throughout the evening.

The dance takes place in the historic Town House in Peterborough, NH at 1 Grove Street. For more information, call 603-547-5831 or visit www.facebook.com/peterboroughcontra.

The Monadnock Folklore Society has presented contra dances and concerts of traditional music since 1982.

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Noon to Midnite

Peterborough Town House

MFS COVID Policy 

Owen Hale calls to the music of Perin Ellsworth-Osanya, Matt Garland, and Gordon Peery

Free admission, donations welcome

7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Nelson Town Hall

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Lisa Sieverts calling with the Sugar River Band

The dancing from 8:00 PM until 11 PM. 
Workshop for dance basics at 7:30 PM.
Admission is sliding scale $12-20. $30 family, or pay what you can.
Gender-free roles will be used for this evening: Larks and Robins.

Contra dance is a fun, easy style of folk dance that has flourished in New England since the 1700s. Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors. Over the course of the dance, each couple travels the length of the line and dances with every other couple. Dancers are welcome to bring a partner or a group of friends but it’s not necessary – traditionally, dancers are encouraged to change partners throughout the evening.

The dance takes place in the historic Town House in Peterborough, NH at 1 Grove Street. For more information, call 603-547-5831 or visit www.facebook.com/peterboroughcontra.

The Monadnock Folklore Society has presented contra dances and concerts of traditional music since 1982.

Saturday, July 4, 2025

Luke Donforth calling with Perin Ellsworth-Osanya and Ben Hemmendinger

AND a special America 250 outdoor dance at 12 noon in front of the Peterborough Town House, with Lisa Sieverts calling and Perin and Ben.

The dancing from 8:00 PM until 11 PM. 
Workshop for dance basics at 7:30 PM.
Admission is sliding scale $12-20. $30 family, or pay what you can.
Gender-free roles will be used for this evening: Larks and Robins.

Contra dance is a fun, easy style of folk dance that has flourished in New England since the 1700s. Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors. Over the course of the dance, each couple travels the length of the line and dances with every other couple. Dancers are welcome to bring a partner or a group of friends but it’s not necessary – traditionally, dancers are encouraged to change partners throughout the evening.

The dance takes place in the historic Town House in Peterborough, NH at 1 Grove Street. For more information, call 603-547-5831 or visit www.facebook.com/peterboroughcontra.

The Monadnock Folklore Society has presented contra dances and concerts of traditional music since 1982.

Saturday, June 6, 2025

Liz Nelson calling with Larry Unger and Adelaide Morgan

The dancing from 8:00 PM until 11 PM. 
Workshop for dance basics at 7:30 PM.
Admission is sliding scale $12-20. $30 family, or pay what you can.
Gender-free roles will be used for this evening: Larks and Robins.

Larry Unger has been a full time musician since 1984, and has presented a diverse range of musical performances at contra dances, Scottish dances, waltzes, dance weekends, dance camps, festivals, and concerts all across the United States and in Canada, France, Scotland, Denmark, and Sweden. He’s one of the busiest musicians around, playing for more than 150 dances every year.

Adelaide Morgan is a fiddler and multi-instrumentalist currently residing in East Tennessee. A long time Maine Fiddle camper, Adelaide started playing fiddle at the age of five and was lucky to grow up deeply inspired by the vibrant group of musicians in Maine. Since first being introduced to bluegrass at eight years old, Adelaide and her twin sister Amelia have performed extensively together, their music evolving over the years into a dynamic blend of styles that reflects the roots of their musical upbringing.  Adelaide’s love for music led her to East Tennessee State University, where she is now studying  Bluegrass, Old Time and Roots music. In Tennessee, she continues to perform alongside her sister and other musicians, playing contra dances, bluegrass gigs, and teaching fiddle.

Liz Nelson is a contra caller based in Greenfield, MA. She’s known for her clear, easy-to-follow teaching style, steady presence, and warm, welcoming energy. Liz approaches every gig with an open mind because she knows that people of all ages and experience levels can find joy and success in the dance hall. She also loves taking to the dance floor herself and serves on committees that run contra and fusion events in Western MA.

Contra dance is a fun, easy style of folk dance that has flourished in New England since the 1700s. Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors. Over the course of the dance, each couple travels the length of the line and dances with every other couple. Dancers are welcome to bring a partner or a group of friends but it’s not necessary – traditionally, dancers are encouraged to change partners throughout the evening.

The dance takes place in the historic Town House in Peterborough, NH at 1 Grove Street. For more information, call 603-547-5831 or visit www.facebook.com/peterboroughcontra.

The Monadnock Folklore Society has presented contra dances and concerts of traditional music since 1982.

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Hannah Johlas calling with Stomp Rocket (Bethany Waickman, Glen Loper, Dave Langford).

The dancing from 8:00 PM until 11 PM. 

Optional workshop for dance basics at 7:30 PM.

Admission is sliding scale $5-25. $30 family, or pay what you can.
Gender-free roles will be used for this evening: Larks and Robins.

Contra dance is a fun, easy style of folk dance that has flourished in New England since the 1700s. Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors. Over the course of the dance, each couple travels the length of the line and dances with every other couple. Dancers are welcome to bring a partner or a group of friends but it’s not necessary – traditionally, dancers are encouraged to change partners throughout the evening.

The dance takes place in the historic Town House in Peterborough, NH at 1 Grove Street. For more information, call 603-547-5831 or visit www.facebook.com/peterboroughcontra.

The Monadnock Folklore Society has presented contra dances and concerts of traditional music since 1982.