Next contra dance on December 27th at the Irish Cultural Center!
Playing with Fyre
Playing with Fyre is a contra dance band from the Blue Ridge Mountain areas of North Carolina and Virginia playing mostly in the southern states of NC, SC, VA, TN and GA but increasing their range to play across the United States and bring their unique sound to homes and dance halls everywhere. The core band members are Rob Zisette of Toss the Possum (fiddle and vocals) and George Paul, formerly of the Avant Gardeners (piano). George and Rob met in 2014 on stage to play for the Floyd, VA, local contra dance. They had never met before but within two minutes of playing for the sound check, they knew it was going to be a special night and the chemistry was palpable. They bonded magically through the music and gave the dancers an incredible night to remember. They have since added Steve Kemble (percussion) to the band mix which really put the music over the top. Rob’s fiery fiddle playing, George’s funky, bluesy piano, and Steve’s extraordinary percussion create an ambience of dance seldom experienced. Love the music, live the moment, dance from the heart!
Jacqui Grennan
Jacqui Grennan started contra dancing in Los Angeles, CA, in 2009. Since then, she’s taken a deep dive into folk dancing, first as a contra caller, then choreographer, then English Country Dance caller and choreographer, and now taking on the challenge of learning modern western square dancing. These experiences of trying new things at different skill levels has enhanced her ability to consider different ways of teaching and learning. She is known for her clear and caring teaching with a stage presence that is a blend of calmness and dynamism. She knows what dancers want, and knows how to make it happen, seeing herself as the host of a party who wants to help everyone have a good time. When Jacqui isn’t calling or dancing at contra dances and English Country dances around the nation, she likes to host BBQs at her home, learn various musical instruments, hang out with her cat, and work on home projects.
English Country Dance by Faire Winds with Peg Hesley
Andrea Hoag
Andrea Hoag
Andrea Hoag
Adventurousness and curiosity are hallmarks of Andrea Hoag’s career: she’s delved into and performed musical styles from Irish to Klezmer, from country rock to swing. A natural on the concert stage, she also revels in playing for dance. Her music has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered and Performance Today, at the Kennedy Center
Adventurousness and curiosity are hallmarks of Andrea Hoag’s career: she’s delved into and performed musical styles from Irish to Klezmer, from country rock to swing. A natural on the concert stage, she also revels in playing for dance. Her music has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered and Performance Today, at the Kennedy Center and Library of Congress, and at numerous venues around the U.S. Known for their versatility and imagination, Andrea’s recordings range from the Grammy-nominated Hambo in the Snow to the Celtic Christmas album Cold Frosty Morning at West River. She was also a founding member of the cross-cultural Dovetail Ensemble.
Faire Winds
Andrea Hoag
Andrea Hoag
Faire Winds features Arizona dance band mainstays Judy Francis on keyboard, Mary Ann McLeod on fiddle, and Elena Martin on flute. Their sound is unique, their communication with the dancers is magical, and the addition of Andrea Hoag to the regular lineup promises to give English Country Dancers a delightful and memorable experience.
Peg Hesley
Andrea Hoag
Peg Hesley
Peg Hesley anchors the English Country Dance community in the Phoenix area. An experienced caller and programmer of ECD events at the Irish Cultural Center and with the Jane Austen Society, she is also well known in the contradance community.