BELFAST — There will be an evening of contra dancing at American Legion Post #43 in Belfast, on Friday, Aug. 5. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a community dance called by Chrissy Fowler and with music by the All-Comers Band. All musicians are welcome to sit in. Fun and simple dances will be taught, giving beginners the opportunity to learn new skills and offering experienced dancers a chance to brush up on their steps. The Contra Dance begins at 8:00 pm.

This month's caller is Nils Fredland, well known in the traditional music and dance world as a caller and trombonist with the band Elixir. A caller since 2000, he draws on a broad repertoire of dances, both old and new. His style is inclusive, crystal clear and unfailingly cheerful.

Sharing the Flying Shoes stage with Nils will be:

JEMS
Combining the talents of two contra dance-circuit favorites and two next-generation stars, JEMS delivers an authentic New England sound with innovative contemporary elements. Whitefield, Maine-based fiddle wizard Ed Howe, a longtime member of the duo Perpetual e-Motion, is renowned for the intensity and nuance of his playing. Bassist, banjo player, teacher, and dance host Stuart Kenney, of Greenfield, Mass., is a former 13-year member of the band Wild Asparagus. Multi-instrumentalist Jamie Oshima, of Whitefield, Maine, and percussionist Matthew Kenney, of Greenfield, Mass., enliven the traditional repertoire with their youthful energy and sparkling musicianship.

⦁ Jamie Oshima—guitar, piano, and foot percussion
⦁ Ed Howe—fiddle
⦁ Matthew Kenney—percussion
⦁ Stuart Kenney—upright bass and 5-string banjo

Sound provided by Ed Howe